Susan Newport – Manager
Susan joined Claycomo Animal Hospital in October 2008, a career change that has brought her much satisfaction. Susan has lived in Houston, Texas and the Bay Area of San Francisco California before settling down in Kansas City with her husband to raise a family in 1995. They have a 17 year old girl and 14 year old twin boys. Grandma also lives with the family. Pets are a big part of their life. Rocket, an 8 year old oversized Jack Russell Terrier mix, has been a huge part of life. He’s great with the kids and makes a great jogging partner for Susan. A few years ago, a friend found a Quaker Parrot in their backyard. Susan’s husband was quick to take him into their home. Birdie does ALL the whistles, bird calls and talks! He says “pretty bird”, “yep”, “hello”, “love ya”, “night-night” and my personal favorite- “Yummy”. Birdie has been a lot of fun for everyone…except Rocket. Birdie taunts him by whistling him to come visit and then hollers “good boy, good boy!” Rocket is seriously jealous but is learning to cope!
Michelle Utzinger – Receptionist / Technician Assistant
Michelle grew up in the Liberty area and has worked with animals for 8 years in the grooming industry. She now lives near her favorite pastime, Worlds of Fun. Michelle has a huge personality, always bright and cheerful! (Come see us and you’ll quickly understand!) She joined Claycomo Animal Hospital in March 2010 in a dual role of receptionist and technician assistant. She and her husband have raised two dogs, Halle, a 10 year old German Shorthaired Pointer and Daisy May, a 7 year old Pit Bull/American Bull Dog mix and Leo, a 4 year old domestic long hair cat. When Michelle is not working she enjoys fun in the sun, Worlds of Fun, cooking and catching up with her buddies.
Anna Springer-Technician Assistant
Anna was born and raised in the Kansas City/Liberty area. After graduating high school in 2003, she moved to Springfield, MO to attend Missouri State University. There, she fell in love with her future husband, Justin. She then moved to Summit County, Colorado and spent her days enjoying the mountain life of skiing, hiking and white water rafting. After moving back to Kansas City, they married. Anna has worked in the animal health field as a Pet Nurse for 4 years. She loves coming to work and helping her furry friends. Anna has 3 dogs, Hubble Turner, a 9 year old Poodle-Maltese, Buddy, a clumsy 5 year old Cocker Spaniel, and the newest addition to the Springer household, Yadi a 5 year old purebred mutt. Anna joined Claycomo Animal Hospital in April 2011. When Anna isn’t working she is studying hard to become a Registered Veterinarian Technician. She also spends her time gardening and cooking yummy desserts.
Lauren Manson – Technician Assistant
Lauren graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Her emphasis was human counseling which developed her skills in handling difficult and emotional situations. She worked in the social work field for a small period of time, but soon discovered that she had not truly found her niche.
Lauren soon realized her calling – she has a passion for animals! Lauren has completed one year of the Veterinary Technology Program at Maple Woods College and will graduate as a Registered Veterinary Technician in May of 2012. Lauren’s background in counseling will surely be helpful while working with both clients and patients!
Quick facts about Lauren:
--She has a beautiful cat named Cassie—she is definitely queen of the castle. She’s a small town girl who loves to quote movies, enjoys making people laugh, and her family means the world to her. She loves calamari and her favorite color changes daily.
