My empathetic animal-loving tendencies began early in my childhood. I “snuck” home a handful of newborn mice that I found in a pile of logs. I was about ten when I “rescued” them in my glove and revealed them to my father on the drive home from our farm. Dad dropped me off at home sans the glove full of newborn mice so that he could return them to their home, as he said he would; I still believe today that they grew up happy and healthy and lived fulfilled mice lives. During my teens I “snuck” home dumped dogs as we lived in the country and there were a few now and again. I kept one pup hidden in my room for about a week before my parents discovered him. According to my family, there are endless stories from my childhood of rescue missions to save some critter from the perils of our small community.

My parents have always been animal lovers as well so during my childhood we shared our home with cats and dogs and sometimes a couple pet mice or Gerbil and for a few years we had Parakeets, but I always wanted to take care of more. Our neighbors had horses and so around the age of 12 I started feeding and cleaning stalls for them every morning before school. My dad’s friends had beef cattle so we would go help them several times a year to check their herd with their vet. Even our small community knew my love for animals and would include me in the care of their critters when they could. One of the most exciting things I did when I first moved out on my own was to get my very own dog, a senior Chihuahua named Paco. Since Paco I have had the pleasure to love and care for many critters of my own and continue to have a houseful at all times.

My husband’s breed of choice is the English Bulldog, we typically have a couple of our own or a foster bully; at any given moment the cacophony of snores can be heard around our home which is music to our ears. I love our Bullies, every single one of their stubborn personalities, but the dog that has captured my heart is the German Shepherd Dog. I have a middle-aged black, beautiful male GSD, he is one of the most intelligent animals I have had the pleasure to share a connection with; Homer was adopted from Wayside Waifs and is my best buddy. My husband and I also share our home with a Ragdoll and Siamese cats and two Fancy Goldfish. My husband is a patient man that had never really had a loving connection with animals until he married a veterinarian and now Marc is finally experiencing the deep fulfillment we know as the human-animal bond. The transformation from someone that had never had an animal to someone that loves his dog more than his wife, tongue in cheek but it is possible, has been the exact reason why my life is devoted to the welfare of animals as I thrive off nurturing the connection between animals and their humans.

I am a Gardner, Kansas native and a Rockhurst University graduate where I earned my Bachelors in Biology. For nearly 20 years I have been working with animals in Kansas City, I started at Hecker Animal Clinic as a veterinary assistant and then moved to Internal Medicine and Emergency Critical Care as a veterinary assistant at Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (now Blue Pearl Overland Park). During veterinary school I worked in the ICU for the veterinary teaching hospital as an overnight veterinary assistant. I received my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University Of Missouri College Of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 where I was the elected President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and awarded an academic scholarship for my leadership skill with integrity, character and honesty. I then completed a rotating Medicine and Surgical Internship at Mission Animal Referral and Emergency Center (MAREC) in Merriam, Kansas the following year. I remained on staff at MAREC as the daytime Emergency Clinician where I had the unique advantage to work along-side specialists. This was an incredible opportunity to learn and grow as a doctor.

In 2016 I was invited to join the team at Great Plains SPCA as their Chief Veterinarian; this is where my professional passion for homeless animal welfare was fueled and also where we were named “Best Veterinarian” by The Pitch Best of 2016.

After several years as Chief Veterinarian at Great Plains SPCA I was invited to join the Wayside Waifs’ team as Vice President of Veterinary Services where I was able to truly positively impact the lives of homeless animals and the people who love and care for them. My years in the world of animal welfare and sheltering has opened my heart to some of the most generous, kind, dedicated, loving and compassionate people and those years are an absolute blessing to my life.

After several years loving my work at Wayside Waifs I learned of a clinic, less than 3 miles from my house, where I knew the amazing doctor; I learned in the fall of 2018 that clinic was for sale. Fast forward to now and know that I have proudly purchased a veterinary clinic that has been nurtured and loved for over twenty years by a wonderful veterinarian; we have big shoes to fill following Dr. Annette Frerking. As Dr. Frerking transitions into retirement we not only will miss her dearly and wish her well but we also will be dedicated to upholding her high quality of care for her clients, meeting her exceptional standards and continuing to take care of you and your pet family just like we would our own.

Dr. Sadie Scott is currently serving as the elected Vice President of the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, the immediate past President of the Kansas City Chapter of Be The Change Volunteers, serves on the Veterinary Advisory Board for Companion Protect, is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, serves on the Legislative Committee for the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, is an active mentor to veterinary students in their final year of veterinary school and has lectured at a global conference for veterinarians. Dr. Scott and her husband travel once or twice per year to the most remote impoverished regions of the world to build brick-and-mortar schools to provide the infrastructure for education, these educational mission trips are with the non-profit group, Be The Change Volunteers, where establishing hope and education in the poorest communities across the world is our passion.

Dr. Jennifer McDermott was born and raised in a small community in Northwest Iowa. She attended Iowa State University and obtained her BS in Zoology. She continued her education at Iowa State graduating with her doctorate from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.

She moved to Kansas City and married her husband, Brian, in 1997. They have 3 sons—Jordan, Marshal, and Kieran. They also share their home with a mastiff mix named Goose, a new puppy named Jolene, and two cats, McLintock (orange tabby) and Vivian Grace (Persian).

Dr. Jennifer McDermott was born and raised in a small community in Northwest Iowa. She attended Iowa State University and obtained her BS in Zoology. She continued her education at Iowa State graduating with her doctorate from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.

Dr. McDermott enjoys reading, crafting, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family. She spends most weekends relaxing at their lake house on Lake of the Ozarks.

Dr. Rueb is a graduate of Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been in practice for 10 years. He joined Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee as an associate veterinarian in 2023.

Dr. Rueb is dedicated to providing quality, comprehensive veterinary care for each pet, understanding that your animal is an important member of your family. Dr. Rueb’s strengths include practicing the most current diagnostic and preventative medicine as important components for your pet’s overall wellbeing. He believes in detailed communication to help clients understand their pet’s individual needs, and the importance of thorough physical examinations, oral care, nutrition, and behavior. His goal is to promote the best possible quality of life and longevity for every pet while strengthening the important human-animal bond. Dr. Rueb is out of the office on Tuesdays.

In his free time Dr. Rueb enjoys reading, music, hiking, playing pickleball, doing volunteer work, and spending time with friends, family, and his beloved rescue dog, Gracie.

Dr. Winkley grew up in Lawrence, KS, and attended Kansas State University where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2020. While in veterinary school, she also attained a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. She has a passion for protecting the health and well-being of animals and those who care for them. This passion began at a young age as she never turned down an opportunity to be around animals. She was never able to convince her parents to buy her a horse, but she did use an elementary English class assignment to write a persuasive letter to her parents to get her a hamster. It must have been pretty convincing because several weeks later she got a hamster and named him Buddy. As soon as she turned sixteen she applied to work at a local animal hospital just down the road from her house. She worked as a kennel assistant and then veterinary assistant throughout her high school and early college years. This opportunity solidified her decision to pursue becoming a veterinarian.

Dr. Winkley values providing the highest quality preventative care for your pet while educating and connecting with those who love them best. Emma has strong interests in internal medicine and surgery along with dentistry and dermatology. Dr. Winkley enjoys getting to meet new puppies and kittens, but also has a big heart for providing thorough care to geriatric feline and canine patients to enhance their quality of life and protect the human-animal bond as our pets age. To ensure she stays on top of the most recent advances in veterinary medicine she routinely engages in continuing education. She has attained a Midmark Dentistry Training Certificate, as well as a Sonopath Ultrasound Training Certificate. Dr. Winkley is a member of the KCVMA (Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association), AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners), and the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). Dr. Winkley is out of the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

In addition to having the honor of the title veterinarian, Dr. Winkley also loves the title of wife and mom. She and her husband, Konner, have two sweet little girls named Parker and Colby! On weekends you’d likely catch them outside on a walk, playing fetch with their dog, Ellie (a 6-year-old Blue Heeler/Boxer mix whom Emma brought home from Junior Surgery Lab during her 3rd year of vet school), working on house projects, or strolling around Target or Home Depot. Emma also loves to bake, spend time with friends and family, and is always up for a game of Bananagrams or Boggle. Dr. Winkley is thankful and excited to be a part of the Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee team.

Carla has been in veterinary medicine for over 20 years. She has worked with small animals, exotics and local wildlife to the Pacific Northwest. She has worked in general practices in addition to two specialty practices. She helped a specialty hospital create a clinical training program for clinical staff and was the lead training specialist in the department. Carla has extensive experience in all areas of the hospital, but her heart lies with surgery, anesthesia and analgesia. Her passion is training, teaching, and interacting with the clients and building relationships in the community.

During her time away from work, Carla loves spending time with her family, spending time in nature, and going on hikes with her dogs. Her family is slowly working through a National Park vacation bucket list, and hopes to visit every single one by the time her kids graduate.

Morgan’s love for animals led her to get her degree in veterinary technology. She started her externship in 2014 at Family Pet Hospital and has been there since. She has a quirky, adorable black lab named Midnight who keeps her on her toes. During Morgan’s spare time she likes to hang out with friends, paint, spend time outdoors, and take her dog to the country to swim in the pond and run free.

Brandi is a dedicated Lead CSR with a passion for providing exceptional customer service. With a strong commitment to her role, she excels in creating positive and effective interactions, ensuring customer satisfaction at every turn. Outside of her professional life, Brandi is an avid runner and enjoys the thrill of antique shopping, always on the lookout for unique and timeless treasures. She is also a proud mom of three delightful wiener dogs, who bring joy and energy to her daily life. Brandi's enthusiasm for life and work is evident in everything she does, making her a standout in both her career and personal endeavors. Despite the challenges life may bring, she remains resilient and continues to thrive.

Outside of her professional life, Brandi is an avid runner and enjoys the thrill of antique shopping, always on the lookout for unique and timeless treasures.

She is also a proud mom of three delightful wiener dogs, who bring joy and energy to her daily life. Brandi's enthusiasm for life and work is evident in everything she does, making her a standout in both her career and personal endeavors. Despite the challenges life may bring, she remains resilient and continues to thrive.

Introducing Bessie, our esteemed Manager of Feline O-purr-ations! With a plush physique and an undeniable charm, Bessie brings a unique blend of comfort and charisma to our workspace. As the reigning monarch of the office cushions, she effortlessly blends professionalism with the purr-fect touch of feline finesse.

Bessie, a connoisseur of leisure, has mastered the art of strategic napping, strategically positioning herself to provide a sense of calm in the midst of hectic deadlines. Her keen instincts for locating the sunniest spots in the office contribute not only to her personal well-being but also to the overall positive atmosphere she graciously imparts upon the entire team.

Beyond her role as a seasoned nap strategist, Bessie excels in fostering a collaborative and stress-free work environment. Colleagues find solace in her company during demanding moments, and her gentle purring has become the unofficial soundtrack to many successful projects.

As the official “Curator of Comfort,” Bessie not only embraces her role but elevates it to an art form. Her friendly demeanor, combined with her round and roly-poly appearance, makes her an endearing and integral member of our office family. Bessie, the embodiment of professionalism with a touch of fluff, continues to inspire us all to find joy in the little moments and to appreciate the delightful purr-spectives she brings to our daily grind.

Marge’s love for animals started at a young age with her bringing home countless strays and injured animals, much to her parents dismay. After working at a local animal shelter for a handful of years, she decided to join the veterinary medicine field and absolutely loves it! Marge’s three footed Chihuahua, Olive, and feisty Border Collie, Millie, keep her busy while she’s not at the clinic. In her spare time, Marge can oftentimes be found hiking with her pups, soaking up time with her family, or enjoying local vineyards with friends. If you have a spicy Chihuahua, just know Marge will be their best friend!

Traci has always had an admiration for animals, whether it be nursing bottle feed kittens back to health or convincing her mom to take in a malnourished puppy from a Walmart parking lot. Growing up, she always thought she wanted to be a veterinarian. During undergrad at K-State, she quickly realized veterinary nursing was more in line with her passions. In 2013, Traci started at Wayside Waifs as a veterinary assistant while she earned her Veterinary Assistant Certification. Traci worked hard and was promoted to Clinic Manager at Wayside Waifs. In 2020, she started a new adventure as Kansas City Pet Project's Clinic Manager. While animal shelter medicine will always have a special place in her heart, her family will always take first place. Traci decided in 2022 to take a step back from sheltering and management to start a new journey in private practice. This transition has allowed more stress free time at home with her husband and 2 young sons. Once her boys have gotten older, she hopes to go back to school to finish earning her degree to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. In the meantime, Traci will tap into her 10 years of hands on experience to provide the best care possible to your furry friends, especially all the spicy kitties!

Bio Coming Soon!

Sara is currently a Customer Service Representative (CSR) at Family Pet Hospital, where she excels in assisting pet owners and ensuring the best care for their furry companions. With a career dedicated to animal welfare, Sara brings over a decade of experience working with animals.

Sara began her professional journey in 2013, working at PetSmart taking care of animals. Sara has honed her skills in handling and caring for animals in various challenging situations in her previous work as an animal control officer. Her deep understanding of animal behavior and her commitment to their well-being have been pivotal in her career.

Sara currently serves as Board Treasurer for the Missouri Animal Control Association, and serves as head of the board’s legislation committee.

Beyond her professional life, Sara has three adopted kids and is an avid outdoors enthusiast. She enjoys camping, fishing, and working on cars. These hobbies reflect her love for nature and hands-on activities, showcasing her versatile interests and skills.

Sara’s dedication to her work and her passion for the outdoors make her a well-rounded and compassionate individual, deeply committed to both her professional responsibilities and personal interests.

Emily joined the Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee team in 2024 as the clinic’s passionate surgery assistant, dedicated to the wellbeing of animals. Emily’s journey in animal medicine began at the Lawrence Humane Society, where she supported the medical staff team, animal services team, and served as an on-call animal services officer for Douglas County responding to after-hours calls for emergency services. This is where her love for animals blossomed into a career.

Driven by a desire to further her education, Emily made the transition from animal sheltering and public safety to generalized private practice veterinary medicine and while continuing her studies. Emily is currently undergoing studies to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Emily hopes to specialize in emergency medicine. Her passion lies in providing swift and effective care to animals in critical situations.

Outside of work, Emily’s commitment to animals extends to her own furry family. She shares her home with her partner and three cats. Each of their pets have a unique story and different special needs. Emily’s dedication to her pets is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their health and happiness. She has even assisted in surgeries for two of her cats, providing them with the love and care they need to thrive.

With her blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication, Emily is a valued member of Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee, making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners every day.

Kelly joined the team in April of 2024. Previous to her role as a Customer Service Representative at Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee, Kelly has spent the majority of her career working in customer service and customer experience. While Kelly has experience in the human health sector, her switch to animal health and veterinary medicine is a new transition and one she is very excited about.

Kelly and her family share a love for animals. Kelly has a seven grandpuppies and she puppy sits quite often, providing all the love and support she can. When Kelly is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Kelly also enjoys her quiet time and can be found spending her evenings relaxing while watching TV or doing puzzles. Kelly hopes to add some travel to her leisure time and wants to explore anywhere within driving distance.

Natalie is a current veterinary technician student in MCC Maple Woods Veterinary Technology program and is set to graduate in May 2025. She graduated in 2021 from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s in Communication. Prior to joining the veterinary field, she worked for four years in animal welfare and volunteer coordination at KC Pet Project, Columbia Second Chance, and MeowLuxe Cat Hotel. She has fostered 30 cats, and has two of her own cats, Martini and Itty Bitty, who are foster fails. She enjoys reading, thrifting, and yoga, and hopes to one day own a little hobby farm with various barn animals.

Stephanie joined the Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee team in 2024. Stephanie is a Certified Veterinary Assistant, a certification that she received in December of 2019. Stephanie started working as an veterinary assistant in 2020 and has maintained her passion for veterinary medicine ever since. Stephanie is currently enrolled in school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Stephanie is the proud pet parent of two dogs and one cat, and is the proud mother of two human children who are her whole world. In her free time Stephanie hosts random dance parties and karaoke with her kids, takes family hikes in the park, and when she can, Stephanie enjoys her favorite pastime-taking trips with the whole family, pets and humans alike, to visit long-distant family members who live further away.