Meet Our Team
Meet the veterinarians & team of Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Schedule Appointment
Get to know our team!
Dr. Phyllis Strain
Veterinarian
Growing up on a dairy farm near Plainfield, Iowa, Dr. Strain was surrounded by animals from an early age. In addition to the cattle, horses, hogs, chickens, dogs, and cats she regularly spent time with, she would also bring home plenty of wild animals to save! As she got older, Dr. Strain realized that a career in animal care was the only path for her. Dr. Strain first attended a Veterinary Technology program at Northeast Missouri State University, graduating in 1980. She worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for eight years. Then, in 1988, she returned to school at Wartburg College. Dr. Strain graduated with honors and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1990. Afterward, Dr. Strain was accepted into Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her degree with top honors in 1994. Shortly after that, she opened Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital! Her expertise includes soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, canine reproduction, chiropractic work, and acupuncture.
Dr. Strain has three children. Her daughter, Dr. Jami Mallen, is also a veterinarian and works with her mother at the clinic! Her son, Jacob, currently serves in the Air Force. Dr. Strain’s youngest daughter, Jordyn, is in high school and is also interested in becoming a veterinarian. She and Jordyn share their home with two Shetland Sheepdogs, a Collie, a Yorkshire Terrier, three indoor Cornish Rexes, and two barn cats. Dr. Strain’s husband, Carter, lives in Clinton, Louisiana, where she travels every two weeks to spend time with him. They share their hobby of riding horses and trail rides throughout the United States. They have several horses: Quarter horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Rocky Mountain horses, and one miniature horse that belongs to Jordyn.
When asked which dog breed she identifies most with, she chose a Shetland Sheepdog or a Collie. She is active and always on the go! As a veterinarian, she also likes to identify with the intelligence of both breeds.
Dr. Jami Mallen
Veterinarian
It makes perfect sense that Dr. Mallen would become a veterinarian – after all, she quite literally grew up in the clinic! She developed a love for animals and the practice of veterinary medicine at a young age. Her mother, Dr. Phyllis Frost-Strain, opened the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in 1995 and still practices here today. Jami grew up a few miles outside of Plainfield, Iowa. She started her veterinary career as a Technician here at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in 2007, gaining valuable experience in veterinary school. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wartburg College, majoring in Biology, before getting her DVM degree from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Upon graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Mallen quickly transitioned into a position alongside her mother.
Dr. Mallen has a special passion for internal medicine and loves the problem-solving approach it requires. She especially enjoys doing abdominal ultrasounds. She also loves doing new patient exams and helping a pet owner seamlessly transition their new furry friend into the home. Since introducing dental radiographs, she has also developed a great appreciation for dentistry and maintaining your pet’s oral health.
Outside of her veterinary interests, Dr. Mallen loves being active outdoors with her family by four-wheeling, kayaking, hiking, and traveling across the United States in their RV. She also enjoys do-it-yourself projects around the home, especially when she can turn an old, tattered item into something beautiful. Jami also likes to read and quilt when she gets the chance. Jami is married to her wonderful husband, John, a Regional President for Woodruff Construction. They have three children: Harper, Addyson, and Caden. Together, they have a Bernese Mountain dog, Beau, and five cats, Carson, Dice, Honey, Minnie, and Felix.
When asked which dog breed she identifies most with, she chose a Labrador Retriever. However, she would not own one because she prefers a mellow, lazy dog. Like a Lab, she is athletic, loyal, friendly, enthusiastic, happy, and intelligent.
Dr. Rachel Mack
Veterinarian
Dr. Mack has pretty much always known she wanted to be a veterinarian! She has had cats since she was born, then gradually added dogs, hamsters, gerbils, fish, and reptiles. When she was five years old, she discovered what a veterinarian was, and at that moment, she knew she could be nothing else! She obtained her undergraduate degree at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and then attended veterinary school at Iowa State University. She is now licensed to practice medicine and write health certificates in Iowa. Dermatology and behavior are her special areas of interest in veterinary medicine. She would love to learn more about dentistry and nutrition.
In her free time, Dr. Mack enjoys reading, baking, swimming somewhere warm, and walking. Dr. Mack has a husband named Josh, who doesn’t realize there are only 24 hours in a day, so he takes on many endeavors and projects! She has four children: Carter, Lucas, Madison, and Charlotte. Dr. Mack also has a black Labrador Retriever (who can sometimes be seen around the clinic) named Cosmo and four domestic shorthair cats named Monkey, Charlie, Midnight, and Snickers.
When asked which dog breed she resonates with, Dr. Mack chose a Golden Retriever because they’re friendly with everyone, have a happy personality, and are easygoing.
Dr. Samantha Wedeking
Veterinarian
Dr. Wedeking grew up on a farm near Bristow, lowa. She grew up with lots of farm cats, a dog, pigs, a couple of ducks, and a rabbit. She enjoyed caring for the animals on her parents’ farm and recognized the strength of the human-animal bond from a young age. Dr. Wedeking knew she wanted to play a part in the human-animal bond through a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Wedeking completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, in the fall of 2009. She graduated with a Biology-Health Professions major and a Chemistry minor. She then graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She practiced mixed animal medicine for three years after graduation. Then, she joined the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service in 2017, where she practiced regulatory medicine for six years. While practicing regulatory medicine was unique and enjoyable in some ways, Dr. Wedeking missed being a part of that human-animal bond that led her to become a veterinarian in the first place. In 2023, Dr. Wedeking returned to the general medicine field and joined the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital team. Dr. Wedeking looks forward to meeting new clients and providing their pets with the care and treatments they need to stay healthy and safe.
Outside her veterinary interests, Dr. Wedeking enjoys kayaking, reading, and gardening. Dr. Wedeking lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Matthew, and their daughter, Clara. They have a large six-month-old lab-mix puppy named Manny; six (and counting) farm cats (each with a given name); an indoor cat, Sunny; two goats, Dixie and Violet; and two pigs.
Brenda
Practice Manager
Coming Soon!
Madison
Registered Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Claire
Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Jenna
Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Camryn
Veterinary Technician
Coming Soon!
Brea
Customer Service Represntative
Coming Soon!
MaKayla
Groomer
Coming Soon!
Paige
Customer Service Represntative /Veterinary Assistant
Coming Soon!
Samantha
Veterinary Technician
Samantha has known she wanted to work with animals all her life. Her family grew up with Labrador Retrievers, and the breed has always been special to her. In middle school, she had the opportunity to do an internship at a veterinary clinic, and that was when she decided that being in the field of veterinary medicine was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Samantha is attending Iowa State University to obtain a degree in Animal Science. The curriculum she is studying will allow her to apply for veterinary school once she graduates with her Bachelor’s Degree. She has been employed with Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital since December 2020. She has enjoyed having hands-on experiences relatable to what she’s learning while away at school.
Samantha is excited to continue to grow and learn about becoming the best veterinarian she can be! For now, you can find her in the back of the clinic, assembling surgery packs or ensuring things are running smoothly behind the scenes. If you have recently lost a pet, you may have received a custom paw print and nose print that she created. Samantha takes pride in making the perfect print that tells the story of your family members.
Depending on the season, when not working, Samantha can be found either in the water or on top of it! During the summer months, she enjoys going to the river and soaking up the sun. In the wintertime, she can be found in the northern wilderness, riding snowmobiles with her family and friends. There’s rarely a weekend that they don’t have something going on! Any time of year, she spends most of her time with family and friends, just hanging out or going on an adventure!
When asked which dog breed she resonates with most, Samantha chose Labrador Retrievers. Sometimes, she’s completely focused and diligently working to achieve her goals for the day. On the other hand, there are times when she enjoys just letting loose and letting her mind travel to a thousand different places at once. Like a Labrador, she can quickly move from one personality to the next!
Jessica
Customer Service Represntative
Jessica is new to the field, with Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital being her first job in veterinary medicine. Jessica has typically worked with children in a daycare or school setting. She loves interacting with people and chatting! It’s a bonus that all the animals are so cute, and she gets to love them.
At home, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family. During the summer, she camps a lot and plays Bingo. She travels whenever she has time to get away. Jessica has been married to her husband, Kelly, since 2001 and has three children: Chassidy, Camden, and Caylee, plus two bonus children, Brantley and Bayleah. Additionally, she has two cats, Gracie and Roxie; two Chihuahuas, Charlie and Honey; and a Chiweenie named Vinny.
The dog breed Jessica resonates with the most is a Bullmastiff because they can be gentle and laid-back but are very protective of their families. They are loyal and strong-willed, like Jessica.
Anastasia
Customer Service Representative
Anastasia has worked in several animal care facilities since high school and has been surrounded by various animals her whole life! While in college, she also worked with horses and various other large animals in her free time. Since joining Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital in January 2021, she has enjoyed connecting with various animals and their owners. She wants her job to bring her unique experiences and new challenges each day that keep her engaged in her daily tasks.
On her days off, Anastasia enjoys spending time with her dog. They like going on walks and car rides together. She also enjoys riding, working with horses, and hanging out with her friends. Anastasia is an only child, and she was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. She moved to the area in 2017 to attend college and be closer to her grandparents and their farm. She has a 16-year-old paint gelding named Scooter, a 15-year-old Chihuahua mix named Jimmy Jiggles, a 12-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix named Rusty, and a 17-year-old painted turtle named Daffodil. Anastasia has lived in Waverly with her boyfriend and pets for a few years.
Her favorite dog breed is an American Staffordshire Terrier because they’re the sweetest and funniest dogs! They have a bad reputation, but she has still not met one she didn’t love! And, of course, her dog is her favorite breed!
Kalee
Groomer
Kalee realized she wanted to work with animals after seeing Crocodile Hunter as a child – she idolized Steve Irwin! She always had cats growing up. In 2016, she officially became a groomer. Alternatively, she is known as the “dog whisperer” around the clinic because she dedicates her time to winning over the more difficult dogs she meets.
When not grooming, Kalee enjoys taking walks, reading, playing video games, and spending time with her husband and two children. At home, Kalee has two dogs, three cats, snakes, various invertebrates, and geckos.
Chloe
Charles City Clinic Cat
Chloe joined the Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital family in June 2021 after Dr. Neuberger took her in. She now spends her days getting brushed and “helping” the staff do paperwork. She was born in 2016 and has been fabulous ever since. Most days, she can be found lounging on the front desk in her bed, perched on the window sill in the vet’s office, or demanding attention from clients and staff. Chloe is very vocal and likes to talk with anyone willing to listen! She loves getting to know people but does tend to do best without other cats around. Chloe’s favorite snack is French fries from McDonald’s, and Dr. Neuberger is her favorite person!
When asked which dog breed she most identifies with, Chloe scoffed and rolled her eyes. She says she most identifies with her cat breed, the Nebelung. They are intelligent and good-natured cats. Nebelungs love attention and are normally easy-going, much like Chloe!
Tiger Lily
Waverly Clinic Cat
Tiger Lily was found outside Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital’s Waverly location in March 2019. Upon discovery, Dr. Mallen quickly diagnosed Tiger Lily with frostbite on her tail. A few weeks later, Dr. Strain spayed her and amputated part of her tail. Today, Tiger Lily is a healthy, spunky asset to the ASAH family! She loves attention (on her own terms!), especially from her favorite person, Anastasia. One of her favorite activities is eating – she will even bite open food bags to get what she wants! On a normal day, Tiger Lily can be found relaxing on her cat tree, in her condo, or in her special cubby behind the front desk next to Anastasia. While Tiger Lily chose to live at Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital, she is not a fan of other animals whatsoever!
When asked which dog breed Tiger Lily resonates with, she expressed disgust. She said she’s like her breed, a Domestic Shorthair, because they can be independent and resilient. They are feisty animals, but Domestic Shorthairs love their families!