Meet the Team

I was born in the small town of Woodbine, Maryland where my family had a farm that raised cattle, hogs and chickens as well as corn, soybeans, hay and wheat. I was always interested in animals and when I joined 4-H my main project was raising and showing French Lop rabbits. I knew from a very young age
that I wanted to be a veterinarian.

I attended veterinary school at Virginia Tech where I met my husband, John. We married after I graduated. We have 2 children, Tessa and Brandon. We moved to Kansas in 2000 so that we could be closer to John’s family.

I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine but have special interests in dentistry, soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. My current pets include 2 dogs, 3 cats and 2 horses.

My hobbies are gardening, cooking and reading. As a family, we love to vacation in the mountains where we can go hiking and exploring the many national parks in this beautiful country.

I am a compassionate gentle provider excited to meet and treat your furry (and not-so-furry) family members. It is my honor to help them stay healthy and thrive. I grew up in Overland Park Kansas and from an early age brought home every animal I could. I knew with no doubt veterinary medicine was my destiny.

I have special interest in surgery but love general practice as I get to meet new pets and their caring owners.

I graduated from Kansas State University and return often for continuing education.

I devote my time to volunteering with rescues and causes close to my heart. All my own furbabies are rescues. I enjoy volleyball and softball and travel yearly to national and world tournaments.

Dr. Joan Wacker is a phenomenal Veterinarian who has been with Burlingame Road Animal Hospital since Aug 2003. She graduated from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. The areas of practice she finds most rewarding are feline wellness and complicated diagnostic cascades. She enjoys the focus that surgery requires as well. Beyond her vast scope of small animal experience, she also occasionally helps work cattle with her brother. During her scarce free time, Dr. Wacker enjoys swimming, poolside relaxation, yoga, polka music, George Strait, and the late Jimmy Buffet. She has an Airedale named Sammy, a chocolate Labrador named Lucy, and a cat named Pawl.

In his spare time Talon loves to play music and be outside fishing. He has a wife, two cats and a dog. Fun fact about Talon – he matches his pen to his scrub top every day!

Emily is our lead Registered Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Colby Community College Veterinary Technician program in 2007 and has been with Burlingame Road Animal Hospital ever since. Emly’s professional interests involve initiating new pain management protocols in dogs and cats. Comfort is key! Emily also has an interest in small animal internal medicine and is working towards obtaining her specialty. She is incredible at patient and client care.

Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys spending time with her two Shar Pei, Emmett and Frank. Going on trails and other various Shar Pei adventures is what Emily enjoys most when not in the clinic. Cat snuggles with her two cats, Owen and Simon also bring happiness to Emily.

Emily currently is on the board of Kansas Veterinary Technician Association and is a member of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

My name is Mandu AKA KatMandu AKA Mandu Angel Face, you can pretty much call me whatever you want just don’t call me late for supper. I have been in charge of patient care at Burlingame Road Animal Hospital for 15 years. In my spare time I enjoy chicken and hanging out with my roommate Walter.