Meet Our Team

Dr. Franz grew up in Adel, IA where her love for animals started at the local humane society. She continued her interest in college by attending ISU and completed her veterinary degree in 2009.

Dr. Melendez joined our team in 2024 after moving from Mexico City, where she earned her degree in veterinary medicine. Since then, she has been working hard toward becoming a licensed DVM in the United States—and we’re proud to share that she recently passed her boards!

Mikaela is originally from Oklahoma. She earned her degree in Animal and Food Science from Oklahoma State University.

Taylor grew up in Aplington, IA, and attended Hawkeye Community College where she earned a degree in Veterinary Assisting in 2021. She has 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 bunnies, and 3 bearded dragons.

Liz is originally from Alabama and moved to Cedar Falls from Gunnison, Colorado in 2021. She is currently attending school to become a veterinary technician and has been working in animal care since 2021.

I grew up on an acreage with lots of kitties, chickens, and a dog. I spent most of my early mornings dressing kittens up in baby clothes and swaddling them in blankets. I currently live in an apartment in Cedar Falls with my cat named Jatz Crackers.

Makiah grew up in El Dorado, Kansas, where her passion for animal care began at a young age. At just 12 years old, she started volunteering at Bluestem Animal Clinic and quickly fell in love with veterinary medicine.

Originally from Applington, Iowa, Olivia began her college journey at Hawkeye Community College before transferring to