ACADEMY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Meet The Team

MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Cahill, DVM

Dr. Cahill, DVM

Owner and DVM

Dr. Cahill received her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri in 1999, moving to Joplin shortly thereafter. She purchased Academy Animal Hospital in 2012 from Dr. Mark Storey upon his well-deserved retirement. Dr. Cahill is committed to educating others to better understand and create secure lifelong bonds with their beloved pets with compassion and empathy. She is proud to lead a team of equally caring and compassionate veterinary professionals.

In general practice, her particular interests include palliative and geriatric care, dermatology, feline and canine behavior, surgery, and reducing the stress and fear that so many dogs and cats experience with vet visits. She feels regular continuing education is very important, attaining 30-40 hours a year pre-Covid. After two years of online meetings, Dr. Cahill is excited to experience in-person conferences again.

Outside of the office, she enjoys garment sewing, knitting, reading, Pilates, wineries, craft beer, and weekends spent in the Bates County countryside where she grew up.

Dr. Cahill shares her home with her youngest son and Crowder College student, Harrison, an adult Chiweenie named Sandor the Hound, another Chiweenie puppy, Claire, Sara the elderly Catahoula mix and three cats; Timmy, the specially-abled buff tabby, Pinky Mabel, a dilute calico of unknown vintage, and George the long-haired yellow tabby and senior-cat-in-residence. The kitties would each prefer to be the one and only cat but they now tolerate each other fairly well. George does receive extra attention these days, as his human, Dr. Cahill’s son William, transferred to the University of Missouri-Kansas City last January.

Dr. Helm, DVM

Dr. Helm, DVM

Associate DVM

Dr. Helm received her doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. The fact that every day is different and that you’ll never know what you’re going to do on a daily basis is what she likes most about her job. In addition to that, building relationships with clients and their pets makes everything worthwhile. Dr. Helm joined the Academy Animal Hospital family in 2020.

Away from work, she and her family spend time at their barn and at goat shows. Their family also runs a cow-calf operation, they raise show goats and honeybees. In her downtime, you’ll find Dr. Helm on her long-arm machine making custom quilts.

She shares her home with two Great Pyrenees-Anatolian cross littermates named Shelby and Sasha. She is also the fur mom of two one-year-old Great Pyrenees called Scout and Tank who also happen to be littermates. Sasha and Shelby are the barn’s doe protectors, while Scout and Tank love looking after the goats. Tank even goes the extra mile by climbing out and keeping watch of the barn.

Jessi Medeiros, RVT, BHS

Jessi Medeiros, RVT, BHS

Practice Manager, Certified Veterinary Technician

Jessi completed the Franklin Tech Veterinary Assistant Program in 2007, then went on to obtain her Associate of Applied Sciences Veterinary Medicine degree in 2012, the same year she joined Academy Animal Hospital. In 2015, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Bachelor of Health Sciences. As a child, Jessi dreamed of becoming a Marine Biologist and has always felt a special connection with animals. When asked what she enjoys most about work, she expressed how much she loves the team and work culture. Jessi understands that Veterinary Medicine is ever-evolving and she’s excited to be a part of it and to see what the future holds for Academy Animal Hospital.

Away from work, Jessi enjoys crafting with her cricket and going on adventures with her family. Making memory shadow boxes of beloved pets for friends and family brings her the most joy. Jessi shares her home with two Australian Shepherds, 7-year-old Sidnee and 3-year-old Ellie. She also has a Siamese kitty named Sammi, a leopard gecko called Lizzy, and the most recent unwanted addition to the gang is a ball python named Mitch.

Sidney Smith, Lead RVT

Sidney Smith, Lead RVT

Lead Registered Veterinary Technician

Sidney joined Academy Animal Hospital in 2019 and a year after obtained her Associate’s degree from Crowder College Veterinary Technician Program. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is bonding and caring for patients. Sidney’s goal with every new patient is to make the experience as comfortable as possible. She never rushes the procedure and always starts by building rapport. A good patient visit creates the best experience for everyone!

If she’s not in scrubs, she’s at home on her porch with her dogs. Sidney also enjoys binge-watching Netflix with her husband. They’re living the #dauchsundlife at home with Miss Maggie Mae who has the biggest personality, handsome Walter, and last but not least is Carl – Walter’s partner in crime.

Jerri Mills

Jerri Mills

Veterinary Technician Student

Jerri joined our team in 2023 and is currently in her second year of veterinary technician studies at Crowder College. Her journey in the field reflects her deep passion for animal care and welfare. From administering yearly vaccinations to aiding in the recovery of sick animals, Jerri approaches each task with unwavering dedication. The clinic’s utilization of fear-free methods resonates with her, creating an environment where animals feel safe and content. Jerri’s career choice is a harmonious blend of her love for animals and her aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the medical field.

Outside of her studies and work, Jerri enjoys spending time with her children and exploring nature trails. Her leisure activities include walking her dogs and watching TV shows. Her pets include Tinkels, a chihuahua mix who may be getting on in years but still finds joy in her walks. Her other furry friend is Ladybird, a spirited Heeler mix who’s in the puppy stage and delights in walks and playful interactions with her toys.

Tiffany

Tiffany

Veterinary Assistant

Tiffany graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Western Governors University in 2020. She first joined Academy Animal Hospital in 2016 and then rejoined the clinic in 2022. Her favorite part of the veterinary world is getting to meet so many different cat and dog personalities. According to Tiffany, working with people who help create a light, fun, and easy work environment while still having a deep passion and respect for every animal that comes through the facility makes her work experience worthwhile.

When she’s not working, you can find Tiffany spending her free time cuddled up with three dogs, a turtle, and a good book. She also sets aside quality time with her family and friends. If it’s not too cold outside, Tiffany also enjoys going for a hike. Her home is incomplete without Loki, Hermes, Xena, and Hestia. Loki is an 8-year-old rott-shepherd mix who loves to be carried around like a toddler and gets the zoomies when it snows. Hermes is a 7-year-old dachshund who loves stuffed hedgehogs and curling up under all the blankets. Xena is a 7-year-old pit-boxer mix who loves hoodies and coats in the winter and meeting everyone she passes. Last but definitely not least is Hestia, a three-toed box turtle who is about 8-years-old. She loves cantaloupe and cruising around the house with her dogs.

Stefani Larkin

Stefani Larkin

Veterinary Assistant

Stefani’s journey began at Crowder College, where she successfully graduated from the Vet Tech Program in 2017. In 2023, she joined Academy Animal Hospital. Her unwavering passion for animals and her steadfast commitment to their well-being shines through in her daily interactions with both pets and their owners. Her nurturing approach and extensive knowledge have positioned her as an invaluable asset to the hospital, ensuring that every furry patient receives the highest level of care and attention they deserve.

Expanding beyond her role as a dedicated Veterinary Assistant, Stefani leads a vibrant life brimming with diverse interests. While her responsibilities at the hospital are paramount, she also manages her own dairy goat farm – a venture that underscores her resolute dedication to animal welfare. Furthermore, Stefani discovers solace and excitement amidst quality time spent with her family and friends at the creek. Her affection for the outdoors extends to engaging pursuits like hunting and fishing, allowing her to immerse herself in the natural world and find respite from the demands of her busy schedule.

Within the cozy confines of her home, Stefani nurtures a heartwarming collection of six indoor dogs, each characterized by a distinct personality and name. Under her devoted care, reside an Australian Shepherd named Tucker, a playful Poodle named Trooper, a vigilant Rottweiler named Zelda, a spirited Jack Russell named Tilly, and a duo of endearing Shibas named Jax and Sha-Nae-Nae. Through her dedicated work and her cherished companions, Stefani embodies an unwavering connection to animals that infuses both joy and purpose into her everyday life.

Chloe

Chloe

Veterinary Assistant, Receptionist

Chloe is taking up a degree in General studies at Crowder College. In 2020, she began working at Academy Animal Hospital. The best part of working in veterinary medicine for Chloe is getting to see new fur babies they can care for and ensuring they have the best experience at the clinic. She decided to take on the challenge of being a kennel tech after graduating high school and the rest was a happy history for Chloe.

In her spare time, she likes reading romance novels, watching movies, and binge-watching Netflix series. She also sets aside quality time with family over weekly dinners and goes on coffee dates with friends. When she’s not making dinner or out on a hike, Chloe relishes the time to take naps. Since she lives with her sister, she helps look after Maggie the schnauzer/dachshund mix, Walter the long-haired dachshund, and Carl the short-haired dachshund.

Paula Strausbaugh

Paula Strausbaugh

Receptionist

Paula is a passionate animal-lover with a knack for making others smile. We’ve been gifted with Paula’s ingenuity and talent since 1998. She loves every furry face and helping be an essential part of keeping our patients healthy. She especially enjoys it when she gets the opportunity to play with puppies.

Animals have always been a major part of Paula’s life. In fact, she currently has seven dogs and one cat. Her pet family is comprised of Daphne, a Great Dane, Axel and Murphy, two sweet Pitbull Terriers, Opie, a Beagle, Maxine, a Husky, and Mr. Bohannon (Bo), a Dachshund, Sammy, a Border Collie mix and her sweet kitty, Buzz. She spends a great deal of time keeping each of them happy while still making time for her human family.

Lori Groves

Lori Groves

Receptionist

Lori joined Academy Animal Hospital in 2012. The fantastic clients at the clinic are what she enjoys about her job the most. She sincerely believes that they have the best clients because of how well they take care of their pets. In addition to that, they’ve been able to forge a genuine connection with each other. Although Lori adores all animals, she has a special place in her heart for elderly dogs and Weiner dogs.

In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and immersing in nature. She also loves spending quality time with her grandkids. Lori’s house is not a home without Mazie her long-haired dachshund and June her three-legged tubby cat.

Alex

Alex

Chief Fur-nancial Officer and Head of Greeting Services

Alex was born in the back alleys of central Joplin. That baby wandered to the right house belonging to a Little Old Cat Lady of blessed memory. She brought the scrawny, snotty-nosed kitten to Academy Animal Hospital and allowed Dr. Cahill to keep him. Alex grew up into a beautiful, cotton soft sweet boy with an amazing “Blue Steel” pose although he battled upper respiratory infections the first few years of life. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cahill firmly rejected the reality of his crossed eyes and simple nature, not allowing anyone to besmirch his good looks and character. Now that Alex is comfortably middle-aged, she has mellowed to concede he is a little cross-eyed, but best not to beleaguer the point in her presence.

He naturally grew into his dual roles of Head of Greeting Services and Chief Fur-nancial Officer. Alex delights in laying about the front counter awaiting adoration. He also demands and thoroughly enjoys a good brushing and inexplicably, misty rainy mornings out in the catio. Alex has thankfully outgrown his sinus infections but does struggle with anxiety, frequently needing reassurance that all is well and dinner will be served on time.

Nemo aka Grandpa

Nemo aka Grandpa

Senior Executive Supervisor and Senior Cat-In-Residence

Nemo arose from humble beginnings. Born in rural Bates County, he assumed lodgings on Dr. Cahill’s ancestral home, the Gardner homestead, for many years. In middle age, Nemo became restless for new horizons and greater responsibilities. Unfortunately, this involved run-ins with Penny, the dog. They did not get along. Dr. Cahill’s mother brought Nemo to Academy Animal Hospital to recuperate for a few weeks from a minor injury. A few weeks turned into a few months and consequently, Nemo realized his lifelong dream of retiring to a veterinary hospital as a clinic cat. His duties included monitoring the front desk area, lounging in the newly built catio, and wearing costumes during Halloween.

After five years as Supervisor and Senior Cat-In-Residence, Nemo faced a medical setback. He acquired Stomatitis, needing most of his teeth extracted, and an almost year-long recovery involving medication and allergy food. These days, his health is quite good, although he can no longer visit the catio due to arthritis. However, he does enjoy relaxing on his back hallway plushy bed while yelling at everyone for brushing, scritches, and Churro treat tubes. Upon turning 18, Nemo was promoted to SES (Senior Executive Supervisor).