Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Susan Weis
I grew up in St. Louis, in a suburb just outside of the city called Webster Groves. I loved Webster’s small town feel and strong sense of community, with all the amenities of a big city. My most memorable times as a child included riding bikes—barefoot—all over the neighborhood with friends, swimming at the local pool, building forts in the woods, playing imaginative games with my sister or best friend, being with nature at camp, and laying under the stars with my dad contemplating the universe. We always had a dog, then additionally a cat, and LOTS of hamsters. I was responsible for taking care of the animals and even trained our dog (for the most part) how to walk on a leash and basic commands.
I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and living things, so I set out on a path to study science in college. I graduated from Truman State University with a Biology degree and a music minor. Initially, I considered a career in environmental science as I see us all having an important role in healing our world, but I was drawn to a desire to protect animals. I chose veterinary medicine as my path and received my doctorate from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003.
Over my 20-year career, the majority of my focus has been in private practice, though I have also devoted many years in non-profit/shelter medicine, and a couple of years handling emergencies. I have developed a strong interest in animal behavior, workplace and animal wellbeing, and power of the human-animal bond. Overall, some of the greatest things l have learned are: medicine is healing for the “healer" too, spiritual if allowed, and an art in itself. I find that sharing my presence with my clients and their pets is possibly the most rewarding part of my work.
When I attended a “day in the life" seminar for veterinarians as providers of end-of-life care, I immediately knew this is where I am meant to be. In my personal life, I have had a strong passion in learning about the psychology of healing. I personally lived through a deep depression that sparked an interest in self-care and healing. I strive to grow and take care of myself holistically so that I may influence all I touch in a positive and peaceful way.
I am fueled by being with my family (importantly my husband and two children) and other loved ones (including our 3 cats and dog), experiencing live music, art, nature, gardening, practicing yoga, exercise, or reading. These things keep me grounded. Some of the most beautiful experiences in my work have involved being with my patients and their families during end-of-life care and most specifically, at-home euthanasia. I am honored to provide comfort, care, and support for you and your pet during these sacred moments. I believe this is such a special and great gift, that honestly, is reciprocal in its power and healing.
About Dr. Lindsey Wittmeyer
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, wishing for a farm full of animals but settling for an amazing family dog and barn time whenever possible. As a horse-crazy teenager and young adult in college, I envisioned myself as a mobile equine vet with a ride-along dog. I always pictured myself caring for any type of horse, from broodmares to foals and racehorses to backyard ponies.
Throughout vet school, my interests began to weigh more heavily towards small animal medicine, mainly due to the increased client interaction. I truly enjoyed clinical rotations where I was able to focus on each individual pet and give the family reassurance that their pet was being cared for like he or she was my own.
After graduating from vet school at Kansas State University, I focused on small animal general practice. I found myself thankful for the preventive care I was able to provide, but mostly enjoyed focusing on increased quality of life for pets at home and in the veterinary clinic. To me, this included physical and mental well being. After completing multiple Fear Free courses, I am still constantly looking to learn more about relieving anxiety for our pets. Attending lectures given by Lap of Love’s Co-Founder, Dr. Mary Gardner, was my first glance into the world of veterinary hospice and end of life care. Her tips on comfort care changed the way I practiced in the clinic - for the better!
I am now grateful to have the opportunity to combine my love of small animal medicine, client connecting, mobile practice, and above all, comfort care for our pets into this career with Lap of Love.
About Dr. Linda Faris
I was raised on a farm near Kansas City and always loved being with our family pets - they were my closest companions. As I grew up my daily life revolved around animals. My chores included feeding the baby calves their bottles of milk and walking the cows out to the pasture. By the time I finished grade school, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I went to college at the University of Missouri in Columbia and completed my degree in Agricultural Economics before applying to veterinary school. I ended up continuing my veterinary school journey at the University of Missouri l where I finally accomplished my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. Five years after graduating, I opened my first veterinary practice in my hometown of Weston, Missouri.
Over the next few years, I bought my own farm and had two children. As the years passed, and after finding limitations in conventional medicine, my interest grew in holistic medicine and I took many courses studying alternative and holistic modalities. I simply wanted more options when my patients ran into problems that conventional treatments couldn’t solve. I eventually became certified in veterinary acupuncture and in 2004 opened my very own holistic practice. Most of my cases at this practice were older and had chronic problems. The elderly dogs and cats touched my heart deeply and I found an uncommon satisfaction helping families care for, then peacefully and lovingly say goodbye to them.
I have cared for thousands of pets over my 35 years in practice, and believe that helping families peacefully and lovingly say goodbye to their special companions is extremely important. I joined Lap of Love to devote the remainder of my career to this important service and I sincerely feel that it is an honor and a special privilege for me to be present during the last moments of a beloved pet’s journey.
About Dr. June Wiley
I grew up in Zionsville, Indiana but we visited Kansas City so often to see family and friends that I have always considered it my second home—and I now live in this amazing city. I felt drawn to animals throughout my childhood, and in school, I developed a love for science. It only made sense to bring those two passions together by practicing veterinary medicine.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and I received my veterinary degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
I spent the first four years of my career working in a small animal practice where I developed a passion for advocating for my patients to ensure they received the best care possible. I understand the importance of the human-animal bond and am so grateful I have been able to help so many pets and owners during my time in small animal practice.
Sometimes you just feel a calling that is hard to fully understand and explain, and this is how I would explain the journey to hospice and end of life care. Providing families with a stress-free end-of-life experience for their pet is very fulfilling and gives me a sense of purpose. A peaceful goodbye is the best gift we can give our beloved furry family members, and I feel grateful that I can be a part of that.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. I also like sewing and needlepoint while watching Kansas City sports. I love spending time with my long-haired cat and little Chihuahua.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Catherine Hagan
I’m a hometown girl from Kansas City’s Northland. I grew up catching crawdads in Rock Creek, playing in Penguin Park, and walking to The Little Store during open lunch at Northtown. My love of science and nature inspired my decision to become a veterinarian. I studied biology in college at Stanford University and got my veterinary degree from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I took a long detour to the west coast, but I never forgot where I came from.
I care deeply about animal welfare and stewardship. Some of my career has involved ensuring the proper care of animals in research. Since 2018, my career has increasingly focused on supporting pet parents with basic, preventive, and end-of-life care for dogs and cats. I am grateful that veterinary medicine has given me opportunities to contribute to society in different ways. The most meaningful work to me has been to nurture the special relationship between people and animals.
My experiences in dealing with aging and dying of my own pets are part of the reason I am called to do this. My goal as a Lap of Love veterinarian is to do everything I can to make an impossible day as manageable and peaceful as it can possibly be. My intention is to be present in a respectful and consoling way and to bear witness to the grief. It is an honor to be of service in this way.
About Dr. Susan Weis
I grew up in St. Louis, in a suburb just outside of the city called Webster Groves. I loved Webster’s small town feel and strong sense of community, with all the amenities of a big city. My most memorable times as a child included riding bikes—barefoot—all over the neighborhood with friends, swimming at the local pool, building forts in the woods, playing imaginative games with my sister or best friend, being with nature at camp, and laying under the stars with my dad contemplating the universe. We always had a dog, then additionally a cat, and LOTS of hamsters. I was responsible for taking care of the animals and even trained our dog (for the most part) how to walk on a leash and basic commands.
I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and living things, so I set out on a path to study science in college. I graduated from Truman State University with a Biology degree and a music minor. Initially, I considered a career in environmental science as I see us all having an important role in healing our world, but I was drawn to a desire to protect animals. I chose veterinary medicine as my path and received my doctorate from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003.
Over my 20-year career, the majority of my focus has been in private practice, though I have also devoted many years in non-profit/shelter medicine, and a couple of years handling emergencies. I have developed a strong interest in animal behavior, workplace and animal wellbeing, and power of the human-animal bond. Overall, some of the greatest things l have learned are: medicine is healing for the “healer" too, spiritual if allowed, and an art in itself. I find that sharing my presence with my clients and their pets is possibly the most rewarding part of my work.
When I attended a “day in the life" seminar for veterinarians as providers of end-of-life care, I immediately knew this is where I am meant to be. In my personal life, I have had a strong passion in learning about the psychology of healing. I personally lived through a deep depression that sparked an interest in self-care and healing. I strive to grow and take care of myself holistically so that I may influence all I touch in a positive and peaceful way.
I am fueled by being with my family (importantly my husband and two children) and other loved ones (including our 3 cats and dog), experiencing live music, art, nature, gardening, practicing yoga, exercise, or reading. These things keep me grounded. Some of the most beautiful experiences in my work have involved being with my patients and their families during end-of-life care and most specifically, at-home euthanasia. I am honored to provide comfort, care, and support for you and your pet during these sacred moments. I believe this is such a special and great gift, that honestly, is reciprocal in its power and healing.
About Dr. Lindsey Wittmeyer
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, wishing for a farm full of animals but settling for an amazing family dog and barn time whenever possible. As a horse-crazy teenager and young adult in college, I envisioned myself as a mobile equine vet with a ride-along dog. I always pictured myself caring for any type of horse, from broodmares to foals and racehorses to backyard ponies.
Throughout vet school, my interests began to weigh more heavily towards small animal medicine, mainly due to the increased client interaction. I truly enjoyed clinical rotations where I was able to focus on each individual pet and give the family reassurance that their pet was being cared for like he or she was my own.
After graduating from vet school at Kansas State University, I focused on small animal general practice. I found myself thankful for the preventive care I was able to provide, but mostly enjoyed focusing on increased quality of life for pets at home and in the veterinary clinic. To me, this included physical and mental well being. After completing multiple Fear Free courses, I am still constantly looking to learn more about relieving anxiety for our pets. Attending lectures given by Lap of Love’s Co-Founder, Dr. Mary Gardner, was my first glance into the world of veterinary hospice and end of life care. Her tips on comfort care changed the way I practiced in the clinic - for the better!
I am now grateful to have the opportunity to combine my love of small animal medicine, client connecting, mobile practice, and above all, comfort care for our pets into this career with Lap of Love.
About Dr. Linda Faris
I was raised on a farm near Kansas City and always loved being with our family pets - they were my closest companions. As I grew up my daily life revolved around animals. My chores included feeding the baby calves their bottles of milk and walking the cows out to the pasture. By the time I finished grade school, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I went to college at the University of Missouri in Columbia and completed my degree in Agricultural Economics before applying to veterinary school. I ended up continuing my veterinary school journey at the University of Missouri l where I finally accomplished my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. Five years after graduating, I opened my first veterinary practice in my hometown of Weston, Missouri.
Over the next few years, I bought my own farm and had two children. As the years passed, and after finding limitations in conventional medicine, my interest grew in holistic medicine and I took many courses studying alternative and holistic modalities. I simply wanted more options when my patients ran into problems that conventional treatments couldn’t solve. I eventually became certified in veterinary acupuncture and in 2004 opened my very own holistic practice. Most of my cases at this practice were older and had chronic problems. The elderly dogs and cats touched my heart deeply and I found an uncommon satisfaction helping families care for, then peacefully and lovingly say goodbye to them.
I have cared for thousands of pets over my 35 years in practice, and believe that helping families peacefully and lovingly say goodbye to their special companions is extremely important. I joined Lap of Love to devote the remainder of my career to this important service and I sincerely feel that it is an honor and a special privilege for me to be present during the last moments of a beloved pet’s journey.
About Dr. June Wiley
I grew up in Zionsville, Indiana but we visited Kansas City so often to see family and friends that I have always considered it my second home—and I now live in this amazing city. I felt drawn to animals throughout my childhood, and in school, I developed a love for science. It only made sense to bring those two passions together by practicing veterinary medicine.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and I received my veterinary degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
I spent the first four years of my career working in a small animal practice where I developed a passion for advocating for my patients to ensure they received the best care possible. I understand the importance of the human-animal bond and am so grateful I have been able to help so many pets and owners during my time in small animal practice.
Sometimes you just feel a calling that is hard to fully understand and explain, and this is how I would explain the journey to hospice and end of life care. Providing families with a stress-free end-of-life experience for their pet is very fulfilling and gives me a sense of purpose. A peaceful goodbye is the best gift we can give our beloved furry family members, and I feel grateful that I can be a part of that.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. I also like sewing and needlepoint while watching Kansas City sports. I love spending time with my long-haired cat and little Chihuahua.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Catherine Hagan
I’m a hometown girl from Kansas City’s Northland. I grew up catching crawdads in Rock Creek, playing in Penguin Park, and walking to The Little Store during open lunch at Northtown. My love of science and nature inspired my decision to become a veterinarian. I studied biology in college at Stanford University and got my veterinary degree from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I took a long detour to the west coast, but I never forgot where I came from.
I care deeply about animal welfare and stewardship. Some of my career has involved ensuring the proper care of animals in research. Since 2018, my career has increasingly focused on supporting pet parents with basic, preventive, and end-of-life care for dogs and cats. I am grateful that veterinary medicine has given me opportunities to contribute to society in different ways. The most meaningful work to me has been to nurture the special relationship between people and animals.
My experiences in dealing with aging and dying of my own pets are part of the reason I am called to do this. My goal as a Lap of Love veterinarian is to do everything I can to make an impossible day as manageable and peaceful as it can possibly be. My intention is to be present in a respectful and consoling way and to bear witness to the grief. It is an honor to be of service in this way.
About Dr. Susan Weis
I grew up in St. Louis, in a suburb just outside of the city called Webster Groves. I loved Webster’s small town feel and strong sense of community, with all the amenities of a big city. My most memorable times as a child included riding bikes—barefoot—all over the neighborhood with friends, swimming at the local pool, building forts in the woods, playing imaginative games with my sister or best friend, being with nature at camp, and laying under the stars with my dad contemplating the universe. We always had a dog, then additionally a cat, and LOTS of hamsters. I was responsible for taking care of the animals and even trained our dog (for the most part) how to walk on a leash and basic commands.
I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and living things, so I set out on a path to study science in college. I graduated from Truman State University with a Biology degree and a music minor. Initially, I considered a career in environmental science as I see us all having an important role in healing our world, but I was drawn to a desire to protect animals. I chose veterinary medicine as my path and received my doctorate from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003.
Over my 20-year career, the majority of my focus has been in private practice, though I have also devoted many years in non-profit/shelter medicine, and a couple of years handling emergencies. I have developed a strong interest in animal behavior, workplace and animal wellbeing, and power of the human-animal bond. Overall, some of the greatest things l have learned are: medicine is healing for the “healer" too, spiritual if allowed, and an art in itself. I find that sharing my presence with my clients and their pets is possibly the most rewarding part of my work.
When I attended a “day in the life" seminar for veterinarians as providers of end-of-life care, I immediately knew this is where I am meant to be. In my personal life, I have had a strong passion in learning about the psychology of healing. I personally lived through a deep depression that sparked an interest in self-care and healing. I strive to grow and take care of myself holistically so that I may influence all I touch in a positive and peaceful way.
I am fueled by being with my family (importantly my husband and two children) and other loved ones (including our 3 cats and dog), experiencing live music, art, nature, gardening, practicing yoga, exercise, or reading. These things keep me grounded. Some of the most beautiful experiences in my work have involved being with my patients and their families during end-of-life care and most specifically, at-home euthanasia. I am honored to provide comfort, care, and support for you and your pet during these sacred moments. I believe this is such a special and great gift, that honestly, is reciprocal in its power and healing.