Dr. Nelson graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 with Highest Honors. His professional interests include preventive medicine, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and endocrinology. He has significant surgical experience, from laser surgery to advanced orthopedic procedures. His priority is always the pet’s quality of life, and a close second is the valued relationships with clients, because their well-being is closely related to their pet’s health!
Dr. Matt is married to his high school sweetheart, Faith. Both grew up in Dallas City, IL, graduated from Dallas City High School and Monmouth College. Together, they have three children and a houseful of animals that currently includes three dogs (Wrigley, Ivy, and Pippa), one cat (Simon), and one fish (Megan). In their free time, the Nelsons love to attend whatever activities their kids are in, traveling to Disney World whenever they can (with or without kids), and cheering on the Fighting Illini loudly.
One of the awards that has been most meaningful and humbling to Dr. Matt is the Dr. Erwin Small First Decade that he received in 2011. The award is given annually to one veterinarian that graduated from the U of I who represents high standards of professionalism and demonstrates leadership in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Matt is so thankful to be blessed to be practicing in Bettendorf and is looking forward to continuing to be a part of so many two-legged and four-legged lives.
Dr. Sturmer graduated from the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Go Mizzou! His professional interests revolve around feline care, having founded and operated a feline-only clinic in St. Paul, MN, for 20 years. Additionally, he has a keen interest in sporting dog care, dentistry, and ophthalmology. Dr. Sturmer highly values the bond between people and their pets, recognizing the profound benefits that both receive from this relationship. Providing compassionate care to our four-legged companions is his life's mission.
Dr. Sturmer is married to Cindy, and they have three adult children, three grandchildren, and six pets. Their animal family includes Aggie, a retired sled dog, and felines Katie, Poppy, Smudgy, Satin, Robert Johnson, and El Nino Amino. In their free time, they enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets in the field behind their house, spending quality time with family, and taking long, leisurely walks with Aggie.
Dr. Sturmer is deeply grateful for the opportunity to practice in the Quad Cities, where he can do what he loves and build meaningful relationships with people and their pets.
Jennifer has been the Practice Manager since August of 2022, but has been working at Maplewood since opening in June of 2020. Prior to joining the Vet Med field, she worked in Early Childhood Education in Virginia, where her family was stationed during her husband’s career in the U.S. Navy. They have two adult children plus 4 dogs, Cleo, Luna and "The Boys" Bodee and Bandit. She enjoys loving the patients when they arrive at the clinic and getting to know the clients. She is thankful Dr. Nelson and Faith took a chance when they hired her with no prior vet experience.
My name is Abbe, RVT - Lead Tech. I have worked at Maplewood since February 2021 as a veterinary technician. I graduated from Iowa State with my bachelor’s in animal science and went on to get certified as a vet tech. My favorite part of working here is being there to care for your pets in emergency situations. I have 2 St. Bernards and 2 cats of my own.
Crystal is an RVT and has worked at Maplewood Veterinary Center since August of 2021. Prior to becoming a vet tech, she was a zookeeper. She is passionate about working with animals and providing them with the very best care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with her family and pets. She has 2 dogs, 2 birds, 1 lizard, 1 rat and a freshwater fish tank.
I’m Courtney and I’ve been a Registered Veterinary Technician at Maplewood Veterinary Center since June of 2023. My favorite part about being a technician is the wide range of clinical skills I get to utilize including venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement, assisting in surgery and capturing X-rays. When I’m not working at Maplewood, I’m in school studying to become a Licensed Nurse or at home spending time with my friends, family and fur-babies. I have a dog named Pepper, a cat, Holly and a bearded Dragon named Bandit. I look forward to meeting you and helping with all your pet’s needs!
I am Reilly, I recently graduated from the Veterinary Technician program and Black hawk College. I have been working at Maplewood Veterinary since June of 2023. I am very interested in dentistry as well as the nutrition side of Veterinary Medicine. When I am not working I spend most of my time with my two Australian Shepherds Ash and Ember.
My name is Paula, I am married and have 2 Belgian Malinois shepherd dogs. We are from Brazil (me, my husband and my dogs) where I'm a graduate in Veterinary Medicine. Animals have always been my passion, since I was a little kid. However, my last 11 years was working as a sanitary surveillance manager for Porto Alegre city hall, in Brazil.
I came to Quad Cities in March 2023 after my husband accepted a position at John Deere Harvester Works. I have been working at Maplewood Veterinary center since May as a Veterinary Assistant. It's been a huge opportunity for getting in touch with animals, caring for and promoting health and welfare for our sweet patients.
Hello! My name is Kristina. I have worked at Maplewood as a CSR since April 2023. I have 4 pets at home; 1 dog named Raven, and 3 cats named John Cena, Navi, and Lrr. I love working in vet med because of how rewarding it feels to not only help animals but help owners in the ever-changing journey of taking care of pets. In my spare time I am a professional wrestler, and I collect Pokémon cards and VHS tapes. I look forward to seeing and helping you and your animals.
My name is Mikaela! I started working at Maplewood in February 2023. I have a beautiful family of 10 (that includes my 5 dogs). I enjoy playing volleyball, along with getting plenty of steps in walking my dogs. Being in Vet Med has changed my outlook on work-life, being now that I thoroughly enjoy every day here at Maplewood being a part of a team that is so compassionate and caring for animals.
Phone: 563-888-5850
