MEET OUR TEAM

  • Dr. Jennifer Duster,
    Dr. Jennifer Duster, DVM Duster
    Veterinarian

    Dr. Duster is a 1999 graduate of Iowa State University. She bought the clinic in October of 2007 after working in Minnesota and Wisconsin for several years and then working as a relief veterinarian in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area for 4 years.  She is pictured here with her dog Cosmo (a clinic regular) who is one of many pets - dogs, cats, ducks, and chickens that Dr. Duster has at home.  When she is not at the clinic she is busy raising 5 kids, gardening and running. 

  • Dr. Gene Szymkowiak
    Dr. Gene Szymkowiak
    Veterinarian

    Dr Gene has been practicing in Iowa since 2001 when he graduated from Iowa State's College of Veterinary Medicine.  He is fascinated by the co-evolution of companion animals and humans that has allowed us to live with dogs and cats as part of our families.  When not practicing at the clinic Gene and his wife Erin enjoy restoring and reconstructing prairie habitat so that our wild animals can also thrive.  Their Greyhound, Debbie, is always eager to help. 

  • Veterinarian
    Dr. Stacy Kula
    Veterinarian

    Dr. Stacy Kula received her DVM in 2014 from Ross University College of Veterinary Medicine and came to Family Pet Veterinary Clinic in January 2022. Prior to coming to West Branch, she practiced large animal medicine in Tipton and small animal medicine in both Muscatine and Cedar Rapids.

    Dr. Kula received her bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University in Animal Science before attending veterinary school at Ross University. Ross University is located on the island of St. Kitts in the southern Caribbean. The island location offered many unique challenges and opportunities during her time studying to become a veterinarian.

    Dr. Kula is a 2005 graduate of Anamosa High School and was raised on a grain and livestock farm outside of Anamosa. She currently lives on a small acreage with her spouse, Brad, near Atalissa. Together they have two German Shepherd dogs, Gunther, and Marko as well as five cats. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, horseback riding and caring for the black angus cattle herd on the family farm.

  • Kendra Stuart
    Kendra Stuart
    Office Manager

    Kendra has been working for veterinarians longer than she cares to admit.  She 'came with the building' when Dr. Duster started the Family Pet in 2007.  Kendra can be found in the company of her pup - Jamie who is also at the clinic everyday and waiting for her to get home, she has four cats and a flock of chickens.

  • Angela Bleeker
    Angela Bleeker
    Technician

    Angela joined our team in 2017.  Prior to working at the Family Pet, Angela has previous experience working in a zoo and has worked as a technician for several veterinarians in the area.  Angela also runs her own business - Scales2Tails - as a professional in-home pet care specialist.  In her off time, Angela is busy with her two kids and enjoys spending time outside. 

  • viv
    Vivian Urmie
    Technician

    Vivian joined our team in 2020.  Vivian has recently graduated from her studies in Animal and Agricultural Sciences and took a brief break away from Vet Med. Just as we thought she would, she missed us SO much, that she decided to rejoin our team full-time and we couldn't be happier! When she isn't at the clinic, Viv can be found hunting, adventuring with her 4-legged pal, Benning, horseback riding and spending time with loved ones. 

  • Kaylee
    Kaylee Goddard
    Assistant

    Kaylee joined our team full time in the spring of 2023. This is Kaylee's first job in the veterinary field and she is learning the ropes quite quickly! Kaylee graduated with a Farm Management degree in 2022 and worked as a para-educator prior to working with us (Thankfully, where she gained all the patience needed to deal with our crazy crew!) In Kaylee's free time she enjoys camping, horseback riding, and spending time with her family.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Our Regular Schedule

West Branch Office

Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

West Branch Office

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Location

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Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you