Staff

Our talented staff is carefully chosen for their caring, professional manner. They bring an array of skills, training, and interests to the team so that your pet receives competent, skilled care, and you receive friendly, concerned attention.

Practice Manager

Nancy Potter joined Olathe Animal Hospital in 1991. As the practice manager, she is in charge of finances, administrative duties, and quality care. Nancy serves on the editorial advisory board of Firstline Magazine, a national publication for veterinary professionals. Nancy has an adopted schnoodle, a papillon, and a 15 year old African Grey Parrot who likes to boss the dogs around! She also has 3 grown children and 2 grandsons. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys gardening and vacationing at the beach. She has a special interest in the human/animal bond and the rewards being a pet owner brings.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT)

Our RVTs have completed an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology and are registered in the state of Kansas. They are dedicated individuals, ready to provide quality and compassionate care to your pet.

	Karla Capper, R.V.T., has been at OAH since 1998. She graduated from the MWCC Veterinary Technician Program in 1992, and has worked in veterinary medicine since 1989. She has a mini aussie who was a rescue dog and her son and daughter have a rotating menagerie of fish, frogs and bugs. Her special interest is in client education, making sure clients have the information they need to take good care of their pets.
	Kenzi Hardy, R.V.T. joined OAH in September 2004. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science and is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She and her husband, Brandon, have two sons, Tyler and Gavin, and live with 1 dog, a leonberger named Dryfus, and 2 cats, Blazer and Hobbs. In her free time she likes horseback riding, scrapbooking and playing soccer.
	Peggy Gregg, R.V.T. has been at OAH since December 2003. She graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in 2003 with an Associate of Applied Science. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician in charge of our Laboratory and Retail Center with a special interest in behavior. She lives with her 4 cats, Maggie, Dobby and Taz,and Lily, and dog, Breeanna. In her spare time she enjoys reading and going to the movies.
	Emily Warne, R.V.T. joined OAH in March of 2006. She graduated from the Maple Woods Vet Tech program in May of 2006. She also holds a BA in Public Relations from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA. She and her husband, Daniel, have 2 dogs: an English mastiff, Satchel, and a lab mix, Bella. They also have 2 cats, Charlie and Kitty and will be adding a new addition to their family this year. In her spare time Emily enjoys playing sports like volleyball and basketball. She also is a huge college basketball fan and especially enjoys cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas Jayhawks.
	Julianna Hegner joined our hospital as a kennel attendant in 2004, worked her way up to a technician assistant, and then graduated from Maple Woods Community College in 2010. "Whether it’s helping give vaccines, prepping an animal for surgery, taking x-rays or drawing blood, it makes me very happy to know that I am making an animal feel better or live healthier." Her dog, Cassie, is an 8 year-old Blue Heeler mix who can walk on her hind legs like a person!

Veterinary Assistants

These employees have received several years training and continuing education. Their love of veterinary medicine and pets brings a special commitment to their care.

	Rachel Weber joined OAH in May, 2006 as a bather and is now working as a technician assistant. When not at OAH, Rachel attends JCCC and takes care of her bulldog, Frida, and numerous cats. Rachel has welcomed the opportunity to work in the veterinary field and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.
	Jessi Whitham has been at OAH since August 2001. She started as the Kennel Manager and is now in charge of surgical preparation. Her main goal at the hospital is to help any human or animal whose life will improve by giving them attention and care as needed. Jessi and her husband, Shane, and the newest addition to their family, Wyatt, love spending quality time with their families and friends. In her free time, Jessi enjoys long walks with her dogs. Her love for animals grows each day and she would love to expand the family with more lovings companions such as horses and dogs. She hopes her children will carry on the love and compassion for animals that she cherishes so deeply.
	Christine Quinn joined OAH in September, 2008, after moving to the area from Arkansas. Christine works in outpatient and is our Pharmacy Team Leader. Her passion is keeping our pets healthy and implementing preventive measures to deter any future health issues. She has had several years of experience in rehabilitation of raptors and other wildlife animals.

Front Office Staff

Our friendly front office staff is eager to welcome you and your pets to our hospital. They are happy to schedule your pet for any services from regular appointments to surgery, boarding or grooming.

	Melissa Coker is an Olathe native and has worked in veterinary care since 2001. She loves spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 cats (Beaumont & Bailey), and a hamster (Melody Belle). She enjoys trying out new restaurants, going to Silver Dollar City with her family, and she has a weakness for Christopher Elbow chocolates!
	Kathy Reiber joined OAH in August of 2005. Kathy has worked in some facet of animal welfare, rescue or veterinary care for 22 years. Kathy and her husband, Ron, live in Gardner, Ks. They have shown dogs together for over 20 years and now share their home with two retired Champion Bull Terriers, "Gemma" and "Sheffield." Horses always being her first passion, Kathy is also the proud owner and exhibitor (Saddleseat) of a champion Friesian gelding, "Oeds fan't Lommerhof."
	Elaine VanGorden joined OAH in January, 2000. She attended Pittsburg State University and holds bachelor degrees in social work and psychology. We refer to Elaine as our "Rescue Queen" because of all the stray and unwanted animals she has placed in new homes. Elaine lives in Overland Park with her two children, Ellie and Jackson. She also shares her home with two cats, a rescued boxer, a guinea pig and a bearded dragon.
	Lori Flores works as a receptionist and has been with OAH since April 2004. Lori is married and has 2 children and shares her home with 2 dogs, a goldendoodle and an English Mastiff that takes up the entire bed, a very honery cat, 3 snakes, and 4 feathered kids that include an eclectus parrot, a rose breasted cockatoo, a cockatiel, and a foster congo african grey. When not at work, she spends her time chasing her kids to various soccer events and keeping house. Lori thoroughly enjoys bird keeping as a hobby as well as shopping for all her furry and feathered kids!

Kennel Staff

Our kennel staff's main responsibility is the care and comfort of your pet while staying at our hospital. The staff takes great pride in the cleanliness of our hospital, making sure pets receive 'tender, loving care', and that any special needs are attended to.

	Kelly Nyffeler joined OAH in July, 2008. She is currently a junior at Blue Valley West High School and is planning to attend KU or K-State after graduation. She has two guinea pigs, Snickers and Doodles. She is considering becoming either a veterinarian or marine biologist.
	Melissa Cutting has worked as a kennel attendant at OAH since June 2008. She graduated from Olathe North High School May 2009 and now attends JCCC. From there she will transfer to KU or KState to pursue a super great career! Melissa has one pet fish named Stahnkevik.
	Jeremy Thelen joined us in Oct. 2009. He is currently attending Blue valley Southwest and will be graduating in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and going to the lake. He has a Golden Retriever named Duke. Jeremy enjoys getting to know all of the pets that stay at OAH.