Team - Vet in Derby | El Paso Animal Hospital

Lilith F.

Kennel Technician

Lilith joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in January of 2025. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, however has lived in Kansas her whole life.

Lilith is a high school graduate from Rose Hill and has completed prerequisites at Butler Community College. She is currently pursuing the WSU Veterinary Technician Program.

Lilith’s Animal Family

Roxy – Pitbull
Felix – Orange Tabby
Bombay – Shorthair Cat
Muffin – Calico Cat
Ralph – Ball Python
Oliver – Goat
Nacho – Dwarf Goat

Meg D.

Veterinary Technician

Meg joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in 2024 and is originally from Wichita, KS. She grew up in a military family and has moved around quite a bit throughout her life.

Meg has prior experience working with animals through rescue work and fostering many cats, kittens, and puppies. Her favorite part of her job is doing what she can to provide a calm and supportive environment for people and their pets so visits can be a positive experience rather than a stressful one. She loves all the types of animals seen at the hospital, but has a soft spot for large breed dogs, especially bully/pit mixes.

Outside of work, Meg enjoys spending time with her family, as well as karaoke and game nights with friends. She loves being around people and staying connected socially.

Meg’s Animal Family

Mariela – American Bully/“House Hippo”
Amaretto – Shorthair Cat/“Mischief Maker”

Kyra W.

Veterinary Technician

Kyra joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in 2024 and is originally from Wichita, KS.

Kyra enjoys being an advocate for animals and seeing all the different animals that come into the clinic.

Kyra’s Animal Family

Hades – Miniature Australian Shepherd
Koji – Domestic Shorthair
Kuja – Domestic Mediumhair

Cloe O.

Veterinary Technician

Cloe joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in 2024 and is originally from Wichita, Kansas. She is currently completing her degree.

The thing Cloe enjoys most about working with animals is being able to advocate for them and not only make their life better, but also the lives of their owners.

In her free time, Cloe enjoys reading, watching hockey, hanging out with friends, and swimming. A fun fact about her is that her MBTI personality type is INFP and she considers herself an ambivert.

Cloe’s Animal Family

Princess – Husky/German Shepherd Mix
Steve – Domestic Shorthair Brown Tabby

Giselle L.

Veterinary Technician

Giselle joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in January of 2025. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Kansas in 2022. Giselle began working as a kennel technician in Illinois when she was 17 and continued in the Bel Aire area for two years prior to joining El Paso Animal Hospital.

Giselle enjoys working with all types of animals. Working with animals makes her heart so happy, knowing she is speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves and being more deeply involved in their care and health to help them live great lives.

Giselle comes from a family of five and is the second youngest. She is also a part-time volleyball club coach in Kansas. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and learning new life skills. She has also taken a strong interest in volunteer community service opportunities involving animals, her church, and those in need.

Giselle’s Animal Family

Gimli – Cavapoo
Hero – Domestic Shorthair

Emma K.

Veterinary Technician

Emma joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in January 2025 and is originally from Burlington, Kansas. She has always had a strong passion for helping animals while also supporting clients.

Emma is married and lives in Augusta with her husband, Dylan. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the lake with her dogs and going to the drag strip with her husband.

Emma’s Animal Family

Chevy – 9-year-old Lab Mix
Chunk – 6-year-old Blue Heeler
Kona – 4-year-old Blue Heeler
Turbo – 2-year-old Black Lab
Sesame – 1-year-old Siamese Cat

Ariana B.

Kennel Technician

Ariana joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in May of 2025 and is from the Wichita/Derby area. She recently graduated from Derby High School.

Ariana loves getting to play a role in helping sick animals get better and regain their strength. She also enjoys seeing all of the different animals that come into the hospital.

Outside of work, Ariana enjoys singing and was very involved in choir throughout high school. She was also involved in dance for over four years. Ariana will be starting esthetician school at Eric Fisher Academy in the fall.

Ariana’s Animal Family

Brooks – English Cream Golden Retriever
Scout – English Cream Golden Retriever

Shaquoia W.

Veterinary Technician

Shaquoia joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in 2025 and is originally from Wichita, Kansas. She graduated in May with a degree in Biomedical Chemistry along with minors in Chemistry and Biology. Additionally, she has accumulated over 1,000 hours of shadowing experience with veterinarians.

Throughout high school, Shaquoia enjoyed cheerleading and volleyball. She also cheered in college for three years and served as captain for two of those years. Shaquoia appreciates the welcoming environment at El Paso Animal Hospital and enjoys being part of the diverse cases that come in every day.

Shaquoia’s Animal Family

Mako – Bull Terrier Mix
Willow – Pitbull Mix

Grace W.

Customer Service Representative

Grace joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in March of 2025. She is from Wichita, Kansas and grew up in Derby. Grace graduated from Derby High School.

What Grace loves most about working at El Paso Animal Hospital is the environment the team has built together and the level of care everyone has for their job. She finds it very refreshing to work alongside people who are passionate about what they do.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys making jewelry and playing video games.

Grace’s Animal Family

Tibbert – Domestic Shorthair
Zazu – Domestic Shorthair

Sherri

Customer Service Representative

Sherri began working for El Paso Animal Hospital in February 2019. She and her husband, Brian, have four children, Kayla, Devin, Raeah and Raeanna and 11 furbabies. She also has 7 grandchildren.

Sherri’s Animal Family

5 Dogs-Sadie, Diesel, Harley, Cowboy, and Nova
2 Cats-Friskie and Biscuit
4 Goats-Fiona, Gypsy, Diamond, and Onyx

Josee

Customer Service Representative

Josee has been a part of the El Paso team since August of 2020 and has been a client as long as she can remember. She grew up in Derby and recently graduated from Hesston College with her BSN.

In her spare time, you will find Josee traveling, hiking, or practicing as a registered nurse!

Josee loves that we can serve others by taking great care of their loved pets. She would like every pet owner to know how much we love and care for all of their animals.

Her favorite El Paso memory is when she got to see a chicken (patient) visit in a dress!

Josee’s Pet Family:

Ember, Australian Shepard
Smokey, Grey Domestic Shorthair
Finnegan, Orange Domestic Shorthair
Ash, Husky

Gina

Customer Service Representative

Gina is a Kansas girl, born and raised. Our clients learn pretty quickly that Gina loves to tell good, clean but CORNY jokes! She enjoys going to estate and garage sales, watching the Chiefs play football, and her favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

Gina’s favorite part of working at El Paso is meeting all our clients, and being able to help them with their fur babies!

Gina’s fur family includes her Teacup Chihuahua, Greta.

Bethany

Lead Customer Service Representative

Bethany joined our team in November 2019. She is originally from the Medicine Lodge area.

She is a graduate of Cowley County Community College where she earned her Associates Degree in Science. She also completed the Veterinary Assistant Program through the Animal Behavior College.

She enjoys running, baking/cooking, and being outdoors.

Bethany’s Animal Family

Ruby – Australian Shepherd
2 Cats – Mr. Kitty and Percy

Ashley

Customer Service Assistant Manager

Ashley joined the El Paso team in April of 2021. She has been a wonderful addition to our team. The first thing you will notice about Ashley is her bright smile and contagious laugh.

Ashley was born in Kansas, but grew up and went to school on the west coast in Washington and Oregon. Ashley loves traveling, visiting family in Laos, loves to bake, cook, diamond paint and spending time with family and friends.

Ashley’s Pet Family

Bubby – Pomeranian
Teddy – Pomeranian

Justin

Customer Service Manager

Justin joined the El Paso team in October of 2025. Justin grew up in central Kansas and moved to Hutchinson to attend the local community college as he was awarded a speech/debate scholarship.

He has two daughters and two cats, Collison and Phogy.

Prior to EPAH, Justin spent the last 18 years in the optical industry, managing store locations all over the United States. He loves to travel and has been to hundreds of sporting events across the country.

Madison

Veterinary Technician

Madison grew up in Rock, KS. She attended and played softball at Independence Community College.

El Paso Animal Hospital ultimately brought her to the Wichita and Derby area.

Madison has a great love for animals. She especially enjoys providing a calm environment and allowing our patients to feel safe. Madison is most passionate about wound care, the progress of wounds, and the waiting period for them to heal.

In her spare time, Madison enjoys time with her husband and son Theodore. She always surprises us with visits from her baby goats and exotic animals. She also enjoys playing softball, watching forensic science shows, and listening to Shania Twain (old music and new).

Her favorite holiday is Halloween. She and her family decorate a haunted house and give hayrack rides.

Madison’s Animal Family

Bruce – German Shepherd
Dexter – Heeler
Kal – Husky
Mystic – Domestic Shorthair
MJ – Domestic Shorthair
Many Ball Pythons and geckos

Lorelei

Veterinary Technician

Lorelei is from Arlington, Texas. She grew up in Gardner, KS and her family brought her to Maize, graduating from Maize South High School.

She loves helping patients overcome severe illnesses and enjoys her time as a vet tech.

She has been with El Paso Animal Hospital for 4 years but has worked with animals for 7 years.

She loves the outdoors and outside of work you will find her spending time hiking, fishing, and hunting. She especially loves to bow hunt.

The most exciting place she enjoyed visiting was Spain.

Her all-time favorite musician is Johnny Cash.

Lorelei’s Animal Family

Opal – Catahoula
Maple – Chocolate lab

Abby

Veterinary Technician

Abby grew up in Wichita, KS, and attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK.

Abby is caring and has a large love for animals. Her passion lies in making each and every patient feel comfortable and loved when they are away from their family, and she jumps at the opportunity to learn anything new.

Abby has two children and enjoys reading, going to the park, and spending quality time with her kids. Her favorite place she has been is beautiful Tennessee.

Abby’s Animal Family

Pukka – Pitbull Terrier
Patty – Grey Domestic Shorthair
Sky & Simby – Parakeets

Cassie B.

Lead Vet Tech

We welcomed Cassie to our family in May, 2018. She grew up in West Virginia and worked in retail before joining us. She professionally trains horses and enjoys spending time with her husband, Evan, and two daughters.

Cassie’s Animal Family

Lexi – Corgi
Heidi – half Dachshund/mix
1 cat

Krystal

Assistant Manager of Patient Care and Lead Training Technician

Krystal grew up in southern Oregon, with the opportunity to raise and grow up with many types of animals. She graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Biology, and minor in Chemistry with a focus on veterinary medicine.

Krystal loves to help raise bottle kitten and puppies. She also enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, and is always down for a good book. Her favorite part of working at El Paso is seeing all sorts of people, patients, and problems, and being able to work with such a variety of individual and situations brings a smile to her face.

Krystal, nicknamed “Sparky”, and her partner moved to Kansas to be closer to her older brother and niece in 2022. They are a family of 4 cats and 5 dogs who love to explore, but also know how to relax and watch an entire series in one day!

Amber

Patient Care Manager

Amber joined our team in October 2019. She and her husband, John, have been married since 1998 and have three beautiful children. They have a small ‘hobby’ farm with a wide variety of critters.

Her fur family consists of dogs, cats, goats, cows, and chickens.

As a family, they enjoy camping, cooking, and fellowship.

Jack R.

Director of Operations / Practice Manager

Jack joined our El Paso Animal Hospital family in August 2025. Originally from England, he moved to Kansas ten years ago. He graduated with honors in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and brings extensive experience in human resource management, customer service, and operational leadership.

Jack is passionate about supporting his team, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring every client and patient experience is exceptional. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and helping with his family’s cattle farm and horses.

Jack’s Animal Family

Emmy – Grey Shorthaired Cat

Dr. Tara Lynch

DVM

Dr. Lynch joined El Paso Animal Hospital in May 2024. She grew up in Southwest Kansas, and currently resides in Medicine Lodge. She enjoys a variety of activities such as reading, fishing, baking/cooking, and passionately following Oklahoma State University softball team. Graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She also loves anything orange!

Dr. Lynch is married to her husband Colton, and they have a daughter named Bridger and a son named Bodie. They currently run a cow/calf operation on their farm.

Her favorite part of working with animals is forming relationships with the client and their pet family. She enjoys seeing the joy she brings to the owners.

Dr. Lynchs Pet Family:

Maverick, Cricket and Zeke-Australian Shepards
Ivy- Great Pyrenese mix
Multiple cats, and chickens, guineas and ducks

Dr. Sarah Guengerich

DVM

Dr. Guengerich started at El Paso Animal Hospital in July 2019. She has previous experience in small animal practice, feline-only practice, and emergency practice. She graduated with honors from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Her hobbies include knitting, crochet, and spending time with her family.

Education/Awards/Associations

Graduated summa cum laude in 2005 from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor of science in Biology-Environmental Sciences
Graduated cum laude in 2011 from Kansas State University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Guengerich’s Animal Family

She has two dogs, a golden retriever and a husky mix, and she has 8 cats.

Dr. Jeff Herod

DVM

Dr. Herod grew up in Garden City, Kansas, and went directly to Kansas State University. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Animal Science he went to KSU College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated in 1988. He started working at El Paso Animal Hospital with Dr. Oehmke directly out of college and later became a partner in the practice. Dr. Herod married his wife Becki in 2003 and they have three daughters – Elliot, Emersyn & Edisyn and one son – Carter. Dr. Herod spent many years raising, breeding, and competing German Shorthaired Pointers but now spends most of his time raising kids and fishing.

Education/Awards/Associations

Graduated in 1988 from KSU College of Veterinary Medicine
Member of AVMA, Wichita Veterinary Medical Association, and Kansas VMA

Dr. Herod’s Animal Family

Coconut – Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie Mix)
Annie – Burmese Mountain dog
Leo – Rescue Australian Shepherd mix
Prince Charming, Frenchy, J.J. & Toby – Cats
Bob Ross & Esta – Hamsters
Gufu – Fish
Jack & Rocky – Quarter Horses
Several chickens, goats, rabbits and frogs

Dr. Hilary Ecklund

DVM

Dr. Ecklund was born and raised in Kansas and earned her DVM in 2001 from Kansas State University. After graduating, she practiced small animal medicine for 8 years in the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Vancouver, and Camas, Washington, and then in Olive Branch, Mississippi for 12 years.

In 2021, she moved to Derby, Kansas to be close to her family and join the El Paso team.

Dr. Ecklund is well-rounded having worked in many types of practices, from humane societies to small 1-2 doctor practices, to large multiple doctor practices.

She is passionate about the human-animal bond and encouraging animal interactions or ownership with elderly people, those with mental health issues, and physical disabilities. She has seen first-hand what therapy animals can do for those with mobility or sight limitations, but also those with anxiety, depression. She feels everyone can benefit from having an animal to care for and love, whether that be an animal that visits them or one they own themselves.

Dr. Ecklund is a fraternal twin, loves spending time with her daughter, Carly, and her family. She also loves to read, going to the beach, hiking, watching college football, and is a huge Harry Potter fan. Her love of travel has taken her to Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Australia, Turks and Caicos, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, and all over the lower 48 states.

Dr. Ecklund’s Animal Family

Dude – dog
Lady – dog
Stripe – cat
Lucky – cat

Dr. Gary Oehmke

DVM

Gary was born and raised in the small town of Linn, Kansas. Gary attended K State from 1972 – 1978 (2 years of undergrad and then 4 years of vet school). After graduation, Dr. Oehmke worked in Kansas City for 3 months and then started El Paso Animal Hospital in December 1978.

Dr. Oehmke married his wife Debbie in May 1977. They have two daughters, Jessie and Jenny, and eight grandchildren. Their oldest daughter lives in Colorado with her husband and two children, the other lives in Manhattan, KS with her husband and their five boys and one girl. Dr. Oehmke’s youngest daughter, Jenny, is a veterinarian as well as his brother-in-law and brother, so it’s a vet family. Dr. Oehmke’s hobbies include riding his bike, running, and traveling.

Education/Awards/Associations

Graduated in 1978 from KSU College of Veterinary Medicine
Member of AVMA, Wichita Veterinary Medical Association, and Kansas VMA
Member of Rotary Club in Derby, Derby Chamber of Commerce and St Andrews Episcopal Church

Dr. Oehmke’s Animal Family

Boon – Labradoodle
Frankie – Bichon/Poodle Mix

Dr. Erica McKinney

DVM

Dr. McKinney grew up in Derby and graduated from Derby H.S. in 1994. She worked at El Paso Animal Hospital during college as a technician. After receiving her Veterinary degree in 2002, she worked as a veterinarian in Las Vegas and Memphis, TN before moving back to Kansas in 2006. She has worked as a veterinarian at El Paso Animal Hospital since October, 2006.

Education/Awards/Associations

Went to KSU for both undergrad & veterinary school
Graduated from KSU Vet School in 2002
Member of AVMA, Wichita Veterinary Medical Association, and Kansas VMA

Dr. McKinney’s Animal Family

Remy – Terrier Mix
Cats – Fern, Ophelia, Atticus Von Wrinkles, and Kiki
Lily – Lab Mix
Kevin – Border Collie/Pyrenes Mix

Dr. Alaina Bush

DVM

Dr. Bush was born in Minnesota and raised in Wichita, Kansas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minored in Biological Sciences and Chemistry from Wichita State University. She earned her degree in Veterinary Medicine from University College Dublin and received her Kansas State DVM license to practice in June 2023.

She was drawn back to Kansas in order to spend time with her family after her time in Ireland. Kansas is home to her and she has had great support from her family as she began her career.

She loves investigating challenging cases and sees them as puzzles needing solving. She believes our pets are our family and loves building relationships with her clients.

Dr. Bush loved her adventures during her time overseas. She was fortunate to have continental Europe at her doorstep while Dublin was her home and enjoyed many trips to France, Italy, Greece, and Spain to name a few. Her favorite moments were learning to ski while in the French Alps and she took many swims at the “Forty Foot” in the Irish Sea.

A fun fact about Dr. Bush is she participated in the vet carol service each year in school at UCD, which is a 44-year tradition. She led the choir her senior year.

In her free time, she enjoys paint-by-numbers, reading, watching movies, going to concerts and traveling with friends.

Education/Awards/Associations

Graduated cum laude in 2014 from Wichita State University with a bachelor of arts in Psychology
Graduated second class honors in 2023 from University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine
Member of AVMA
Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)

Pet Family

Maple Bourbon, the miniature Australian Shepherd

Animal Lovers to Our Core

Caring for your pet isn't our profession. It's our calling.

Our Local Crew

Dr. Gary Oehmke

Dr. Jeff Herod

Dr. Erica McKinney

Dr. Sarah Guengerich

Dr. Hilary Ecklund

Dr. Tara Lynch

Dr. Alaina Bush

Dr. Marin McCrary

Dr. Ashley Shandy

One Caring Team

Jack R.

Amber

Krystal

Cassie B.

Abby

Cloe O.

Emma K.

Giselle L.

Kyra W.

Lorelei

Madison

Meg D.

Shaquoia W.

Ariana B.

Lilith F.

Justin

Ashley

Bethany

Gina

Grace W.

Josee

Sherri

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Dr. Marin McCrary

DVM

Dr. Ashley Shandy

DVM

Lilith F.

Kennel Technician

Meg D.

Veterinary Technician

Kyra W.

Veterinary Technician

Cloe O.

Veterinary Technician

Giselle L.

Veterinary Technician

Emma K.

Veterinary Technician

Ariana B.

Kennel Technician

Shaquoia W.

Veterinary Technician

Grace W.

Customer Service Representative

Sherri

Customer Service Representative

Josee

Customer Service Representative

Gina

Customer Service Representative

Bethany

Lead Customer Service Representative

Ashley

Customer Service Assistant Manager

Justin

Customer Service Manager

Madison

Veterinary Technician

Lorelei

Veterinary Technician

Abby

Veterinary Technician

Cassie B.

Lead Vet Tech