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Meet Our Team

DR. EVAN KIRK, DVM

Dr. Evan Kirk’s interest in veterinary medicine came at an early age when he would accompany his dog on visits to Dr. Joseph Brewer, founder of Brewer Animal Hospital. This experience eventually inspired him to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned his veterinary degree, and then back to the place where his dream was first sparked.

The Springfield native is a past-president of the Board of Directors for the Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield. He also wrote the popular “Ask the Vet” column that ran in the Animal Protective League’s quarterly newsletter.

Dr. Kirk and his wife, Mary, have two grown children, Bryan and Julia.  The Kirks share their home with two cats named Lola and Willie, and one dog, a mixed breed rescue, named Suki. In his spare time, Dr. Kirk enjoys gardening, bicycling and boating. 

His professional focus is on surgery and internal medicine of dogs and cats. His professional goals are to provide the best quality medicine available for his patients, great service for his human clients and a safe, enjoyable and rewarding workplace for his team.


RINA WARD, DVM (Emeritus)

It is bittersweet we announce the retirement of our Dr. Rina Ward. She has been practicing with Brewer Animal Hospital for almost 30 years and we have enjoyed every moment of it. June of 2024 will be her last month taking appointments. We will miss her dearly, but are so happy for her next chapter. Dr. Ward sends her gratitude for all the amazing patients and clients she has had the honor of treating and counseling through the years.






KELLIE LR Guth, DVM

Dr. Rucker is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, College of Veterinary Medicine and is a native of Staunton, IL.  She grew up riding and showing Paso Fino horses and still enjoys trail riding today. She jumps at the chance to do any outdoor activity, especially boating and camping.

Dr. Rucker was most attracted to the family atmosphere Brewer’s offers its clients, pets, and staff. Dr. Rucker lives near Williamsville with her husband, Daniel and her daughter, Emery - born in June of '22. She is always looking for great restaurant recommendations and fun things to do in the area so be sure to share one when you come in! She has a special interest in surgery and internal medicine of dogs and cats. 


 

BRENDA (and Uno)
Licensed Veterinary Technician/Hospital Manager

Brenda graduated from Parkland Community College in 1986 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined Brewer Animal Hospital later that year, and has been with us ever since. 2021 marks her 35 year anniversary with us! Her vast experience and multiple skills make her an indispensable asset to patient care.  Whether in the treatment area, the laboratory, or assisting in surgery, Brenda is perpetually on the go and dedicated to the well-being of all our patients.  Brenda grew up on a farm just outside of Mason City, Illinois, and still lives nearby with her husband. Brenda has three children, all of which are grown and out on their own now. Her daughter Danielle is following in her foot steps and is now employed with our clinic. Their household is completed by three dogs and three cats. In her spare time, Brenda works on the family farm, takes care of her horses, and competes in a dart league. 


MISSY(and Peggy Sue)
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Missy has been with Brewer Animal Hospital since 2011 while in high school when she participated in a job shadowing program, and returned to perform her externship while she completed her Veterinary Technician degree at the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in St. Louis. She became a permanent part of our staff in 2013, and has proven herself indespensable ever since. Missy easily adapts in every role we offer from team player to leader. She resides in Spaulding with her husband and their four daughters. They share their home with two black labs named Bear and Peggy Sue. In her free time, Missy enjoys horseback riding, fishing, camping, and generally anything that involves being outdoors and country living.



JESSICA (and Clover)
Tech Assistant/Receptionst     

Jessica joined the BAH team in July of 2020 after completing a Veterinary Assistant Certification program at LLCC in June of 2020. Her background in restaurant management and her love of animals make a perfect fit for client/patient care. Whether she is taking a phone call, assisting in treatment, or giving a well deserved dose of TLC to one of our hospitalized patients, Jessica always has a smile on her face. 

In her spare time, she is an avid gardner and is usually our in-house staff advisor on all things botannical. We also hear that she throws a wicked game night party!

Jessica shares her home with her son and daughter, a cat named Umbra, and a pittie named Clover.



Regan
Tech Assistant

Regan joined us in 2022 as a kennel attendant and quickly moved into the roll of receptionist, then tech assistant. When she is not helping the doctors in surgery or treatments, Regan enjoys competing in equine events. Regan shares her home with 4 dogs and a horse. 









    Jenny (and Vixie)    Tech Assistant


Jenny started with our clinic as a kennel attendant when she was in high school. She left us to join the Air Nation Guard, which she is still active in, and came back to work at the front desk and transtioned to tech assistant. Jenny loves all critters big and small and shares her home with an array of pets including 2 cats, 1 dog, and 3 snakes. One of Jenny's hobbies is taking care of aquariums and she does a wonderful job taking care of the tank in our lobby. 




Whether you are calling to make an appointment, or you are here with your pet, these are the friendly faces that are always happy to see you.

MELISSA (and Jack)
Receptionist/Front End Manager

Melissa has been with Brewer Animal Hospital since 2005.  Her experience and her lifelong love of pets makes her the perfect receptionist. Keeping things organized and running smoothly is Melissa’s strong point. This allows the doctors and technicians to better care for your pets.  Melissa shares her home with her husband and son. Their family also includes two cats named Mabel and Molly, a border collie named Jack, and a shepherd mix named Kya.In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hobby photography, spending time outdoors, antiquing, and taking in culture at museums and historical sites. 



PAM
Receptionist

Pam is our former Kennel Manager who has now transitioned to the front end She has been involved with caring for animals many years and loves to pamper all the "kids" left in our care. Each and every fur baby gets the red carpet treatment with Pam. She is a member and former instructor at Capital K-9 Training Club. In her spare time she enjoys reading, and watching football with her family.






Sierra (and Ozzie)

Receptionist

Sierra joined our team in June 2024. When she is not taking care of you at the front desk, she is pampering clients as a hairstylist. Sierra shares her home with her boyfriend and their German Shepherd Bullet. 



Genna (and Fergus)
Receptionist

Genna joined us in August 2024 when she transtioned from the resturant and hospitality industry, to assist famlies and their pets. Genna is also currently enrolled at LLCC studying Art and Psychology. She shares her home with two scottish terriers, Fergus and Gyll. 





                                                          

                     



Whether your pet is here for a vacation or recovering from an illness or procedure, our kennel attendants provide the smiling faces that will greet them each day. They provide the TLC that your pet deserves until it’s time to go back home to their family.


Hallie  (and June)


Kennel Attendant 

Bio coming soon









Ella (and Zoey)

 Kennel Attendant  

Bio coming soon






Emily (and Shy)  Kennel Attendant - 




971 Clocktower Drive  |  Springfield, IL 62704  |  217-787-9730

 OPENING HOURS: MON-FRI 7:30AM - 6:00PM
 SAT 8:00AM - NOON SUNDAY - CLOSED