Welcome to Taylor Veterinary Hospital!

I grew up on an acreage and spent countless time with our menagerie of pets. I remember telling my parents that I was going to be a veterinarian ever since I was eight years old. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 1996 and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Prior to working at Taylor Veterinary Hospital, I was a general practitioner at Ottumwa Veterinary Clinic in Ottumwa, Iowa.

As a veterinarian, I enjoy the variety I see every day; from a physical exam on a healthy kitten, to providing pain management for a dog with a terminal disease, to restoring a sick guinea pig's health, and everything in-between. One of my favorite moments in practice is seeing the expression on an owner's face when they know their sick pet is well again. I also have a special interest in care for senior pets, as well as behavioral medicine/therapy.

My wife and I have three children, four cats, a dog, and have had multiple bunnies. I can't wait to go home to the unconditional love my dog has for me and curl up on the couch with the cats. I belong to the AVMA and IVMA and am an active member of Orchard Hill Church.

I grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. I started working with animals at the age of 16, and came to enjoy the problem solving nature of veterinary medicine. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003. I then went on to graduate from Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.

I practiced small animal medicine for 7 years at East Springs Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, prior to joining the team at Taylor Veterinary Hospital in 2014. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine, but my personal interests include ultrasound, dentistry, and chronic care in elderly pets. The favorite part of my day is to see the bond between a pet and their owner.

My husband and I have 2 children. Our dog Toby is a Terrier Mix.  He keeps us busy with his antics.  Not only does he try to steal food when he can; he also likes to hunt in our yard for vermin.  He tries, but fails to catch the elusive squirrels. 

For as long as I can remember being a veterinarian has always been my dream. I worked hard and after pursuing my undergraduate degree at UNI, I accomplished my goals and received my veterinary degree from ISU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Since then I have been practicing small animal medicine in the Cedar Valley and I am excited to be a part of the wonderful team at Taylor Veterinary Hospital. I recently became certified in the Human/Animal Bond.  I am dedicated to helping my patients get the best care available and always going the extra mile. When not working, I am usually home enjoying quality time with my husband and two daughters, cats and Golden Retrievers.

We have had SO many pets through the years, from cats & dogs to chicken, rabbits, horses & goats!  We currently have THE sweetest Basset Hound named Diesel, Miss Vicious (or “Cat” as my daughter insists is her real name), a corn snake named Jasper, a bearded dragon named Saphira. 

As far back as I can remember, the deep love of pets has been a part of my life.  I also care so much about people and I always try to leave everyone I meet just a little lighter and brighter.  Being able to be a receptionist at Taylor Veterinary Hospital gives me an opportunity to live both of these passions every day!  It’s AMAZING!  I feel so blessed to be here!

I started with Taylor Veterinary Hospital in 2018 as part of my internship with Hawkeye Community College's Veterinary Assistant Program. I started off as a veterinary assistant and then moved to reception and now have most recently become the Office Manager. I have always had a love for animals. While growing up in my parents house I practically counted down the days until I was able to get my very own cat, as my parents were very opposed to having a cat. I grew up with the sweetest Miniature Schnauzer named Doc, who thought he was the ultimate guard dog. I now live with my husband, our daughter, our two cats, and our Australian Shepherd. We stay busy in our free time by spending as much time as we can outside and simply soaking in the sweet days of my daughter's childhood. I'm so happy to be apart of the Taylor Vet family! 

I have always had a love for animals since I was a little girl. I knew I wanted in some way to work with and around them. I love helping fur children and the people that love them. That is my passion. At home I have a house full. Marvin, 6 year old long haired cat, Magee, 4.5 year old short haired cat, Monty and Merlin, 3 year old short haired cats, Ryder, almost 7 year old Redbone Coonhound mix, Youndu, almost 2 year old Pitbull mix and last but not least my daughters short hair hamster, Pickles. Besides the wonderful fur kids in my house I also have my husband, Josh and kids, Aiden and Mia.  All of these amazing fur kids and people bring so much joy to my house. 

The rest of my joy comes from working at Taylor Veterinary Hospital and taking care of all of our wonderful clients and their fur kids. :)

I have always loved learning about animals and have had a passion for being able to help pets and the people that love them.  Now I get the opportunity to care for other's pets.   I currently have a Golden Retriever named Sophie and a Guinea Pig named Phoebe.

I have always wanted to work with animals.  I grew up with a large variety including horses, goats, snakes, lizards, cats, and dogs.  Working at Taylor Vet is like a dream come true. I currently have an Olde English Bulldog named Maximus, a German Shepard/Bulldog Mix mix named Dakota, a Blue Heeler named Athena, 4 cats Nynaeve, Thorin, Esmerelda and LokiNoki, a Bearded Dragon named Saphira, and a Golden Gecko named Artemis.

My first pet as a child was an orange tomcat named Garfield, he was big, fat and lazy and so well loved. He wanted to sleep with me every night, so my dad cut a cat door in my bedroom so that he could come and go as he pleased. He instilled in me a love of animals that helped my transition as the wife of a veterinarian. Chad and I have three kids, Megan, Nathan and Tyler.  We also have a dog named Honey B, and cats named Ash Leigh, Rain Drop, Thunder Bolt and Pumpkin Spice.