Although an avid Jayhawk fan, Dr. Weisshaar graduated with her DVM from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 after obtaining her Biology degree from Bethany College in 2005. She joined the West Ridge team in December of 2009 and was excited to purchase the clinic in January of 2017!
Dr. Weisshaar is married to Jeron, a teacher and athletic director so much of their “free time” is spent at area high school sporting events. They have 4 kids (Kennedy, Maddux, Landry and Rowan) so you can imagine free time is actually really rare! The family has white lab named Phog (Allen) and the best cats in the world – Addison and Clark. Dr. Weisshaar loves being outside on a nice day (or a hot one!) with a cup of coffee! She is active in her church and enjoys spending time with friends and her family. She also loves the Jayhawks, the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Cubs!
Dr. Weisshaar is proud to be Feline Veterinary Medical Association Cat Friendly Veterinarian Certified, Fear Free Certified and is a member of the Topeka Veterinary Medicine Association, Kansas Veterinary Medicine Association, American Veterinary Medicine Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.
A proud Topeka native and graduate of Kansas State University, Dr. Leslie Blackwell is passionate about all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a special interest in surgery. Known for her dedication to her patients, Dr. Blackwell brings expertise and compassion to every case. At home, her life is full with a lively household that includes cats, dogs, and even chickens. She and her husband stay busy keeping up with their three active sons, adding a lot of joy and energy to her life.
With over 30 years at West Ridge Animal Health Center, Kris is the dedicated and experienced manager who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. In addition to her managerial responsibilities, Kris is always ready to assist the doctors and veterinary technicians with anything they need, showing her commitment to both the team and the patients. A proud cat mom to two beloved cats, Kris also loves spending time with her family. When she is not working she loves to read, walk, and jazzercise. Kris has been married for 28 years with two wonderful sons. She brings warmth, laughter, and dedication to everything she does at the hospital.
Hope has been a dedicated member of the West Ridge Animal Health Center team for two years, ensuring that every client and pet feels welcomed and included. Her warm and friendly personality shines through in everything she does, and her laughter is contagious. Hope is married and a proud mom to two adorable children, as well as two fantastic dogs who keep her busy. When she’s not at work, she loves listening to Taylor Swift and spending quality time with her family.
Abby has been a friendly face at West Ridge Animal Health Center for the past five years. With a passion for helping both clients and pets, she loves working at the front desk, making sure everyone feels welcome and cared for. Abby is a proud mom to her son, Hunter, who shares her love for basketball. They enjoy cheering for KU basketball and the Pittsburgh Steelers together. When she’s not at work or watching a game, Abby is at home with her two beloved dogs, who keep her busy and happy.
Nick has been a vital part of West Ridge Animal Health Center for over 15 years. Known for his friendly and welcoming personality, Nick is dedicated to ensuring every client and pet feels at home. A true sports enthusiast, Nick is a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and KU football, and he loves engaging in all types of fantasy sports—whether it’s football, baseball, or basketball. At home, he enjoys the company of his dog and cat, and as a proud father of four , Nick is always active and involved with his family.
In the last 17 years you certainly have crossed paths with our Registered Veterinary Technician, Sara. She is passionate about keeping your family pets pain free. Anesthesia is another area she focuses her time on, she wants to do everything in her power to ensure safe anesthesia and smooth recovery for all of our clients. Sara was born and raised in Topeka and attended Maple Woods for her degree. She married the love of her life (her middle school boyfriend) and spends time with him and the 4 furry family members that fill her heart with love.
Dusty Rhodd, a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant, commenced her journey in the veterinary industry with a deep-rooted passion for animals. Her educational background traces back to Denver, Colorado, where she resided from 2003 to 2017. Dusty attended the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology, graduating in 2006. She honed her skills at OrthoPets, specializing in crafting custom orthotics and prosthetics for animals. Subsequently, Dusty pursued her rehabilitation certification at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI) in Broomfield, CO and Florida.
In 2017, Dusty returned to Kansas to be closer to her family and now calls Lawrence her home, alongside her husband, Bradley, and their two children, Liam and Alaina. Their household is further enriched by the presence of their beloved Golden Retriever, “Sadie,” and their feline companion, “EOS.”
Dusty’s unwavering connection to animals has always been her guiding force. Her work in the veterinary field aligns seamlessly with her lifelong passion. She derives immense satisfaction from keeping furry friends in the best of health and educating clients on ways to enhance their family pets’ lives. Dusty believes in the transformative power of human-animal relationships, emphasizing the joy, stress-free moments, and unconditional love that our pets bring into our lives.
For Dusty, the realization that she was in the right profession occurred when she simply couldn’t fathom pursuing any other path. Beyond her professional life, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family, particularly her husband and two children, exploring new places, embarking on outdoor adventures, and engaging in activities such as hiking. Dusty is an avid reader and a dedicated runner, contributing to her holistic and well-rounded life outside of work.
Born and raised in Topeka, Alexandra pursued her Bachelor’s in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from KSU in 2017, followed by her RVT from Colby Community College in 2023. With an innate love for animals that began in childhood, Alexandra always envisioned a career centered around animal care. This commitment deepened during a transformative wildlife rehab internship in Washington, especially memorable for her time nursing a sea lion pup back to health.
While her professional journey at West Ridge began in December 2018, her passion has since expanded to senior pet care and nutrition. Outside of work, Alexandra, wife to Nic and stepmother to Abby, enjoys Kansas’s nature trails, local wineries, documentaries, and the delightful chaos of her home zoo. However, the highlight remains the cherished Sunday family dinners.
