David Thilges, Practice Manager
Dave attended Iowa State University where he earned a B.S. in Animal Ecology in 2006. He worked as an ecologist in the Chicago suburbs where he helped manage the restoration of native wetlands. After he and Dr. Lisa decided to open Prairie View Animal Hospital, he decided to make a career shift in which he would better utilize his managerial skills, as well as allow him to work closely with pets and their people. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, following ISU Cyclone sports, and spending time outdoors with his family.
Lane Perry, Client Services Representative
Lane moved from Burlington, IA in 2013 to attend the Aveda Institute of Cosmetology. After spending a few years in the industry, he decided to pursue his passion for animals. He worked at an animal shelter for two years. He has a dog named Bofur, two cats Biddy and Lil B, and two rabbits Barnabas and Bunnicula.
Megan Winegar, Veterinary Technician
Megan graduated from Iowa State University in 2018 where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and she’s currently studying to receive her Veterinary Technician degree. Growing up on a small-town Iowa farm led her to her love for animals of all shapes and sizes at an early age. Megan loves to cheer on the Cyclones, watch movies and concerts, and spend time with her friends, family, and her ornery Labrador, Captain!
Shyanne Siems, Veterinary Technician
Shyanne is currently studying veterinary technology through Penn Foster after switching majors from psychology. She has special interest in allergies and pain management/control. She was born and raised in Northwest, Iowa, where her love of animals began at a young age. When she’s not working she can usually be found taking photos, learning new recipes, watching Friends, or reading Edgar Allan Poe. She has a dog, Tuxie Mae, and three cats, Gracie Jean, Wanda, and Fanny Fae.
Kassi Helmold, Veterinary Technician
Kassi studied Statistics at the University of Northern Iowa and soon after discovered that working with animals was her true calling. She began volunteering at local animal shelters and then made the decision to be a veterinary technician. She has two dogs named Angus and Penelope, a corn snake named Ron, and a little parakeet with a big personality, Delilah.
Jennifer Grandia, Veterinary Technician
Jennifer grew up in West Des Moines. After graduating from valley high school, she attended Central College in Pella, where she played soccer and earned degrees in Biology and German with certificates in research. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her animals, two cats: Cayenne and Fray, and a new puppy: Anheuser James. Jennifer coaches soccer at Sporting Iowa and loves to bowl and workout in her free time. She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster’s Technician program but has also recently applied to Vet School.
Lauren Santos, Veterinary Assistant
Lauren Santos is a recent Iowa State University graduate with a B.S. in Animal Ecology and a minor in Spanish. She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster Veterinary Technician school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She has lived in Texas, Maryland, and Iowa, where she has worked with marine animals, wildlife, and the Baltimore Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland. At home, Lauren has fancy rats she adores, a big fluffy black rescue cat named Juniper, a rescue border collie named Reina, fish, and many house plants!
Nadean Williams, Veterinary Assistant
Nadean is currently studying veterinary technology through Penn Foster College. Her love for animals began in high school volunteering at the zoo and local animal shelters, where she decided to become a technician. Nadean has a special interest in learning about and helping exotics, and when she’s not at work she can be found with her rats (Gucci, Lemon, Toulouse, Fiona, Ollie, Coya, Trouble, and Luna) or her sweet kitty, Princess.
Lindsey Halsey, Veterinary Assistant
I was born and raised in a small community in southwest Illinois, where I grew up on a hobby horse farm. I currently study animal science at Iowa State University and plan on attending veterinary school after graduating. My passion for animals and their welfare began at a very young age. I have a special interest in equine surgery after losing one of my horses too soon. Every chance I get, I participate in fun shows with my Appaloosa mare (Chiefs Evening Shado) or take my 2 Border Collies (Finn and Fawkes) out on adventures.