HICKMAN MILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Beverly Vaughn came on board as a ward attendant in October 2009. Bev is also a "local" who graduated from Ruskin High in 2008, and is currently attending Longview Community College working toward an Associate of Arts degree. Bev has a beautiful young son named Leo and she hopes to adopt a puppy as soon as she finds an apartment of her own. Bev is the niece of long-valued employee Melody Wilcox, who encouraged Bev to explore the field of animal science. Growing up, Bev was not allowed to have pets, so working at the hospital has been a tremendous learning experience, which she enjoys.
Dr. R. Scott Carlson is a native of Wichita, KS and a 1997 graduate of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. One of four boys, Dr. Carlson also served honorably in the US Army as a M1-A1 gunner and tank commander from 1986-1990. After graduating from KSUCVM, Dr. Carlson moved to Baltimore to practice, and in January of 2003 met Courtney Lee, whom he married in August of 2005. They now have an amazing 2 year old son named Tanner, who was born in September of 2008. The Carlson family also includes a 3 year old German Shepherd named Carmen, and a 7 year old tuxedo cat, named Tryggie.
Erin Gaar became a staff member in June 2010. Erin is also a life-long Kansas City resident who attended Shawnee Mission North High School. Erin has always loved and cared for animals, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and horses, which is what ultimately led her to seek a position with us. Erin has plans to make a career for herself in veterinary medicine by completing the Veterinary Technician program at Maple Woods Community College.
Melody Wilcox began her career here in 1994. After receiving a B.S. with honors from Purdue University and a M.A. in Audiology from the University of Kansas, Melody realized that her true passion was caring for animals. Born in Johnson City, NY before migrating to Richmond, IN she is a member of a large family which includes 5 sisters and 2 brothers. Melody now has a son of her own, as well as 4 dogs, named Wilma, Mickey, Rose, and Frank; and a kitty named Rayas. Her other interests include spending time with family and friends, bowling, watching movies/TV, forensic science, and collecting carousel horses.
Michelle Weaver is a Certified Animal Groomer who has worked part-time with Hickman Mills Animal Hospital and Grandview Plaza Animal Hospital, which merged with this practice, for ten years. Graduating from Grooming school in Phoenix, Arizona in 1991, Michelle eventually made her way to Missouri in 1998, the same year she married her husband. Her family has since grown to include four sons, one daughter, seven dogs, five cats, and many horses, goats, and pigs. Michelle is an excellent groomer, with a very loyal group of clients.
Job Titles:
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Sarah Roth is a Registered Veterinary Technician and began working here in November 2009. Sarah grew up in Overland Park, KS where she attended Shawnee Mission North High School. Following high school she studied cosmetology and for ten years worked as a hair stylist at Command Performance. While working there, Sarah moonlighted at her family veterinarian and discovered her passion for helping animals. With that new found knowledge she began taking classes at JCCC before entering the Veterinary Technician program at Maple Woods Community College. In 1998 Sarah graduated from MWCC with an Associate of Arts degree in Science with a focus in animal science. Sarah has been married for twelve years and her family has grown to include two children, a Siberian Husky named Solo, a black cat named Savannah, and an American Mastiff named Max, as well as many fish. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, diving and other water sports.
Theo Echols began his tenure in 2005 and has faithfully looked after our lodgers and hospitalized patients ever since. Theo is a 20 year old "local" who attended Ruskin High School. He is one of 12 children, boasting 7 brothers and 4 sisters. Theo's life became exponentially busier on September 16 of this year as he welcomed his first son, J'dyn, to the world. In Theo's spare time (what's left of it) he enjoys card and video games. For the most part though, he just enjoys time with his son.