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.
Staff
Lauren
Practice Manager
Lauren is our Hospital Administrator and has been with Rock Road Animal Hospital since August 2006. In addition to her many years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications from the University of Michigan. When she’s not here, Lauren enjoys watching her kids swim and play hockey, which she says is a full time job in itself! She also loves reading, yoga, and staying home, as she’s a natural homebody.
Carrie
Director of Surgery and Hospitalized Patients
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.
Kiah
Registered Veterinary Technician
I started at Rock Road Animal Hospital in November of 2022 as a veterinary assistant and graduated from Midwest Institute in February of 2023 with an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology. After continuing my studies while practicing in the field, I passed the VTNE in October 2025 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician as of January 2026. I have learned so much about veterinary medicine, animal behavior, and myself since this journey began. Every day I strive to be the best veterinary technician I can be to provide care and comfort for all of our patients, big and small. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two cats, Ruby and Taz.
Carmela
Veterinary Assistant
I love veterinary medicine and animal care because other than the hugs and cuddles, it allows me to be a voice for animals who can’t speak for themselves while combining science, compassion, and hands-on skill in a meaningful way. Being involved in a field where I can help relieve their pain, improve their quality of life, and support the people who love them is incredibly fulfilling. What keeps me here is the constant opportunity to learn, the teamwork, and the moments when a sick or injured animal gets to go home feeling better. In the future, I plan to continue growing my knowledge and clinical skills to become a better tech.
Daphne
Veterinary Assistant
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!
Deja
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary medicine became my passion during the pandemic when I realized the vital role animal care plays in bridging the gap between pets and their owners. To me, this field is about more than an appreciation for animals; it involves facing difficult questions, making heart-wrenching decisions, and risking oneself to be a voice for those who cannot speak. I am proud to fill this role and provide the dedicated care that every animal deserves.
Erin
Receptionist
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
Veterinary Assistant
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.
Lizzie
Receptionist
Lizzie has been part of the RRAH family since 2019 and loves getting to know both our clients and their pets. Building lasting relationships and creating connections with the families we serve is one of her favorite parts of the job — right alongside caring for all of the amazing animals who come through our doors. At home, she is kept busy by her dog, Scout, and her two cats, Paddy and Stevie.
Lore'al
Veterinary Assistant
I find fulfillment in the organized chaos of veterinary medicine and the tangible benefits of healing animals and supporting pet owners. I am particularly passionate about the diagnostic challenges presented by patients who cannot communicate their pain. This puzzle, combined with the deep human-animal bond, is why I am committed to this field. I plan to graduate and become an RVT to expand my impact and continue serving as a resource for those who see us as superheroes.
