Morgan Ely
Practice Owner - Veterinarian
Dr. Morgan has been with Brookside Veterinary Hospital since 2019. She has accomplished the dream of becoming a veterinarian, and is a 2025 graduate of Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine program. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, cats, dogs, and horse. She competes in the AQHA circuit with her horse and the AKC circuit with her dogs. She has a special interest in surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Morgan is a USDA certified veterinarian and is also Fear Free certified!
Lisa Hickman
Veterinarian
Dr. Lisa Hickman has been with Brookside Veterinary Hospital since 2023. She graduated in 2005 from Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She has an immense love for Chinese medicine and is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture! Dr. Lisa is also Fear Free certified and USDA certified! She loves critters of sizes but is weak for French Bulldogs & Pugs. In her spare time, she enjoys special time with her family, hiking, travelling, eating Indian food, playing hockey, riding horses, & wearing her orange crocs.
Chris Bruning
Veterinarian (Founder of Brookside)
Chris Bruning DVM a 1981 graduate of Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, has been providing veterinary services at Brookside Veterinary Hospital in Kingsley, Michigan for almost 30 years. She is a USDA certified veterinarian.
During her free time she enjoys spending time with her 3 dogs and 2 cats, travelling, cooking, doing crafts, camping, showing at AKC shows, and sitting on her back deck with a good book.
Alison Freudigman
Practice Administrator
Alison has been working in the veterinary field since 2011, bringing over a decade of experience in patient care, client relations, and practice operations. She became a certified groomer in 2018, further expanding her knowledge of animal care and wellness.
As Practice Administrator, Alison is committed to supporting both her team and clients while helping the hospital run efficiently and smoothly. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family, especially outdoors during the warmer seasons.
Jamie Maybore
Licensed Veterinary Technician / Practice Manager
Jamie Maybore is the Practice Manager at Brookside Veterinary Hospital and has been a valued member of the team since 2004. She graduated from Baker College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and has dedicated her career to helping provide exceptional care for pets and outstanding service for their families.
Jamie is known for her warm personality, sense of humor, and ability to make every visit feel welcoming and comfortable. She enjoys connecting with clients and helping create a positive experience from the moment they walk through the door.
Outside of work, Jamie loves spending time with her family, caring for her perennial gardens, starting plants from seed, exploring local nurseries, enjoying a great cup of coffee and delicious food, taking scenic evening walks, rock hunting, and spending time on the lake. Jamie’s kindness, dedication, and cheerful spirit make her an important part of the Brookside family—and she’ll be sure to make you laugh during your appointment.
Elizabeth Byrnes
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Elizabeth has been in the veterinary field since 2016. She loves to help all animals, large or small. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, cats, & dogs. She has a small army of Havanese dogs. She enjoys spending time in her old farm house, boating, thrift shopping, cooking & eating delicious foods.
Jupiter Leonard
Licensed Veterinary Technician / Social Media Manager
Jupiter is a 2018 graduate of Baker College, earning her Associate of Applied Science degree, and has been dedicated to the veterinary field since 2014. With years of experience, she has developed a strong passion for patient care and client education.
Growing up in the heart of Kingsley, Jupiter appreciates the close connections that come with a small-town community and strives to bring that same sense of trust and compassion to every client interaction. She is Fear Free Certified and continues to expand her knowledge through continuing education in CPR, nutrition, diagnostics, and nursing care.
Jupiter enjoys working with animals of all sizes, from pocket pets to large animals, and finds fulfillment in helping them live healthy, comfortable lives. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, along with her two dogs. She enjoys cooking, gardening, shopping, patio time, drinking coffee, and riding horses in her spare time.
Tanya Mouthaan
Veterinary Technician
Tanya has been dedicated to the veterinary field since 1996 and joined Brookside Veterinary Hospital in 2019. As a valued member of our veterinary technician team, she brings extensive knowledge and leadership in anesthesia, laboratory protocols, OFA testing, surgical nursing, and specialized patient care. Her experience and attention to detail help ensure every pet receives safe, compassionate, and high quality care.
Outside of work, Tanya enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, whether at the beach, mountain biking, hiking, gathering around bonfires, or walking with her two dogs. She also loves cooking and unwinding at home with her two cats and a hot cup of coffee.
Tanya looks forward to caring for you and your beloved pet, whether for a routine wellness visit
or during times when extra support is needed.
Sam Kirtley
Veterinary Assistant
Sam has been working in the veterinary field since 2018 and has been a valued member of the Brookside Veterinary Hospital team since 2021. She enjoys building relationships with clients and caring for patients, helping create a warm, welcoming, and supportive experience for every visit.
Outside of work, Sam loves spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, and walking her two dogs. She also enjoys cooking, cuddling her cat, browsing local plant nurseries, and growing houseplants. Recently, Sam has developed a passion for agility and barn hunt activities with her dog.
She also has a serious love for coffee and is always ready with her next cup. Her friendly personality and love for animals make her a wonderful part of the Brookside team, and she looks forward to welcoming you at your next veterinary visit.
Chloe Bott
Chloe is a 2025 graduate of Kingsley High School and is currently pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. She was an active member of FFA for two years and proudly served as her chapter’s president, demonstrating her strong leadership skills and passion for animal care. Chloe has been a valued member of the Brookside Veterinary Hospital team since 2024.
In her free time, Chloe enjoys riding the trails on her dirt bike, attending concerts, crocheting, and listening to her favorite albums. She also loves spending time with her two dogs. Chloe’s enthusiasm, dedication, and love for animals make her a wonderful part of the Brookside team, and she looks forward to meeting you and your pets.
Kingslee’s Hause Of Fire “Hauser”
Office Dog
Hauser, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is a daily resident of Brookside Veterinary Hospital. Hauser is a certified therapy and psychiatric service dog, who is also a star in the show ring! He competes in AKC sanctioned events with Dr. Ely, most commonly representing the breed at conformation shows, and has traveled the country doing so since he was 4 months old.
He accompanies Dr Ely to work daily, and can always provide extra cuddles and love to our clients and their family. Just ask our staff to see him!
Charlotte Louise
Office Cat
Hi there! I’m Charlotte Louise, your friendly neighborhood veterinary hospital supervisor. I’ve been proudly “running things” here at Brookside Veterinary Hospital since 2011.
I started out as a feral kitten alongside my brothers and sisters right here at the hospital, but it didn’t take long for me to decide this was my forever home. These days, I keep busy greeting guests, inspecting exam rooms, stealing dog treats, and making sure everyone is giving me the attention I deserve.
I absolutely LOVE people and consider it my personal mission to befriend each and every visitor. My one weakness? Wet food—I can hear a can opening from a mile away! I’m also quite fond of your food, so consider yourself warned. I also have a gift for emotional support if someone needs extra comfort. If you’re feeling worried or having a tough day, I’ll be right there to sit on your lap and remind you that everything is going to be okay during your visit.
Sissy Cat
Hello! My name is Sissy Cat, and I’ve been part of the Brookside Veterinary Hospital family since spring 2022. I started out as a feral kitty, but after being spayed, I decided the indoor life—and all the love that comes with it—was much more my style. Now, I happily call the clinic my forever home! I adore people and make friends with just about everyone I meet.
I’m always ready to greet visitors, especially if snacks might be involved (I love dry food, wet food… and yes, your food too!). I’m also quite the talker—I enjoy sharing my thoughts and singing the songs of my feline people. When I’m not socializing, you can usually find me napping in my cat tower or enjoying a good
meal.
You might notice I walk a little differently and carry my tail over my back—that’s just one of my unique quirks that makes me, well… me!