Randall Schawang, DVM
Dr. Schawang graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the prehistoric era; his diploma is carved in stone. He and his wife, Mindy, have four children. Jenna (married to Ryan) is a nurse in Omaha; Joe is the owner and operator of Dooms Day Diesel; Dawson graduated from Harvard and is currently writing a book; Hayden is studying psychology at the University of Kansas. He also has two grandchildren, Derek (8) and Kenzi (5).
Brittany Kovar, DVM
Dr. Brittany (Hilfiker) Kovar graduated from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2022. She and her husband, Cody Kovar, are natives of the David City area, and always hoped to return and serve the community. Dr. Kovar graduated from Aquinas High School, then attended Kansas State College of Agriculture prior to starting veterinary school. She had worked with Bar S Vet prior to veterinary school and was excited to rejoin the team in May 2022 and begin working with many familiar faces again in her new veterinary role. Her passions include small and large animal medicine and soft and orthopedic surgery. She also loves mentoring and teaching youth excited about agriculture and veterinary medicine, and hopes to become more involved in local classrooms and FFA groups. Cody and Dr. Kovar have two dogs, Benny and Nika, has one son Dylan, and anticipating a second child in April 2024. She loves making genuine relationships with her clients and patients and looks forward to working with you and your families.
Vic Samek, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Vic is a veterinary technician and has been at the clinic since October of 2021. She graduated from Curtis in 1980 with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She is from Surprise and has four kids and ten grandkids. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family, her 17 goats, her donkey and her dogs and cats.
Erika Burritt, LVT
Erika is a licensed veterinary technician. She has been a team member in the clinic since September, 2021. She graduated from Northeast Community college with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She is from Osceola. She has four dogs, Snookie, Jewels, Jazz, and Cinch and one horse, Poker. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and friends, playing with her animals, listening to music, reading, and watching movies.
Hannah Murray, LVT
Hannah is a licensed veterinary technician. She is from North Bend and graduated from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with an Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She has a dog named Koda that she adopted through school. When she’s not working, she loves to spend time with friends and family, going camping, and watching movies.
Tiana Koch
Tiana is a veterinary assistant. She has been a team member since August of 2020. Tiana is married to Austin, an Electrician for ABC Electric in Lincoln. They have a daughter and they live in Wahoo, with their 2 dogs Curtis & Scott and a cat named Mack. She also volunteers her time at the SCLP Rescue in Wahoo (owned/operated by her mom). Tiana is planning to continue her education to pursue a technician degree in the near future. Tiana has several hobbies, but her favorites are spending time with her family, hunting, and going on road trips.
Miranda Stearns
Miranda is a veterinary technician. She has been a team member since June of 2018, she worked at the clinic part time as a high school and college student, she officially joined the clinic as a full time Vet Tech in May of 2023 after graduating from Northeast Community College. She lives in Rising City. Miranda has 4 of her own animals at home, Cooper a lab/pointer mix, Tucker a Labrador Retriever, and 2 cats Stewie and Bella. When Miranda isn’t at the clinic, she loves going to concerts with friends and family, and hanging out with friends.
Brandee Reiser
Brandee is a receptionist/veterinary assistant and started at the clinic in February of 2023. She graduated from Northeast Community College in December of 2016 with a focus on pre-vet med. Brandee graduated from Stuart High School and eventually moved to Butte, NE to start a family. She now resides in Shelby, NE with her two children, Tucker and Raelynn, and her husband of 7 years, Tyson. Brandee loves to read, crochet, and spend time with her family in her down-time. Brandee also loves to spend time planning shenanigans to take place in the office, bringing her children to help with kennel chores, and spending time with her two dogs, Remi and Nova.
Ashley Mekolon
Ashley is a Veterinary Assistant. She started at the clinic in March of 2023. She moved to Rising City around 3 years ago from Scottsbluff NE. Before starting with us, Ashley worked raising chickens on multiple chicken sites. She lives out in the country with her boyfriend Devin, 2 dogs: Cooper and Mayzees, and 2 cats: Cheez It and Kitten. Back in Scottsbluff she has a nephew Cash and two nieces Ellie and Verina. When not at work Ashley likes relaxing on the couch with her dogs and watching movies. She also enjoys fishing with her boyfriend.