Our Staff
Our veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians are a vital part of our community here at Highland Pet Hospital. Our assistants are the first friendly face to greet you when you walk in the door. They will help you weigh your pet and take an accurate medical history when they bring you into an exam room as well as assist our veterinarians during your pets examination.
Our Certified Veterinary Technicians all hold degrees in Veterinary Technology from schools approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Our technicians are your pet’s nurse when they visit our hospital. They help coordinate case management, participate in patient diagnosis, carry out patient treatment plans, and oversee patient care and surgery, as well as staff and client education, client management and the direction of veterinary assistants.
Dr. Greg Ekdale, DVM
Iowa State University 1976
Dr. Greg Ekdale co-owns Highland Pet Hospital & Wellness Center with Dr. Patti Niehm. Joining the Highland team in 1989, he was previously associated with practices in River Grove, IL and Dubuque, IA.
Dr. Ekdale has special professional interests in veterinary dentistry, soft tissue surgery and veterinary geriatrics — care of the older pet. He promotes preventive health care and wellness employing complete disease prevention measures and nutritional counseling.
Dr. Ekdale is a graduate of the Veterinary Management Institute at Purdue University and the Executive Veterinary program at the University of Illinois. He is co-author of two articles on leadership in veterinary medicine, which have appeared in the veterinary journal Trends by the American Animal Hospital Association. In addition, Dr. Ekdale has given presentations on various aspects of small animal practice to veterinary organizations at the national, state and local level.
Outside of the office, Dr. Ekdale has participated in mission trips to Sunset Gap Community Center in Cosby, TN and Tiyamike Mulungu Children's Home in Malawi, Africa.
Madison, a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu/Maltese mix, shares the home with Dr. Ekdale and his wife Lynne.
Dr. Patti Niehm
Dr. Patti Niehm joined Highland Pet Hospital and Wellness Center as a veterinarian on June 1, 1991. Originally from Ohio, she is a graduate of North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Before coming to Highland, Dr. Niehm was associated with Calumet Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Hammond, Indiana.
Dr. Niehm lists interactions with people and their pets in a family relationship as a favorite part of her job. Other areas of interest include disorders of the nervous system, dermatology and pharmacology. Dr. Niehm appreciates the diversity of owner and patient needs and enjoys practicing medicine in a way that meets those diverse needs. Especially important to Dr. Niehm are the special needs of the feline patients.
Dr. Niehm is a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Eastern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Animal Emergency Clinic of McLean County and for the national organization, Christian Veterinary Mission.
In her free time, Dr. Niehm enjoys the outdoors, biking, and camping. She shares her free time with her husband Matt, their three sons and an exceptionally cute Dachshund mix named Dancer.
Dr. Torry Steffen
Dr. Torry Steffen joined the Highland family in 2005. Dr. Steffen received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1993, and graduated from the University of Illinois- College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After graduation, he joined a nine doctor team at a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dr. Steffen has special professional interest in emergency medicine, surgery, dentistry and internal medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
In his free time, Dr. Steffen enjoys reading, running, and spending time with his wife, Kelli, and their daughter and two sons. He also attends ClearView Church in Normal, IL.