AVENUE OF THE SAINTS ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
It makes perfect sense that Dr. Mallen would become a veterinarian - after all, she quite literally grew up in the clinic! She developed a love for animals and the practice of veterinary medicine at a young age. Her mother, Dr. Phyllis Frost-Strain, opened the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in 1995 and still practices here today. Jami grew up a few miles outside of Plainfield, Iowa. She started her veterinary career as a Technician here at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in 2007, gaining valuable experience in veterinary school. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wartburg College, majoring in Biology, before getting her DVM degree from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Upon graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Mallen quickly transitioned into a position alongside her mother.
Dr. Mallen has a special passion for internal medicine and loves the problem-solving approach it requires. She especially enjoys doing abdominal ultrasounds. She also loves doing new patient exams and helping a pet owner seamlessly transition their new furry friend into the home. Since introducing dental radiographs, she has also developed a great appreciation for dentistry and maintaining your pet's oral health.
Outside of her veterinary interests, Dr. Mallen loves being active outdoors with her family by four-wheeling, kayaking, hiking, and traveling across the United States in their RV. She also enjoys do-it-yourself projects around the home, especially when she can turn an old, tattered item into something beautiful. Jami also likes to read and quilt when she gets the chance. Jami is married to her wonderful husband, John, a Regional President for Woodruff Construction. They have three children: Harper, Addyson, and Caden. Together, they have a Bernese Mountain dog, Beau, and five cats, Carson, Dice, Honey, Minnie, and Felix.
When asked which dog breed she identifies most with, she chose a Labrador Retriever. However, she would not own one because she prefers a mellow, lazy dog. Like a Lab, she is athletic, loyal, friendly, enthusiastic, happy, and intelligent.
Dr. Kortney Terrell grew up in Aplington, Iowa, and graduated from Aplington-Parkersburg High School in 2013. Surrounded by sheep, goats, a dog, and a couple of horses, she developed a strong love for animals early in life. Her passion continued to grow through years of active involvement in 4-H, where she discovered her calling in veterinary medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2017, majoring in Biology with minors in Bible and Chemistry. Dr. Terrell went on to graduate from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. After graduation, she spent four years practicing as a mixed animal veterinarian. She and her husband recently returned to the area to be closer to family as they raise their daughter. Dr. Terrell is excited to be part of the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital team and looks forward to building relationships with clients while helping their pets live long, healthy lives.
Outside of work, Dr. Terrell enjoys spending time with her husband, Jake, their daughter, Charlotte, and their three dogs: Lilly (a Mini Aussie), Mabel (an English Mastiff), and Benji (an Australian Shepherd). The family loves traveling, hiking, and spending time outdoors together.
Growing up on a dairy farm near Plainfield, Iowa, Dr. Strain was surrounded by animals from an early age. In addition to the cattle, horses, hogs, chickens, dogs, and cats she regularly spent time with, she would also bring home plenty of wild animals to save! As she got older, Dr. Strain realized that a career in animal care was the only path for her. Dr. Strain first attended a Veterinary Technology program at Northeast Missouri State University, graduating in 1980. She worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for eight years. Then, in 1988, she returned to school at Wartburg College. Dr. Strain graduated with honors and a Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1990. Afterward, Dr. Strain was accepted into Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her degree with top honors in 1994. Shortly after that, she opened Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital! Her expertise includes soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, canine reproduction, chiropractic work, and acupuncture.
Dr. Strain has three children. Her daughter, Dr. Jami Mallen, is also a veterinarian and works with her mother at the clinic! Her son, Jacob, currently serves in the Air Force. Dr. Strain's youngest daughter, Jordyn, is in high school and is also interested in becoming a veterinarian. She and Jordyn share their home with two Shetland Sheepdogs, a Collie, a Yorkshire Terrier, three indoor Cornish Rexes, and two barn cats. Dr. Strain's husband, Carter, lives in Clinton, Louisiana, where she travels every two weeks to spend time with him. They share their hobby of riding horses and trail rides throughout the United States. They have several horses: Quarter horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Rocky Mountain horses, and one miniature horse that belongs to Jordyn.
When asked which dog breed she identifies most with, she chose a Shetland Sheepdog or a Collie. She is active and always on the go! As a veterinarian, she also likes to identify with the intelligence of both breeds.
Dr. Mack has pretty much always known she wanted to be a veterinarian! She has had cats since she was born, then gradually added dogs, hamsters, gerbils, fish, and reptiles. When she was five years old, she discovered what a veterinarian was, and at that moment, she knew she could be nothing else! She obtained her undergraduate degree at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and then attended veterinary school at Iowa State University. She is now licensed to practice medicine and write health certificates in Iowa. Dermatology and behavior are her special areas of interest in veterinary medicine. She would love to learn more about dentistry and nutrition.
In her free time, Dr. Mack enjoys reading, baking, swimming somewhere warm, and walking. Dr. Mack has a husband named Josh, who doesn't realize there are only 24 hours in a day, so he takes on many endeavors and projects! She has four children: Carter, Lucas, Madison, and Charlotte. Dr. Mack also has a black Labrador Retriever (who can sometimes be seen around the clinic) named Cosmo and four domestic shorthair cats named Monkey, Charlie, Midnight, and Snickers.
When asked which dog breed she resonates with, Dr. Mack chose a Golden Retriever because they're friendly with everyone, have a happy personality, and are easygoing.
Dr. Wedeking completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, in the fall of 2009. She graduated with a Biology-Health Professions major and a Chemistry minor. She then graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She practiced mixed animal medicine for three years after graduation. Then, she joined the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service in 2017, where she practiced regulatory medicine for six years. While practicing regulatory medicine was unique and enjoyable in some ways, Dr. Wedeking missed being a part of that human-animal bond that led her to become a veterinarian in the first place. In 2023, Dr. Wedeking returned to the general medicine field and joined the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital team. Dr. Wedeking looks forward to meeting new clients and providing their pets with the care and treatments they need to stay healthy and safe.
Outside her veterinary interests, Dr. Wedeking enjoys kayaking, reading, and gardening. Dr. Wedeking lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Matthew, and their daughter, Clara. They have a large six-month-old lab-mix puppy named Manny; six (and counting) farm cats (each with a given name); an indoor cat, Sunny; two goats, Dixie and Violet; and two pigs.
Samantha has known she wanted to work with animals all her life. Her family grew up with Labrador Retrievers, and the breed has always been special to her. In middle school, she had the opportunity to do an internship at a veterinary clinic, and that was when she decided that being in the field of veterinary medicine was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Samantha is attending Iowa State University to obtain a degree in Animal Science. The curriculum she is studying will allow her to apply for veterinary school once she graduates with her Bachelor's Degree. She has been employed with Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital since December 2020. She has enjoyed having hands-on experiences relatable to what she's learning while away at school.
Tiger Lily was found outside Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital's Waverly location in March 2019. Upon discovery, Dr. Mallen quickly diagnosed Tiger Lily with frostbite on her tail. A few weeks later, Dr. Strain spayed her and amputated part of her tail. Today, Tiger Lily is a healthy, spunky asset to the ASAH family! She loves attention (on her own terms!), especially from her favorite person, Anastasia. One of her favorite activities is eating - she will even bite open food bags to get what she wants! On a normal day, Tiger Lily can be found relaxing on her cat tree, in her condo, or in her special cubby behind the front desk next to Anastasia. While Tiger Lily chose to live at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital, she is not a fan of other animals whatsoever!
When asked which dog breed Tiger Lily resonates with, she expressed disgust. She said she's like her breed, a Domestic Shorthair, because they can be independent and resilient. They are feisty animals, but Domestic Shorthairs love their families!