Now Accepting New Patients!

Meet Our Team

Nick Toepke, DVM

Dr. Toepke has been at the Howdershell Animal Clinic since 1999.

Education: B.S. in Biology and Mathematics. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1999.

Veterinary Interests: Reptiles, ferrets and small exotics, oncology and chemotherapy

Hobbies: Following Mizzou Tigers sports; home hobby herpetology; and growing raspberries.

Family: Wife Barbara and two kids in college.

Pets: Mostly Beagle named Mickey and assorted snakes, lizards and fish.


Phyllis Thies, DVM

Dr. Thies has been at the Howdershell Animal Clinic since 1998.

Education: B.A. in Biology. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1996.

Veterinary Interests: Dermatology, endocrinology, preventative medicine, and geriatric medicine.

Hobbies: Hiking, biking, camping; enjoying and exploring the outdoors.

Family: Husband Walter and one son

Pets: Farrah; a Beagle Terrier mix and Charley; a lab husky mix.


Kimberly Arnsmeyer, DVM                                                                                                                                                                   

Dr Kimberly Dr. Arnsmeyer has been at the Howdershell Animal Clinic since 2001.

Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 2001.

Veterinary Interests: Dermatology

Hobbies: Taking children to various sports activities.

Family: Husband Darin, one daughter and one son

Pets: Mabel Cake; a Boston Terrier, Wilson; a German Shorthaired Pointer and two kittens.


Carly Vandas, DVM

Dr. Vandas has been at Howdershell Animal Cliinic since 2014.

Education: B.A. in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. Minor in Spanish. Missouri State University 2010.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri 2014

Veterinary Interests: Surgery, Reproduction, Exotics including reptiles, small mammals and birds.

Hobbies: Playing and coaching soccer, watching hockey, reading and enjoying the outdoors.

Family: Husband Bryce, and three children

Pets: Tavi and Kitai, two domestic short haired cats.


Jamie Woodworth, DVM

Dr. Woodworth has been with Howdershell Animal Clinic since 2019

Education: BS in Animal Science from Southeast Missouri in 2015

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from University of Missouri in 2019

Veterinary Interests: Exotics, oncology and preventative care

Hobbies: Playing softball, coaching kids sports and watching Cardinals
baseball

Pets: Four Prairie Dogs and four cats, a Bearded Dragon


Nikki Barker, DVM

Dr. Barker has been at the Howdershell Animal Clinic since June, 2023.

Education: B.S. Animal Science. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 2023

Veterinary Interests: Small mammals, dermatology, and surgery

Hobbies: Hiking, any water activity, board games, and scary movies.

Family : Husband, Colin (also a veterinarian)

Pets: Gus, a Yellow Lab