Dual Meet Our Veterinary Team

Dr. Wood is proud to call Leavenworth, KS his hometown! He is a 1992 graduate of Leavenworth High School and attended Kansas State University for both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees. Dr. Wood took over as sole owner of Pioneer Animal Hospital on January 3, 2006. Prior to returning to Leavenworth, he held positions as an associate veterinarian at both Michigan City Animal Hospital in Michigan City, IN (2001-2003) and Crysler Animal Hospital in Independence, MO (2003 to late 2005).

Dr. Wood is married to Melony and has three children: Benjamin, Kimberly, and Alexis. The family is proud owners of three cats: Oliver, Edgar, and Ramona. Dr. Wood and Melony have recently taken up road bicycling and enjoy all of the associated health and social benefits. Dr. Wood’s other interests include music, the dramatic arts, and local (Leavenworth and Kansas City) sports. You can commonly find him in community theater productions around the Kansas City area in either the pit/orchestra (guitar/bass guitar) or on stage.

Dr. Wood is a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce.

May is originally from Olympia, WA, but she has been happy to call Leavenworth home since 2005. Her passion for animals and her interest in science and medicine led her to working in the veterinary field. She joined our practice in 2015. May is an avid bookworm and is constantly looking for new subjects to study. May has three feline fur children (Muad’dib, Mikasa, and Melkor), making her the quintessential cat lady.

Claire was born and raised in Leavenworth. She has always had a deep love for animals and a passion for science. Claire is currently an undergrad at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she will soon be studying veterinary medicine. Claire is not new to the Pioneer team, as she shadowed Dr. Wood during the last two years of her high school career. Now, she’s back from college on her summer break and is eager to learn as much as possible in an official capacity! Outside of veterinary medicine, Claire enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Heather was born and raised in the Kansas City area. She grew up surrounded by animals — dogs, cats, turtles, birds, and rabbits. Heather is a natural caregiver and spent many years working as an aide to children with disabilities. That desire to care for others, and her love for animals, led her to Pioneer in mid-2023. Heather and her dog, Nova, enjoy traveling in search of exciting cuisine and unique mom-and-pop shops. She and Nova also look forward to football season every year — Chief’s Kingdom!

Brittany moved to Leavenworth from Hammond, LA, in 2016. She joined our practice in October of 2019. Brittany has a radiant personality and loves a challenge. Her high energy and sunny disposition make Brittany the perfect match for our boisterous patients! In her spare time, Brittany enjoys spending quality time with her infant son; walking her dog, Stitch; and relaxing with her three cats: Tigger, and Meow Meows.

Beth was raised in Leavenworth and has three grown children. Before she joined the Pioneer team, Beth worked as a CNA at a retirement home. As her mother has been known to say: “Beth was created to care for somebody!” As of 2023, Beth is excited to focus that warm, caring spirit on you and your pets! When she isn’t working, Beth enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and gleefully making friends with every dog in town.

Kristi was born and raised in Jefferson City, MO. After over twenty years of moving every few years, Kristi and her family are very excited to finally plant roots and call Leavenworth County home! Kristi’s love for animals and desire to continuously learn led her to join the Pioneer team in the Autumn of 2023. When not at work, you can find Kristi and her husband “Ubering” their four kids to multiple extracurricular activities or relaxing at home with their small zoo. Kristi has 3 Huskies (Darcy, Harley, and Jem), 4 cats (Max, Loki, Phoebe, and Eevee), and 1 gecko (Rory, a.k.a. “Sassy Pants”)!