Dr. Nichols, a graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, moved back to Illinois in 1989 where he practiced along his father’s side at Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic, established in 1962.

After draining as much wisdom as possible from his father, and with a strong yearning for a place of his own, Dr. Peter Nichols created Germantown Hills Animal Clinic from an old lumber mill in November of 1991. In 1996, when Dr. Warren Nichols retired, young Dr. Nichols assumed ownership of both clinics. Since then, Dr. Nichols has completed the Executive Veterinary Program 2000, a masters business program for veterinarians, at University of Illinois and constructed a new hospital in Germantown Hills in 2001. In 2008, he added a new addition on to the Washington office, and the existing building was renovated in 2009. Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic entered an elite category of veterinary hospitals in 2012 becoming an Accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Dr. Nichols served as veterinarian for the Peoria Zoo animals from 1999-2013.  He continues to help Wildlife Prairie Park with educational animals and injured wildlife.

Dr. Nichols is an elected board member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association for Region IV, a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association,  American Animal Hospital Association, Tazewell County Veterinary Association, Mississippi Valley Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Feline Practitioners.  He is also an active member of the Germantown Hills/Metamora Rotary Club.

Dr. Nichols and his wife, Kelli, are parents to two sons, Austin and Grant, who along with their wives and adorable babies bring joy to their family. Meanwhile, their daughter, Abby, is pursuing her studies in sunny Florida. Completing their lively household is their beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Duke.

Dr. Slagel is a 2002 graduate of University Of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine. Born and raised in Central Illinois surrounded by various dogs and cats, and sometimes cows and other assorted wildlife, she always aspired to become a veterinarian. She completed her undergraduate work at Illinois State University as a Presidential Scholar.

She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Tazewell County Veterinary Association, Mississippi Valley Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Dr. Slagel and her husband, Sean, have a son, Colton, and a daughter, Elise.  Four-legged children of the family include an adorable Golden named Eddie, a Lab mix named Maggie Moo, and an ornery gray tabby named Lewis.

She appreciates time to spend with her family, reading, and travel (especially to the beach) whenever possible.  She has enjoyed volunteering with the Special Olympics for several decades and recently has been serving on the board of the Caterpillar Trail Public Water District.

Dr. Lorentzen is a 2018 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, MO. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at Bradley University in Peoria in 2013. She was born and raised in Groveland, Illinois, surrounded by several dogs, cats, and a miniature horse, until moving to Missouri for veterinary school.

She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. She has also completed the Fear Free Certification Program in hopes of making visits less stressful for our fearful patients.

Dr. Lorentzen and her husband, Scott, have sons, Collin and Landon, and daughter, Adelyn. Their home is also filled with a sweet cat and snuggly dogs: Nesta (black and white short hair), Dash (pit mix), Remmy(Lab mix), and Benji(Golden Retriever).

Jennifer has worked for Germantown Hills Animal Hospital since 1995. She divides her time between our two offices.  Jenni is very devoted to her work, as well as continuing her education in practice management.  She earned her Certification in Veterinary Hospital Management from the American Animal Hospital Association in 2016.  She also has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education from Illinois State University. Jennifer is a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.

In addition to her son and daughter, Hudson and Harper, Jenni has two Golden Retrievers, Tucker and Red, and 2 DSH cats: Colby Jack Cheese(sweetest boy ever) and Jesse(crazy girl).

Shannon received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology from Illinois State University in 2002. She received her Associates Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Parkland College in 2006 and graduating with high honors prior to coming to work with us.

Shannon is a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.

Shannon adopted Abby, a Rottweiler, Jersey, a Golden Retriever, and Apollo, a yellow lab.

Chelsea grew up in Eastern Iowa; she completed her general education at Scott Community College, earning an Associate degree in Arts and Sciences in 2005. Her love of animals led her to Kirkwood Community College where she received her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2008. After graduation she moved to Central Illinois and started working at both of our hospitals.

Chelsea is a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association

Chelsea’s cat, Tasha, also made the move from Iowa. Tasha is a long-haired tortoiseshell. Chelsea also adopted Hobbes, an orange Tabby, from PAWS. Her family also includes husband, Doug, son Riley, and daughter Caitlin.