Meet the Staff
We are pet lovers—just like you. Our staff includes three fully licensed veterinarians, ready to serve you and your pets with personal care.
Tim Whalen D.V.M.
Dr. Whalen is a transplant to Michigan, born and raised in and around Toledo, Ohio. He attended Olivet College and graduated in 1984 with a double major in Biology and Biochemistry. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University in 1988. After two years of practice in South Bend, Indiana, he arrived in Grand Rapids in 1990. Married to Lisa Whalen since 1987, together they founded the Cottonwood Veterinary Center in 1999. They have a daughter, Adair, who is a graduate of the Honors College at Michigan State University. They share their home with Claudia, a royal cat. Dr. Whalen has favorite interest in the medical care of exotic pets as well as in orthopedic surgery. His non-medical activities include backpacking, fishing and birding.
Clare Cinzori D.V.M
Dr. Clare Cinzori received her BS in Animal Science from Michigan State University in 1991 and graduated with honors from MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. She first worked with Dr. Whalen in Wyoming Michigan, and joined the staff of Cottonwood Veterinary Center in 2001. She is married to Aaron, a Hope college mathematics professor, and has two children, Isaac and Gwendolyn. They share their home with Miley, an exuberant lab-mix; and Izzy and Henry, their cats. Dr. Cinzori also owns a horse, a thoroughbred mare named Lily. Dr. Cinzori has strong interests in dentistry, internal medicine,general medicine and greyhounds and their special veterinary needs. In her free time, she likes to scrapbook, read, do pilates, and spend time with her horse.
Robert Childress, DVM
Dr. Childress received his BA from Indiana University in 1989. He taught middle and high school for nine years before returning to school to pursue veterinary medicine. Dr. Childress received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University in 2008. He is married to Kim and together they have four children- Paul, Adam, Leah and Laurel. They also have two dogs named Jasmine and Ella. His professional interests include orthopedic medicine and in his free time he enjoys jogging, reading, and spending time with his family.
Welcoming committee – Receptionist Staff
This group of people is the true face and voice of the practice. Always willing to greet you on the phone or when you walk in the door, we pride ourselves on having a friendly, approachable and knowledgeable front desk staff. Julie, better known as Jae, is our veteran who has been working with Dr. Whalen for over 15 years. Lindsey joined our team in 2007 and Michelle in 2011. Both continue to bring their youthful energy to our office. In April 2012 we were happy to welcome Wendi back to our staff. After she and her family temporarily relocated to Florida, they returned to Michigan and Wendi is back on the CVC team!
Technical Staff
Our technical staff has the important role of being the doctor’s right hand. With over 60 years of veterinary experience between them, they are able to perform many tasks involved with the treatment of your pet. Whether it is by taking x-rays, drawing blood, monitoring anesthesia or helping out during your pet’s exam you can bet our technical staff will have a big part in your pet’s medical experience.