ORCHARD ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Dr. Joel Huffman joined Orchard Road Animal Hospital in May of 2003. He was born and raised in Belvidere, Illinois. He began his college career at Knox College. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Illinois with a degree in Chemistry. After a few years in the work world, he returned to college to become a veterinarian. He attended the University of Illinois - College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with honors. During his studies, he developed an interest in animal behavior and internal medicine. Dr. Huffman lives in Elburn with his wife, Heather, who is an equine veterinarian, and their son, J.J. They have two horses, Bogey and Callaway, and a cat named Chip and a dog named Ryder. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf. An interesting tidbit is that he was a starting wide receiver for the Knox College football team. Dr. Huffman is active in the Aurora Sunrise Rotary Club where he served a few years as president. He is currently the club's Youth Exchange Officer and chair of its foundation. He also serves on the board for Teen Nite, Inc., a Christian organization which helps youth in the Aurora area.
Dr. Kristen Kennedy joined Orchard Road Animal Hospital in July of 2008. She was born and raised nearby in Naperville, IL. She graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, with a B.A. in Biology. She then attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with Phi Zeta honors. After graduating, Dr. Kennedy completed an externship in Cleveland, OH, with an internal medicine and oncology specialist. Her areas of interest also include ultrasound, for which she received additional training. Dr. Kennedy is a member of OTS, a professional veterinary fraternity, as well as the local and national veterinary organizations. Dr. Kennedy lives in North Aurora with her husband, Michael, who is an optometrist in Elgin. They have two children that keep them busy: a son Brendan, and a daughter Grace that they welcomed into the family in March of 2018. We added another family member (a four-legged one) in September 2019 - she is a mixed breed puppy named Tally. When she is not at Orchard Road, Dr. Kennedy enjoys traveling (Hawaii is a favorite), rooting for the Blackhawks, and gardening. She also loves reading and is in a book club. She is a third generation member of a philanthropic organization called P.E.O. that provides educational opportunities for women.