Team
The team at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel
Veterinarians
Davina Böhm – Geerdink
My name is Davina Böhm. I graduated from Utrecht University in 2010 and have been working at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel ever since. My areas of expertise in veterinary medicine include medical imaging (CT/MRI/X-ray), endoscopy, and veterinary neurology (ESAVS certification program). I enjoy spending my free time with my daughter and husband—whether we’re heading out to the mountains or taking a road trip through a beautiful country. I never get bored at home either; our dogs, cats, cows, and chickens make sure of that.
Erik Noorman
I started out in Best as the youngest rookie (right out of school), and now I’m the veteran of the veterinary team. In addition to general veterinary practice, my particular interest lies in medical imaging: radiology, CT, and MRI. In that context, many breeders of small-breed dogs from the Netherlands and abroad know me well, because I have been using the MRI scanner to examine these dogs for the presence of certain neurological disorders for about 20 years now.
Geneviève Yvergneaux
After graduating from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Ghent in 2002, I moved from Belgium to the Netherlands to work at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel Best. I initially started as a farm animal veterinarian. It soon became clear that I found much greater fulfillment in the diagnosis and treatment of companion animals. Over the years, I have come to specialize primarily in endocrinology, abdominal ultrasound, and soft-tissue surgery (including tumor surgery). To stay up to date on the latest developments, I regularly attend continuing education courses in my areas of specialization. I am currently enrolled in a multi-year program in soft tissue surgery at the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS).
Laura Marchal
My name is Laura Marchal. I graduated as a veterinarian in Barcelona in 2009 and have been working at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel since 2017. Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. In 2009, I moved with my Dutch husband to his hometown of Best. My main interests in veterinary medicine are surgery and reproduction. In 2011, I earned my ESVPS certification in surgery. At home, we have a little zoo that includes three sweet cats, fallow deer, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and so on. In my free time, I enjoy doing crafts and reading; I love exercising, cooking for friends, and working in the garden or vegetable patch, surrounded by my animals.
Charlie Plantz
My name is Charlie. I was born and raised in Best, and I’ve been a companion animal veterinarian at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel July 2014. I graduated from Utrecht University in 2013 and then worked at a veterinary clinic on sunny St. Maarten. At the clinic, aside from all the day-to-day tasks, I focus primarily on dentistry. At home, I have two cats, Opie and Spruitje, both of whom were brought to our clinic as orphaned kittens. I’ve unfortunately had to promise my husband, Robin, that I’ll stick with just these two. But you never know what might come your way!
Rudy Smits
My name is Rudy Smits. I graduated from veterinary school in Utrecht as a companion animal veterinarian in 2004 and started working at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel just a few months later. Ten years earlier, I had graduated with a degree in biology, but as a true animal lover, the desire to become a veterinarian never really went away. Outside of work, basset hounds are my great passion—a hobby I started about 30 years ago with my mother. In addition to striving to breed the most beautiful basset hounds in the world, I’m now also a judge for this breed and the rest of FCI Group 6. I take great pleasure in traveling all over the world for this. Within veterinary medicine, I have a special interest in purebred dog breeding and am therefore a member of the EVSSAR (European Veterinary Society for Small Animal Reproduction). You can also contact me for assistance with natural matings. Imaging is another major part of my work at the clinic, particularly taking official HD and ED X-rays. In addition, ophthalmology is a special area of interest for me.
Thijs Noorman
My name is Thijs Noorman. Even as a little boy, I loved going with my father to the clinic to watch the consultations. Later, as a teenager, I really enjoyed working here on the weekends as my first part-time job. After graduating from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht in 2023, I immediately started working at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel. I have a special interest in orthopedics and the imaging techniques involved (X-ray/CT). In addition to my work, I am pursuing a program in orthopedic surgery at the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS). In my free time, I enjoy walking through the woods with my dog.
Management
Laurens Böhm
Even as a child, I loved hanging out with my father and Erik at our veterinary clinic. As I got older, I really developed a desire to work at the clinic. Due to the clinic’s growth and developments in the veterinary field, there was now a need for a practice manager. That’s why, immediately after completing my degree in Natural Sciences and Innovation Management in Utrecht, I became the practice manager at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel. In this role, I’m responsible for all non-veterinary activities at the clinic, such as administration, personnel management, marketing, policy implementation, and investments. Together with the veterinarians and veterinary technicians, we strive to run the clinic as efficiently as possible to ensure the best possible care for your pet. In my free time, I love nothing more than being up in the mountains, enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.
Veterinary Technicians
Melissa
My name is Melissa de Wit. I have been working as a veterinary assistant at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel since June 2013. This work is my passion. I find it very rewarding and still do it with a lot of love and joy. I’m also inspired by dog behavior, which is why, alongside my job, I pursued a certification as a Canine Behaviorist—a program I’ve since successfully completed. I have three dogs of my own: a Staffordshire Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, and an American Bully. They keep me busy, but I get all the love right back in return.
Ellen
Hello, I’m Ellen. After completing my veterinary technician program, I first gained a few years of experience at other clinics. After that, I started working at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel. You might see me anywhere in the clinic—I really enjoy the variety. I’m also interested in dog breeding; I occasionally have a litter of my own and regularly take the dogs to shows. In my free time, I can often be found in the woods, either with the dogs or my horse.
Marley
Hello, my name is Marley. Since 2014, I have been happily working as a veterinary technician at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel. To expand my knowledge, I have taken a number of courses related to assisting in the operating room. I grew up with dogs and other small pets at home, which sparked my interest in this field. I live with my boyfriend and our chickens, and in my free time I enjoy going for a ride on my motorcycle.
Lieke
Hello, my name is Lieke. I graduated as a veterinary technician in 2018. I earned my diploma at Helicon in Den Bosch. During my studies, I completed an internship at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel after graduating, I joined the staff. You’ll see me at the front desk or hear my voice on the phone, but I also really enjoy assisting “behind the scenes” with surgeries and hospitalized patients.
Barbara
My name is Barbara, and after completing my training in the summer of 2020, I was able Dierenkliniek Den Heuvel right away at Dierenkliniek Den Heuvel . I really enjoy working here every day with all the adorable pets that come through! My work blends seamlessly into my free time, because my home is a lively menagerie, too.
Esmée
Hello, my name is Esmée. In 2023, I graduated as a veterinary technician from Helicon in Helmond. After my internship at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel , I Dierenkliniek den Heuvel hired right away. I’ve wanted to do this work ever since I was little, and that’s never changed. The wide variety of tasks makes the job really fun—every day is different! In my free time, I enjoy walking my own four-legged friend, dancing, and traveling regularly!
Suzanne
Hi, my name is Suzanne. I graduated as a veterinary technician from Capabel Onderwijs in early 2021, and I started working at Dierenkliniek den Heuvel later that year. You’ll see me in various places around the clinic, but mostly at the front desk. In my free time, I enjoy doing crafts at home or playing video games with my boyfriend. We also love going for walks in the woods with our beautiful husky.
Tippi
My name is Tippi. I graduated as a veterinary technician in 2023. After completing my two internships, I was able to start working right away as a veterinary technician at Dierenkliniek Den Heuvel. Animals are truly my passion, and in my free time, I spend a lot of time caring for and training horses. I’m also very active and can often be found at the gym.
Melanie
Veterinary Technician