Holly Shaffer, DVM - Graduate of Michigan State University

Dr. Holly Shaffer grew up in Illinois and moved to Baroda, MI during high school. She first met Dr. Hecht through a pre-vet class he was teaching at Andrews University in 1992 and then began working as a receptionist at Hecht Vet Hospital during her summer breaks. Dr. Shaffer graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Animal Science in 1996 and then from MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. After 10 years of working with Dr. Hecht, she purchased the practice and has renamed it Two by Two Animal Hospital after the Biblical story of the animals coming to the ark to be saved.

Many young people express an interest in pursuing a veterinary career and Dr. Shaffer finds that it is particularly rewarding to help them explore their options. She is an advisor for the Andrews Pre-Vet Club and tries to give them some hands on experience. She is also a mentor and host site for MSU veterinary students to do three week externships in a real hospital setting. She works with the Professional Health Career Academy (PHCA) high school students hosting 3 week internships as they investigate different medical careers. She is also an adjunct professor at Andrews University and teaches 2 pre-vet classes called Equine Health & Disease and Small Animal Health & Disease.

Dr. Shaffer lives on a little farm in Berrien Center with her husband Captain Tim of Headhunter Sport Fishing Charters. They love to camp with friends during any free time but don’t get to leave the farm very often. Together they have over 40 animals including 5 dogs, a Jersey steer, 3 llamas, 1 sheep, 2 goats, 2 cats, 2 quail, 2 peacocks, and over 2 dozen chickens.

Besides doing chores around the farm, Dr. Shaffer enjoys taking her animals to nursing homes and church events. She takes 2 of her dogs to train with handicapped children on Monday nights in a 4-H club called Best Friends. They practice all summer and then show the dogs at the BCYF in August. Dr. Shaffer is on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan (HSSM), volunteering at the shelter every other week. She hosts the occasional “Team Neuter Clinic” at least once or twice a year which is a low cost option for the community to try and reduce the overpopulation of homeless cats. The number of wonderful volunteers that come to help with this event is always mind boggling and an amazing experience. She has been volunteering as one of the “vets on call” at the Berrien County Youth Fair (BCYF) every summer and loves the opportunity to visit with the exhibitors and watch them showcase all their animal talents. Relay for Life is a cancer fighting event that Dr. Shaffer and Tim are proud to support. They belong to a team of friends called “The Harvesters” and enjoy raising money together for such an important cause. Dr Shaffer is also on the Andrews University Alumni Board of Directors and enjoys being involved with her church and Bible study small group. Dr. Shaffer loves her community and believes that having healthy animals can make it better.

Jessica Balsis, DVM - Graduate of Michigan State University

Doctor Jessica Balsis (Kesterke) grew up in Berrien Springs, Michigan, with her parents, Jim and Sheri Kesterke, and her brother, Nic. She graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 2001 as class president and Valedictorian.
Jessica attended Lake Michigan College for one year, then transferred to Michigan State University. In 2004, she graduated with high honors with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. In the summer of 2004, she completed a study abroad program in Ireland, studying the horse industry. From 2004-2008, she attended MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. While there, she was a member of the Foal Team, Small Animal Emergency Critical Care Team, Equine Club, Canine and Feline Club.
In May 2008, she graduated from MSU with her DVM. In June 2008, she joined Hecht Veterinary Hospital (Two By Two). In July 2009, she married her college sweetheart of seven years, Eric Balsis. Eric currently is an associate dentist at Berrien Dental, in Berring Springs, Michigan.
Jessica’s life passion is showing her Morgan horses all over the United States. She has been showing since the age of four and holds the memories of showing at the BCYF as some of her fondest. Some equine highlights include her 1999 World Championship and Gold Medal along with being named People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice Senior Western Seat Equitation Rider of the Year. Currently, she and Eric own four Morgans that they continue to show in their spare time.
In addition to horses, Jessica owns two rescued German Shepherds, “Cailidha” and “Q” along with two rescued cats, “Yoda” and “Lilly”.
Her community involvement includes volunteering at the Berrien County Youth Fair as a veterinarian, volunteering with Christmas Care every year, speaking at various local career day events, and volunteering with the Rotary Chicken BBQ. Her latest endeavor is teaching a 400 level course at Andrews University – Equine Exercise Physiology and Anatomy.
Dr Balsis’ main interests in veterinary medicine include equine lameness and small animal internal medicine. However, the aspect of veterinary medicine that Jessica most enjoys is helping people with a common passion – their pets.

Brad Hecht, LVT - Graduate of Michigan State University

Bradley Hecht is a 1984 graduate of Lake Michigan College, and a 1986 graduate of Michigan State University as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. He has been with the practice since 1983. Brad is married to Eva Hecht, and has two sons, Brandin, and Matthew, both presently in college. He also has 5 dogs and 4 cats which he says “have him trained very well.”

Sarah Lundy, BS, LVT - Graduate of Michigan State University

Sarah Lundy, BS, LVT graduated from Michigan State University’s Vet Tech Program in 2002. Sarah is a past president of the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians. She is active in her church, occasionally house/pet sits, and is a Tastefully Simple Consultant. She currently has one pet (the best Boston ever) a Boston Terrier named “J.D” ( John Deere). In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, especially card making, but also scrapbooking, jewelry making, sewing, and knitting. She also enjoys cooking and gardening.

Staff Members Camille R., Erika M., Melissa W.

Veterinary Assistants Jen T., Ashley G., and Joyce T.