Meet Our Team

I graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 and after a year doing mixed practice work in Maineville, Ohio I moved back to Middletown and went to work for Dr. Oswalt at Western Hills Veterinary Clinic. It was definitely a homecoming for me in more ways than one, because Dr. Oswalt and before him Dr. Peck — the first owner of Western Hills — were our family pets’ veterinarians, so I had wonderful role models. In addition, my grandfather Sidney Cape worked as kennelman for Dr. Peck back in the early days of the practice, somewhere in the 1950’s.

I am married to a very patient musician, Keith Lewis, whose most stellar quality — apart from putting up with me — is the fact that he accepted me with all my livestock in tow! We have a number of dogs, cats, chickens and horses, and enjoy every one of “our kids”.

My favorite veterinary work includes helping geriatric patients live longer, healthier lives. I also enjoy surgery, particularly when it deals with the challenge of taking a nasty injury and making it “pretty” again — with our new technologies, before and after photos are much easier to obtain!

Outside the clinic, I enjoy goofing off with the horses (two registered Connemaras and their “pasture pony” buddy Eddie, plus two rescued miniature horses, the 'little old ladies.'), gardening, reading, writing, and travel. I write an occasional blog, “Dog Physics and Other Observations”, and every once in a while get to blow off steam with a column in local newspapers.

I am a 2024 graduate from Mississippi State University and I am excited to be moving back to Ohio to start my career in Veterinary Medicine. I always knew I wanted to be a Veterinarian from a very young age and it was my only answer to the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I grew up on a farm in Hamilton, OH where my three siblings and I were in charge of all the animals from the dogs to the cows to the horses. I showed goats and my horse, Patches, in the Butler County Fair for several years as well. This only grew my love for animals and my interest in Veterinary Medicine and so the long journey of school began. After graduating from Edgewood High School, I went to undergrad at Miami University where I majored in biology and minored in management and leadership. I graduated (virtually) in 2020 and started at Mississippi State that same year. My interests in Veterinary Medicine include surgery, endocrine diseases, and theriogenology. I would also love to work on large animals during my career and hope to bring that service to the area one day.

Outside of Veterinary Medicine I am a Mom to the cutest little boy, Walker. He is almost 2 and full of attitude. He loves the outdoors, cows, and his basketball. I also have a Havanese, Lexie, and an Aussie mix, Max. My dream dog, though, is a Great Dane. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, hanging out with family and friends, and watching the newest show on Netflix.

I’m excited to be joining the team at Western Hills Veterinary Clinic and I can’t wait to meet all the wonderful clients!

 have been a client of Western Hills Veterinary Clinic since Dr. Oswalt was the owner/vet. It seemed like a good time to start my second career here in 2014 when Dr. Burk offered me the position of Practice Manager. For the previous 20+ years I had been an Industrial Safety Manager/Consultant. At first glance, it may seem that “no way those two roles have anything in common”, but they do! My experience allows me to help run a safe and efficient, friendly and helpful office for you and your pets. Dr. Burk is freed up to focus on her priority, caring for our patients, your pets, along with our Technicians while our Reception Staff continues to focus on superior customer service to you. All this matters because you and your pets are very important to us, too.

My spare time is taken up by my family: my husband Rick, his 3 children and their families, and especially our 7 grandchildren. This “Grandma” thing is just the coolest thing ever! Rick is a baseball Super Fan, so most of our travels include a baseball-related site (yea!), and we attend quite a number of Cincinnati Reds games each year. The grandkids are becoming big fans also – how could it be otherwise – which means more opportunities for our family to spend cherished time together.

Over the years, I have collected a menagerie of dogs, cats and horses, including every stray and rescue that came my way (for a short time a fawn and a rogue goose). At one point my two outside dogs decided to “adopt” 2 of their own strays, seriously, they didn’t even ask! Age and time have called for many difficult decisions, and although I miss them all, I’m left with the happy, fun memories, and the limitless unconditional love that each brought into my heart. My husband has asked that I don’t bring anyone else home. I’m currently complying. However, if something shows up in my barn ……….                     

Stoney came to Western Hills after a group of small children rescued him at a Green Stone Stables horse show and brought him to Dr. Burk for her expert care. After an exam a shattered femur was found. Surgery repaired the femur; with much rest and care his injuries were healed. Ever since, Stoney has taken his rightful place as the Clinic King. Mostly his days are filled with napping and begging for food (any food), though his main job (as we subjects see it) is boosting moral, of which he does an excellent job, he is sure it is primarily to eat.

Teresa has worked as part of the Western Hills Veterinary Clinic Team since May of 2018. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, and was licensed as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2018. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1999), and an Associate degree in Science from SCCC in Port Huron, Michigan (1996). 

Teresa has lived in Ohio with her husband, three children, and two dogs (Sugar and Spice) since 2016. She first worked with animals as a teenager in a Michigan animal shelter, and has seen the benefits of pets on military veterans returning from deployments as well as pet play therapy for autistic children. Teresa also has experience with birds (parrots and doves) and domestic rats as pets. When not caring for animals and educating clients at the clinic, Teresa loves to crochet, garden, read, and spend time with family.

McKenna graduated from  the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash in 2022, where she  received her degree in Veterinary Technology.  As a RVT she enjoys surgery, parasitology and of course puppy and kitten appointments!   At work her day consists of monitoring anesthesia in surgery, venipuncture, radiology, treating hospitalized patients and aiding in appointments throughout the day. She started out working at a boarding facility and then as an assistant at Western Hills while finishing school.   McKenna looks forward to helping your pets!

 Sara is  a Veterinary Technician and proud graduate of Dallas County Community College. Dentistry is one of my biggest passions — I love helping our patients stay healthy and pain-free with a bright smile!

Outside of work, I keep busy with some fun hobbies, including beekeeping and showing chickens and turkeys. I’m married, and we have one wonderful daughter and three spoiled cats who keep our home full of love (and a little bit of chaos).

Heather came to us straight out of Municipal Government when she was looking for a change. Heather lives with her husband Jeff and her three dogs Nala, Nash and Nox. Heather has one son Camen, whom she is very proud of, and is  a brand new mamaw to Cain. Heather is a lifelong resident of Madison Township; she is a graduate of Madison Local Schools, has been an active advocate in the school, as well as, the football team as a coach’s wife.  In her free time, Heather enjoys watching football, remodeling homes and spending time with her family. We’re happy to have her aboard.

Shelby is a Graduate from the Butler Tech Veterinary Science program. Shelby currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program. Shelby hopes to work with small and large animals once she becomes a Registered Technician. Shelby has one dog named Riplee, Riplee is a German Shephard mix. In her free time shelby spends her time with friends and family.  Shelby cant wait to meet your pet at their next visit. 

Ashlyn is a graduate from MVCTC where she specialized in Agriculture and Livestock Production. My passion for animal care and agriculture has guided my journey, and I'm currently continuing my education to become  a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). 

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. When I'm not studying or working with livestock , you can find me spending my time with my dog, Copenhagen, and my two horses. Wheather its in the barn, out in the farm, or in the classroom, I'm dedicated to learning and growing, and making a positive impact in the world of animal health and care. 

I’m a busy parent, student, and lifelong animal lover who is currently studying to become a Veterinary Technician through Penn Foster. Since graduating from Ross High School in 2016, my hands have been full with my two kids and a household that includes way too many animals—which only solidifies my career choice! To unwind, I swap stethoscopes for controllers, diving into video games or getting lost in a good book. Family time is always my top priority.