Our Team
Meet Our Team!
Meet the veterinarians and team of Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to Know Our Team!
We are dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Veterinarians
Dr. Emily Gearig
Dr. Emily Gearig, DVM, CVSMT, serves as the Managing DVM at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital and has been with the practice since 2023. She is passionate about building a supportive team culture centered on practicing the best medicine, servant leadership, and compassionate care for every patient and client who walks through the door. In 2025, she was honored as Managing DVM of the Year by Heartland Veterinary Partners, recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication to her team, and commitment to exceptional veterinary care.
Raised on a family farm in Iowa, Dr. Emily developed a love for animals at an early age. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northwest Missouri State University before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Since then, she has practiced both mixed and small animal medicine and has developed a special interest in small animal internal medicine and chiropractic care. In 2018, she became certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CVSMT), expanding her ability to support mobility, comfort, and quality of life for her patients.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Emily enjoys upland bird hunting with her two German Shorthaired Pointers and spending time outdoors with her family. She feels grateful to serve the pets and people of her community while leading a team dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care.
Dr. Christy Wauhob
DVM
Dr. Christine Wauhob has been a Veterinarian at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital since 2006. She grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and completed her undergraduate studies at Morningside University and University of Central Oklahoma. She graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Her professional interests include oncology and internal medicine.
Dr. Wauhob wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. She enjoys building relationships with clients, and she loves following a patient through their life story. Dr, Wauhob provides quality and compassionate healthcare that is tailored to each individual patient and client. By staying actively involved in a patient’s well-being, she is able to strengthen the bond between our clients and their furry family members. She is very grateful to have followed her childhood dream into a fulfilling career.
Dr. Wauhob and her husband, Larry, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. She frequently travels to Sioux City to visit extended family and friends. In her free time, she likes to go shopping and enjoys nature walks. She has two granddogs – Lucy, a rescue Shih Tzu, and Benelli, a Labrador Retriever.
Dr. Adam Steffensmeier
Dr. Adam Steffensmeier brings over six years of experience in the veterinary field, having worked in clinics that care for everything from small pets to zoo animals. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 2019. He recently graduated with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2025.
Adam takes pride in providing high-quality medicine paired with compassionate care for all his patients. He values building strong, lasting relationships with clients as part of his commitment to excellent veterinary service.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys camping, fishing, and cheering on both the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa State Cyclones. Fun fact: he has a twin brother who is an attorney and a younger sister who was a star gymnast at the University of Iowa!
Dr. Melissa Svoboda
Dr. Melissa Svoboda joined the veterinary profession with a passion for building meaningful relationships and providing compassionate, personalized care. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before graduating from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024.
Dr. Svoboda prides herself on fostering strong relationships with pet owners. She believes in having thorough, thoughtful conversations so clients fully understand their pet’s health and all available treatment options. Her goal is always to care for each patient the same way she would care for her own pets, as cherished members of the family.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Svoboda enjoys spending time with her daughter, Hollyn, baking, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Fun fact: She has three large breed dogs — Hendricks, Dixon, and Napa — and promises you’ll likely hear plenty about them during your visits!
Meet Our Team
Polly
Polly has been part of the veterinary industry since October 2025 and is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program as she continues to expand her knowledge and skills. She previously studied Precision Farming at Indian Hills Community College and Animal Science at Buena Vista University, and she also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Polly takes great pride in caring for her patients and ensuring they are as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Her steady, calm demeanor is reassuring to both clients and pets, helping create a positive experience for everyone she works with.
Outside of the clinic, Polly enjoys going for walks and spending time with her three dogs and two cats. She also loves attending car races and rodeos. In her free time, she enjoys sewing and making jewelry. A former collegiate athlete, Polly played two years of college softball as a pitcher and has even earned the title of state champion in bowling. In addition to her four-legged family members, she is also the proud parent of two adult children.
Roman
Roman has been a valued member of the veterinary field for over 14 years, working as a dedicated veterinary assistant. He attended Iowa State University, where he studied animal science and built a strong foundation in animal health, behavior, and welfare. Throughout his career, Roman has developed a passion for providing compassionate care to animals while also helping pet owners better understand how to support their pets’ overall health and well-being.
One of the parts of the job Roman enjoys most is educating pet owners. He believes that when owners feel informed and confident, it leads to happier, healthier pets. Whether assisting during appointments, supporting procedures, or answering questions, Roman takes pride in making both pets and their families feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside of the clinic, Roman enjoys spending quality time with his pets and family, including his extended family. When he has free time, he also enjoys working on creative art projects, which gives him a chance to relax and express his artistic side.
Porsha
Porsha has been in the veterinary field for over a year and has had a lifelong connection to animals. She is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services at Iowa Central Community College, with the goal of becoming a practice manager one day.
Porsha takes pride in being a strong bridge between clients and the medical team. With experience as a Customer Service Representative and hands-on work as a veterinary assistant, she has developed a well-rounded understanding of veterinary medicine from multiple perspectives. This allows her to better support clients while also appreciating the level of care and detail that goes into patient treatment behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Porsha enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being outdoors, playing pool, and hanging out with her two Blue Heelers.
Even at home, Erin’s learning never stops—her own pets have had unique medical conditions that have expanded her experience and understanding even further.
As a Customer Service Representative, Erin combines her technical knowledge with compassion and clear communication to help clients feel informed and supported.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys dining out, taking well-earned naps, listening to music, attending concerts, watching her son play soccer, and practicing Muay Thai. Her favorite color is green, and she proudly considers herself a 100% cat lady. At home, she shares her life with two dogs and two cats.
Dr. Emily Gearig
Managing DVM
Dr. Emily Gearig, DVM, CVSMT, serves as the Managing DVM at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital and has been with the practice since 2023. She is passionate about building a supportive team culture centered on practicing the best medicine, servant leadership, and compassionate care for every patient and client who walks through the door. In 2025, she was honored as Managing DVM of the Year by Heartland Veterinary Partners, recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication to her team, and commitment to exceptional veterinary care.
Raised on a family farm in Iowa, Dr. Emily developed a love for animals at an early age. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northwest Missouri State University before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Since then, she has practiced both mixed and small animal medicine and has developed a special interest in small animal internal medicine and chiropractic care. In 2018, she became certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CVSMT), expanding her ability to support mobility, comfort, and quality of life for her patients.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Emily enjoys upland bird hunting with her two German Shorthaired Pointers and spending time outdoors with her family. She feels grateful to serve the pets and people of her community while leading a team dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care.
Troy
Practice Manager
With several years of experience in the veterinary and animal care industry, Troy brings a strong focus on leadership, team development, and exceptional client service. He earned a degree in Animal Behavior and Welfare from the University of Edinburgh and has built upon that foundation through hands-on experience and ongoing professional development in veterinary medicine and leadership.
Troy prides himself on creating a supportive and efficient environment where both patients and team members feel cared for. Passionate about delivering high-quality patient care, fostering strong client relationships, and empowering his team to excel, he ensures a positive experience for pets and their owners alike.
Outside of work, Troy enjoys spending time with his dogs, attending dog shows, and engaging with the broader canine community. He also values outdoor activities and quality time with friends and family. A fun fact about Troy is that he actively shows Borzoi in dog shows, having had the honor of presenting to highly respected judges. His dedication to the breed and the sport reflects a lifelong passion for learning and growth within the dog show community.
Molly
Registered Veterinary Technician
Molly has been working in the veterinary field for one year in general practice and also has experience caring for exotic and equine patients. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and is passionate about building strong relationships with both pets and their owners while providing the highest level of care possible.
Molly especially enjoys the hands-on aspects of veterinary medicine and takes pride in helping clients feel confident and supported in their pets’ care.
Outside of work, Molly loves spending time with her horse, Ruby, a Quarter Horse/Arabian mix with beautiful birdcatcher spots. She particularly enjoys trail riding and making memories in the saddle. Molly is also an avid reader of fantasy novels.
Growing up in a military family, Molly had the opportunity to travel extensively and live in many different places, including two years in Korea. Her favorite travel experience was a safari in Tanzania, Africa — a trip she’ll never forget.
Polly
Veterinary Assistant
Polly has been part of the veterinary industry since October 2025 and is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program as she continues to expand her knowledge and skills. She previously studied Precision Farming at Indian Hills Community College and Animal Science at Buena Vista University, and she also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Polly takes great pride in caring for her patients and ensuring they are as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Her steady, calm demeanor is reassuring to both clients and pets, helping create a positive experience for everyone she works with.
Outside of the clinic, Polly enjoys going for walks and spending time with her three dogs and two cats. She also loves attending car races and rodeos. In her free time, she enjoys sewing and making jewelry. A former collegiate athlete, Polly played two years of college softball as a pitcher and has even earned the title of state champion in bowling. In addition to her four-legged family members, she is also the proud parent of two adult children.
Porsha
Veterinary Assistant & Customer Service Representative
Porsha has been in the veterinary field for over a year and has had a lifelong connection to animals. She is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services at Iowa Central Community College, with the goal of becoming a practice manager one day.
Porsha takes pride in being a strong bridge between clients and the medical team. With experience as a Customer Service Representative and hands-on work as a veterinary assistant, she has developed a well-rounded understanding of veterinary medicine from multiple perspectives. This allows her to better support clients while also appreciating the level of care and detail that goes into patient treatment behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Porsha enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being outdoors, playing pool, and hanging out with her two Blue Heelers.
Jamie
Customer Service Representative
Jamie is a dedicated Customer Service Representative with over 20 years of experience in customer service and a lifelong passion for working with animals. Having been around animals her entire life, she brings both compassion and understanding to every interaction. Jamie takes pride in making each patient feel loved and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
She graduated from Marshalltown High School and continued her education at SMACC, further supporting her interest in animal care.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two beloved fur daughters. She loves being outdoors, particularly kayaking and hiking, and often brings her oldest dog along for the adventure, who happily rides on her lap.
Fun fact: Jamie is also a proud grandma!
Porsha
Veterinary Assistant & Customer Service Representative
Porsha has been in the veterinary field for over a year and has had a lifelong connection to animals. She is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services at Iowa Central Community College, with the goal of becoming a practice manager one day.
Porsha takes pride in being a strong bridge between clients and the medical team. With experience as a Customer Service Representative and hands-on work as a veterinary assistant, she has developed a well-rounded understanding of veterinary medicine from multiple perspectives. This allows her to better support clients while also appreciating the level of care and detail that goes into patient treatment behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Porsha enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being outdoors, playing pool, and hanging out with her two Blue Heelers.
Roman
Veterinary Assistant
Roman has been a valued member of the veterinary field for over 14 years, working as a dedicated veterinary assistant. He attended Iowa State University, where he studied animal science and built a strong foundation in animal health, behavior, and welfare. Throughout his career, Roman has developed a passion for providing compassionate care to animals while also helping pet owners better understand how to support their pets’ overall health and well-being.
One of the parts of the job Roman enjoys most is educating pet owners. He believes that when owners feel informed and confident, it leads to happier, healthier pets. Whether assisting during appointments, supporting procedures, or answering questions, Roman takes pride in making both pets and their families feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside of the clinic, Roman enjoys spending quality time with his pets and family, including his extended family. When he has free time, he also enjoys working on creative art projects, which gives him a chance to relax and express his artistic side.
Erin
Customer Service Representative
Erin has been a dedicated member of the veterinary industry since 2001. A graduate of Kirkwood Community College, she began her career as a Registered Veterinary Technician and spent several years working hands-on in patient care. Her extensive background has given her a broad and in-depth knowledge of veterinary medicine, something she takes great pride in sharing with clients and teammates alike.
Even at home, Erin’s learning never stops—her own pets have had unique medical conditions that have expanded her experience and understanding even further.
As a Customer Service Representative, Erin combines her technical knowledge with compassion and clear communication to help clients feel informed and supported.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys dining out, taking well-earned naps, listening to music, attending concerts, watching her son play soccer, and practicing Muay Thai. Her favorite color is green, and she proudly considers herself a 100% cat lady. At home, she shares her life with two dogs and two cats.
Tyra
Remote Scheduler
Tyra brings over 11 years of experience from a busy 24-hour veterinary ER, where she worked the night shift as a dedicated customer service representative. Her time in emergency care helped her develop a calm, compassionate approach and the ability to assist clients efficiently during stressful situations.
As our Remote Scheduler, Tyra is the friendly voice on the other end of the line, always ready to answer questions, coordinate appointments, and ensure each client feels heard and supported. Her warmth, empathy, and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of our team.
Outside of work, Tyra enjoys collecting pens, magnets, and coffee cups. She loves spending time around campfires, cooking easy meals with her family, and attending festivals. At home, she shares her life with three beloved four-legged family members: Shadow, Ruth, and Mandela.
Dr. Adam Steffensmeier
DVM
Dr. Adam Steffensmeier brings over six years of experience in the veterinary field, having worked in clinics that care for everything from small pets to zoo animals. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 2019. He recently graduated with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2025.
Adam takes pride in providing high-quality medicine paired with compassionate care for all his patients. He values building strong, lasting relationships with clients as part of his commitment to excellent veterinary service.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys camping, fishing, and cheering on both the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa State Cyclones. Fun fact: he has a twin brother who is an attorney and a younger sister who was a star gymnast at the University of Iowa!
Dr. Melissa Svoboda
DVM
Dr. Melissa Svoboda joined the veterinary profession with a passion for building meaningful relationships and providing compassionate, personalized care. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before graduating from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024.
Dr. Svoboda prides herself on fostering strong relationships with pet owners. She believes in having thorough, thoughtful conversations so clients fully understand their pet’s health and all available treatment options. Her goal is always to care for each patient the same way she would care for her own pets, as cherished members of the family.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Svoboda enjoys spending time with her daughter, Hollyn, baking, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Fun fact: She has three large breed dogs — Hendricks, Dixon, and Napa — and promises you’ll likely hear plenty about them during your visits!
Dr. Christy Wauhob
DVM
Dr. Christine Wauhob has been a Veterinarian at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital since 2006. She grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and completed her undergraduate studies at Morningside University and University of Central Oklahoma. She graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Her professional interests include oncology and internal medicine.
Dr. Wauhob wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. She enjoys building relationships with clients, and she loves following a patient through their life story. Dr, Wauhob provides quality and compassionate healthcare that is tailored to each individual patient and client. By staying actively involved in a patient’s well-being, she is able to strengthen the bond between our clients and their furry family members. She is very grateful to have followed her childhood dream into a fulfilling career.
Dr. Wauhob and her husband, Larry, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. She frequently travels to Sioux City to visit extended family and friends. In her free time, she likes to go shopping and enjoys nature walks. She has two granddogs – Lucy, a rescue Shih Tzu, and Benelli, a Labrador Retriever.
Madison
Veterinary Assistant
Madison is a total superstar – she attended Iowa State University and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian! Currently, she’s one of our incredible Veterinary Assistants at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital. As a Vet Assistant, she’s involved in some of the most important work in our clinic, helping to provide top-notch care for our furry patients. Madison prides herself on her hard work and dedication, and it really shows in the way she interacts with our clients and their pets. She’s always going the extra mile to make sure our patients feel comfortable and get the attention they deserve. We’re so lucky to have Madison on our team. Her enthusiasm and passion for animal welfare are truly inspiring.
Porsha
Customer Service Representative
Porsha is new to the veterinary field and currently attends DMACC. She takes pride in delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to each client’s needs. She values clear communication and stays up to date on veterinary medicine to better inform and support pet owners. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, exploring new ideas and foods, and being with her loved ones. With two Blue Heelers, five cats, and two ferrets, there’s never a dull moment in her home!
Sway
Veterinary Technician
Sway has approximately five years of experience working with large animals and two years with companion/small animals. Currently, Sway is an undergraduate student at Iowa State University, majoring in Animal Science with a pre-veterinary focus. A quick learner, Sway is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to animals.
Outside of work, Sway enjoys fishing and participating in barrel racing with horses. Originally from Minnesota, Sway’s family collectively owns 13 horses and continues to expand their herd.
Kathy
Veterinary Assistant
Kathy, our Veterinary Assistant at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, joined our team in the fall of 2009, bringing a wealth of experience covering reception, kennels, and assisting roles. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Kathy’s love for animals traces back to her earliest memories—her first word was even ‘dog’.
After graduating in 1990 with a BS in Child, Parent, and Community Youth Services from Iowa State University, Kathy spent 8 years counseling chemically dependent adolescents and another 10 years in corporate America. However, her passion for animals led her to Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, where she’s dedicated to helping our clients and their pets live fulfilling lives.
Kathy’s own furry family includes two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Gilly, and Rowen, along with three rescued cats: Puck, Tazer, and Smash, a black and white kitten from our clinic. In her free time, Kathy enjoys hockey, football, and Indy car racing.
Julie
Client Service Representative
Julie works up front as a Customer Service Representative, as well as assisting in other areas of the clinic. She is a life-long animal lover having had pets since she was a young girl. She discovered that this was her ‘retirement’ career with how much she enjoys meeting our clients, hearing their stories about their lives with their fur babies, and helping to provide the care they need.
She has spent most of her adult life in West Des Moines after roaming around the country with her family as a child. She shares her life with her granddaughter, Olivia, and four rescue dogs; Aaly, Fiona Cooper, and Onyx. She retired after 33 years with the State of Iowa and has worked at GAVH since February 2022 as a Customer Service Specialist.
She has served on the Board of Hope Animal Rescue since 2021 and enjoys fostering senior dogs for Hope along with other board responsibilities.
Lynn
Client Service Representative
Joining our team in May 2020, Lynn brings a wealth of experience in customer service and organizational communication to her role of Customer Service Representative. Graduating from UNI with a BA in Organizational Communication, she previously worked in nonprofit development fundraising and event planning in Cedar Falls and Des Moines. She enjoys forming relationships with clients and patients.
After relocating to Iowa City, Lynn spent a decade at the University of Iowa, writing biomedical research proposals and managing graduate student research programs. At home, Lynn and her husband are devoted pet parents to cats and two gentle giants: a black Great Dane named Midas and a Great Pyrenees mix named Mason.
In her free time, Lynn enjoys playing guitar, gardening, decorating, and baking. She also has had cats and dogs of all sizes through all life stages.




















