Doctors
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Zach Whitehead, DVMDr. Whitehead grew up in the Washington, Missouri area where he attended Saint Francis Borgia Regional High School. He then attended the University of Missouri where he completed his undergraduate studies and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 2008. After receiving his D.V.M. degree, he completed an intensive small animal internship at Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Austin Texas. There, he received additional training in such fields as surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, and emergency and critical care. Dr. Whitehead, his wife Melissa, and their daughter Brynlee live with their three dogs: Weller - a rottweiler; Wendy - a pomeranian; Payton - a beagle, and their 4 cats, Deja, Palmer, Pearl, and Daphne. They also have two morgan horses: Boo and Strawberry. He is a diehard St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis City SC, and Missouri Tiger fan. Dr. Whitehead became owner of Ellisville Veterinary Hospital in September of 2019.
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Mindy Walstra-Hummel, DVMDr. Mindy Walstra-Hummel graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. Since that time she has been practicing companion animal medicine in a variety of roles. From full-time veterinarian to relief veterinarian, she has had many experiences that have shaped and honed her skills as general practitioner today. Her special interests in Veterinary medicine include; upholding and strengthening the human-animal bond, building relationships with her patients and their families, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, and client education.
In her spare time, Dr. Mindy enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband and two sons, Willem and Ian. She also enjoys beekeeping, trail running, swimming, mountain biking, and cheering on St. Louis City SC. Mindy is welcomed home by her menagerie of pets: crested gecko (Geico), green-cheeked conure (Penny), coonhound mix (Murray), dachshund (Chester), and a cat (Livvy).
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Doug Krofft, DVMDr. Krofft is originally from St. Joseph MO., graduated from the University Of Missouri School Of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. He previously attended Missouri University at Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation from veterinary college, Dr. Krofft joined the Ellisville Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Krofft has served as the vice president, president and board member of the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association. He lives in Ballwin with his wife. They share their home with one dog, Louise. Doug enjoys spending time with his family, attending church, sports, waterskiing, and is an avid reader.
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Craig Hummel, DVMDr. Hummel received his veterinary degree from Purdue University and was in private practice in the Chicago suburbs for 7 years before moving to St. Louis. Professionally, Dr. Hummel has many interests but greatly enjoys surgery, getting to know patients and clients, and equipping clients with all of the tools and information necessary to care for their furry companions. He currently has two dogs of his own and enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, biking, camping, gardening and spending time with his wife and two boys.
Leadership
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Alexandra WrightHospital ManagerAlex started her journey with EVH in 2009 as a client care specialist and moved to Hospital Manager in 2015. She enjoys her time outside of work going on adventures with her husband daughter Lillian, crafting, thrifting, and attending concerts. Alex is a 'swiftie' at heart and huge fan of St. Louis City SC and regularly attends games with her husband Jeremy. At home, Alex is continuously loved by four rescue pets, a pomeranian named Stella and three cats, Bucky, Olive, and Fig.
Technicians
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Kelly CollinsLead Registered Veterinary TechnicianKelly has put in her time and dedication with EVH since 2008. Outside of EVH, Kelly has her wonderful son Brody and her beautiful daughter, Rowan, to keep her busy! She loves to spend her time baking, reading, relaxing and visiting Missouri wineries with friends, family, and her husband Chad. Kelly’s home is increased with love by her two rescue pit-bulls Kona and Clyde.
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Jaime PealoRegistered Veterinary TechnicianJaime joined the Ellisville Team spring of 2017 after graduating from Hickey College. When not lovingly caring for patients, Jaime spends her time gardening, crafting, and is our resident Iced Coffee Expert. Jaime’s home is increased with love by her boxer/pitbull mix Trina and her rescue cat Emi.
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Casey PeggRegistered Veterinary TechnicianCasey was welcomed to the EVH team in the Fall of 2017. She is greeted daily by her shiba-inu Charlie, lab mix Axel, and a chihuahua mix named Ginger. When not caring for patients, Casey enjoys painting, attending concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
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Scott CarlsonRegistered Veterinary TechnicianScott joined the EVH team in the summer of 2018 after graduating from Midwest Institute. Although Scott does not have any pets at home, he is constantly loved by the many patients he treats on a daily basis! Scott spends his free time with family and friends but his favorite is his niece Charlie. Scott also enjoys gaming and all things that are encompassed with the heroic comic and cinematic universe.
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Ashten TraynorVeterinary TechnicianAshten joined the EVH team in summer of 2022 after graduating from Jefferson College. When not caring for patients, she enjoys hiking, thrifting, traveling and spending time with her husband, friends and family . At home she cares for her rambunctious and loving golden retriever Weston.
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Josie StringerVeterinary AssistantJosie was welcomed to the EVH team in winter of 2021. When not assisting our patients, Josie enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, and snuggling up with her two lab's Moose and Dolly.
Client Care Specialists
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Sarah PolysHead Client Care SpecialistSarah joined the EVH team in the fall of 2017. She is continuously loved by her many rescue pets, a boston terrier named Mila, border collie Lillie, and pitbull mix Delilah. She additionally has three rescue cats, Millie, Milo, and Oliver. When not caring for clients at EVH, Sarah enjoys exploring local eateries, attending movies, and spending time with her husband, close family, and friends.
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Kelli MenosClient Care SpecialistKelli was welcomed to the EVH team summer of 2019. Each day Kelli is welcomed home by Elsa, a german shepherd and Roman, a lab mix. When not assisting our clients and patients, Kelli enjoys spending time with her two children, Tanner & Jack, and breathing all things Blue's Hockey.
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Ryan TyczkaClient Care SpecialistRyan joined the EVH team in the spring of 2023 and has been in the vet industry since 2020. Ryan is loved by two dogs, Duke a chihuahua mix and Gus Gus a Pug. When not caring for the clients and patients of EVH, Ryan enjoys spending time with her close friends, playing pokemon go, and is a passionate Buffalo Bills fan.
Veterinary Assistants
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Lauren GockleyVeterinary AssistantLauren was welcomed to the EVH team summer of 2019. Each day after work, Lauren is loved by her three rescue cats Hamilton, Eliza, and Sprout. Outside of assisting our clients, Lauren enjoys reading, podcasts, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.
Grooming
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Sydney ZarateGroomerSydney joined the EVH team summer of 2020. She is continuously loved by her pitbull Nala and the sweetest outdoor cat. When not beautifying all the dogs and cats at Ellisville, Sydney enjoys exploring local eateries around STL, crafting, and relaxing with family and friends.