Woodland Animal Hospital

April Dyer:

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.

 Tonya Fisher, RVT:

I am originally from a small town in Illinois called Fulton. After high school, I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and obtained a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Chemistry. I decided getting licensed in Veterinary Technology would be the best course for me, and spent two years at Parkland College in Champaign, IL. I am now a Registered Veterinary Technician.

I fell in love with a young man from California, MO and we got engaged in the summer of 2010. I knew I would love Woodland the first time I viewed their website and I am glad they decided to give me a chance! I got married on May 28th, 2011 and began working at Woodland on June 1st.I love how caring and dedicated everyone is to clients and patients. I am happy to be a part of the family.

I am partial to cats, and currently I am owned by four of them: Tip, Kira, Gabby, and Charity.

On October 17, 2013 and December 9th 2017, my husband and I welcomed new additions in to our home. My daughters, Katana Marie and Evelyn Elaine, have made our lives complete.

 Mercedes Cannon, RVT:

My career started here at Woodland Animal Hospital as a “kennel kid” in 2014. I was raised in Jefferson City . After high school graduation, I went to Crowder College in Neosho, MO to obtain an Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. I made the drive back home almost every week to work Fridays and Saturdays. I graduated in May 2018 and later passed my board exams in July 2018. I am now a full time Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT) and enjoy my career very much.

I grew up with 3 large Labrador Retrievers- one of each color (a neopolitan pack, if you will). As they grew older, more health issues arose and that’s when I knew caring for animals was the career for me. I currently have a Chocolate Labrador, Evie, an English Shephard, Bella and a sassy blue feline named Floyd. I am a little partial to Labradors but I love all large dogs!

Mary Chadwell, Assistant:

I am currently a student in a veterinary technician program through Penn Foster. I have a degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science from Lincoln University. To gain more knowledge and experience in veterinary science, I started working for a different veterinary hospital as a receptionist. I later received a call from Woodland in May of 2019 for a position as a Veterinary Assistant. I immediately filled out an application, got an interview, and have loved every minute of my new job, that will help me reach my goals and succeed on my career path!

Growing up, I lived in several different places. When I was in 8^th grade, my family moved to Jefferson City and have resided here since. I met my husband after I moved here while we were in 8^th grade. We started dating in 2014, got married in 2015, had our daughter in 2016 and are expecting another daughter in June. We all absolutely love animals. We have 4 cats (Leo, Piper, Balenci, and Melinda), a bearded dragon (Draco) and care for my mother’s dachshund (Charlie).

 Maria Heet, Receptionist:

I was born and raised in Jefferson City, and have been bringing my pets to Woodland since I was in grade school. I’ve always loved animals, and had considered becoming a veterinarian at a young age. I quickly learned there were some aspects of the job I wouldn’t be comfortable doing, and ultimately decided to join the industry as a receptionist. I joined the Woodland team in 2022.

I’ve had many pets over the years, and currently have three cats and one dog. Cloak and Dagger (cats) are littermates and full of mischief. Penny and Percy (dog and cat) are best buddies, and are usually finding some kind of trouble of their own.  

Toniya Crowley, Assistant:

I moved from Valmeyer Illinois to Jefferson City in 2013, and graduated from Jefferson City Academic Center in 2016.  In September of 2021 I joined the Woodland crew as an assistant. Growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian and would spend my time outdoors, catching frogs,  or trying to sneak in stray cats. Today I spend my free time with my fiancé and caring for my 2 cats (Ivey and Gremmie), my dog (Willow), rabbit (Theodore), and my ball python (Archie). Working at Woodland has been so much fun and I’m happy to be a part of the family. 

Deanna Urban, Technician:

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).