Lead Veterinary Technician
RVT
RVT
RVT
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Client Service Representative
Dr. Carrie Cowan graduated from Kansas State University in 2015. After graduation she worked in Fairbury, Nebraska for three years where she honed in her large animal experience. Dr. Cowan started working at AAC in 2018 and became a partner in 2022. “Being a veterinarian is all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s not a job for me, it’s who I am. The fact that I get to work with some of the greatest people in Atchison is an incredible bonus. My coworkers make it so fun to come to work each and every day. I truly love my job with all my heart and consider it a true honor to be able to do what I love.” Carrie enjoys spending time with her husband Colby and family.
Dr. Chris Hansen was born and raised in Belleville, Kansas. Growing up on the family farm, he was involved in sports, 4-H and FFA. He attended Kansas State University and received a bachelors of science degree in Animal Science in 2006 before receiving his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2011. Shortly after graduation Dr. Hansen joined the Atchison Animal Clinic team where he worked as an associate veterinarian. In 2015 Dr. Hansen became an owner of Atchison Animal Clinic. In 2024, Dr. Hansen and Dr. Carrie Cowan started AcuteVet, an animal urgent care clinic in Overland Park. As a practicing veterinarian, his primary interests are small animal surgery and large animal production medicine. In his spare time, Dr. Hansen enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with his wife Emily, their 5 children and two dogs (Peanut and Shadow).
Dr. Kristen Holcomb-Wallace hails from… right down the street and didn’t grow up wanting to be a vet and never meant to stay…right down the street. But like all the best things in life, the journey she didn’t plan on ended up being the best adventure. Dr. Holcomb, being the epitome of not a straight line when it comes to a career, spent a lot of time in college. But to her parents (and their basement’s) great relief she ultimately finished her college marathon at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Holcomb then headed to North Carolina to complete a rotating small animal internship focusing on Emergency Medicine. Following completion of her internship, the decision to return home to Kansas was made when the opportunity to work with Kristen’s first choice of ER and specialty hospitals was offered. Dr. Holcomb spent a great ten years with this hospital before needing to try a new adventure. Her parents were very happy the adventure didn’t involve more college and instead was just travel ER veterinary work…yes… just like travel nursing. But after two years, Dr. Holcomb was over not being able to help her friends at home when they called her worried about their animals. So, it was again the journey she never planned on, heck never imagined, when an old vet school friend offered her a spot at his and his partner’s new urgent care clinic… right down the street from her childhood home. It’s all been a great adventure and she’s incredibly happy to be part of this stunning team. When not with the stunning team at Acute, Kristen is with her stunning home team including two wild boys, a wild husband, a slightly less wild dog, a horribly behaved cat and ducks, quail, chickens, fish and a lizard.
Dr. Heather Smith grew up in Northern Virginia and from the age of 5 started her veterinary career with pro bono toilet paper bandaging of her stuffed animals. At 16 years old Heather started her paid veterinary career as a kennel assistant and over the next few years moved her way up to lead technician in the same general practice hospital. In her early 20’s Heather transitioned to an Emergency and Specialty Hospital working with their surgical group and moving into their lead surgical tech position before leaving for Vet School. While we all suspect Heather’s main reason for attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine was for the island breezes and well-tanned men, she swears it was for the exceptional teaching staff. Heather finished her Veterinary Doctorate at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine to then pursue a rotating small animal Veterinary Internship with an ER and Specialty hospital in Kansas City. Upon completing her internship, the hospital offered her a position with their Emergency Group where she remained for the next 9 years before leaving to pursue travel ER Veterinary relief work. It’s been two years since Heather has had the opportunity to take care of her local community and she’s thrilled to be back home. You can only eat so many Biscoff cookies. Jokes aside, she loves this town and its animals almost as much as she loves her two adorable, yet exhausting boys.
Dr Jennifer Blouin, although not a born Kansan, grew up outside of Wichita after her father was stationed there for his Air Force career. She eventually attended Kansas State University for both her underrated degree and her doctorate of veterinary medicine that she received in 2006. After graduation Dr Blouin joined and served in the United States Peace Corps for two years being stationed in a small village in the bush of West Africa. In the Peace Corps, Dr Blouin was given the incredible opportunity to learn and live in a new culture, learn a new language, grow her emotional intelligence, and fail until succeeding. Upon returning home Dr Blouin took a position at a local emergency clinic and was able to learn under seasoned ER doctors. After several years she was given the opportunity to move to the Kansa City area and work at a local Emergency and Speciality Hospital practicing beside brilliant and compassionate veterinarians continuing to grow her skills and knowledge base. After almost a decade, Dr Blouin started her own relief business giving her the opportunity to travel around the country and practice in all different facilities. In that process she had exposure to different specialist and ER doctors trained in all different facilities and was able to learn and treat disease not commonly found in the Kansas area. Dr Blouin is returning home to be closer to family and friends but also to serve the community she lives in. Dr Blouin and her partner share their home with the best Labrador ever named Riley and a mighty mighty Mastador named Jello. On her off time Dr. Blouin enjoys lake time, hiking, dog parks with the dogs, sand volleyball, and generally being outside if it is not too cold.
Dr. Susan Infante has an uncommon background that has inadvertently resulted in what seems to be the ideal Urgent Care Veterinarian. Following graduation from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Infante pursued a rotating surgical and medical internship at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of her internship, Dr. Infante practiced Emergency Medicine for the next 7 years at Specialty and Referral hospitals both in Georgia and Colorado. Dr. Infante then transitioned to general practice with a heavy incorporation of shelter medicine and low-income care.
In the world of veterinary medicine, shelter medicine just means performing as much advanced medicine and surgery as you possibly can because frankly, you’re usually the only option those animals have. Shelter medicine is where angel wings are earned and advanced techniques you never meant to learn… are learned. After 21 short years of continued practice in Colorado she decided the plains are actually more stunning than mountains and has been practicing in Louisburg for the past 4 years before the siren’s song of Emergency Medicine (with slightly better hours) has called her home to practice at AcuteVet. In addition to being an excellent veterinarian, Dr. Infante is an excellent person with 3 daughters and a husband she’s very proud of and a minor obsession with miniature horses.
Dr. Lauren Poulignot grew up in Kansas City and has been proudly practicing in the area since graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She has a special interest in ultrasound, surgery, dentistry, and preventative medicine, but loves any good challenge.
Dr. Poulignot and her family reside in Louisburg with their menagerie of animals that include dogs, cats, tortoises, goats, cows, and horses. When they aren’t tending to their animals they can be found outdoors and enjoying family time.
Hannah grew up in Dodge City, KS. She went to Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science in 2014. From there she moved to the Kansas City area and attended Maple Woods Veterinary Technology Program and graduated in 2016 with an Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. Hannah now lives in Olathe with her husband, son, three dogs, and two cats. When she isn’t with her family she enjoys gardening, baking and reading.
Jess began her career in veterinary medicine in the Kansas City area in 2001, where she first immersed herself in general practice. Her passion for animal care drove her to further her education, leading her to the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, Colorado, where she earned her Associates of Applied Animal Science in 2005. Over the years, Jess has garnered extensive experience across various small animal specialty practices. Her expertise spans both emergency medicine and dermatology, areas in which she has developed a deep-seated enthusiasm.
In 2011, Jess returned to the Kansas City area, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience back to the community she first started with. Outside of her professional life, Jess enjoys a range of activities including traveling, hiking, and reading. She cherishes her time spent with family, which includes her beloved dog, Frank.
Cory grew up in Fort Worth, TX but is originally from the Liberty, MO area. He now lives in Gardner, KS with his 3 dogs, Kennedy, Navi, and Juniper. Along with 3 Axolotls, and many house plants that he shares with his partner. He has an associates degree, and has been working in vet med for almost 10 years. Cory Joined AcuteVet in January 2024.
Hannah is a Registered Veterinary Technician who graduated from Maple Woods in 2014 with her associate’s degree in veterinary technology. She grew up around the Kansas City metro and brings a diverse background to her role, having worked in emergency medicine as well as Oncology in Texas. Hannah moved back to Kansas City in 2024 and is excited to continue caring for patients and supporting their families. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, watching horror movies, and fueling her days with coffee. She shares her home with four cats and one dog.
Abby grew up in Eudora, Kansas where she also graduated from high school. While in high school Abby started working in the Veterinary field and realized that’s what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She grew up around many different animals, including owning cows and a pig. She now has three dogs, Ace, Bonnie and Lucy, who she enjoys taking on adventures. In her free time Abby likes spending time in her garden and hanging out with her husband and family. Abby joined AcuteVet in January 2024.
Alysha grew up in Bonner Springs, spending time with animals of many different species. Since 2014, she has been dedicated to the veterinary field, steadily advancing her expertise as she attends school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Alongside her professional journey, Alysha shares her home with her husband, two beloved dogs, Remy and Clover, and a charming hedgehog named Linda. Balancing her career and studies with her personal life, Alysha enjoys quality time with her husband and when she’s not tending to her furry and spiky friends, she embraces her love for the outdoors through fishing, traveling, boating, wakeboarding, and riding four-wheelers.
Emily moved to the Kansas City area with her husband, Alex, in December 2016. She is a proud mom of two little boys, and three fur babies, Atlie, Avery and Elodie. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her family, going on motorcycle rides, and getting new tattoos. She also loves traveling and seeing the world. Emily grew up around animals and has always known that she wanted to work with them in some capacity. Emily joined the AcuteVet team in January 2024.
Veterinary Assistant currently in school to become an RVT. I love working with animals, supporting patients through every stage of care, and growing in the field of veterinary medicine.
Kirsten grew up in a few different cities, but has called the Overland Park area home for most of her life. With a lifelong passion for helping animals, she has worked in the animal welfare industry since 2016 as a range of roles. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science & Industry from Kansas State University, emphasizing in Bioscience and Biotechnology in 2021. After working as a foster manager for a local animal shelter, she followed her passion back to veterinary medicine. In her free time, Kirsten loves traveling, spending time with her cat, reading, and gaining new experiences.
Steven grew up in Manhattan and Overland Park, where he developed a lifelong passion for helping both people and their pets. He entered the field of veterinary medicine in 2024 and is now advancing his career by pursuing his goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. Outside of work, Steven enjoys spending time with his two cats, Ares and Freyja. He also loves reading, playing video games, and traveling whenever he gets the chance.
As the PR and Marketing Coordinator for Acute Vet, I help connect our team’s expertise and compassion with the communities and pet owners we serve. I manage communications, social media, and outreach initiatives that highlight our commitment to exceptional veterinary care and strengthen our client relationships.
Outside of work, I’m a lifelong animal enthusiast who enjoys showing my llamas and guinea pigs. At home, I share life with my spirited Schnauzer, Winston, and two affectionate cats who keep things lively. My love for animals inspires every project I take on, and I strive to make every message as genuine and caring as the people — and pets — behind our practice.
