Meet the Team

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.

Ashley’s background has equipped her with strong organizational and communication skills, and a deep understanding of the importance of trust and empathy in animal care. She strives to provide not only exceptional administrative support but also a welcoming atmosphere that makes clients feel confident and cared for.

Outside of work, Ashley is a proud mother of two daughters, is a loving wife, and a devoted cat mom to five wonderful felines. Her personal connection to animals fuels her passion for delivering the highest level of service to every pet and pet owner she encounters.

Izzy is a dog and cat groomer who began her grooming career at just 18 years old, and now brings five years of professional experience to her craft. She is passionate about combining pet comfort with style, ensuring every animal in her care feels and looks their very best. Izzy takes pride in building trust with both pets and their owners, creating a positive grooming experience from start to finish. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors with her partner and pitbull.