DR. EVAN KIRK, DVM

Dr. Evan Kirk’s interest in veterinary medicine came at an early age when he would accompany his dog on visits to Dr. Joseph Brewer, founder of Brewer Animal Hospital. This experience eventually inspired him to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned his veterinary degree, and then back to the place where his dream was first sparked.

The Springfield native is a past-president of the Board of Directors for the Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield. He also wrote the popular “Ask the Vet” column that ran in the Animal Protective League’s quarterly newsletter.

Dr. Kirk and his wife, Mary, have two grown children, Bryan and Julia. The Kirks share their home with two cats named Lola and Willie, and one dog, a mixed breed rescue, named Suki. In his spare time, Dr. Kirk enjoys gardening, bicycling and boating.

His professional focus is on surgery and internal medicine of dogs and cats. His professional goals are to provide the best quality medicine available for his patients, great service for his human clients and a safe, enjoyable and rewarding workplace for his team.

RINA WARD, DVM

Dr. Ward graduated from the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. She joined the staff at Brewer in 1995 after first practicing in a mixed animal clinic in Sandwich, Illinois.

Dr. Ward shares her home with a Walker Hound named Dulcie and a lab mix named Stella. Stella is the newest member of the family. She was adopted through our clinic from Pets Without Parents of Mason County in 2016. She is a lively pup that is giving Dulcie a run for her money!

In her free time, Dr. Ward enjoys traveling abroad, baking, shopping, and spending time with her family. She is also a member of the local chapter of the Zonta Club, and organization for professional business women.

KELLIE LR Guth, DVM

Dr. Rucker is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, College of Veterinary Medicine and is a native of Staunton, IL. She grew up riding and showing Paso Fino horses and still enjoys trail riding today. She jumps at the chance to do any outdoor activity, especially boating and camping.

Dr. Rucker was most attracted to the family atmosphere Brewer’s offers its clients, pets, and staff. Dr. Rucker lives near Williamsville with her husband, Daniel and her daughter, Emery - born in June of '22. She is always looking for great restaurant recommendations and fun things to do in the area so be sure to share one when you come in! She has a special interest in surgery and internal medicine of dogs and cats.

Technicians and Tech Assistants

BRENDA (and Uno)
Licensed Veterinary Technician/Hospital Manager

Brenda graduated from Parkland Community College in 1986 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined Brewer Animal Hospital later that year, and has been with us ever since. 2021 marks her 35 year anniversary with us! Her vast experience and multiple skills make her an indispensable asset to patient care. Whether in the treatment area, the laboratory, or assisting in surgery, Brenda is perpetually on the go and dedicated to the well-being of all our patients. Brenda grew up on a farm just outside of Mason City, Illinois, and still lives nearby with her husband. Brenda has three children, all of which are grown and out on their own now. Her daughter Danielle is following in her foot steps and is now employed with our clinic. Their household is completed by three dogs and three cats. In her spare time, Brenda works on the family farm, takes care of her horses, and competes in a dart league.

MISSY(and Peggy Sue)
Licensed Veterinary Technician

Missy has been with Brewer Animal Hospital since 2011 while in high school when she participated in a job shadowing program, and returned to perform her externship while she completed her Veterinary Technician degree at the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in St. Louis. She became a permanent part of our staff in 2013, and has proven herself indespensable ever since. Missy easily adapts in every role we offer from team player to leader. She resides in Spaulding with her husband and their four daughters. They share their home with two black labs named Bear and Peggy Sue. In her free time, Missy enjoys horseback riding, fishing, camping, and generally anything that involves being outdoors and country living.

TRISH (and Maggie)
Tech Assistant

Trish joined our staff in 2006. Her prior experience in the veterinary field and her great personality make her a wonderful asset to our clinic. Whether it's greeting you at the front desk or assisting the doctors in a treatment, Trish specializes in making sure you and your pet are well taken care of during your visit. Trish and her two children share their home with two dogs named Fred and Gus. In her spare time, Trish enjoys traveling, and spending time with her family.

JESSICA (and Clover)
Tech Assistant/Receptionst

Jessica joined the BAH team in July of 2020 after completing a Veterinary Assistant Certification program at LLCC in June of 2020. Her background in restaurant management and her love of animals make a perfect fit for client/patient care. Whether she is taking a phone call, assisting in treatment, or giving a well deserved dose of TLC to one of our hospitalized patients, Jessica always has a smile on her face.

In her spare time, she is an avid gardner and is usually our in-house staff advisor on all things botannical. We also hear that she throws a wicked game night party!

Jessica shares her home with her son and daughter, a cat named Umbra, and a pittie named Clover.

Alyssa
Tech Assistant

Regan
Kennel Attendant/Tech Assistant

Bio coming soon

Front Office Staff

Whether you are calling to make an appointment, or you are here with your pet, these are the friendly faces that are always happy to see you.

MELISSA (and Jack)
Receptionist/Front End Manager

Melissa has been with Brewer Animal Hospital since 2005. Her experience and her lifelong love of pets makes her the perfect receptionist. Keeping things organized and running smoothly is Melissa’s strong point. This allows the doctors and technicians to better care for your pets. Melissa shares her home with her husband and son. Their family also includes a cat named Rupert , and a border collie named Jack, both of which were adopted through our clinic. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hobby photography, cooking, and taking in culture at museums and historical sites.

PAM
Receptionist

Pam is our former Kennel Manager who has now transitioned to the front end She has been involved with caring for animals many years and loves to pamper all the "kids" left in our care. Each and every fur baby gets the red carpet treatment with Pam. She lives in Glenarm with her husband, and their four dogs. She is an instructor for puppy classes at Capital K-9 Training Club. In her spare time she enjoys reading, and taking her dogs to obedience trials.

Jenny (and Vixie)

Receptionist

Bio coming soon

EMILY (and Ozzie)
Receptionist

Emily joined our team in 2014. Her family have brought their pets to us for many years, being as they are good family friends of Dr. Ward and Dr. Ward's house was practically her second home. Emily recently graduated from Pleasant Plains High school and is currently attending Lincoln Land Community College majoring in Special Education. in her free time, she enjoys attending her siblings' sporting events, shopping, and routing for the St. Louis Cardinals

Kennel Attendants

Whether your pet is here for a vacation or recovering from an illness or procedure, our kennel attendants provide the smiling faces that will greet them each day. They provide the TLC that your pet deserves until it’s time to go back home to their family.

DR. EVAN KIRK, DVM

RINA WARD, DVM