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!

Katie was born in Waterloo, IA, and moved to Duluth, MN, with her family at a young age. After graduating high school, she returned to Cedar Falls to be closer to extended family.

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

Makyla grew up in Summer, IA, and attended Hawkeye Community College where she earned a degree in Vet Assisting in 2018. She also attended NICC and was in the large animal veterinary technician program.

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.

Emily grew up in the Cedar Valley, she lives in Waterloo with her son Aiden, & a plethora of critters! She has 5 dogs, Watson, Hunter, Boots, Ruby, and Sal. Emily also has a cat named Cas.

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.

Michaela was born in Waterloo and returned to the area after graduating high school. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in accounting online through Western Governors University.

Kylie grew up in a small town and joined the Marine Corps directly after high school. Since completing her service in 2017, she has traveled to over 40 countries, continuing her passion for exploring new places and cultures.In her free time, Kylie enjoys reading, traveling, and going to the gym.

Desi moved to Cedar Falls in 2022. Since then, she has grown her fur-baby family up to 2 cats, Harlow and Layne, and her dog named Rip. She is in a slow pitch and bowling league, which takes up a lot of her free time.

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