Business Development and Administration Manager

Mara grew up in Medicine Lodge, KS where she met her now husband, Jake. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelors degree in history. They have a daughter, a son, and two dogs: Stella their rescue and Poppy their Golden Retriever. They moved to Wichita after Mara’s husband Jake completed medical school in Kansas City and he is currently a family medicine resident in the Via Christi hospitals. Mara’s interest of animals began at an early age when she showed horses and other various animals in 4H. At the time they had 2 dogs, 4 cats, and 6 horses. She then volunteered at an animal rescue in Kansas City fostering homeless dogs until they found a home – the same rescue they got Stella from the day after they were married. In her free time Mara likes to spend time with her family, travel, cook, and watch the Chicago Blackhawks and KU Jayhawks.

Office Manager

Katelyn grew up in Clearwater, KS and moved to Kechi after marrying her husband, Austin. They live there with their daughter, and their two dogs, two cats, and several reptiles. Katelyn’s interest in animals started when working at a dog boarding facility where she quickly fell in love with rescue work and earned her certification in dog grooming. She plans to continue her education with animals in the veterinary field.

Veterinary Assistant

Georgia grew up in Valley Center, KS and found a passion in caring for animals at a young age. She especially took interest in dogs, cats, reptiles, and small rodents. She then completed a veterinary assistant program through an animal behavior college and plans to pursue a degree as a veterinary technician in the future. She has two dogs, Orvis and Ryder, Jack Russell Terrier mixes and she loves spending as much time with them as possible, going on walks, getting pup cups and going to the dog park. She also enjoys spending time with family, learning new things, organizing and cleaning and collecting water bottles and coffee cups.

Kennel Attendant

Gracie grew up in both Valley Center, Kansas and Aiken, South Carolina and has never lived without a pet in her life. Her mom introduced her to pet care at a young age and she was able to buy her first pet, her guinea pigs Cowlick and Layne, at the age of 15. It definitely runs in her family as her sister Georgia is a member of our team as well! In her free time she loves to hike and travel, and would love to go into photography as some of her best pictures are of animals.

Owner/Veterinarian

Dr. Elder grew up in Valley Center, graduated from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine and is thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to serve the community he calls home. After graduating from vet school, he and his wife, Natalie, settled in Greenville, SC near her family for almost five years where he was an associate veterinarian in a progressive small animal practice. During his time there, Dr. Elder pursued additional training in veterinary dentistry and dermatology. He emphasizes regular wellness care as the best way to keep your animal companions healthy, and he has special interests in pain management and geriatric care.

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Elder enjoys spending time with his wife, their two energetic boys, and their little girl. You may find Dr. Elder sipping coffee, reading, playing the piano, riding a horse, cooking, hunting with his brothers, or exploring the great outdoors with his family. Beatrix, the family’s dog, spends her days herding the boys and attempting to herd their cats (Flower, Kristof, Orville, and Wilbur).

Veterinarian

Dr. Cindy Payne-Robertson grew up in the Valley Center area and graduated from Valley Center High School. Her interest in animals and medicine very naturally led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After earning her BS in agriculture, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 from Kansas State University. Dr. Cindy has spent her career in progressive small animal practices, focusing on canine and feline medicine and surgery. She has served Kansas veterinarians for many years as president of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association and as a board member of the KVMA. Dr. Cindy and her husband Curt are outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying cycling, hiking, and backpacking. Dr. Cindy also enjoys spending time with her four-legged children. These include six horses, a miniature donkey, four dogs, and four cats.

Veterinary Technician/Operations and Maintenance Manager

Chelsea grew up in Potwin and graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture. Her interest in animals began at an early age after showing dairy cattle for 4H and owning dogs. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys playing horseshoes, riding horses and working cattle, spending time with family, going to rodeos, and watching old Western movies.

Veterinary Technician/ Inventory and Personnel Manager

Caila was raised in Missouri and moved to Newton, KS when she was 11. She currently lives in Valley Center with her husband Devehn, daughter, and their two fur babies, Atlas, their Golden Retriever and Kyra their Husky.

Caila has always loved animals and always had pets growing up and her passion led to her career as a veterinary technician. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the zoo, going to wineries, binge watching Netflix, and journaling.