About Our Team
Veterinarians
Dr. David Whitney
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Whitney was born and raised in West Okoboji, Iowa, and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Iowa State University in 1979. Prior to building Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in 1991, he worked for 12 years at a multi-doctor veterinary practice in Barrington, Illinois. Dr. Whitney is very involved in the veterinary community and has served as President of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA).
Dr. Whitney’s family includes his wife Lorraine, a cat named Yogi and dog Odie, his children, Lauren and son Daniel and his wife Danielle, granddaughters Quinn and Riley, grandson Sam, and granddog Freddy. In addition to spending time with his family, Dr. Whitney enjoys photography and gardening.
Dr. Daniel Whitney
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Daniel Whitney was raised in West Des Moines, and grew up living above Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in the family home. He followed in his father’s footsteps and graduated from Iowa State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 2009, and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 2013. His professional interests include surgery, dentistry, and preventative care.
Dr. Whitney’s family includes his wife Lorraine, a dog Odie, his children, Lauren and son Daniel, and his wife Danielle, granddaughters Quinn and Riley, grandson Sam, and grand dog Freddy. In addition to spending time with his family, Dr. Whitney enjoys photography and gardening.
Dr. Anne Kueter
Veterinarian
Dr. Kueter, originally from Freeport, Illinois, received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1992. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1997 from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During veterinary school, she worked as a veterinary technician and completed preceptorships at wildlife rehabilitation centers and the Kansas City Zoo. Dr. Kueter joined the staff of Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in March 1997.
Dr. Kueter and her husband Troy are parents of two wonderful children Abigayle (Abi) and Lucas. They also have a dog Buddy, and two cats; Sully and Tango! In her free time, she enjoys biking, camping, and travel. Dr. Kueter is additionally trained in holistic medicine and acupuncture while also using herbal medicine as an adjunct to Western medicine to treat pets.
Dr. Leah Moore
Veterinarian
Dr. Moore grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and West Des Moines with many pets including dogs, cats, horses, mice, and rabbits. She attended Iowa State University and studied Wildlife Biology before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1985. From 1985 to 1999, Dr. Moore worked in small animal practice in the suburbs of Chicago. She came to Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in May of 1999.
Dr. Moore has one daughter, Susanna, and three cats; Sylvie, Lawrence, and Olive. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and gardening with prairie plants.
Dr. Wendy Johnson
Veterinarian
Dr. Johnson was born in Lubbock, Texas but was raised in West Des Moines, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Simpson College and then went on to receive her MBA from the University of Iowa. In 2003, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Iowa State University. She immediately came on board as an associate veterinarian at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital, where she had served as a veterinary assistant and receptionist during veterinary school. She later practiced as a relief veterinarian to focus on raising her two daughters but returned as an associate veterinarian in 2021.
Dr. Johnson and her husband Joel have two beautiful daughters as well as a Golden Retriever, Dash. She truly enjoys spending time with her family (both human and furry!) as well as camping, bicycling, and getting away to their log cabin in the country.
Dr. Cody Mingus
Veterinarian
Dr. Mingus was born in Falls City, Nebraska. She attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Science in 2006. She enrolled in veterinary school at Iowa State University and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After practicing at a pet hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, she joined the staff at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in 2012.
Dr. Mingus and her husband Zach, are parents of three fabulous daughters, Emree, Palmer, and Vivienne. They are also the parents of a Doberman, Bruce, a Cavadoodle, Myer, and one cat, Noodle. She enjoys spending her free time with her daughters and pets, camping, attending outdoor concerts, and watching movies at home.
Dr Rachel Varley
Veterinarian
Dr. Varley, originally from Carroll, Iowa, received her bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in 2007. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Iowa State University in 2011. After graduation, she completed a rotating internship in surgery/internal medicine at a specialty and emergency hospital in Ohio. She came to Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in 2012. Dr. Varley’s special interests in veterinary medicine include cardiology, neurology, and internal medicine.
Dr. Varley and her husband have three daughters, Claire, Cora, and Campbell, and a son named James. They have one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog named Pickle. Dr. Varley enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, being outdoors, and traveling.
Dr Kaylee Endres
Veterinarian
Dr. Kaylee grew up in Milo, Iowa, but now lives in Saint Charles with her husband, Nick. Kaylee started in the kennels here at JCAH, but quickly moved into kennel reception, vet assistant, and now doctor! She attended Grand View University in 2018 to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She then transferred to Iowa State University to work towards her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine! When she is not at work, she enjoys running, kickboxing, spending time with her friends and family, cooking, getting creative with crafts, photography, reading murder mysteries, and playing with her two boston terriers, Reece and Moe, and cat, Whipper.
Veterinary Technicians
Brooke
Veterinary Nurse, RVT
Brooke grew up in Johnston, Iowa. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 2013. She then went back to school for her Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Veterinary Technology from Des Moines Area Community College in May of 2015.
Brooke and her husband Ben have two cats at home, Kat and Nonny, and a dog named Biscuit. When she is not at work, Brooke enjoys watching movies, going to the gym, tailgating for Iowa and Iowa State football games, traveling, spending time with her family, and spoiling her nephew.
Kat
Veterinary Nurse, RVT
Kat was born and raised in the Chicago area and is a first-generation Polish-American. Kat speaks Polish fluently! She attended Iowa State University and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. She went on to work at a veterinary clinic in Iowa City and at the University of Iowa as an Animal Caretaker. She then decided to get her Associate of Applied Sciences Degree at DMACC in veterinary technology and graduated in 2019 shortly after passed both state and national boards to become an RVT! Kat is happy to be in the Des Moines area with her husband, Will and son, Henry! Together they have 3 fur babies; a cat named Twilight, and two rescue dogs Tavi and Tessa! When not at work, Kat enjoys gardening, traveling, spending time with family, home renovations, and learning about wine!
Jen
Veterinary Nurse, RVT
Jen grew up in Reno, Nevada. In 1995 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She continued her education and received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from Portland Community College in 1998. Jen previously worked at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in 2004 but then took a break to start a family. In March of 2018, Jen decided to return to the JCAH team.
When not at work, Jen enjoys her family including her husband Mike, daughter Amanda, and son Chase. Her four- legged child consists of Avalanche, a pug. She enjoys attending Iowa Wild games, horseback riding, and anything outdoors with her family.
Sarah
Veterinary Nurse
Sarah grew up in Monmouth, Illinois, and currently resides in the downtown Des Moines area. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science at Carl Sandburg College and an Associate in Vet Tech from DMACC. Her first and most important passion is her work with animals. She hopes to eventually become a Veterinary Technician Specialist! Outside of work, Sarah enjoys listening to all genres of music, dancing, reading, photography, quoting the entire Friends series, and spending time with her 3 miniature schnauzers: Lulu, Bella, and Wren!
Nichole
Veterinary Nurse
Nichole grew up in Adel, but currently resides in the Waukee area. She grew up riding and showing horses as a kid and hopes to one day get back into it someday! She has a strong interest in animal behavior and nutrition, which stems from her time working in kennels growing up. To continue with her passions, she attended DMACC to obtain her Associates in Veterinary Technology. Outside of work, she is normally reading a good book or cuddling with her mini poodle, Reya, or 2 cats, Elara & Lavender!
Veterinary Assistants
BreAnna
Veterinary Assistant
BreAnna grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Valley High School. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with a minor in General Business from Iowa State University and is pursuing her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree currently. She has previously worked in the Hy-Vee floral shop while in school, as well as at JCAH as a kennel attendant. While she has continued to come back during school breaks to help out around our hospital, she has joined our team once again, now as a veterinary assistant! BreAnna is a very social person that has always enjoyed helping others. Her lifelong goal has always been to work with animals and she is currently pursuing the dream of becoming a veterinarian! BreAnna enjoys being outdoors, sewing, and watching Netflix. She has two white crested guinea pigs named Kiwi and Peach.
Grace
Veterinary Assistant
Grace was raised in West Des Moines and Clive but currently resides in Clive. She attended Valley High School where she excelled greatly in her passion for jazz and marching band. Aside from her talent and love for music, she was involved in basketball, soccer, and dance. Grace knew from a very young age that she wanted to become a vet or work with animals. While attending UNI, she began studying music education, but made the switch to attain a biology degree! With her great love for football, she also decided to join the UNI women’s rugby team where she placed 2nd in the national championship! At home, she has a golden retriever, Dash, and 3 cats, Fauci, Birx, and Blaze to keep her busy!
Preston
Veterinary Assistant
Preston grew up in Vancouver, Washington, and moved all the way to West Des Moines, IA in 2016. Before starting here at JCAH, he graduated from trade school for facilities maintenance with an OSHA certification. He likes to think of himself as eccentric and weird- just enough to keep people on their toes! Outside of work, he enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons. With his favorite color being all hues of green, he enjoys putting his artistic abilities to use in painting miniatures. His cat Sandy keeps him in good company at home!
Anna
Nursing Assistant
Anna grew up and currently lives in the DSM area where she graduated from Valley High School in 2019. She has a great love for animals, getting outside, camping, and keeping busy with crafting! Her crafts include painting, sculpting, and glass soldering. She previously worked at Raising Cane’s as their leading manager, as well as helping out at her family’s business. Moving forward, she hopes to become certified as a vet technician. At home, she is a dog mom to her sweet shorkie, Mac Daddy!
Sheila
Veterinary Assistant
Sheila is originally from Jamaica but was adopted when she was 5 years old. She has lived in West Des Moines with her parents and older brother ever since! She is currently attending Central College in hopes to obtain a Bachelor of Biology. She started at JCAH as one of our fellow kennel attendants but has since moved into our veterinary assistant position. Sheila takes great care of her dog, Bruno, and a guinea pig named, Abu. Outside of work, she enjoys anything involving the outdoors; hiking, running, and bird watching!
Mikaela
Veterinary Assistant
Mikaela was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved to the Des Moines area with her boyfriend and two Australian Shepherds, Callie and Koe. While she was in school to attain her Bachelor’s in Animal Science, she worked at a small clinic that helped her decide to pursue a career as a registered veterinary nurse through the Penn Foster program. The doctors and nurses at her previous workplaces have greatly helped shape her into the nurse she is today. Mikaela believes the medicine at JCAH is great, but the people are what truly make working here special. She feels lucky to work in a place that cares so much about the patients, clients, and staff. When Mikaela is not at work, she likes to get outside as much as she can. With her boyfriend and fur babies, she has enjoyed exploring Des Moines, trying new restaurants and breweries, going on hikes, and swimming. Most of their lives revolve around Drake football and they love it!
Phoebe
Veterinary Assistant
Support Staff
Amanda
Kennel Manager
Amanda grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Waukee High School. She has her associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from DMACC. Amanda started at JCAH in 2012 as a kennel attendant and worked her way up to kennel manager in 2021. Amanda loves attending concerts, playing games, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets. She has three dogs Joe Jo, Bella, and Cookie; two cats Kitty and Nemo; and two rats named Bertha and Petra. One fun fact about Amanda is that she is a huge Superman fan!
Natalie
Hospital Receptionist
Natalie grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, and currently resides in the West Des Moines area. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2019 with a Marketing degree. She worked all throughout college at Hickory Park as a server and supervisor and then went on to own a network marketing business for three years. She joined the JCAH team as a hospital receptionist at the beginning of 2021. Natalie’s hobbies and interests include her love of music, listening to podcasts, attending concerts, and anything entertainment-related. She has a sweet Shih-poo named Romeo that she simply adores!
Jessica
Hospital Receptionist
Jessica grew up in Boone, IA, and currently resides in Norwalk. She has loved and cared for animals all her life. Before starting her career, she attended high school at DSM Lincoln and obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Clarke University. Soon after, she became a kennel attendant, assistant dog groomer, and veterinarian assistant. Later, she went on to work for 15 years in the social services industry. She has sincerely enjoyed getting back into the veterinary field! When Jessica is not at work, she loves to attend concerts, hang out with her daughter, Caitlyn, visit the state fair, camp, and kayak with friends and family. At home, she has her hands full with her four dogs; Dixie, Millie, Chibbs, Freya, and all the foster dogs she can welcome in until they can find great homes!
Mia
Hospital Receptionist
Mia grew up in the Des Moines area, and currently resides in Pleasant Hill. She is currently enrolled at Des Moines Community College studying Animal Nutrition. She considers herself a crazy dog mom who is obsessed with every living animal, big or small! She has previously worked at the Animal Rescue League, where her passion for animals grew stronger. She takes care of her fur babies; Bear, Hank, Lily, and Maggie- can’t forget about her cat, Toby! Aside from work, she loves to read and take all her dogs on hikes around the area.
Lauren
Personnel Coordinator
Lauren was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but grew up in Spirit Lake, Iowa near Lake Okoboji. In 2020, she graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor’s in Event Management. She has worked in the wedding industry, catering, tourism, sales, and country clubs. Although she did not go to school for animal science, she loves having the chance to work with animals. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys playing the piano, singing, hanging with friends, painting, walks outside, and finding fun events to attend in the area. She hopes to get her own dog very soon.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
-Anatole France