Dr. Lisa Bucht grew up in the metro Detroit area and wanted to be a veterinarian starting at age 9. She attended Michigan State University and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology in 1987 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She began her career as a veterinarian in Kalamazoo.

In 1997, Dr. Lisa opened Phoenix Road Animal Hospital in South Haven. She loves being a part of the South Haven community and small town life, and she wants her patients and their owners to feel like family. She is an advocate for spay/neuter programs, and works with the staff at Alvan Humane Society to help provide needed medical care to their residents. Dr. Lisa has 4 children (Johannna, Allison, Maddox, and Marissa), a labrador named Humphrey, and three cats at home (Reed, Peach, and Max).

Tara is happy to call Michigan her home. She went to Ferris State University and earned a degree in Healthcare Administration and Nuclear Medicine Technology. However, she found her true passion in animal medicine. Tara has worked at Phoenix Road Animal Hospital for several years. She has recently completed her schooling for her LVT and will test early in 2025 in order to achieve her state licensure.

Suzy was born and raised in Chicago IL, and has been working in the animal care industry since 2007. Suzy was a certified pet groomer for 7 years, and started working for Dr. Bucht when she moved to Michigan in 2014. She loves working at the Phoenix Road Animal Hospital so much that she decided to pursue her degree and she has passed the VTNE to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Suzy lives at home with her daughter, husband, 3 cats & 3 dogs, and enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

I have been a veterinary assistant since 2017, and have been working at Phoenix Road Animal Hospital since 2021. I have been passionate about caring for animal. That is what drove me to work in veterinary medicine. In my spare time outside of work, I am usually at my home with my husband, 2 dogs and 3 cats or spending time with family.

Erica was born and raised in Michigan. She always had an interest in animals since she was a child. She started her journey in vet med in high school where she did a work study with a veterinarian. From there she worked at a clinic in Allegan for 2 ½ years. Her career path changed, but after 25 years she has decided to follow her passion and return to veterinary medicine. Erica has raised a variety of different animals from cats, dogs, goats, horses, rats, lizards, and even a potbellied pig. In her free time, she likes to go fishing and camping with her husband and 2 kids. She just recently adopted a new dog named Prince.

Jillian joined Phoenix Road Animal Hospital at the end of 2024 as their Practice Manager. Jillian comes to the Veterinary Medicine field with vast experience in management and leadership in various healthcare settings. She is excited to apply her expertise and positive outlook to the clinic in order to continue the success of the clinic for many years to come. She currently resides in South Haven on a small homestead with her daughter, 3 horses, 2 dogs, and 6 cats. Jillian loves to connect with people through everyday life experiences, and loves to share her passion for nature and animals with those she encounters. Jillian can’t wait to meet you in the clinic, so please say Hello!