Our Team
Meet Our Veterinary Team in Ottumwa, IA
Dr. Tom Lopp
DVM
Education: Undergraduate Pittsburg State University and Graduate Kansas State University BS 1990 DVM 1992.
We welcomed Dr. Lopp into Family Animal Care in 2020 and is happy to be a part of our team! He grew up in Columbus, KS, and was a tool and die maker for 8 years before returning to Veterinary school.
In his spare time, Dr. Lopp enjoys spending time with his wife, target shooting, and metal work.
Dr. Drew White
Managing Veterinarian
Education: Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr.Drew White received his D.V.M. in 2013 from Iowa State University and completed his pre-veterinary studies in ISU’s Department of Animal Science.
We welcomed Dr. Drew into our Family Animal Care in 2019 and he is eager to meet the wonderful clients and patients in our community.
In his spare time, Dr. Drew enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as his dogs and rabbits.
Dr. Harlie Boyer
Dr. Harlie Boyer is originally from Eddyville, IA, where she grew up on her family’s farm. Dr. Boyer is a 2022 Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate.
Dr. Harlie is married to her husband Jayce, and they have a son, Havok, and 2 fur children- Abe (blue heeler mix) and Tillie Jean (Australian Shepherd). When Dr. Boyer is not treating your pets or animals, you can find her playing golf with her family, spending time with her son, being outdoors with her family, and spending time on the family farm.
Dr. Stefanie Merrill
Veterinarian
Originally from Ottumwa, Iowa, Dr. Stefanie Merrill discovered her passion for veterinary medicine while working at a veterinary clinic during high school. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2020.
Dr. Merrill has a strong interest in general surgery and is especially passionate about client education, believing that informed pet owners are empowered to make the best decisions for their animals.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and camping with her husband and two children. She and her husband also share a love of hunting and spend much of their time outdoors with their two hunting dogs, along with their cat and chickens.
Dr. Nourah Runestad
Dr. Runestad is a recent graduate of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient she treats. She especially enjoys working with both dogs and cats and is excited to build meaningful, long-term relationships with pets and their families.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Runestad enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors hiking with her husband, James, and their cattle dog, Wiley.
Melissa
Melissa has proudly served as Practice Manager since 2025. She is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming experience that continues to evolve to better serve clients and their pets. Melissa believes that fostering a positive and supportive environment for both the team and the families they care for is the foundation of exceptional service.
Outside the clinic, Melissa enjoys life with her husband, three children, and two grandchildren. She is also a proud pet parent to three dogs and four ducks. In her free time, you’ll often find her spending time with family, attending live concerts, browsing a garden center, or relaxing in her hammock.
Chloe
Veterinary Assistant
Chloe graduated from William Penn University with a BA in Biology and Criminology. She joined our team in 2017 and enjoys hiking, gardening, and hanging out with her dogs, Coco, Doug, Penelope, Sprout, and Dean, in her spare time.
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn has grown up loving and working with animals. In 2017, she joined the clinic team as a kennel staff member and moved on up to veterinary technician assistant. She works hard and enjoys caring for every animal that comes through the clinic. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time at the Wapello County 4-H grounds helping kids with their animals, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Sydney
My name is Sydney. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family. I love being outdoors in the summer time and playing fetch with my boyfriend and I’s dog Buck. I also love decorating for Christmas.
Madison
Veterinary Assistant
Madison has been a valued member of our team since 2025 as Veterinary Assistant.
Before working here, Madison worked in childcare, which helped develop communication skills and a nurturing approach—qualities that translate well into caring for animals and supporting their families.
Outside of the clinic, Madison enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and loves being outdoors whenever she can. She also cherishes time with her dog, Ranger, and her cat, Buford, who keep life crazy, cozy, and full of love.
Cameron
Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Kelsey
Growing up in a veterinary clinic, Kelsey developed a passion for caring for animals from an early age. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons, Noah and Brody. Together, they love being outdoors and transforming their acreage into a little homestead. Their growing animal family includes five dogs, one cat, 50 chickens, and eight goats, with hopes of welcoming even more furry friends in the future!
Jersey
Jersey is passionate about animals of all shapes, colors, and sizes, with a special love for basset hounds. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Grand Canyon University, combining her care for both people and pets. In her free time, Jersey enjoys hiking, staying active at the gym, and spending quality time with her siblings.
Andi
Andi joined Ottumwa Family Animal Care in 2025 and brings a true passion for animals to her role. A devoted pet lover, she shares her home with five of her own — three cats and two dogs.
Outside of work, Andi enjoys spending time outdoors, reading mystery thrillers, and making memories with her 1 dog and 2 cats.
Journey
Journey has been a valued member of the Family Animal Care team since 2024. She has always had a love for animals, dreaming of becoming a veterinarian as a child. Journey currently shares her home with two cats and a dog, keeping her days full of furry companionship. She earned her Associate’s degree from Indian Hills in 2025. When she’s not caring for pets, Journey enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, going to the gym, and exploring her creative side through crafting.
Aubrey
Customer Service Representative / Veterinary Assistant
Originally from California, Aubrey made the move to Iowa in February 2026. From a young age, she dreamed of working with animals and making a difference in their lives. Growing up surrounded by a variety of animals, including rabbits, ducks, chickens, birds, and dogs, only strengthened her love and passion for animal care.
Outside of work, Aubrey enjoys drawing, crafting, and anything that allows her to be creative. She is also a huge dog lover, with Corgis being her favorite breed!
Maddy
Customer Service Representative
Bio coming soon!
Erika
Brenton
Kennel Assistant
Brenton has been a dedicated Kennel Assistant since April 2022. He enjoys spending his days caring for animals and making sure they feel safe and comfortable during their stay.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games, reading and writing.
Lindsey
I‘m Lindsey! I joined the Family Animal Care team in 2020 and I’ve been working in the boarding department ever since. When I’m not providing a safe space for your fur children, I’m likely spending time with and training my own fur child. He’s a French bulldog named Avi, who was born right here at this very clinic.