Doctors
Theresa Bednar, DVM
Dr. Theresa Bednar has been at Rock Road Animal Hospital since 1991, when she started as a veterinary assistant. She attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) for her undergraduate work before being accepted into Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bednar graduated from Mizzou in 1998, came back to Rock Road immediately, and has been here ever since.
Deborah Cays, DVM
Dr. Deborah Cays started working at Rock Road Animal Hospital in 1991 as a veterinary assistant. A native of St. Louis, Dr. Cays attended University of Missouri-St. Louis for her undergraduate studies, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Dr. Cays then joined the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mizzou, graduating with her doctorate in 2003. Dr. Cays came back to Rock Road after graduating and has been practicing here ever since.
Paige K. Stroud, DVM
Dr. Paige K. Stroud is a General Practitioner who joined the medical staff at Rock Road Animal Hospital in July of 2007. Dr. Stroud is originally from Paducah, Kentucky. She attended Murray State University for her undergraduate studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 2000. She then enrolled in Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Dr. Stroud practiced veterinary medicine in the Tampa Bay area before moving to St. Louis.
Dr. Doyle
Dr. Kara Doyle joined the Rock Road Family in 2015. She attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida where she received a bachelor’s degree in History 2008. After graduating, she completed a second bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2011 while also finishing prerequisites for Veterinary School. Dr. Doyle joined the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, graduating in 2015 with her Doctorate.
Management
Lauren
Lauren is our Hospital Administrator and has been with Rock Road Animal Hospital since August of 2006. In addition to her many years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications from the University of Michigan.
“I love when I see clients so thrilled to see their pets after surgeries or boarding with us,” she says. “I feel proud when a client actually takes my advice, whether it is about a flea preventative or how to potty train a new puppy. I really just enjoy helping our clients any way that I can as well as to help educate them as best I can about their pets.” When she’s not here, Lauren enjoys watching her children wrestle and swim, which she says is a full time job in itself! She also loves reading, weight lifting, and staying home, as she’s a natural homebody.
Donna
Donna has been with Rock Road since 1996. She started as a technician and eventually took on the role of Inventory Manager. Donna is in charge of ordering and keeping track of our supplies, food, and medications. In her spare time, Donna enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time with her family and pets.
Carrie
Carrie has been with Rock Road since 2001, starting as a technician and eventually working her way to Director of Surgery and Hospitalized Care. She is in charge of overseeing patients while in for surgery and dental procedures, as well as providing care to patients staying overnight and ensuring our clients have peace of mind by explaining all aspects of their care to them.
When not in surgery, Carrie plays mom to one of our hospital cats, Anchovy. At home, she enjoys cooking coffee, true crime stories, and musical theater. She also enjoys spending time with her family and labrador, London, and four cats: Savannah, Felix, Frank, and Camila.
Shane
Shane has been with Rock Road since 2018. He started here as a technician, and at the start of 2023 took on the role of Facility Manager. Shane’s job includes managing I.T. issues, website development, maintenance around the hospital, and pretty much any task the owners throw at him. He’s been married to his wife Amber since 2021 and they have one dog, Martin (pictured here), and three cats: Buffy, Sunny, and Lenny.
