Mathis is a customer services supervisor at the University of Illinois Large Animal Clinic.
Tell us about your background.
I was born in New Jersey and moved to Champaign in 1974. After graduating from high school, I lived in St. Louis for a year, then came back to this area to start a family. I have two sons, Thomas and Jeff, and two daughters, Paige and Megan. I now have five grandchildren, ranging from 21 years to 2 months.
When my youngest child started school, I went back into the work force. I worked at a department store, machine shop, car dealership, and title company before joining the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital team.
What do you enjoy about working with our clients and their animals?
I am a people person, so customer service has been a great fit for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this diverse group of people and have learned so much about horses, cattle, and other farm animals.
Being at the Large Animal Clinic front desk, I deal more with clients. However, I have been able to see some interesting animals, for example, a tiger, tortoise, zebra, swan, and camel.
What are your special interests outside of the clinic?
Outside of work, I enjoy baking. I have been baking and decorating cakes for almost 39 years. I also like doing crafty things, like making cards.
Probably what I love the most is spending time with my grandkids and watching them grow.
Last year I was able to go to Ireland and check it off my bucket list. I would go back again.
