Our Staff

Jacey McDaniel

DVM – Owner

Dr. Jacey McDaniel was raised in Sterling, Kansas. She graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She continued her education at KSU College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her doctorate degree in 2017. After graduation, she gained practical knowledge and skills under the late Dr. Kristy. After Dr. Kristy’s sudden passing in 2018, Dr. Jacey became sole owner of the practice in the spring of 2019. She and her husband Sam have three daughters, Delaney, Emersyn, and Joelle. At home, she has a wild Weimaraner named Heidi. Dr. Jacey’s favorite aspects of veterinary medicine include anything surgical, large animal medicine, and canine medicine. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, chasing her girls around, baking, watching sports, and exercising.

Years in Practice:
6

Education:
Kansas State University

Email:
jaceycullop@gmail.com

Meredith Waggoner

DVM

Dr. Meredith grew up in a suburb of Kansas City, KS. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology in 2016 at K-State. She then graduated in May 2020 from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Meredith is married to Toby Waggoner, a Quinter, KS native. They have one son, Timothy “Tucker,” born on February 6, 2022. Dr. Meredith is our resident “cat lady” but also enjoys working with dogs, cattle, sheep, and goats. She can even occasionally be found working on a chicken or a pocket pet!

Years in Practice:
3

Education:
Kansas State University

Email:
merwaggdvm@yahoo.com

Dave Rethorst

DVM

Dr. Dave provides large animal relief veterinary assistance a couple days a week. He is a 1978 graduate of Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine. He currently resides in Wamego, Kansas with his wife Starla. Dr. Dave has been helping Oakley Vet Service off and on throughout his veterinary career. His strongest talents lie with cattle production medicine and consultation. In his spare time, Dr. Dave enjoys chasing his grandkids around to sporting events and following K-State sports.

Years in Practice:
45

Education:
Kansas State University

Cassie Kelley

Registered Veterinary Technician

Cassie Kelley, working with us since 2005, graduated from Colby Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Her journey into the veterinary field began on her family’s farm and through active participation in 4-H. Working for a veterinary practice in high school solidified her love for veterinary medicine. Cassie treasures the opportunity to care for animals throughout their lives, enjoying the continuous learning this brings. She appreciates the small-town community life, which she finds ideal for both her professional development and raising a family. Cassie’s commitment to her work and the well-being of animals is a testament to her lifelong passion for veterinary care.

Years in Practice:
19

Education:
Colby Community College

Joyce Baalman

Practice Manager

Joyce Baalman is a lifelong resident of Grinnell, she grew up on a farm and worked in a local feed yard, experiences that fostered her fascination with both large and small animal care. This background led her to a fulfilling career in veterinary services, where she enjoys the company of amazing colleagues and the diverse aspects of animal care. Outside of work, Joyce is happily married to Rick and is a loving mother and grandmother. Her family includes her daughter Shannon and her husband Justin, their children Jackson, Cale, Alex, and Emmitt; daughter Allison and her husband Joel, and their children Bryson and Karston; and son Devin and his wife Tracie. The family also cherishes their tiny, full-of-attitude dog, Geoffrey, a rescue mix of miniature Italian Greyhound, Chihuahua, and Poodle. Joyce’s life is enriched by following her grandsons’ activities, a pastime she loves wholeheartedly.

Hannah Herzog

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hannah is our newest full-time veterinary technician who joined us in May of 2021. She was born outside of Little River, KS and grew up on a family farm with cattle. She completed her Veterinary Nursing degree from Colby Community College in December of 2021.

Years in Practice:
2

Education:
Colby Community College

Shelley Jackson

Veterinary Assistant

Shelley, a dedicated Vet Assistant since August 2022, found her way to the veterinary industry when she and her husband relocated for a welding job opportunity and to be closer to family. With a deep-rooted passion for dogs, Shelley has harbored a lifelong love for these animals, finding joy in learning something new about them every day in her role. Her fulfillment in the profession became evident when she experienced the excitement and affection small animals expressed upon seeing and interacting with her.

Outside of work, Shelley, happily married to her husband Adam for 17 years, is a proud parent to two amazing children, Mason and Abbygayl, aged 16 and 15. As a sports-active family, they enjoy camping, fishing, and playing games during their free time, creating lasting memories together.

Years in Practice:
2

Education:
Scott City High School

Sarah Polley

Kennel Assistant

Sarah is a freshman at Colby Community College. She helps us with kennels after school during the week and on weekends. Sarah loves to ride horses and spend time with her family camping and tubing. She has a love for all animals, including her 3 horses, 1 goat, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 4 rabbits!

Years in Practice:
2

Education:
Oakley High School

Taylor Sammons

Kennel Assistant

Taylor is a junior at Oakley High School. She likes watching over all the kennel dogs and helping the rest of the staff when needed. Taylor likes to be involved in different procedures and has enjoyed gaining some experience by helping with grooming and dental work. She is our resident “artist” and creates the welcome board designs you see in our lobby. Taylor enjoys the family environment at OVS, especially the clinic cats, Lyle and Sarabi.

Years in Practice:
1

Education:
Oakley High School

Heather Sammons

Kennel Assistant

Heather is a senior at Oakley High School. She has a love for all animals including her 5 dogs and cat at home. Her calming demeanor helps all our kenneled animals feel safe and loved. Heather aspires to enter veterinary nursing school and continue her career in the veterinary field after high school. In her time off, she loves to spend time with family and friends.

Years in Practice:
1

Education:
Oakley High School