Matt Randolph, DVM

Originally from northeast Ohio, Matt grew up showing Belgian horses. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from The Ohio State University in 1996. After several years in mixed animal practice, he discovered his passion for equine medicine, which led to the founding of Equine Veterinary Hospital in 2006. Dr. Randolph is a dedicated veterinarian with a deep commitment to advancing the health, performance, and well-being of all horses.

Dr. Randolph has special interests in reproduction, lameness, and endoscopy of the digestive and respiratory systems. In addition to his clinical practice, Matt is committed to continuous learning and frequently attends conferences to stay updated on advancements in equine medicine. Most recently, he attended the 2023 AAEP conference, where he participated in sessions on gastric ulcers and joint health. He strongly believes in partnering with owners and trainers to help them make informed decisions about their horses’ health.

Outside his professional role, Matt enjoys life with his wife, two daughters, and a menagerie of beloved animals, including eight horses, three dogs, a cat, and fish. In his free time, he loves traveling to horse shows to support his daughters in three-day eventing competitions, working on DIY projects around the barn and home, and spending time on the lake.

Dr. Randolph is honored to care for your horses and to be part of a trusted community of equine enthusiasts.

Julia Coyle, DVM

A 2016 graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Julia joined EVH in 2017 after completing an internship at the University of Georgia. While she is experienced in all aspects of veterinary practice, Julia’s primary interests are in working horse medicine and welfare, emergency medicine/triage, and the clinical education of veterinary students. She oversees our educational programs for veterinary and pre-veterinary students.

Julia currently resides in Edwardsburg, MI, with her family.

Lauren Rafter, DVM

Lauren, a 2015 graduate of St. George’s University College of Veterinary Medicine, joined EVH in 2019 after completing an internship in Wellington, Florida, and three years of general practice in Virginia. Originally from northern Indiana, she has returned to the area to continue her veterinary career.

Lauren has a strong interest in all aspects of general practice, with a special focus on alternative medicine, such as chiropractic care. She is experienced in providing chiropractic treatments for both equine and small animal patients.

Lauren currently resides in Osceola, IN, with her husband and two children, Liam and Alina.

Julie Ely, Veterinary Assistant

Julie is a dedicated equine veterinary professional from Nappanee, Indiana, with a lifelong passion for horses.

Growing up, she was immersed in the world of equine care and was an active member of Northwood FFA and a 10-year member of the 4-H Saddle Club. She also competed in Mid-States competitions, honing her skills and deepening her love for the equine industry.

Julie’s favorite part of working in the equine veterinary field is the excitement and fulfillment she finds in assisting with foaling out mares and being part of the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the profession. Her wealth of experience and lifelong dedication to horses make her a valued member of the veterinary team.

Grace Kniesly, Veterinary Assistant

Grace grew up in Goshen, Indiana, and later moved to Nappanee, Indiana. A 2020 graduate of Northwood High School, Grace was active in FFA, where she competed with the veterinary nursing team and participated in various agriculture demonstrations. She was also an active member of the Elkhart County 4-H, where she joined several clubs, including the Saddle Club and the Dairy Feeder Club.

After graduating in 2020, Grace began working as a Large Animal Veterinary Assistant and has loved it ever since. She joined our team in September 2023 and has a strong passion for horses. Grace especially enjoys working with mares and foals as well as emergency medicine.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Kaitlyn Bontrager, Veterinary Assistant

Kaitlyn grew up in Goshen, Indiana, and later moved to Bremen, Indiana. She began working at EVH in 2021. A 2024 graduate of Northwood High School, she participated in the Veterinary Career program at the Elkhart Area Career Center (EACC). After graduation, she enrolled in Purdue University’s Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning program to work toward her Veterinary Nursing Degree (Registered Veterinary Technician) while continuing her work at EVH.

Kaitlyn’s favorite aspect of working with equines is foaling season and all the adorable babies! Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys reading a good book and spending time with her critters at home, as well as with friends and family.

Ron Doolin, Veterinary Assistant

As a dedicated veterinary technician, Ron is passionate about providing compassionate care and expert support to animal patients and their families. With hands-on experience in various areas of animal healthcare—including assisting in surgeries, performing lab work, and administering treatments—Ron brings a strong combination of technical expertise and gentle patient care.

Beyond Ron's clinical responsibilities, he also contributes to maintaining and managing the facility, ensuring a clean, organizing, and providing a welcoming environment for pets and their owners. Whether it’s comforting an anxious pet, educating owners, or supporting the upkeep of the facility, Ron strives to make a meaningful difference in every animal's experience and well-being.

Makayla Aalfs, Veterinary Assistant

Makayla grew up in the small, close-knit town of Buchanan, Michigan. During high school she participated in soccer and was a part of the Buchanan Equestrian Team. After graduating high school, she went to Heartland Horseshoeing School of Missouri where she expanded her knowledge in equine anatomy.

Makayla’s favorite aspect of working in the equine veterinary field is getting to help clients help their horses & getting to expand her equine knowledge.

Outside of work she enjoys showing and trail riding her personal horses, as well as cuddling with her dogs.

Kevin Neely, Veterinary Assistant

Kevin is a Veterinary Assistant who transitioned to the animal care field after proudly serving in the Marine Corps from 2021-2023. While he’s newer to the equine world, Kevin has a strong passion for working with horses and is committed to building a career as a farrier.

Known for his friendly, goofy personality, Kevin easily connects with both people and animals, creating a welcoming environment for clients and their pets. With a dedication to lifelong learning, he’s excited to continue to grow his knowledge in the equine world to offer the best veterinary assistance and future farrier services possible.

Natali Sammons, Veterinary Assistant

Natali grew up in rural central Idaho and now calls Mishawaka, Indiana, home. She has been working in veterinary medicine since 2021 and has experience in both small animal and equine care. Currently enrolled in vet tech school, she has a particular passion for equine internal medicine and emergency cases.

Before pursuing veterinary medicine, she played two years of Division III college softball and spent her childhood barrel racing in small local rodeos. When she’s not caring for animals, she enjoys baking sourdough bread, going fishing, and spending time with her husband, a welder, and their cat and dog.

Taylor Kent, Veterinary Assistant

Taylor grew up in Three Rivers, Michigan, and just recently moved to Warsaw, Indiana. She started riding horses when she was ten years old, and she competed in 4-H and some Michigan Appaloosa shows throughout her childhood. She went to college and graduated in 2022 with a degree in Elementary Education. After spending some time in the classroom, she realized she wanted to work with horses, so she joined the EVH team in November of 2024.

Taylor’s favorite part of working at EVH is being able to make a difference in the lives of the horses and owners that she helps. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family as well as her dog and two cats.