by CandiceEishen | May 22, 2025 | Blog, Medicine, Minnesota, News, Saint Paul, MN
Caring for animals isn’t just what Dr. Longtin does—it’s who she is.
With nearly 30 years of experience caring for pets and their people, Dr. Longtin brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and a deeply personal approach to every appointment. A proud graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, she’s spent her career helping families navigate everything from routine checkups to some of life’s most difficult decisions.
A Veterinary Approach That Puts Your Pet First
What sets Dr. Longtin apart isn’t just her advanced training—though she certainly has it. She’s completed specialized education in veterinary acupuncture, Fear Free handling techniques, feline-friendly care, and gentle euthanasia. But more than that, she brings a calming presence to every interaction, taking the time to understand not just what’s going on with your pet, but who they are to you.
To Dr. Longtin, great veterinary care always starts with listening. She takes the time to get to know each pet and their family, understanding that no two households are alike—and no two care plans should be either.
A House Call Veterinarian at Heart
Before joining our team, Dr. Longtin spent 12 years as a house call veterinarian. That experience changed everything about how she practices medicine. It taught her to meet pets where they are—literally and emotionally—and helped her develop a flexible, patient-first philosophy that still guides her today.
Whether she’s treating a nervous cat or supporting a senior dog through end-of-life care, she brings patience, kindness, and clarity to every situation.
Beyond the Clinic
When she’s not in scrubs, Dr. Longtin enjoys hands-on projects, from crafting to working on her vintage Volkswagen Beetle. Her home is just as full of love as her work: she shares it with a golden retriever named Bubbles, five quirky cats, two curious snakes, and a tank full of vibrant fish. It’s no surprise that someone who cares for animals all day would have a few (or more!) of her own at home.
Here When You Need Her Most
Whether you’re visiting for a routine wellness exam or facing a tough medical decision, Dr. Longtin is here to walk alongside you. Her commitment to compassionate, individualized veterinary care means your pet—and your family—are always in good hands.
Looking for a veterinarian who treats your pet like family? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Longtin today and experience veterinary care that’s as thoughtful as it is skilled.
by Hannah@briarcliffpartners.com | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Canton, MA, Champlin, MN, Charlton, MA, Crestwood, MO, Gurnee, IL, Medicine, Myrtle Beach, SC, Naperville, IL, News, Orland Park, IL, Path to Partnership, Saint Paul, MN, Sarasota, FL, Schaumburg, IL
Hometown Veterinary Partners is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Cheryl Brocki as our new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). With an extensive background in veterinary operations, mentorship, and clinical excellence, Dr. Cheryl Brocki joins our executive leadership team at an exciting time in our growth. She will play a key role in shaping the future of our veterinary hospitals while upholding our unwavering commitment to supporting veterinary teams and providing compassionate patient care.
As CVO, Dr. Cheryl Brocki will oversee the operational aspects of our veterinary hospitals, ensuring smooth and efficient daily functions while fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Her responsibilities include promoting medical excellence, enhancing our onboarding program for new DVM graduates, and supporting DVM recruiting efforts. Additionally, she will support new veterinary hospital partner locations and focus on developing Partner DVMs to strengthen their leadership, care standards, and business acumen.
Dr. Cheryl Brocki brings a wealth of experience to Hometown Veterinary Partners. She has successfully mentored numerous early-career veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians (CVTs), and veterinary assistants (VAs). In her previous leadership role, she prioritized DVM engagement and retention efforts for a network of over 75 veterinarians. She also played a key role in building a veterinary university program, expanding it to 16 universities with 22 student ambassadors. Furthermore, Dr. Cheryl Brocki developed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding program for new graduate veterinarians, ensuring they received the support and guidance needed for a successful career. Her work in furthering veterinary medicine has extended to forging strong partnerships in the vetmed community, and she has also earned a certificate of completion from the BlendVet DEIB program in March 2023.
Hometown Veterinary Partners Founder and President Keri Kamba expressed her excitement about Dr. Cheryl Brocki joining the team, “We are thrilled for Dr. Brocki to join our leadership team in our rapidly growing organization. Dr. Brocki embodies encouragement and empowerment for our veterinary professionals in each of our locations, and we are excited for her to continue our compassionate care programs for pets and our communities.”
At Hometown Veterinary Partners, we are more than just a network of veterinary hospitals—we are a passionate team dedicated to empowering veterinarians to provide the highest level of care. Founded by individuals who left corporate veterinary practices behind, our organization is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment, support, and medical excellence.
We look forward to the expertise, leadership, and compassion she brings to the Hometown Veterinary Partners team!
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Dec 13, 2024 | Florida Events, News
St. Petersburg, FL — December 13, 2024 — The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome Hometown Veterinary Partners to the community with a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 18, from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
The festivities will begin with the ceremonial ribbon cutting at 2:00 pm, officiated by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Pets will receive treats, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy free pet portraits by a local photographer, Urban Dog Studios. Dr. Andrea Braha and Keri Kamba, President and Founder, will personally lead tours of the new facility, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look into the world of veterinary care.
“I am thrilled to join Hometown Veterinary and bring a fresh approach to pet care that combines modern medicine with the warmth and personalized attention of a hometown clinic,” Dr. Braha stated. “In an industry increasingly dominated by corporate structures, I’m passionate about restoring that mom-and-pop culture where pets and their families are treated like part of the family. My goal is to create meaningful relationships with clients while providing exceptional care that reflects the heart of our community.”
In addition to tours and treats, guests will have the chance to mingle with partnering vendors and walk away with samples and prizes. The event will showcase the collaborative spirit of the St. Petersburg community, with local businesses coming together to support Hometown Veterinary Partners’ mission to empower, inspire, uplift, and fulfill their teams, allowing veterinarians to focus on providing compassionate care to pets.
Join the waitlist – Book an Appointment Online Today
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners takes pride in its approach. The veterinary hospital partnership places ownership back into the hands of individual veterinarians and managers and empowers local hometown teams to create rewarding and sustainable veterinary careers, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming community committed to delivering the highest quality veterinary care.
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Oct 29, 2024 | News
Gurnee, IL, 10/29/24 – Grand Animal Hospital will be rebranded as
Hometown Veterinary Partners Gurnee, bringing continuity of care to the Gurnee community.
For over two decades, Grand Animal Hospital has been a mainstay of veterinary care under the leadership of Dr. Mlsna, Dr. Cerling, and Kris Humphres. In seeking a new owner, the team wanted to find someone who would honor the hospital’s legacy while enhancing its capabilities. Hometown Veterinary Partners was chosen for their shared values and vision—keeping the practice community-focused while offering expanded services and enhanced hiring capacity to attract top-tier talent.
“We chose Hometown Veterinary Partners because they share our belief that pets are family,” said Kris Humphres. “They also provide veterinary professionals with greater career opportunities, including a path to partnership.”
Keri Kamba, Founder and President of Hometown Veterinary Partners, established the organization to empower veterinary professionals. Her goal is to create a supportive structure that allows doctors to build the careers they envision, including assisting those who wish to retire and transition their practices smoothly.
As part of the rebranding, the hospital will update its signage and undergo renovations, with plans to host an Open House for the public in 2025.
“We are committed to enhancing what you already love about the practice,” added Humphres. “We look forward to serving the community with the same compassion, kindness, and dedication that you’ve come to expect. Thank you for welcoming us to Gurnee.”
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners establishes and operates veterinary hospitals that offer exceptional veterinary care that feels like home.
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Sep 11, 2024 | News
Schaumburg, IL, September 11, 2024 | Knollwood Hospital for Pets will be rebranded as
Hometown Veterinary Partners Schaumburg, bringing continuity of care to the Schaumburg community.
For over four decades, Knollwood Hospital for Pets has been a pillar of veterinary care and integrative therapies under the leadership of Dr. Deborah Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell dedicated herself to her practice, and after years of service, she made the decision to sell her practice and transition into semi-retirement.
“It has been an absolute joy, honor, and privilege to serve as your veterinarian for the past forty-one years,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Because of you, I am as passionate about caring for animals today as I was as a 6-year-old in a crumpled and dirty Sunday dress, being scolded by my mom for getting dirty by playing with strange dogs and cats. ‘But Mama!’, I told her, ‘they’re NOT strangers – they’re my friends!’ I have been fortunate to share this passion with you and your pets.”
Dr. Mitchell’s hands the baton to Dr. Cindy Makofski (Dr. Mak), a Partner Doctor with Hometown Veterinary Partners. Dr. Mak was raised in Carol Stream and has been a well-respected veterinarian in the Chicago area and in Southern Wisconsin for many years. “I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian at five years old when my mother gave me an encyclopedia about animals. I read it every night for a bedtime story,” said Dr. Mak.
When looking for a new owner, Dr. Mitchell wanted to find a woman-owned organization focused on empowering veterinarians that would continue to provide exceptional health care for pets. She landed on Hometown Veterinary Partners, a veterinary group that gives veterinary professionals more career options, including a path to partnership. Keri Kamba, Founder and President of Hometown Veterinary Partners, sought to create a structure that supports and empowers doctors to build the career they want, including supporting doctors who otherwise may not be able to retire and sell their practice.
As part of the rebranding effort, the hospital is expanding its hours to include Fridays and Saturdays and will undergo remodeling, culminating in an Open House for clients in 2025. Dr. Mak shared about the improvements, “One change that I am really looking forward to is expanding our treatment area to accommodate the needs of our clients and their pets.”
Dr. Mak also commented, “We aim to improve upon the things you have grown to come to love and continue to serve you with compassion, kindness, dedication, and a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for welcoming us to the community and the opportunity to serve you and your pets!”
For more information about Hometown Veterinary Partners and the new Hometown Veterinary Partners Schaumburg, please visit hometownvetpartners.com.
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners establishes and operates veterinary hospitals that offer exceptional veterinary care that feels like home.
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Jul 1, 2024 | News
Hometown Veterinary Partners is delighted to announce the acquisition of Silver Lake Animal Hospital. Silver Lake Animal Hospital will be rebranded as Hometown Veterinary Partners Silver Lake, symbolizing a unified commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care.
For over two decades, Silver Lake Animal Hospital has been a pillar in the Oakdale community under the leadership of Dr. Arlo Frost, who has recently retired. This acquisition ensures continuity of care while integrating Hometown Veterinary Partners’ extensive resources and expertise. The rebranding to Hometown Veterinary Partners Silver Lake underscores a dedication to upholding compassionate veterinary care and maintaining high standards of practice.
With Dr. Frost’s retirement, the hospital is now managed by Partner Doctor, Dr. Abigail Maynard. Dr. Maynard has devoted her career to advancing veterinary medicine’s impact, serving on local and state boards, including a governor-appointed role on the MN Board of Animal Health. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Maynard is deeply involved in community outreach, volunteering year-round to extend her impact beyond the exam room.
Dr. Abigail Maynard, Partner Doctor at Hometown Veterinary Partners, expressed her enthusiasm for the acquisition: “I feel honored to be able to serve the families that previously patronized Silver Lake Animal Hospital. I am very excited about the future of growth and modernization that will come with this transition so we can even better serve those families and the community.”
The veterinary profession is experiencing labor shortages, high rates of burnout, and mental health concerns. Keri Kamba, Founder and President of Hometown Veterinary Partners, sought to create a structure that supports and empowers doctors to build the career they want, including supporting doctors who otherwise may not be able to retire and sell their practice.
Dr. Maynard added, “I am really excited about creating a clinic culture for our team that is psychologically safe. Veterinary medicine unfortunately has a reputation for being one of the more challenging careers for our team members, and I am passionate about making our hospital culture one that is supportive and a safe place to land.”
As part of the rebranding effort, the hospital will undergo remodeling, culminating in a Grand Re-Opening Celebration scheduled for September. Dr. Maynard shared of the improvements, “One change that I am really looking forward to is we are expanding our exam rooms, to create a comforting room to support sensitive conversations and peaceful passing appointments. We want the room that we use to reflect the reverence and compassion that these appointments deserve.”
Dr. Maynard also commented, “We aim to improve upon the things you have grown to come to love and continue to serve you with compassion, kindness, dedication, and a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to serve you and your pets!”
For more information about Hometown Veterinary Partners and the new Hometown Veterinary Partners Silver Lake, please visit hometownvetpartners.com.
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners establishes and operates veterinary hospitals staffed by compassionate professionals in your community. Their mission is to empower veterinary professionals by creating hospitals that inspire, uplift, and fulfill.
