Meet Our Team
Meet the veterinarians and team at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to know our team!
Dr. Phyllis Strain
Veterinarian
Growing up on a dairy farm near Plainfield, Iowa, Dr. Strain was surrounded by animals from an early age. In addition to the cattle, horses, hogs, chickens, dogs, and cats she regularly spent time with, she would also bring home plenty of wild animals to save! As she got older, Dr. Strain realized that a career in animal care was the only path for her. Dr. Strain first attended a Veterinary Technology program at Northeast Missouri State University, graduating in 1980. She worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for eight years. Then, in 1988, she returned to school at Wartburg College. Dr. Strain graduated with honors and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1990. Afterward, Dr. Strain was accepted into Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her degree with top honors in 1994. Shortly after that, she opened Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital! Her expertise includes soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, canine reproduction, chiropractic work, and acupuncture.
Dr. Strain has three children. Her daughter, Dr. Jami Mallen, is also a veterinarian and works with her mother at the clinic! Her son, Jacob, currently serves in the Air Force. Dr. Strain’s youngest daughter, Jordyn, is in high school and is also interested in becoming a veterinarian. She and Jordyn share their home with two Shetland Sheepdogs, a Collie, a Yorkshire Terrier, three indoor Cornish Rexes, and two barn cats. Dr. Strain’s husband, Carter, lives in Clinton, Louisiana, where she travels every two weeks to spend time with him. They share their hobby of riding horses and trail rides throughout the United States. They have several horses: Quarter horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Rocky Mountain horses, and one miniature horse that belongs to Jordyn.
When asked which dog breed she identifies most with, she chose a Shetland Sheepdog or a Collie. She is active and always on the go! As a veterinarian, she also likes to identify with the intelligence of both breeds.
Dr. Ben Sweers
Veterinarian
Dr. Ben Sweers brings more than 25 years of veterinary experience to our team. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2000 and has developed expertise in emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine. He previously owned and served as Medical Director of a successful veterinary practice in Minnesota.
Throughout his career, he has especially enjoyed building meaningful relationships with pets and their families while providing compassionate, high-quality care.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Sweers enjoys cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, spending time at his river cabin, traveling with his family, and supporting animal rescue organizations, including Carver Scott Humane Society and No Dog Left Behind Rescue.
Dr. Brooke Willson
Veterinarian
Dr. Brooke Willson grew up on a farm outside of Shell Rock, Iowa, where caring for farm animals and pets sparked her passion for veterinary medicine. Inspired early on by hands-on animal care and her grandmother’s work raising service dog puppies, she knew she wanted to become a veterinarian from a young age.
She earned both her undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University, graduating in 2026. Dr. Willson is excited to begin her career and looks forward to building lasting relationships with clients and their pets.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time outdoors with her fiancé, Michael, helping with her family’s goat herd, and caring for her three cats—Lily, Lucy, and Evie.
Dr. Emma Mannery-Grandgeorge
Veterinarian
Dr. Emma Mannery-Grandgeorge grew up in Cresco, Iowa, where her love for animals began through 4-H and hands-on animal care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine after completing her undergraduate studies in Animal Science.
She enjoys working with animals of all sizes and values the relationships she builds with clients and their pets. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.
Dr. Rachel Mack
Veterinarian
Dr. Mack has pretty much always known she wanted to be a veterinarian! She has had cats since she was born, then gradually added dogs, hamsters, gerbils, fish, and reptiles. When she was five years old, she discovered what a veterinarian was, and at that moment, she knew she could be nothing else! She obtained her undergraduate degree at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and then attended veterinary school at Iowa State University. She is now licensed to practice medicine and write health certificates in Iowa. Dermatology and behavior are her special areas of interest in veterinary medicine. She would love to learn more about dentistry and nutrition.
In her free time, Dr. Mack enjoys reading, baking, swimming somewhere warm, and walking. Dr. Mack has a husband named Josh, who doesn’t realize there are only 24 hours in a day, so he takes on many endeavors and projects! She has four children: Carter, Lucas, Madison, and Charlotte. Dr. Mack also has a black Labrador Retriever (who can sometimes be seen around the clinic) named Cosmo and four domestic shorthair cats named Monkey, Charlie, Midnight, and Snickers.
When asked which dog breed she resonates with, Dr. Mack chose a Golden Retriever because they’re friendly with everyone, have a happy personality, and are easygoing.
Dr. Samantha Wedeking
Veterinarian
Dr. Wedeking grew up on a farm near Bristow, Iowa. She grew up with lots of farm cats, a dog, pigs, a couple of ducks, and a rabbit. She enjoyed caring for the animals on her parents’ farm and recognized the strength of the human-animal bond from a young age. Dr. Wedeking knew she wanted to play a part in the human-animal bond through a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Wedeking completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, in the fall of 2009. She graduated with a Biology-Health Professions major and a Chemistry minor. She then graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She practiced mixed animal medicine for three years after graduation. Then, she joined the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service in 2017, where she practiced regulatory medicine for six years. While practicing regulatory medicine was unique and enjoyable in some ways, Dr. Wedeking missed being a part of that human-animal bond that led her to become a veterinarian in the first place. In 2023, Dr. Wedeking returned to the general medicine field and joined the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital team. Dr. Wedeking looks forward to meeting new clients and providing their pets with the care and treatments they need to stay healthy and safe.
Outside her veterinary interests, Dr. Wedeking enjoys kayaking, reading, and gardening. Dr. Wedeking lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Matthew, and their daughter, Clara. They have a large six-month-old lab-mix puppy named Manny; six (and counting) farm cats (each with a given name); an indoor cat, Sunny; two goats, Dixie and Violet; and two pigs.
Alisha
Practice Manager
Alisha is the Practice Manager at our Charles City location. Originally from Sedalia, Missouri (home of the Missouri State Fair), she brings her animal-loving spirit and a diverse background in finance, government, and healthcare. She is also a certified pharmacy technician.
Currently pursuing her degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management, Alisha has a heart for leadership and a passion for building strong teams where both people and pets can thrive.
Alisha and her husband, Frank, live in Waverly with their three German Shepherds. They have three children: a daughter in her final year of chiropractic school, a son deployed overseas with the Iowa National Guard, and their youngest, who is entering his senior year of high school.
Outside of work, Alisha enjoys reading and learning new things, spending time outdoors, being on the river, and training as a “wannabe runner.”
Kylie
Veterinary Assistant
Kylie has been passionate about animals for as long as she can remember. Living on a farm surrounded by her beloved cats, dogs, and horses has brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She believes in advocating for the well-being of ALL creatures, big and small, and strives for the opportunity to connect with these remarkable beings and work towards their care and protection. Her vision is driven by love and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals.
Madison
Registered Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Jenna
Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Camryn
Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Brea
Customer Service Representative
Coming Soon!
MaKayla
Groomer
MaKayla has dedicated her life to helping animals and making them feel their absolute best. With 10 years of experience as a Pet Stylist, she has a deep passion for the art and skill of grooming. She believes understanding each pet’s unique needs ensures their comfort and provides a positive grooming experience. For the past two years, she has been a valuable part of the team at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital. Outside of work, MaKayla volunteers with Hero’s Haven Animal Rescue, fostering pets and providing them with a safe and comfortable place to transition.
MaKayla and her husband share their love for animals with their 3-year-old daughter, who adores their furry family members. Their home is filled with love, laughter, and wagging tails. They care for a 7-year-old black lab named May, a 6-year-old yellow lab/Jack Russell mix named Echo, a 5-year-old cat named Chanel, and two special forever fosters with heart conditions: Sunny, a 3-year-old dog, and Gucci, a 1-year-old cat.
MaKayla’s dedication to animals, both professionally and personally, inspires her community and makes a difference in the lives of every pet she meets.
Paige
Customer Service Representative /Veterinary Assistant
Coming Soon!
Samantha
Veterinary Assistant
Samantha has known she wanted to work with animals all her life. Her family grew up with Labrador Retrievers, and the breed has always been special to her. In middle school, she had the opportunity to do an internship at a veterinary clinic, and that was when she decided that being in the field of veterinary medicine was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Samantha is attending Iowa State University to obtain a degree in Animal Science. The curriculum she is studying will allow her to apply for veterinary school once she graduates with her Bachelor’s Degree. She has been employed with Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital since December 2020. She has enjoyed having hands-on experiences related to what she’s learning while away at school.
Samantha is excited to continue to grow and learn about becoming the best veterinarian she can be! For now, you can find her in the back of the clinic, assembling surgery packs or ensuring things are running smoothly behind the scenes. If you have recently lost a pet, you may have received a custom paw print and nose print that she created. Samantha takes pride in making the perfect print that tells the story of your family members.
Depending on the season, when not working, Samantha can be found either in the water or on top of it! During the summer months, she enjoys going to the river and soaking up the sun. In the wintertime, she can be found in the northern wilderness, riding snowmobiles with her family and friends. There’s rarely a weekend that they don’t have something going on! Any time of year, she spends most of her time with family and friends, just hanging out or going on an adventure!
When asked which dog breed she resonates with most, Samantha chose Labrador Retrievers. Sometimes, she’s completely focused and diligently working to achieve her goals for the day. On the other hand, there are times when she enjoys just letting loose and letting her mind travel to a thousand different places at once. Like a Labrador, she can quickly move from one personality to the next!
Lara
Practice Manager
Lara is our Practice Manager and brings a lifelong love of animals to her role. Although she is brand new to the veterinary industry, she has dreamed of working with animals since childhood.
Originally from Iowa and raised in Wisconsin, Lara attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Administrative Leadership.
Lara takes great pride in creating a positive and compassionate experience for every client who walks through our doors. She understands that when a pet needs veterinary care, those moments can feel overwhelming, and she believes that compassion, kindness, and genuine care can make all the difference.
Outside of the clinic, Lara and her husband own Dairy Treat in Nashua, so much of her free time is spent there. When she has time to recharge, you’ll often find her enjoying nature, working in her yard, or relaxing on her porch and listening to the sounds of the outdoors.
Tim
Lead Customer Service Representative
Tim is our CSR Lead and brings 26 years of experience in the veterinary industry to our team. He attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.
Tim takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and getting to know both the pet and their owner. He believes that building those relationships allows him to better understand each situation and provide the care, guidance, and advice that families need.
Outside of work, Tim stays busy cheering on his son at college swim meets. He is also a swimming photographer, traveling to meets throughout the area to capture those special moments. When he isn’t at a swim meet, you’ll often find Tim cooking or BBQing or spending time in the backyard with his wife and their three dogs.
A fun fact about Tim: In 2025, he competed in Chef Carla Hall’s Favorite Chef competition. Out of more than 1,500 competitors, Tim made it all the way to the Top 20, a pretty impressive accomplishment!
Samanatha
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Sammi!
Samantha (Sammi) is our Veterinary Assistant and has worked in the veterinary field for 6 years. Her passion for animal care has led her to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Sammi earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University and is now attending Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she is pursuing her DVM.
Sammi takes great pride in patient care and attention to detail. She wants every patient to feel as comfortable and cared for as possible while visiting the clinic. She also believes that the little things can make a big difference, so she takes note of the things each patient loves and makes sure to continue those special touches at future appointments. As Sammi says, “Everyone needs a little cheese in their lives!”
Outside of work and school, Sammi loves spending time outdoors. During the summer, you’ll often find her tending to her garden after work or looking for a body of water to enjoy on the weekends. In the winter, she and her family enjoy snowmobiling and spending time in northern Wisconsin.
At home, Sammi has two dogs, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Maya and a Rottweiler named Mack, as well as plenty of farm kitties who are always happy to greet her at the door.
Sammi is excited to meet everyone, get to know your pets, and build lasting relationships with the families she serves!
Jaiden
Veterinary Assistant
Jaiden is our Veterinary Assistant and joined Avenue of the Saints after beginning her veterinary career in November 2024. She graduated from East Sac County High School and is currently continuing her education through Penn Foster’s online Veterinary Technician program.
Jaiden takes great pride in advocating for animals who can’t speak for themselves. She understands that we aren’t simply caring for a pet, we’re caring for someone’s loved one and best friend. Helping animals feel safe, comfortable, and better while providing their owners with peace of mind is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Outside of the clinic, Jaiden enjoys boating, exploring new places, and spending time with the people and pups she loves most. She has two dogs, Presley and Nelli, who keep her company when she’s not at work.
A fun fact about Jaiden: she will definitely remember your pet’s name before she remembers yours! She also has a background in competitive gymnastics.
Jaiden is excited to meet you and your four-legged family members and looks forward to helping make every visit as comfortable and positive as possible!
Shey
Veterinary Assistant
Shey is our Veterinary Assistant and has been working in the veterinary field for three years. She graduated from Hawkeye Community College with an Associate Degree in Animal Science/Veterinary Assistant.
Shey may be the quietest one of the group, but don’t let that fool you! She is always focused on her patients and thinking about what more she can do to provide the best possible care. She takes pride in being attentive to each patient’s needs while also considering how she can support and help their families.
Outside of work, Shey enjoys riding horses, traveling, and spending time on the water. Her favorite companion for all of life’s adventures is her dog, Koda.
Shey is excited to continue caring for your pets and helping make their visits as comfortable and positive as possible!
Sydney
Veterinary Assistant
Sydney is our Veterinary Assistant and brings six years of experience in veterinary medicine to the Avenue of the Saints team. She is excited to continue doing what she has loved since she was a little girl, caring for animals.
Sydney attended Iowa State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in Business.
She takes great pride in treating every animal that walks through our doors with compassion and kindness. Sydney has a special place in her heart for the “unlovable” patients and is always willing to step up to ensure no patient feels alone or scared. Helping animals feel safe and cared for is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
Outside of work, Sydney loves spending time on the boat with friends and family. When she’s ready to slow down, you’ll likely find her curled up with her dog and a good book.
A fun fact about Sydney: her passion for veterinary medicine started when she was just a little girl! She also has a serious love for German Shorthaired Pointers; her family has four of them!
Sydney looks forward to meeting you and your pets and providing them with the compassionate care they deserve!
Nicole
Customer Service Representative
Nicole is one of our Client Service Representatives and has been working in the veterinary field for four years. She has a passion for animals and takes pride in making sure every client receives friendly, helpful, and compassionate customer service.
Nicole studied dog obedience through Penn Foster, combining her love of animals with her desire to better understand and support them.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys relaxing at home with her husband and their busy four-legged family, four dogs and two cats! She also enjoys riding bikes and spending quality time with family.
When she has some downtime, you’ll often find Nicole working on diamond art, one of her favorite creative hobbies.
Nicole looks forward to welcoming you and your pets and helping make every visit a positive experience!
Anastasia
Customer Service Representative
Anastasia has worked in several animal care facilities since high school and has been surrounded by various animals her whole life! While in college, she also worked with horses and various other large animals in her free time. Since joining Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in January 2021, she has enjoyed connecting with various animals and their owners. She wants her job to bring her unique experiences and new challenges each day that keep her engaged in her daily tasks.
On her days off, Anastasia enjoys spending time with her dog. They like going on walks and car rides together. She also enjoys riding, working with horses, and hanging out with her friends. Anastasia is an only child, and she was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. She moved to the area in 2017 to attend college and be closer to her grandparents and their farm. She has a 16-year-old paint gelding named Scooter, a 15-year-old Chihuahua mix named Jimmy Jiggles, a 12-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix named Rusty, and a 17-year-old painted turtle named Daffodil. Anastasia has lived in Waverly with her boyfriend and pets for a few years.
Her favorite dog breed is an American Staffordshire Terrier because they’re the sweetest and funniest dogs! They have a bad reputation, but she has still not met one she didn’t love! And, of course, her dog is her favorite breed!
Kalee
Groomer
Kalee realized she wanted to work with animals after seeing Crocodile Hunter as a child — she idolized Steve Irwin! She always had cats growing up. In 2016, she officially became a groomer. Alternatively, she is known as the “dog whisperer” around the clinic because she dedicates her time to winning over the more difficult dogs she meets.
When not grooming, Kalee enjoys taking walks, reading, playing video games, and spending time with her husband and two children. At home, Kalee has two dogs, three cats, snakes, various invertebrates, and geckos.
Chloe
Charles City Clinic Cat
Chloe joined the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital family in June 2021 after Dr. Neuberger took her in. She now spends her days getting brushed and “helping” the staff do paperwork. She was born in 2016 and has been fabulous ever since. Most days, she can be found lounging on the front desk in her bed, perched on the window sill in the vet’s office, or demanding attention from clients and staff. Chloe is very vocal and likes to talk with anyone willing to listen! She loves getting to know people but does tend to do best without other cats around. Chloe’s favorite snack is French fries from McDonald’s, and Dr. Neuberger is her favorite person!
When asked which dog breed she most identifies with, Chloe scoffed and rolled her eyes. She says she most identifies with her cat breed, the Nebelung. They are intelligent and good-natured cats. Nebelungs love attention and are normally easy-going, much like Chloe!
Tiger Lily
Waverly Clinic Cat
Tiger Lily was found outside Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital’s Waverly location in March 2019. Upon discovery, Dr. Mallen quickly diagnosed Tiger Lily with frostbite on her tail. A few weeks later, Dr. Strain spayed her and amputated part of her tail. Today, Tiger Lily is a healthy, spunky asset to the ASAH family! She loves attention (on her own terms!), especially from her favorite person, Anastasia. One of her favorite activities is eating — she will even bite open food bags to get what she wants! On a normal day, Tiger Lily can be found relaxing on her cat tree, in her condo, or in her special cubby behind the front desk next to Anastasia. While Tiger Lily chose to live at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital, she is not a fan of other animals whatsoever!
When asked which dog breed Tiger Lily resonates with, she expressed disgust. She said she’s like her breed, a Domestic Shorthair, because they can be independent and resilient. They are feisty animals, but Domestic Shorthairs love their families!