Our Support Staff
Jennifer,
Office Manager
My family and I moved into the area 15 years ago, after having lived in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. My husband, Tom, and I have two daughters, Rachel and Maggie. I am a happy grandmother of 3 beautiful granddaughters. My family is owned by two cats named Jasper and Junie. Over the last 25 years, I have worked in a variety of positions at veterinary clinic in Minnesota, Oklahoma and Iowa. When I am not at work, I enjoy reading, gardening and shopping.
In Memory of Romeo, 2005-2019.
Romeo joined our staff back in May of 2012. He lived a life of luxury and surrounded by women. He enjoyed sleeping, more sleeping, eating wet food, and being grouchy. He spent most of his time being a great desk ornament, but did not mind a ear scratch or two.
Sam,
Head RVT
I graduated from the Kirkwood Vet tech program in 2011. I currently live in Cedar Rapids with my two dogs (Magnus and Dougal), two cats (Seamus and Siobhan), one guinea pig (PigPig) and I also have a horse named Muffin Man. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, spending time with friends and family, jamming out to BTS, and attending indoor soccer games.
Dean (They/Them),
RVT
I graduated from the Muscatine Community College Vet Tech program in 2016 and have been working as a registered veterinary technician since then. I am non-binary and use they/them pronouns. When I’m not working I like to spend my free time playing video games and spending time with my cats.
Kayla,
RVT
I love this field and the work I do. I became a Certified Veterinary Technician from Kirkwood’s program in 2017. I have since spent time in both small animal primary medicine and working in a specialty/emergency setting. When I am not at work trying to soak up as much knowledge and experience as possible I am probably with my fur babies.
Elysia,
Veterinary Assistant
I grew up in a small town in southeast Iowa. I spent 2 years at Iowa State studying Animal Science. This is where I learned I wanted to work in the veterinary field. I then transferred to Kirkwood and graduated in 2017 with my Veterinary Assistant certificate. I have since settle down in another small town with my daughter, and three cats; Lorelai, Prudence, and Kermit. When I’m not spending time with my family and friends I enjoy shopping, antiquing, and watching Christmas movies.
Hannah,
Veterinary Assistant
I graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program at Kirkwood in 2018. I am from West Branch but currently live in Riverside with my fiancé, son, and year-old daughter. We share our home with four dogs, Spryo, Chloe, Kiba and Haku; three cats, Bella, Midge, and Freyha, and a few fish. I like to spend time with my family, watching my favorite TV shows, introducing my daughter to BTS, and petting corgis.
Branda,
Veterinary Assistant
I graduated from Kirkwood’s Veterinary Assistant program in 2019 and I’ve been working with Animal Kingdom since. I currently live with my boyfriend, 5 dogs; Cisco, Akuma, Koko, and Floyd, Denji, 3 cats; Jazz, Stormy, and Tora, and 3 lovable ferrets. I enjoy watching TV/anime, reading manga, and spending time with friends.
Brandy,
Lead Customer Service Representative
I graduated from Kirkwood’s Veterinary Assistant Program in 2019. I have been with Animal Kingdom since June of 2020. I was born and raised in Williamsburg. I have two cats, Conan and Nala. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading and watching tv/movies.
Kaleigh,
Veterinary Assistant
I grew up in Iowa City around cats and dogs, then moved into North Liberty when I was older. I received my Veterinary Assistant certification at Kirkwood in 2020 and I completed my internship here. Now I have two cats and several fish at home. I love to write, sing (badly), listen to BTS, and play video games in my free time.
Katie,
Veterinary Technician
I grew up in southern Wisconsin and moved to Iowa in 2020. I graduated from Penn Foster’s veterinary technician program in early 2023 and plan on taking my board exams this spring. Aside from working with dogs and cats, I really like working with large animals and have horses of my own. In my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, training/riding my horses, and spending time with my husband Levi.
Octavianna,
Veterinary Assistant
I graduated as an assistant from the Animal Behavior College online course and have been working in the Veterinary field since 2017. I love my job and am passionate about animal care, training, and exotic pets, specifically reptiles. I live locally with my boyfriend and our pack of dogs. I am excited to continue to grow and learn more about this exciting, always changing field. I have a huge soft spot for German Shepherds!
