Meet The Team
DOCTORS
Dr. Kendall Williams
Dr. Williams is the owner, president, and main maintenance guy at Blackhawk Vet! He grew up in Kansas, and earned his DVM from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. After graduating he worked for a couple of small animal practices in the midwest, where his mentors stressed the importance of continual personal improvement and client education. Dr. Williams purchased Blackhawk Veterinary Hospital in 1999. Dr. Williams enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a special interest in dentistry. When not in the clinic he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog/cat family. Dr. Williams also has a small collection of old vehicles and a motorcycle to enjoy, and he keeps a layer of grease under his nails. Each summer Dr. Williams and Tammy get to spend time with their extended family, participating in Susan G. Komen 3 day walks for a cure, both as walkers and volunteer crew members.
Dr. Joe Utrie
Joe Utrie, DVM, completed his Bachelor of Science in biology/chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and joined our clinic in 2008. Dr. Utrie is a member of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association. He enjoys practicing Fear Free medicine, including surgery and dentistry, with a particular interest in strengthening the human–animal bond. Outside of work, Dr. Utrie enjoys raising cichlids (fish), traveling, camping, attending concerts, exploring geology, and stargazing. He especially values time spent with his son and their pets—his dog, Starbuck and three cats: Jarvis, Deacon, and Vincent.
STAFF
Julie
Certified Veterinary Technician / Certified Veterinary Practice Manager
To know Blackhawk Vet is to know Julie. Julie has been in veterinary medicine for 38 years with a background in specialty referral practice- she joined our team as practice manager twenty years ago! Julie earned her CVT at Scottsdale Community College in 1998, moving on to work towards and earn her CVPM in 2012. Julie is a current member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Practice Managers Association and previous member of the the Chicago PM Association. Julie is passionate about providing personalized end of life care for our aging patients, and takes extra pride in mentoring her staff. Outside of work, she is most proud of being a Pippa to three grandkids, and a fur mom to her dog Twyla, cat Stub, and two goats Elsa and Shirley. In the summer months you can find her on her boat enjoying lake time with her husband and five kids.
Cassidy
Certified Veterinary Technician
Cassidy joined our clinic in 2018, and earned her CVT in 2022. She is a current member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, as well as the Great Lakes chapter of Not One More Vet. Cassidy enjoys most aspects of general practice, but is particularly passionate about providing quality healthcare and client education in regards to our feline patients. At home she enjoys the company of her three cats; Chocolate, Athena and Amelia, as well as her two dogs Beverly, and beta fish-Mushu. Outside of the clinic she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on whichever Chicago team is doing better or spending time outside.
Nikki
Certified Veterinary Technician
Nikki is a Certified Veterinary Technician with a passion for preventative care and keeping pets healthy. She graduated from Rockford Career College in 2024 and has since dedicated herself to providing compassionate care to animals. She’s a proud pet owner of two dogs, Ruby (Mini Aussie mix) and Rambo (German Shepard mix), three cats, Dave, Cleo, and Ziva, and a lively business of ferrets. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys traveling, gaming, and camping. She's committed to empowering pet owners to keep their animals happy and thriving.
Morgan
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I’m Morgan! I’ve been a veterinary assistant for over 7 years, with a lifelong passion for animals. After earning my Veterinary Technology degree in 2013, I started in kennel care and quickly worked my way into assisting.
At home, I have two amazing dogs—Rockie (Boxer mix) and Bowser (Bull Terrier)—plus three quirky barn cats: Alpha, Midnight, and Tommy. Outside of work, I love reading, watching movies, and spending time with family.
I’m passionate about caring for animals and supporting their humans, and I’m excited to keep growing in this field.
Allison
Certified Veterinary Technician
Allison is a Certified Veterinary Technician with a passion for keeping pets happy and healthy. She graduated from Pima Medical Institute in Phoenix, AZ in 2021, where she honed her skills and knowledge to provide the best care for animals. At home, she’s the proud owner of two dogs, Kai and Titan, and a cat named Butters. When she's not caring for animals, she loves to go boating, travel, attend concerts, and garden.
Allison’s goal is to provide top-quality care to every pet, ensuring they live their best, healthiest lives.
Brisa
Customer Service Representative / Veterinary Assistant
In 2022, Brisa began her Veterinary career as a Veterinary Client Service Representative (CSR). She is dedicated to helping care for pets and expanding her skill set. In 2023, she worked her way up and became a veterinary assistant. Brisa continued her college education, earning her Bachelors in Animal Biology at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay in 2026! Brisa's fur family currently consists of 3 cats: Kitty, Phil, and Rupert, 2 guinea pigs: Moo and Courage, and a red eared slider: Jack. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors with her partner and cats, traveling, and crocheting. One of the things Brisa enjoys the most about working in veterinary medicine is being able to help keep pets healthy through our care and client education. It's rewarding to see the impact we make in pets and their people.
CLINIC CATS
Bogie-Bogie
Clinic Cat
Since 2010, Bogie is our resident supervisor. He has kept the hospital running equal parts greeter, comforter, and quality control of staff lunches. You can find him sunbathing in the front entry, silently judging everyone from his favorite bed. Our beloved guy has welcomed nervous patients and on some occasions has made it worse. He has curled beside recovering pets, monitors all of us from atop of the cabinets and has reminded staff it is time for some attention(on his terms of course). Bogie is more than a hospital cat, he is family to our team and forever part of our hospital legend.
Comet
Thank you for the comfort, laughter, compassionship, and the quiet moments you made hard days easier. You are deeply missed every day and forever loved!