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.
Staff
Erin
Erin is one of our newer faces at Rock Road Animal Hospital, joining us in 2025. But she’s taken to our family like a fish to water! And she ought to know; Erin started her journey into professional animal care in 2020 at the Indianapolis Zoo, where she facilitated interactive exhibits such as dolphin presentations and the stingray touch tank. Her journey to becoming a receptionist at the Rock Road had many more stops: from a cat cafe barista and wrangler to an assistant for a large animal vet looking after llamas and horses. After she’s hung up her scrubs, Erin enjoys reading a good book and exercising her creativity by writing her own stories! She also loves singing along to her favorite musicals and snuggling at home with her cat, Zoey.
Jordyn
Hi, I’m Jordyn! I’ve had a lifelong passion for animals and have always known I wanted to dedicate my career to their care and well-being. Working in veterinary medicine has given me the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into purpose. I find immense fulfillment in not only caring for animals but also in educating pet parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for their furry family members. I’m excited to continue learning and growing in this field so I can make an even greater impact in the lives of pets and the people who love them.
Abigail
Hi, I’m Abigail, a veterinary technician from southern Illinois. I started my vet med journey four years ago and quickly found my passion in caring for animals—my favorite are goats! I love building connections with clients and their pets and feel lucky to do what I love every day. At home, I’m kept on my toes by my husky mix, Boop, who’s full of personality and always up for an adventure.
Daphne
I’m Daphne! I grew up wanting to be a scientist and animal science and medicine is where my heart belongs! I love being a part of the team that builds treatment plans for all different kinds of pets and am very passionate about pet owner education. I am constantly in awe of all the things I learn every day. It’s never a boring day working in vet med!
