Meet our Staff​

PictureMojito - The Clinic Cat
Mojito was brought to us by a client here at the Ottawa Clinic.  Mojito's interests include lounging on the counter, playing hide and seek, relaxing with our receptionists, amusing the staff with her antics, and of course getting into mischief!

Our Manager

PictureMisty Hardwick, Business Manager
Misty graduated from the University of Northwestern Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting then went on to get her Masters in Organizational Leadership from The University of Findlay.  She started working for a local CPA in 2001.  In 2002, she was contracted out to Heritage Veterinary Clinics, LLC as an in-house accountant.  In 2015, she was hired to split her time between both clinics and West Central Ohio Veterinary Emergency Services (WCOVES). Misty currently resides in the Cairo-Columbus Grove area with her husband, Travis and their two girls.  Misty also shares her home with her  fur babies, Carter, Demi, and Harper.  She and her family enjoy a ton of outdoor activities together including camping, fishing, and swimming and cheering on the Buckeyes.  Misty’s favorite thing about working for Heritage Vet Clinics is being able to interact with the clients.​
Our Technicians
PictureKari Blandy, RVT with patient, Doy
Kari has been a technician with us for over 11 years. She graduated from the Veterinary technician program at Stautzenberger College in Maumee in 2007 and joined the team shortly after in 2009. Although typically in the Bluffton clinic, you will occasionally see her taking in appointments and greeting clients in our Ottawa location as well. Kari currently resides in Hamler, Ohio with her husband, Joe, and two children: Granger and Evelyn. Kari also shares her home with one crazy pup, Piper, and her lovable two cats, Emme and Jasper. Kari and her family enjoy lots of outdoor activities together - going camping and visiting zoos/aquariums are some of their favorites! Kari's favorite thing about working for Heritage Vet Clinics is taking the time in exam rooms to create and build on client relationships that she has formed in her time here. 
PictureKatie Gerding, RVT with her two dogs, Finn and Kuja
Katie began her career at Heritage Veterinary Clinics with an externship through Columbus State Community College, where she graduated from in 2017. She knew she was on the right path and continued on to become a skilled registered veterinary technician - Katie has been working alongside our doctors for the past three years. Although her family still resides in Kalida, Ohio, she and her husband, Matthew, chose to settle down in the Ottawa area after they were married in 2018. Their furry family consists of their two dogs, Kuja Bae and Finnigan, and their sweet kitty, Mickey. Due to her close proximity to the clinic, you will typically catch her assisting in appointments and entertaining the clinic cat in our Ottawa location. Katie has a particular interest in dental surgery and looks forward to getting to know all clients and their pets on a first-name basis.
PictureLeah Maas with her dog, Texas
Leah began her career at Heritage Veterinary Clinics through an externship while in Technician school at Brown Mackie where she graduated in 2010.  The externship became a permanent at the Ottawa Clinic.  Leah grew up in the Pandora-Gilboa area.  She currently resides in Gilboa with her husband, Clay and their 5 children along with a couple chickens.  Leah is typically at the Ottawa location but you may see her over at the Bluffton clinic on a Saturday helping out once in awhile.  Leah enjoys spending time with her family at the river and chasing her chickens (and her young son) around the yard.  Leah enjoys seeing all of the clients at the clinics and getting to know all of their pets.  
Our Receptionists
PictureConnie Westrick, Veterinary Receptionist
Connie has been a veterinary receptionist with Heritage Veterinary Clinics for 24 years. With her warm, welcoming smile and positive outlook, she sets the standard for client care.  You can catch her in the Ottawa Clinic, checking in patients and amusing Otis, the Clinic Cat. Connie also has a furry friend of her own at home: Bud, a 15 year old Jack Russell. She and her husband, Jerry, have two adult children - Jenny and Jordan - and several wonderful grandkids, "who always love to sleep-over at Grandma's."  In her spare time, Connie likes to swing by local garage sales for fun finds and relax at the wineries in the area. She also cherishes the time spent with her family on their camping trips throughout the year.