Dr. Dan Aja
Veterinarian/Owner
Hi, I’m Dr. Dan and I am the medical director of Cherry Bend Animal Hospital. I am a graduate of the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from MSU, I completed a small animal surgery and medicine internship at Louisiana State University. In 1983, I became an associate surgeon with the Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, which is one of the largest, private, referral hospitals in the United States. I am also very active in organized veterinary medicine, currently serving on the board of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the board of the American Animal Hospital Association, and I was just appointed by Governor Engler to the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine.
I am married to a wonderful person, my best friend, Rhonda. Without her love and dedication this hospital would never have become a reality. My wife and I currently have 5 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 horse. They serve as our surrogate children.
My most recent accomplishment was running in the New York City Marathon in 2000. I will run the Chicago Marathon in 2001, and the Boston Marathon in 2002.
I love working with your pets and because of our wonderful, animal loving staff, this job never seems like work!
Rhonda Aja
Hospital Manager/Owner
Hi! My name is Rhonda Aja, and I am the Hospital Manager. I am from south Louisiana, and I have worked in the veterinary profession for 27 years now, and still love every moment of it! Twenty years ago, while working at the Louisiana State University’s Veterinary School, I met and married my best friend and the love of my life, Dan. After four years of planning, in 1987 Dan and I moved back to Traverse City in 1987 to be near his family and to open Cherry Bend Animal Hospital. I have a special interest in behavior medicine and modification, and hope to develop this area of our business and to help pets live long and happy lives with their owners.
Our family currently consists of five dogs (Cayenne, Gator, Deurvy, Beignet, and Shakes), three cats (Tommy, Janie, and Sterling), and a horse (Dixie). Many of you know our dogs, as they frequently keep company with our front desk ladies greeting clients. We lost two of our surrogate children two years ago – Bayou (our 16½ year old lab) and Creole (our 13 year old love bird), and we still miss them so very much.
Dr. Jennifer Richmond
Veterinarian
My career as a Veterinarian began 6 years ago when I joined the Cherry Bend Animal Hospital family after graduating from MSU CVM in May of 1995.
I am a long-time resident of Traverse City and the majority of my family still resides here.
Outside veterinary medicine, I enjoy boating, skiing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Since starting at Cherry Bend Animal Hospital, I have adopted 5 wonderful animals, 3 dogs and 2 cats, who remind me daily why I chose to dedicate my life to this occupation.
Dr. Leslie Littlefield
Veterinarian
I was born and raised in Traverse City.
In May of 2000, I graduated from MSU college of veterinary medicine & one week later I married my husband Jim. I practiced small animal medicine & surgery in Sparta MI near Grand Rapids for one year.
In July, 2001 my husband and I made the move back to Traverse City with our Welsh Corgi “Bea”.
I am very excited to be working in Traverse City and at Cherry Bend Animal Hospital.
Cherry Bend Animal Hospital
