Learn More About Us
Our Team
Meet Our Team
At Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital, we love what we do every day. You can learn more about our amazing, talented team below. Just click on our images to read our stories!
Dr. Hunter McCann, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Hunter McCann, DVM
Dr. Hunter McCann, DVM
Dr. Ryan McCann, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ryan McCann, DVM
Dr. Ryan McCann, DVM
Dr. Kaitlin Bishop, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Kaitlin Bishop, DVM
Dr. Kaitlin Bishop, DVM
Dr. Pavia, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Pavia, DVM
Dr. Watkins, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Watkins, DVM
Dr. Maus, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Maus, DVM
Lisa Birchler
Practice Manager
Lisa Birchler
Samantha Rettig
Veterinary Technician
Samantha Rettig
Cathey Gruendler
Veterinary Technician
Cathey Gruendler
Heather White
Veterinary Technician
Heather White
Darcy Dlugos
Veterinary Technician
Darcy Dlugos
Aliyah Baker
Veterinary Technician
Aliyah Baker
Megan Hargis
Veterinary Technician
Megan Hargis
Joie Rudar
Veterinary Technician
Joie Rudar
Ellie Cowden
Veterinary Assistant
Ellie Cowden
Samantha Finch
Veterinary Assistant
Samantha Finch
Susie McCabe
Receptionist
Susie McCabe
Cate Moore
Receptionist
Cate Moore
Carol Dickison
Receptionist
Carol Dickison
Roni Fowler
Receptionist
Roni Fowler
Valerie Forshee
Receptionist
Valerie Forshee
Veterinarian
Dr. Kenzie Maus, DVM
Dr. Maus received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. She has been in the veterinary field since the age of 17: shadowing, assisting, working as a veterinary technician, and now a veterinarian. Dr. Maus absolutely loves pet nutrition, saying “helping with weight loss in our furry friends is so rewarding as it helps extend their lives and adds more spunk back into their personalities.” She also really enjoys her roles in surgery, reproductive work and watching patients grom from puppies/kittens into healthy adults. She has two dogs of her own: Beau Jangles (6 year old black lab), and Keiko (1.5 year old Lagotto Romagnolo). Outside of the hospital, Dr. Maus enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with family, and watching Blues hockey.
Veterinarian
Dr. Kaitlin Bishop, DVM
Dr. Bishop received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. She has worked in an animal related field since the age of 15. What she loves most about being a veterinarian is watching pets grow through all stages of life. Dr. Bishop has four pets of her own: Morgan (11 year old calico kitty), Bailey (15 year old puggle), Wilbur (5 year old Australian shepherd), and Bob (Bernese mountain dog puppy!). When she not helping patients at the hospital, Dr. Bishop enjoys reading, aerial silks, and attending concerts.
Veterinarian
Dr. Watkins, DVM
Dr. Watkins grew up in St. Louis where her love for animals began early in life. Her family raised German Shepherd puppies and throughout her childhood, she brought home a menagerie of pets. As a teenager, a job alongside her family’s vet is what cemented her desire to become a veterinarian herself. From a very young age, she felt connected to animals and nature. Following high school, Dr. Watkins attended the University of Missouri to study Animal Sciences. She then went on to attend Mizzou’s prestigious school of veterinary medicine and graduated in 1987. One of Dr. Watkin’s most profound career achievements was becoming a practice owner. She directed an incredibly loved and respected animal hospital for 24 years before passing the torch to spend more time with her family. She and her husband, Bruce, are proud parents of their two sons, Chris and Daniel. Both Dr. Watkins and Bruce have a profound love of cats. Their current roommates include Angel, an independent Siamese-mix and Barley, a handsome, cuddly kitty. In her free time, Dr. Watkins enjoys cooking, growing succulents, board games, hiking, and spending time with the people she loves most.
Veterinarian
Dr. Ryan McCann, DVM
Dr. Ryan McCann is a 1996 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. McCann spent four years in a mixed animal practice in Hannibal, MO, where he learned how to love below-freezing calf pulls and middle-of-the-night c-sections. In 2000, Dr. McCann left Hannibal to pursue his own interests and built his first small animal veterinary clinic in Troy, MO. In 2021, his daughter graduated from veterinary school herself and together they opened Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital. His interests include all aspects of soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, most notably fracture plating and TPLO surgery. Dr. McCann lives in Wildwood, MO, with his wife, Jill, of 27 years. They have three children, Aaron (Ayumi), Hunter (Collin), and Kellen, four grandchildren, five dogs, and one cat.
Veterinarian
Dr. Pavia, DVM
Dr. Pavia received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. He has been shadowing and working in veterinary clinics since he was 17 years old. His favorite part about being a veterinarian is meeting so many different people all with the commonality of loving their furry family members so much. He has a sweet senior Labrador Retriever named Trudy at home. Dr. Pavia loves to travel and has been abroad to places like Australia and Thailand. Dr. Pavia has also played soccer his whole life and loves to stay active in his everyday life, whether through the gym or hiking outdoors. During colder months, he is also an avid gamer and leisure reader. Autumn and Halloween are his favorite time of year, and he would love to see any of your best costumes over the years. He looks forward to meeting you and helping you take the best care of your little ones as possible!
Veterinarian
Dr. Hunter McCann, DVM
Dr. Hunter McCann received her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. She spent her childhood caring for sick pets and assisting in surgeries at her father’s animal hospital. From a young age, it was clear that her calling in life was to save animals. Dr. McCann is our hospital director and what she loves most about her profession is connecting with clients and watching pets live their best, most healthy lives. Dr. McCann has a knack for solving tough cases and performing advanced surgical procedures. When she isn’t at the hospital, Dr. McCann enjoys traveling with her husband, golfing, and relaxing with her two cats, River and La Croix.
Veterinary Technician
Tara White
Tara has joined our team as a Veterinary Technician during her ninth year in the veterinary field. She brings countless amazing qualities to Hawk Ridge, but is most passionate about being hands-on in surgeries, as well as client education on routine care of their furry loved ones. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, her 3 “doggos” Lilyn, Denver, and Naala, and her ever-growing plant collection. She also enjoys going to concerts, hiking, watching football and expressing herself through painting and drawing. She is so excited to work in a modern clinic, to learn and apply the new skills that it brings, and to get to know her new team.
Veterinary Technician
Savannah Bridges
Savannah She brings lots of energy to our team and valuable experience having worked in the veterinary industry for 3 years including a long stint in an emergency medical facility. She enjoys most being in the surgical suite and assisting with procedures. She has 2 four legged kiddos: Jack Daniels, the 2 year old Rottweiler/Pit Bull mix and Rumple, the American Bully Mix. She also has Regina, the 7 year old ball python, and most recently adopted a 1 year old tarantula. She spends her free time hiking and searching for adventures, enjoying quality time with friends and family, and hunting for treasures in antique shops. She is excited to get to work in a brand new clinic and to work with a staff with so many different strengths!
Veterinary Technician
Samantha Rettig
Samantha is a natural leader and her initiative to help her coworkers, clients, and patients has made her a wonderful addition to our hospital. With over 12 years of experience, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and education including fear free training, laser therapy and laboratory technician certification. One of her favorite parts of the job is educating clients. She has 3 canine kids at home Toby (Black Lab), Fresca (Pitbull/Mastiff), and Duke (Great Dane). When she isn’t caring for patients or her own pets, she spends her extra time with her friends, family, and her fiancé. She has a joyful obsession for collecting all things Disney.
Veterinary Technician
Cathey Gruendler
Cathey has been an amazing addition to our team as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She has worked in the veterinary industry for 35 years and brings so much skill, knowledge, and love for pets that is invaluable to our practice. Her hard-working spirit and dedication shine through with everything she does. She loves building relationships with clients and pets alike, starting in the exam room. Her skill set extends to the treatment room where she takes great care of pets under anesthesia and works with the HRAH to give patients the best care possible. Her three kitties at home are Jac, Purrl, Larry and she has two pups, Stella and Ellie. She loves being outside and fancies tennis, biking, fishing, and beating her friends in outdoor games.
Veterinary Technician
Josie Yuede
Through her 8 years in the veterinary field, Josie has truly found what brings her joy and passion, and it is so evident once you meet her. She loves to educate clients about their pets’ health. Her favorite thing is how excited patients are to see their family when they are picked up, but a close second favorite is all those slobbery kisses. At home, she gets her slobbery kisses from her 4 dogs, Chloe, a puggle, who is her “old lady” at 14 years old, Riff Raff, the 10 year old miniature pinscher, who definitely lives up to his name, Odie the 3 year old pit bull who prefers to spend his time at home, Benji, the 2 year old bull terrier who is her “wild child”, and Trixie, the 6 year old calico kitty, who is the purrfect queen bee of the family. When she isn’t chasing around her fur children, family, and friends, she loves to be outside or in the water. She enjoys taking trips to the Lake of the Ozarks where she takes up boating and fishing. She is so excited about being a part of the very first team at Hawk Ridge and all the relationships that come with it!
Receptionists
Evelynn McCracken
Evelynn greets our clients and furry patients with a friendly smile at our reception desk. She has worked as both a Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Receptionist in St. Charles County for the past 20 years. Her love for animals and passion for client education makes her a great addition to the Hawk Ridge team. She has two pets of her own at home: Axel, her Golden Retriever, and Kalea, her cat. Evelynn enjoys celebrating team member birthdays and special events; she is also the unofficial HRAH photographer! When she’s not welcoming clients at the hospital, she enjoys listening to contemporary Christian music, attending local fairs and festivals, and pet-sitting.
Receptionists
Susie McCabe
Susie joined the HRAH team in 2023 as a helpful and knowledgeable receptionist. With an extensive administrative background, Susie brightens our front desk with her excellent customer service skills and superb computer wizardry. If asked what her favorite part of her job is, she’ll quickly respond “Snuggling the fur-babies, obviously!” She has five pets at home: Louis (Bichon mix), Baxter (Malti-poo), Mr. Cookie (Bunny), Griffin (Great Pyrenees mix) and Lord Hunky-Hare (bunny). When she’s not at Hawk Ridge helping clients, she can be found at the horse stables watching her daughter ride. Though she has limited riding experience, she says she excels at providing the horses with plenty of pets and peppermints!
Veterinary Assistant
Aliyah Baker
Always there with a helping hand, Aliyah works as one of Hawk Ridge’s Veterinary Assistants. Her favorite part of the job is helping team members provide excellent patient care. Aliyah has a bachelor’s degree in animal science and is currently enrolled in a veterinary technician program at Midwest Institute. In her free time Aliyah enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, traveling, hiking, and using her Cricut.
Veterinary Assistant
Samantha Finch
Samantha is new to the veterinary field and studying to be a Veterinary Technician. She has joined the Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital team as a Veterinary Assistant who enjoys learning new things and caring for our fluffy friends here at the hospital. She has two pets at home: Rosie (5 year old Shin-poo) and Daisy (3 year old Whoodle). Don’t tell her dogs, but she is obsessed with poodles! When she’s not studying or working at the hospital, she enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.
Veterinary Assistant
Ellie Cowden
Ellie has joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant following the completion of her Veterinary Assisting Program at Academy of Pet Careers. She brings countless amazing qualities to Hawk Ridge, but is most passionate about assisting with surgery, helping clients, and approaching every situation with a positive attitude. In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her friends, family, her 5-year-old Great Pyrenees, Edith, and her leopard gecko, Astrid. She also enjoys being outdoors fishing, hiking or hunting.
Veterinary Technician
Hailie Querruel
Hailie joins us as a veterinary technician with 5 years of experience and a sense of humor that keeps her coworkers’ spirits high. She loves working with our fantastic clients, but she especially loves puppy cuddles and meeting all our adorable, Frenchie patients. She has a three-year-old Frenchie of her own at home, Tito, and three cats: Tink, Tom, and Tuna. When she is not cuddling patients and working at the hospital, she enjoys gardening, collecting countless plants, and riding motorcycles.
Veterinary Technician
Megan Hargis
Megan joins us as a Veterinary Technician with 4 years of experience. She has her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and is CPR certified. Her friendly demeanor and desire to build relationships with pets and clients alike has made here a wonderful addition to the Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital team. Megan has two pets at home: Mavis (5 year old labrador retriever) and Henry (1 year old exotic shorthair). When she is not caring for pets at the hospital, she enjoys reading spending time outside with Mavis, going on hikes, and hanging out with Henry.
Veterinary Technician
Joie Rudar
Joie has been in the medical field for 2 years and her Veterinary Technician degree at Midwest Institute. Her enthusiasm, friendly nature and lifelong love of animals make her a valuable member of the Hawk Ridge team. Her favorite parts of the job are safely and compassionately restraining anxious pets and assisting with surgical preparations. She has two pets at home: Indi May (1 year old dachshund) and Dobby (8 year old miniature pincher mix). In her free time, Joie enjoys hunting, fishing, being at the lake and spending time with family.
Veterinary Technician
Darcy Dlugos
Darcy brings lots of positive energy to our team and valuable experience having worked in the veterinary industry for 7 years. Her favorite part of being a Veterinary Technician is helping nervous or frightened patients feel safe with her. She loves cuddling with her five, four-legged kiddos! Three dogs: Raine, River, and Ralphie and two cats: Moon and Venus. She spends her free time traveling, exercising, and trying new wines with her husband.
Veterinary Technician
Heather White
Heather was once one of our beloved clients and is now one of our excellent Veterinary Technicians. She loves communicating with clients and spoiling our patients like she does her own pets: Gilbert, Apollo and Chief. Her positive attitude and friendly demeanor help our clients and patients feel at home in the hospital. When she’s not studying to complete her veterinary technician degree, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, fishing, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Veterinary Technician
Reaghan Coursey
Reaghan’s vibrant personality and dedication to her clients and patients make her a great Veterinary Technician. She has worked in small animal practices for more than five years and feels she has had a lifelong calling for the veterinary industry. She has a deep passion for the technical aspects such as laboratory and surgical work but loves getting to know clients and their furry friends. Her and her husband, Josh, are owned by their four cats, Felix, Greyson, and sisters Thelma and Louise. Reaghan loves spending her time in the kitchen and often brings love in the form of calories into the clinic. She also enjoys board games, going for walks, and hiking.
Practice Manager
Lisa Birchler
Lisa is a kind-hearted, animal-loving soul who brings with her over decade’s worth of management experience. She is a natural leader whose compassionate nature and strong communication skills help to guide the Hawk Ridge team in providing the best possible patient care. She has five fur babies at home: Max (Terrier mix), Cosmo (Scottish Terrier), two kitty brothers, Ricky and Bobby, and their adopted sister, Marble. She loves walking her dogs, hiking, reading, and tending to her garden.
Receptionist
Carol Dickison
With over 30 years of customer service experience, Carol is a wonderful addition to our Veterinary Reception team. She has a been involved with animal welfare through local rescues and serving on the board of the St. Charles Humane Society. Her favorite parts of her role are working with clients & their pets and working with the great team at Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital. She has a troupe of her own pets: Larry, Puurl, Jac & Wrigley (feline friends) and Ellie and Stella (canine friends). In her free time, Carol enjoys swimming and doing yard work.
Receptionist
Roni Fowler
Roni brings over 10 years of experience to her role as a Veterinary Receptionist at Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital. Seeking to build strong relationships with our clients and their pets, Roni’s willingness to help and positive attitude make her exceptional in her role. She has three pups of her own: Bruno (12 year old Chihuahua), Coulson (8 year old Standard Poodle), and Skye (8 year old Husky). When she is not greeting patients and their parents at the hospital, she enjoys discovering new podcasts, going to concerts and traveling with her husband.
Receptionist
Valerie Forshee
Valerie has been in the veterinary field for 12 years working as a receptionist, assistant and manager. The best part of her job is getting to help our clients and ensure that pets feel safe and secure at Hawk Ridge Animal Hospital. Her empathetic nature and ability to handle a wide range of situations makes her a valued addition to our team. She has a number of pets at home: Leo (12 year old chihuahua), Jazzy Belle (11 year old chihuahua), Ingrid (9 year old domestic short hair) and Monster (8 year old domestic medium hair). When she’s not at the hospital, she enjoys photography, true crime documentaries, hiking and spending time with her family.
Receptionist
Cate Moore
Cate serves our patients from the front desk as a receptionist. Through her top-tier organization skills and her giving spirit, she is great at making clients’ experience as efficient and enjoyable as possible. Her favorite part of her job is being the first line of communication between clients and our practice. She has 2 cats at home: Stuart and Phillip who keep very busy chasing birds and causing antics. When she isn’t answering our phones or chasing her cats, she loves spending time with her family, particularly her nieces. She also enjoys exploring the outdoors, riding her bike, fishing, attending baseball games, and doing her best to beat Cathey at yard games.
