MISSION VETERINARY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Surgical Resident / View Profile
Annie Marquiss, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio. For her undergraduate, Dr. Marquiss remained local, where she attended the University of Miami, Ohio, and received two degrees in Zoology and French. Dr. Marquiss attended Michigan State University, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2019.
Following her collegiate career, Dr. Marquiss had a rotating internship in Tampa, FL. Dr. Annie Marquis has always had a peak interest in becoming a surgeon. Following her initial internship, she took on two separate surgical internships in Dayton, OH, and New Orleans, LA. After completing these programs, Dr. Marquiss joined our Mission and Overland Park Veterinary Emergency and Specialty teams in 2022, where she is one of our two exceptional Surgery Residents.
Dr. Marquiss has many hobbies: tending to her plants, reading, crafting, and traveling. She also enjoys spending time with her three kitties: Demios, the God of Terror; Typhon, the God of Nightmares; and Iris, the Goddess of Rainbows.
Charlotte Marquis BVM&S (Hons.), MS, DACVAA, MRCVS, is a board-certified specialist in veterinary anesthesia & analgesia. She has been with the MVES/OPVES team since 2022.
A Boston native, Dr. Marquis attended veterinary school at the University of Edinburgh (UK) and graduated with distinction in 2018. She completed her rotating internship at 1st Pet Veterinary Centers in Phoenix, AZ, in 2019 and her veterinary anesthesia & analgesia residency at the University of Missouri (MU) in 2022. As a part of her training, Dr. Marquis anesthetized many unique patients, including working K9s, venomous snakes, and birds of prey. She has enjoyed working on additional qualifications since residency, earning a Master's Degree from MU and becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in 2024. In all of her spare time, Dr. Marquis started a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with Emphasis in Emergency & Critical Care (CertAVP ECC) with the Royal Veterinary College (UK).
Dr. Marquis works with all clinical sections of our hospital and believes collaborative care is the best way to treat patients. Her clinical interests include locoregional anesthesia, critical care medicine, and teaching. When not in clinics, Dr. Marquis enjoys hiking in National Parks, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She is a retired racehorse fanatic and has hiked the Grand Canyon annually since 2019.
Job Titles:
- Veterinary Specialist DVM, PhD, DACVS, Surgery
Dr. David Allen, Veterinary Specialist DVM, Ph.D., DACVS, received his degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He then went on to complete an internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He then went on to complete a three-year small animal residency and earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Along with lecturing internationally, nationally, regionally, and locally, he has also authored multiple manuscripts on cardiovascular physiology and small animal surgery. Dr. Allen eventually made his way back to his home state of Kansas where he founded Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty (1993) and Overland Park Veterinary Emergency and Specialty (2021). In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Adam Houghton earned his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Houghton began his journey with us as an exceptional participant in the NVA/Ethos ER Mentorship Program. During this time, he demonstrated a strong commitment to emergency and critical care, seamlessly transitioning into his current role as a full-time emergency veterinarian for both of our hospitals.
His clinical interests include focused abdominal ultrasound and therapeutic procedures like thoracic and pericardial effusion taps. Dr. Houghton prioritizes thorough client communication, taking time to connect with pet owners and ensure they fully understand their pets' treatment plans and options. His philosophy is simple: provide high-quality patient care and up-to-date, accurate information for families.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Houghton enjoys cooking, baking, and exploring new restaurants in the Kansas City area. He also loves spending time with his three dogs-Hewie, Baer, and Drake. Fun fact: Dr. Houghton grew up just a few miles from our Overland Park hospital and remembers when the area was still open fields!
Dr. Houghton is a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and is excited to serve the pets and families of our community.
Dr. Alex Thorn was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Her journey in veterinary medicine began with her undergraduate studies at The University of Findlay, where she earned degrees in both Animal Science and Biology. She then pursued her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at The University of Missouri in Columbia.
Dr. Thorn's passion for helping animals was evident from a young age. Her parents played a significant role in nurturing this passion, providing unwavering support throughout her educational journey. Their influence and encouragement were instrumental in her decision to become a veterinarian, allowing her to transform her childhood dream into a fulfilling career.
While Dr. Thorn initially did not envision a career in emergency veterinary medicine, her path took a decisive turn during her third year of veterinary school. During this time, she discovered a love for the variety and excitement that comes with working in the ER. As an assistant in the ER at her school, she thrived in a dynamic environment, appreciating the diversity of cases and the constant need for quick thinking and adaptability.
During her studies, Dr. Thorn further solidified her commitment to emergency medicine through several ER externships. These experiences provided invaluable hands-on learning and confirmed her desire to specialize in this fast-paced field. She finds immense satisfaction in the challenges and unpredictability of ER work, where every day brings new opportunities to significantly impact the lives of animals and their owners.
Dr. Thorn's dedication to her patients and her enthusiasm for continuous learning and growth make her an exceptional member of our veterinary team. Her approach to veterinary medicine is characterized by a deep commitment to providing high-quality care and support to both animals and their families.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Thorn enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new outdoor activities.
Dr. Alyssa Burcham, DVM, Emergency, Critical care is another member of our team who received her Bachelor of Science degree and Veterinary Doctorate from Iowa State University. While earning her degree, she worked at a referral hospital where she developed a love for the fast-paced feel and wide array of cases that come along with emergency and specialty animal clinics. After moving to Kansas City, she was able to pursue this passion by joining the Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty team where she enjoys seeing new types of cases and being able to provide top-quality care, treatments, and diagnostics. As an MVES and OPVES team member, she wears many hats and is helpful in multiple areas of our facilities.
In her free time, Dr. Burcham shares a home with her significant other, Ryan, her sweet hound Abe, and her two kitties Finkle and Einhorn. In her free time, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure, finding all the new places to eat, indoor rock climbing, and puzzling.
Job Titles:
- Surgical Resident / View Profile
Dr. Bo Barillo joins our team from Charleston, South Carolina. He is a third-year surgical resident and will complete his residency in July 2025.
Dr. Barillo earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. He then pursued a Small Animal Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, FL, completing it in July 2018. His dedication to advancing his surgical expertise led him to complete three additional surgical internships: at Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center in Dallas, TX (July 2019), Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in East Lansing, MI (July 2020), and Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Stillwater, OK (July 2022).
Dr. Barillo is keenly interested in wounds and reconstruction, fracture repair, and developmental orthopedic disease.
A lifelong lover of dogs and the outdoors, Dr. Barillo enjoys woodworking and tinkering with various projects in his free time. When he is not in the hospital, Dr. Barillo loves exploring the great outdoors with his wife, Jesse, and their black Labrador Retriever, Lily.
Dr. Brady Boyle, DVM, Emergency, Critical Care received his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. He went on to spend two years in a rural mixed animal program. During his time in this program, he treated and cared for a variety of patients- from a 3 pound Yorkshire Terrier to a 3,000 pound bull. His main focus is on preventive health care, but also took an interest in treating toxicology cases and performing acute wound management.
He then joined the Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty team in 2014 as an Emergency Veterinarian. Being an Emergency Vet, Dr. Boyle sees a wide range of emergency cases and is motivated to return patients back to good health or achieve a positive outcome for both the patient and the owner. When he is not working, Dr. Boyle enjoys spending time with his wife, three children, and their one cat. He also enjoys returning to his homeland of Iowa to catch a Cyclones game.
Dr. Christa Heilman was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Kansas State University in 2005. After graduation, she performed a rotating small animal internship at Texas A&M University, where she fell in love with emergency medicine. She spent 15 years practicing emergency medicine in the Dallas-Fort Worth area before moving back home to Kansas City to be closer to family (including 12 nieces and nephews.)
Dr. Heilman's time away from work is spent with family, her 2 Labrador Retrievers (affectionately known as the "Labradorks,") and 2 cats. She enjoys baking and reading.
Job Titles:
- Surgical Resident / View Profile
Dr. Connor Pyne is one of the MVES & OPVES Small Animal Surgical Residents. Born and raised in southern California, Dr. Pyne spent his childhood working alongside his parents at their family-owned veterinary clinic before pursuing a veterinary career of his own. He traveled to the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) for a Bachelor's in Animal Science, while working at a swine farm, cat genetics laboratory, and Mizzou's small animal ICU. Through early acceptance to Mizzou's Veterinary College, Connor developed a passion for small animal surgery and assisted with the completion of several research projects.
Dr. Pyne continued his education at Oregon State University in a rotating internship, and recently finished a surgical internship at Louisiana State University. Dr. Pyne is now one of our five surgery residents, and we look forward to watching him learn and grow into a veterinary surgeon throughout his residency.
In his free time, Connor enjoys getting outdoors during the day and binge-watching TV shows with his fur babies (Louie, Sampson, Porter, and Mildred) at night.
Job Titles:
- Board - Certified Neurologist
- Veterinary Specialist DVM, DAVCIM, Neurology
Dr. David Weinstein attended Kansas State University for both his degree in Animal Science, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After two internships at premier animal hospitals in New York City and Atlanta, one as a rotating intern and one as a specialty intern in neurology, Dr. Weinstein returned to Kansas for his residency in neurology at a multi-specialty animal hospital, from 2013 to 2016.
After his residency in 2016, Dr. Weinstein became a board-certified neurologist. He remained at the hospital where he did his residency, as their sole neurologist, treating patients from across the Midwest, including Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In 2021, Dr. Weinstein moved to Florida to start a neurology service at another multi-specialty animal hospital, where he has established and grown the service for the past 2 years. Dr. Weinstein is excited to return to Kansas as the states only board-certified neurologist.
Dr. Weinstein is passionate about providing the best care to his patients and advancing the field of veterinary neurology. He continues to participate in specialty conferences and in neurosurgery courses. He has been a frequent presenter in Kansas and Florida at continuing education seminars and has also helped train several interns.
Dr. Weinstein practices medical neurology and neurosurgery, particularly in treating seizures, brain tumors, encephalitis, and intervertebral disc disease. For him, nothing is more rewarding than helping a paralyzed dog walk again. Above all, Dr. Weinstein prides himself on his compassion for his patients and his ongoing communication with their caretakers.
Outside of work, Dr. Weinstein enjoys spending time with his wife, three kids, and pets.
Dr. Grace Larson is from Saint Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
During her clinical year in veterinary school, Dr. Larson discovered her passion for the fast-paced, dynamic environment of emergency medicine. The experience of managing critically ill patients in high-pressure situations solidified her decision to pursue a career in emergency and critical care.
Dr. Larson joined our team in 2024 as part of our ER Immerse program, where she further developed her emergency care skills under experienced veterinarians' mentorship. After graduating from the program, she joined our team full-time as an emergency veterinarian.
Dr. Larson believes that veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals, but also about supporting pet owners during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. Her approach to care is compassionate and thorough. She takes the time to ensure pet owners understand their pets' conditions and treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions and work together toward the best possible outcomes for their pets.
Dr. Larson enjoys spending time with her family and pets when she's not at the hospital. She's an avid football fan (Go Chiefs!) and loves watching the games with friends and family. In her downtime, she enjoys antiquing and exploring Kansas City's many coffee shops, always on the lookout for hidden gems and new favorites.
Dr. Hannah Pfantz, DVM, Emergency, Critical care earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Following graduation, Dr. Pfantz relocated to Pheonix, Arizona where she worked in a large general practice for three years before moving back to the Midwest. She then joined our team at Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty as an emergency veterinarian. She loves the emergency practice and has an interest in trauma, wound management, and surgery. Dr. Pfantz and her husband Brett have a new baby at home along with their sweet Mastiff Mix named Cujo and their foster kitten turned foster failure named Dart. In her free time, she enjoys all things outdoors- especially biking, hiking, and camping.
Dr. Jake Kilgore, DVM, began his college career at Truman State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating in 2006. Upon completing his undergrad, he then attended Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Dr. Kilgore then moved to the St. Louis area where we he spent the next five years serving as a veterinary ER doctor.
Originally from Blue Springs, Dr. Kilgore moved back to the Kansas City area in 2015 to serve the community as an ER doctor for a local vet hospital. He then joined our team in the early moths of 2022, being one of our newest additions.
In his free time, Dr. Kilgore enjoys watching the Chiefs and Royals, playing video games, golfing, and playing with his pups.
We would like to welcome our newest ER doctor, Dr. Kaitlin Esary, DVM, Emergency, Critical Care! Dr. Esary received her bachelors degree in Biology from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She then went on to Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May of 2019. Shortly after graduating, Dr. Esary began her small animal rotating internship in Indiana at the IndyVet Emergency and Specialty Hospital. Upon completing this rotating internship, she joined us at Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty as our newest ER veterinarian in June of 2022. Dr. Esary has lectured her presentation, "The Nutrition Behind DCM", locally. In her free time, Dr. Esary enjoys hiking with her dogs, watching TV, puzzling, and has recently taken on crocheting. We are overjoyed to have her on our team!
Dr. Lanie Brooks attended Ross University, where she graduated with her undergraduate. Dr. Brooks then attended Oklahoma State University for her clinical year. This was when she decided to go into ER veterinary medicine due to the variety of cases and the fast-paced environment it provides. She then came on as an ER mentee with us. Upon completion, she transitioned into a full-time ER veterinarian for both our Mission and Overland Park locations.
Dr. Brooks believes it is essential to have the opportunity to be compassionate, informative, and empathetic during a time of stress and worry for our owners- not only being able to help the medical side with their pet, but also being able to help owners make difficult decisions and hopes that they get the opportunity to have an understanding of their options.
In her free time, Dr. Brooks enjoys spending time with her own pets and husband, and enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with family, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Laura Grigsyby, Associate Veterinary, DVM, Internal Medicine, received her degree(s) from Oklahoma State University. She then completed her rotating internship at our sister hospital, Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, in small animal medicine, surgery, dermatology, and ophthalmology.
After completing her internship, Dr. Grigsby joined our team as an emergency doctor, eventually transitioning to her residency in small animal medicine and completing an oncology rotation at the University of Missouri-Columbia and a radiology/pathology rotation at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Grigsby then successfully passed her boards and is certified in small animal internal medicine with a special interest in endocrinology, gastroenterology, and oncology. On top of lecturing locally, she is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical and Kansas Veterinary Medical Associations.
Dr. Grigsby enjoys sharing her free time with her husband and two daughters, cooking, gardening, and attending Sporting Kansas City matches.
Dr. Mellissa Allen, Associate Veterinarian, DVM,, Emergency and Critical Care graduated from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She is originally from Canton, Ohio, and moved to Kansas City in 1993. Dr. Allen has experience in both general practice and emergency medicine and helped with founding MVES in 1993.
She enjoys spending time with family, the lake, watching her kids participate in sports, exercising, the family pets, and volunteering.
Dr. Morgan Jancovic, DVM, Emergency, Critical Care earned bother undergraduate and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Kansas State University. Native to the Kansas City area, she chose to stay local and complete a one-year rotating internship followed by a one-year surgery internship with our team at Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty. After her internships were completed, Dr. Jancovic decided to stay full-time here at Mission as an Emergency Veterinarian. Outside of the ER and ICU, Dr. Jancovic enjoys spending time with her fiance and their two dogs, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and finding adventure outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Veterinary Specialist
- Veterinary Specialist DVM, DACVIM, Cardiology
Dr. Shane Murphy, a veterinary specialist, DVM, DACVIM, and cardiology, is board-certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Before this great accomplishment, Dr. Murphy completed his undergraduate education in Animal Science and Music at the University of Missouri. This is where he stayed to complete his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2014. He then spent the next two years in Las Vegas as a small animal general practitioner before completing a year-long internship in small animal medicine and surgery at North Carolina State University and a three-year residency in cardiology at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University. Dr. Murphy's special interests include the use of bedside ultrasound for heart failure management. Native to the Lees Summit area, Dr. Murphy circled back to the Kansas City area, where he joined the Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty team as our one and only cardiologist.
He is passionate about delivering exceptional care for his patients and education for the people in their lives. When not providing the best care for his patients, Dr. Murphy enjoys playing music, hiking, and fishing with his family.
Job Titles:
- Veterinary Specialist DVM, MS, DACVS - SA, Surgery
Dr. Stacy Friesen, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, Surgery, earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the veterinary school at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. After graduation, she spent a year at Michinage State University where she completed a rotating internship. Dr. Friesen then finished a three-year residency at Kansas State University. She specialized in surgery as a unique way to serve those around her and to be there for her community in a time of need. She joined the Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty team in August of 2020. In the spring of 2022, she successfully completed her boards and was given a new Diplomate Status by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr. Friesen lives in Olathe, KS, with her husband Randy Friesen, two dogs, Bailey and Gracie, and cat, Alice. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, hosting friends, being involved at her church, and being active outdoors.
Dr. Thomas Mick, Associate Veterinarian, DVM, Emergency and Critical Care, graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. He then earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University, graduating in 1995.
He is originally from Holton, Kansas. He and his wife, Barbara, have two sons, Ethan and Owen. Dr. Mick has been employed as an ER doctor at Mission since August of 1995.
Away from work, he enjoys genealogy research, reading history, running marathons, and hiking in Colorado.
Dr. Ellen R.E. Heinrich, DVM, MPH, Internal Medicine, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Kansas State University in 2011. Staying at Kansas State University, she then worked towards her Master of Public Health with an emphasis in infectious disease and zoonosis at the same time as her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2016. Following graduation, she completed a one-year rotating small animal internship at Michigan State University. Dr. Heinrich next completed a three-year small animal internal medicine residency at Iowa State University and finished in July of 2020. She recently completed her boards and is awaiting the results on July 11th, 2022.
Dr. Heinrich's special interests include infectious diseases and One Heath- the collaboration between multiple disciplines recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, and their shared environment.
In her free time, Dr. Heinrich enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family (lots of nieces and nephews!), running, reading, and attending Chiefs, Royals, and K-State games.
Job Titles:
- Veterinary Specialist DVM, MS, DACVS, Surgery
Dr. Eric Wilson, Veterinary Specialists, DVM, DACVS, Surgery received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln where he went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. Following graduation, he completed a one-year rotating internship in medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia, going on to complete a three-year residence in surgery at Auburn University. He began practicing surgery at Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty in 1995 where he specialized in providing tertiary surgical care for predominantly canine and feline patients. He has extensive experience in neurologic, soft tissue, and orthopedic surgery including total joint replacement, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and arthroscopy. His special interests include canine cruciate ligament injuries, sports medicine, and reconstruction following oncologic surgery.
Dr. Wilson is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, KCVMA, and the Society of Phi Zeta veterinary honor society. He has also lectured nationally, regionally, and locally and has both authored and co-authored multiple articles in national and international journals. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and gardening.
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian DVM Internal Medicine
Dr. Grigsby received her Bachelor of Animal Science degree in 1998, and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Following graduation, she completed a one-year rotating internship at our hospital in small animal medicine, surgery, dermatology,and ophthalmology. She then joined our team as a staff emergency doctor for several years before she transitioned to her residency in small animal medicine, which she completedin 2010. During her residency she also completed an oncology rotation at the University of Missouri-Columbia and radiology/pathology rotation at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She successfully completed her examinations and is in the process of becoming board certified in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Grigsby has a special interest in endocrinology, gastroenterology, and oncology. She has lectured locally and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical and Kansas Veterinary Medical Associations. When away from her patients she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters, cooking, gardening, and attending Sporting Kansas City matches.
Job Titles:
- Referral Relationship Manager