Our Staff

Doctor

Roger L Becker , D.V.M.

As a Kansas State University graduate, Dr. Becker has been in the veterinary medicine field for over thirty years. He is known as the "Bulldog Doctor" by many.

"Practicing veterinary medicine has been more of a rewarding experience than a job," says Dr. Becker; "the opportunity to save so many clients' pets over the years and the close relationships developed with my clients has been wonderful."

With a major interest in surgical cases, he still finds all aspects of the practice challenging. His extensive pathology training at Walter Reed Army Hospital while in the military has proved to be an extremely valuable asset in the practice. Spending time with his grandchildren, tennis, and golf are among his favorite activities.

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Dr. Matthew D Wingert , D.V.M.

"The variety of cases every single day, and the opportunity to save someone's pet are the two things about this job that I love the most. It's hard to compete with delivering a litter of puppies."

Winner of the 2002 Veterinary Humanitarian Award and almost ten years of veterinary experience, Dr. Wingert has developed two intense areas of interest; orthopedics and reproduction.

Born in Shawnee Mission Kansas and a graduate of K-State University, Dr. Wingert loves playing golf and basketball when he finds the time. Dr. Wingert and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of now four wonderful children. Congratulations on your adoption Dr. Wingert!

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Dr. Duane R Holder , D.V.M.

Beginning his career in veterinary medicine after graduation in 1953, Dr. Duane R. Holder remembers house calls for cows and horses as his first exposure to animal medicine. Working with Dr. Theiss, the founder of Independence Animal Hospital, since his Junior year in High School, Dr. Holder has completed over 60 years of animal care.

As a graduate of Kansas State University, on an athletic scholarship for football and baseball, Dr. Holder and his lovely wife, Shirley, are still avid golfers and regular attendees of their five grandchildren's sporting events.

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Technician

Johnna

A 15 year veteran of Independence Animal Hospital, Johnna is the technician who knows it all. With over 10 years experience in dog training; she excels in animal behavior. With one lovely daughter and a husband of many years, Johnna owns two dogs, one cat, and two horses. She is an avid racing fan and has been to the Indianapolis 500 twice.

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Miss Janet , BS, CPA

Janet's extensive experience and knowledge makes her a valuable asset to our hospital. She has two dogs, one doberman and one miniature pinscher which are quite a pair.

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Alicia

Alicia is very caring and knowledgeable technician; her skills and experience are a great benefit to our hospital and loved by our clients.

Alicia enjoys spending time with her son, tractor pulls, and mud runs. She has been happily married for over eight years, and her pets include two dogs, two horses and two cats.

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Reception

Linda

Mrs. Linda Hammond, proud owner of four dogs, four cats, and three horses, has been a part of our hospital's family for almost fifteen years. As a loving wife for over 30 years, mother of two, and grandmother of two; she enjoys baking, chocolates, and shopping for bargains.

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Karen

Karen mother of two, and grandmother of three, spends the majority of her spare time in fellowship and studies. As a woman who loves horses, she and her husband buy and sell horses, as well as run a horse registry. With 3 dogs, 10 cats, and at the last count 8 horses, she and her husband of almost 40 years live in the countryside outside of Independence.

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Rebecca

Rebecca was hired in January 2006 and is a full-time addition to our receptionist staff.

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Kennel

Carl

For over 15 years, Carl has been an integral part of the Independence Animal Hospital family. As a man who enjoys softball, wieght lifting, and bike riding, he has been a competitor in Special Olympics for many years. He is loved dearly and is an asset to the practice in many ways.

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Ashley

Ashley is a nursing student at the Blue River community college. She has worked for the hospital for over five years.

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