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Our Care Team

Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put the patients first!

Becky

Becky

CVA, CCRA, CCFT, CCMT Head Veterinary and Dental Technician

Becky developed her passion for veterinary medicine during her childhood. Growing up in Knoxville, Iowa, young Becky began joining a local veterinarian on his patient appointments when she was just eight years old. Becky thoroughly enjoyed her one-on-one time with this generous veterinary professional; and by the time she was 15 years old, she had acquired valuable veterinary medicine knowledge. Even more importantly, Becky had realized that she was meant for a veterinary career!

When Becky began attending nearby Simpson College, she wanted to maintain her connection to veterinary medicine. Becky applied for a part-time job at Ingersoll Animal Hospital in 1980, and she has been a valuable part of the hospital’s care team for more than 30 years.

Throughout Becky’s time at the hospital, she has taken the initiative to improve her skills, which increases her ability to provide care for her clients’ treasured pets. Becky has become a Certified Veterinary Assistant and a Medical Laser Technician. She has also completed advanced training from the American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians. This dedicated, animal-loving lady keeps herself updated on the latest veterinary medicine advances, and she’s always ready to adapt to new technologies to better help her furry patients.

In Becky’s free time, she’s a seasoned distance runner who has completed several marathons. Becky, Tempo and Pacer, her miniature schnauzers, also compete in agility trials. She’s currently training Tempo and Pacer to be well-seasoned competitors! They are both still very much puppies and are more vocal than Becky would like, but they are making great progress.

Shelbi

Shelbi L.

CCRA, RVT

Shelbi is a Des Moines native, and grew up spending many summer days at the Blank Park Zoo. She’s always been interested in the behavior and rehabilitation of animals, and knew that she would love to work hands-on to better the lives of the earth’s creatures. That’s why Shelbi decided to become a member of the veterinary profession!

Shelbi first joined the team here at Ingersoll Animal Hospital while starting college at Iowa State University, filling in during breaks and summer vacation as a Veterinary Assistant, until returning to the clinic full-time after graduating with her degree in animal ecology. She especially loves to learn new things on a daily basis, and also enjoys observing and helping with surgeries. Shelbi’s favorite part of her work is that every day is a little bit different—she’s constantly kept on her toes!

Outside of work, Shelbi likes traveling and spending time at home with her own pets. She shares her life with Nashville, a Golden Retriever/English Setter mix who loves to be pampered, as well as a spunky black cat named Manny.

Karen

Karen

Veterinary Assistant

Unlike many of her colleagues, Karen didn’t initially set out to work in the veterinary field. To the contrary – she originally thought she wanted to become a lawyer. Her deep interest in medicine and science, and an innate love of animals, however, would ultimately shift her path in a different direction. As a veterinary assistant, Karen is grateful to be doing what she feels she’s meant to do: making a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Karen attended college in her home island of Puerto Rico, where she applied to be part of the pre-vet program. While in school, she participated in an internship involving the care of marine turtles. It was an incredible experience that further fueled her desire to work in veterinary medicine. She then spent some time shadowing at a vet clinic where she was eventually hired. After relocating to Iowa, Karen joined the Ingersoll Animal Hospital team in June of 2023.

One of the things Karen enjoys most about her job is educating new pet owners on how to be the best pet parents to their fur-babies. She also enjoys witnessing the journey of pets who are healing and regaining strength following a complicated disease process. Last, but not least, Karen recently began participating in the rehabilitation program, which provides new options for pets to enjoy an optimal quality of life.

Outside of the clinic, Karen has several pets of her own, including a very spoiled cat named Mota, who was born in Karen’s closet and ended up staying after all of her littermates were adopted; a mixed breed dog named Petunia, whom Karen rescued from the middle of the road after her mother had been hit by a car; and Apex, a handful of a Huskey who is extremely intelligent. Besides her fur-babies, Karen lives with her long-time partner, Edwin, whom she met during college.

Morgan

Morgan

CVA

Morgan’s connection to animals began at a very young age on her family farm, where she helped tend to a wide variety of animals. Whenever the local vet would show up, Morgan would follow them around, fascinated by what they did. When she saw one of the doctors give the family dog some medicine and witnessed that sick pup’s recovery, she was hooked and officially knew what she wanted to do when she grew up!

In high school, Morgan participated in a job shadowing project at her local vet clinic. After graduation, she went on to attend ISU for animal science. Prior to joining the Ingersoll Animal Hospital team, Morgan spent two years working as a professional dog trainer in the Des Moines area. While she loved the job, deep down she knew she wanted more and decided it was time to return to what started it all – her childhood interest in veterinary medicine. Helping pets heal is her true passion in life.

Outside of the clinic, Morgan’s family consists of her fiancé and their sassy cat, Midna, who likes to pretend she doesn’t like you until she’s climbing into your lap and purring like a motorboat.

Kirsten

Kirsten

Veterinary Assistant

After graduating from Ellsworth Community College with an associate degree in both Equine Science and Equine Management, Kirsten went on to work for the Animal Rescue League as a kennel technician. From there, she wanted to dive into more of the companion animal world and went on to work at a clinic as a veterinary assistant for a year and a half before joining Ingersoll Animal Hospital in June of 2023. Kirsten has since enrolled in the PennFoster veterinary technician program and Canine Rehab Institute’s certification Program. Professionally, she enjoys lab work because it’s like putting together the pieces of a puzzle.

Outside of the clinic, Kirsten resides with her two dogs, Waylon and Dolly. Waylon is a rescue and is the best snuggle buddy, even if his anxiety sometimes gets the best of him. Dolly is their Brittany, who when she is not out upland hunting, she is on the couch suckling and kneading a comfy blanket. Kirsten’s personal interests include reading and hiking with her favorite pups.

Sydney

Sydney

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Sydney has known she wanted to work with animals since preschool, and she has her mom to thank for that! When Sydney was little, her mom helped arrange a class field trip to their local veterinary clinic so she could see what it was like to care for animals up close. Watching the vet work and listening to a pet’s heartbeat through a stethoscope was a defining moment, and from that day on, Sydney was determined to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Sydney’s journey officially began in high school when she landed a job as a veterinary assistant. After graduation, she moved to Ames to study Animal Science with a pre-vet focus. But like any true adventurer, Sydney decided to hit pause on school and spend a year traveling the country. When she eventually settled back in Des Moines, she knew it was time to get back into the field she loved. In June 2024, she joined the team at Ingersoll Animal Hospital, where she’s been expanding her skills and knowledge ever since. She especially enjoys assisting with nail trims, ear cleanings, and learning about new and complex cases from the doctors.

At home, Sydney is outnumbered by her three fabulous feline companions: Francis, the fluffy “old man” who lives for cuddles and snacks; Athena, the queen of zoomies with the cutest goat-like meow; and Fergie, her playful little firecracker who keeps her on her toes. Life is never dull with this trio, and Sydney wouldn’t have it any other way!

When she’s not working or snuggling her cats, you can find Sydney crocheting her heart out. What started as a hobby in 2023 has quickly turned into a passion, and she hopes to one day launch a small commission business for her handmade creations. Until then, she’s perfectly content learning, growing, and doing what she loves most — caring for animals and helping them feel their absolute best!

Rylee

Rylee

Veterinary Assistant

Despite initially going to school to become a paramedic, Rylee realized relatively early on that she was far more interested in working with animals than with humans. As one of the veterinary assistants here at Ingersoll Animal Hospital, Rylee is able to combine her medical training with her passion for pets, which has turned out to be the perfect fit!

Prior to joining the Ingersoll team, Rylee’s work experience took place in various zoos and aquariums, where she helped to care for a variety of different species. She also volunteered at the NOAA Sea Turtle Rescue, where she assisted in rehabilitating injured turtles. In her current role as VA, Rylee enjoys talking to clients, learning about their pets, and establishing relationships with them.

Outside of the clinic, Rylee lives in Des Moines with her son and their animal family, which consists of a trick-loving mutt named Gary, a bearded dragon named Fiber, a leopard gecko named Bagel, and several fresh and saltwater fish. When she’s not busy working or tending to her family, Rylee can usually be found doing something outdoors, especially if it involves hiking in the woods or swimming at the beach.

Kennedy

Kennedy

Veterinary Assistant

Kennedy has always had a deep love for animals — though if you’d asked her when she was five, she would’ve fiercely denied it. During a trip to Lake Red Rock with her grandparents, she curled up in the backseat with their basset hound, Sammy. Her grandpa smiled and said, “You’re going to work with animals one day.” Kennedy, full of 5-year-old sass, shot back, “No, I’m not!” Her grandpa just laughed, and sure enough, he turned out to be right. Today, Kennedy proudly works as a veterinary assistant at Ingersoll Animal Hospital, and she credits her grandpa (and sweet Sammy) for planting the seed that eventually grew into her dream career.

Kennedy’s journey officially began in high school when she took a job as a kennel attendant at a doggie daycare. While she loved caring for the animals, she quickly realized she wanted to do more. In 2020, fresh out of high school, she joined Ingersoll Animal Hospital where she worked her way up to a veterinary assistant. The role turned out to be the perfect blend of her two interests — animals and medicine. Kennedy especially enjoys taking x-rays and monitoring surgeries, where the fast-paced, high-focus environment keeps her on her toes.

At home, Kennedy shares her life with her adorable son (born in 2022) and her senior cat, Rupert. The two are the best of friends — whether they’re playing with the laser pointer, cuddling during movie nights, or simply causing mischief around the house. Kennedy hopes to add a dog to the family soon so they can enjoy more outdoor adventures together, just like she did growing up with her beloved Weimaraner, Gretel — her “soul dog” who forever solidified her love for the breed.

In her free time, Kennedy taps into her creative side. She’s a talented painter (with a few art awards under her belt) and hopes to make more time for her art again soon. She’s also a passionate gardener — and at one point nurturing over 50 houseplants! Now that she has a home of her own, Kennedy is excited to create a beautiful outdoor garden and turn her space into a cozy green oasis. 

Lauren

Lauren

Patient Care Coordinator

Growing up in Boone, IA, Lauren remembers spending time on her great grandparents’ acreage, playing with their pets, as well as the many stray cats and pigeons around the property. As she grew older, her love for all creatures continued to grow, as did her innate desire to help people and animals alike. A career in the veterinary field seemed like the perfect fit!

Following high school, Lauren began caring for an elderly neighbor’s pets, feeding them, taking them for walks, bringing them to vet appointments, and administering meds. After earning her nurse’s aide certification, Lauren decided to focus on the four-legged and furry patients and joined the Ingersoll team in June of 2024 as one of our patient care coordinators. 

Lauren currently has seven pets at home, including two dogs: a stubborn Pyrenees named Niko, and an energetic pup named Molly; and five cats: food-motivated Apollo, laundry basket enthusiast Panda, bird-watching adventurer Cinnamon, biscuit-making Bernadette, and shy Ginger. Lauren’s hobbies range from making candles, soap, and glass art, to sewing, watching movies, and catching up on a good TV series.

Randi

Randi

Patient Care Coordinator

Randi’s lifetime passion for animals, and experience working with racetrack horses, has provided a strong foundation for her veterinary hospital work. By previously earning her Dental Assistant certificate, Randi gained basic medical knowledge that she uses in her Patient Care Coordinator position. When her clients and their beloved pets arrive for their appointments, Randi greets them with a friendly smile and a calm, efficient manner. She wants them to have a smooth, positive hospital experience; and just in case, Randi’s ready with her supply of dog treats!

Living outside Des Moines with her fiance Jason, Randi has quite a collection of dogs, cats, and horses. Randi thrives on being outdoors, and she takes every opportunity to ride her horses and bond with her dog. She also shares camping, fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, and road trips with Jason. Randi’s generally an early bird, getting up before sunrise, working hard on the farm and at the hospital, and turning out the lights well after the sun goes down.

Randi’s three horses have an insatiable appetite, as they eat all day and then escape from their pasture to gorge themselves on the other side of the fence. So far, Solomon, Tornado, and Lexy haven’t suffered any ill effects from their food fests. Randi’s dog Kilo loves playing with the horses, and she’ll hitch a ride on any moving vehicle, hopping into the truck or jumping on the four-wheeler. Finally, Randi’s two cats have found a way to entertain themselves inside the house. Kazz has learned how to completely unroll the toilet paper, and Trix has developed the fine art of sleeping all day.

Kryssa

Kryssa

Pet Groomer

Kryssa was only in the eighth grade when she started helping at a grooming facility operated by Kryssa’s own dog trainer. Over the years, she learned the ropes of the grooming profession hands-on—she hasn’t stopped grooming pets since. Now, Kryssa is Ingersoll Animal Hospital’s resident Pet Groomer!

Kryssa is originally from New Virginia, Iowa, and attended Kirkwood Community College to study pet grooming and small-business management. After completing her schooling, she signed on with a local animal hospital for a time before moving on to another nearby clinic, where she worked as a Veterinary Assistant while starting her very own grooming business during her off hours.

In the summer of 2018, Kryssa joined the Ingersoll Animal Hospital family and has been making the pets of the area look and feel their absolute best ever since. For her, nothing beats seeing the look on an owner’s face when they first see their freshly groomed companion—those moments make it all worth it for Kryssa!

When she isn’t pampering pets here at the hospital, Kryssa enjoys scrapbooking and spending quality time with her friends and family. She and her boyfriend, Josh, have a beautiful daughter named Ava and also share their lives with three canine companions: Angel, Kryssa’s rat terrier who used to compete alongside Kryssa in competitive 4-H shows; a Pit Bull named Arielle who is both a Canine Good Citizen and a certified therapy dog; and Triton the Pit Bull, also a Canine Good Citizen who loves performing his best tricks for treats.

“One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.”

 – Pam Brown