Dr. Nelson
Owner / Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 with Highest Honors. His professional interests include preventative medicine, both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and nutrition. He has significant surgical experience, from laser surgery to advanced orthopedic procedures. His first priority is always the pet’s quality of life, and he strives to improve that quality by providing the highest quality veterinary medicine and surgery.
He and his wife were looking for the ideal spot for their second clinic, and they were blessed to find the perfect spot in Bettendorf. Knowing the community well since both of his sisters live in the immediate area, they knew it would be the perfect location to establish a clinic. The people in the community are very pet oriented and seek out the best possible services for their pets. Dr. Nelson really treasures his relationships with clients, and he is looking forward to establishing countless more in the Bettendorf area.
Dr. Nelson is married to his high school sweetheart, Faith. Both of them grew up in Dallas City, IL, graduated from Dallas City High School and Monmouth College. Together, they have three children: Hayley, Drew, and Sydney. They also have several “four legged children”, two golden retrievers named Wrigley and Ivy, a Brussels Griffon named Pippa, and two rabbits named Henry and Beatrice. In their free time, the Nelsons love to attend whatever activities their kids are in, from the various bands to all sorts of athletic events. They also love traveling to Disney World whenever they can, with or without kids, and cheering on the Fighting Illini loudly. They are very active in Heritage Church, and seek God’s will in all that they do.
One of the awards that has been most meaningful and humbling to Dr. Nelson is the Dr. Erwin Small First Decade that he received in 2011. The award is given annually to one veterinarian who has graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine within the last 10 years. It recognizes someone who represents high standards of professionalism and demonstrates leadership in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Nelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Mentor Program, and the Geneseo Rotary Club (Past President). He also has served on the board of directors of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (served as Treasurer for 3 years), the Mississippi Valley Veterinary Medical Association (Past President), the Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities, the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce (Past President), Heritage Church in Rock Island, and was the veterinarian featured on the monthly “Ask the Vet” segment on Paula Sands Live.
Faith is the wife of Dr. Nelson. She was born and raised in Dallas City, Illinois and graduated from Monmouth College in 1999. She has worked as a legal assistant in Champaign, Quincy, and Geneseo. She is currently the hospital administrator of both Maple Ridge Veterinary Clinic and Maplewood Veterinary Center. She is also a full-time mother of their three children, Hayley, Drew, and Sydney. Faith is excited to be a part of the Bettendorf community and is looking forward to all of the opportunities to improve the lives of both the pets and the pets' people!
Faith Nelson
Hospital Administrator
Meet the rest of the Team...
Elizabeth~ Clinic Manager graduated with honors from St. Ambrose University, studying Education, English Language Arts, and Vocal Performance. She was awarded the prestigious “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” while teaching in Houston, TX. She assumed the role many school teachers do by also coaching and sponsoring student organizations, as well as performing with the Bay Area Chorus.
Shortly after marrying her college sweetheart, Jeff, they moved back to the Quad-Cities, settling in Geneseo, where they are currently raising their three daughters, Clare, Elouise, and Delilah, as well as two pitbulls, Maya and Dumbledore, a Daniff (Great Dane/ English Mastiff) Hermione, and two rabbits, Rocket and Rex. Elizabeth and her family are active members of their church and small group, keeping God first, family second, and career third.
Elizabeth began working part-time with Dr. Matt at his Illinois clinic, Maple Ridge Veterinary Clinic in 2010, as a receptionist. She moved all around the clinic, helping with clients, assisting in exams, surgeries, and kennels. But her absolute favorite part of the job has always been client communication and client education.
In her spare time, if she isn’t with her family camping, Elizabeth loves to sing, enjoys her CrossFit community, and owns and operates her own skin care business.
Jennifer~ Human Resources Manager Updating Biography soon~
Abbe~ Lead Technician was born in Kenosha, WI and raised on her family farm in Lyman, IA. She graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelors degree in Animal Sciences. She is currently continuing her education at Muscatine Community College, studying the Veterinary Technician program.
In Abbe's free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her sweet boys, Murphy and Finnegan (both St. Bernards), as well as camping and hiking.
We are thrilled to have Abbe as part of the Maplewood team.
