April Dyer

Office Manager

 I grew up in Linn, MO, and graduated from Helias High School here in Jefferson City.  I then attended MU, earning a B.S. in Animal Science. I am married with three great kids, three dogs and two cats. I have also been a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. In the springtime, our little zoo fluctuated with babies as I greatly enjoyed taking in orphaned and injured babies.  Over the years, my family has enjoyed raising and releasing raccoons, opossums, kittens, rabbits, squirrels, and even a flying squirrel. Unfortunately, I am no long able to rehab wildlife at this time. 

I met Dr. Groner as a distressed pet owner when my dog, Shelby (my husband's and my first baby), was hit by a car.  I was so impressed with Dr. Groner's excellent care and concerned manner.  We could really tell she cared about our Shelby.  As soon as Shelby was better, I started bugging Dr. Groner for a job.  I became a happy member of the Woodland family in August of 1998.

Jessica Martin

Receptionist

 Hi Friends! 

My hubby and I relocated to Jefferson City, Mo from the west coast early 2023. I have 18yrs experience as a Pharmacy Technician and needed a change. My sister has always worked in the Veterinary field and when they had an opening we worked together as she shared her skills with me and I knew this was the change I needed. Along with my 5yrs as a Veterinary Receptionist I was an Office Assistant to a Ranch Manager who trained and provided animal actors for the film industry and this was an awesome experience. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, restore ceramic art and take long random drives with my husband.

I have several Fur-Nephews and Nieces. My sister has 3 kitties, (Wrathion, Phoenix and my favorite Illidan) My Parents have 2 pups, (Isis and Thor). I miss them all dearly and can't wait to visit.BUT, I'm very grateful for Woodland accepting me into their team, it's like having a second family.

I see the dedication, compassion and hard work of the Woodland team on a daily basis and look forward to helping your Fur-Babies.

Deanna Urban

Veterinary Assistant

Deanna is from Taos and attended Blair Oaks. Deanna completed an Associates degree in veterinary technology and started working full time at Woodland in 2011. She had the opportunity to change careers, but continues to work part time as a technician on Saturdays. She is a mother to a beautiful, sweet daughter named Caroline. She loves all animals and has both dogs(Gracie, Gizmo) and cats (Gypsy, George, and Sugar Daddy).

Mercedes Buschjost

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hi, I’m Mercedes!

I started working at Woodland Animal Hospital when I was a senior at Jefferson City High School. I then attended Crowder College and obtained an associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology while still working weekends at WAH. After graduation, I passed my boards exam and earned three letters behind my name, RVT. My love for animals started very young when I grew up with 3 large labradors. I became accustomed to caring for each of their individual needs- ranging from TPLO surgeries to diabetes. Currently, my husband Alex and I call Wardsville home with our solid blue kitty, Floyd and my bottle fed calico kitten, Flora. In my free time you can find me tending to my many house plants and helping my husband with farm chores. Helping animals comes second nature to me and is my true calling!

Mary Chadwell

Veterinary Assistant

Hi there!

My name is Mary. Growing up, my family moved around a lot but I always knew I wanted to do something in veterinary medicine. During 8th grade, my family moved to Jefferson City and have resided here since. I met my husband in middle school as friends, we started dating in 2014, and got married in 2015. I have worked for Woodland Animal Hospital since May 2019. In 2020, I graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with emphasis in Animal Science. I have 2 cats, Melinda (Melly) and Stevie, and 1 dog, Koda. I also have 2 human daughters, Grace and Freyja. In my free time I like to craft (crochet, paint, etc.), play with my animals and kids, play video games and read.

Emma Tellman

Veterinary Assistant

Hey yall!

My name is Emma and I started working at Woodland in August of 2025. I have been a veterinary assistant for the last 3 years. I currently attend Lincoln Universtiy to get my bachelor's degree in animal science with hopes of attending vet schoold to get by DVM. 

In my free time, I enjoy helping on the family farm, going to concerts, and spending time with my family and friends. 

Lisa Laughlin

Veterinary Assistant

Hi I'm Lisa!

I am excieted to be part of the team at Woodland again! After more than 2 years of retirement from the State of Missouri, I began coursework to become a credentialed veterinary technician. I look forward to meeting you and your furry ones!

Celia, Raylin, Abby, and Hannah are our kennel assistants. 

If you are boarding your dog or cat here, they are behind the scenes taking care of your pet.  They are exceedingly responsible and very much animal lovers.

JB (aka Jingle Bells)

Our REAL Office Manager

JB (aka Jingle Bells) was born in 2018 and came to live with us in December of 2018. JB can be found holding down the counters up front or in the back keeping an eye on things. He has no fear of dogs and is always trying to greet all of our patients. While he can be rascal, we can't help but love him!

Zeke

Born 2008, Loved by us from 2015-2020

Momma

Born 1998, Loved by us from 2000-2018

Gumpy

Loved by us from 1998 to 2014    

Jake

Loved by us from 2006-2022