Kailey Berkenmeier

Kailey knew she would go into the field of veterinary medicine from a very young age. From bringing home stray kittens to owning every type of animal her parents would allow her to have, she was confident it was her passion. Her interests lie in emergency & critical care, oncology, and hospice care.

Kailey states, “It is my calling to be a Veterinary Nurse and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I take pride in knowing I am not only helping animals, but their owners as well. Which is why every pet in my care is treated with as much compassion as my own animals. I truly believe that animals speak to us if we know how to listen.”

Kailey was born in Emporia, KS and was raised in Burlington, where she completed grades K-12. One month after graduating high school in 2010, Kailey started classes at Brown Mackie College in Lenexa to pursue her degree in Veterinary Technology. She graduated with honors in 2012 and became licensed shortly after.

Kailey’s second job in the veterinary industry was with Dr. Mertz here at Gardner Animal Hospital, and she will tell many people that Dr. Mertz raised her through her “baby tech” years. While working at Gardner Animal Hospital, Kailey had the opportunity to go back and teach at Brown Mackie as a part time adjunct instructor. She taught Small Animal Medicine II and Laboratory Procedures II for one year. It
was during this time that Kailey found her love for Academia, specifically teaching future Veterinary Nurses. After working with Dr. Mertz for approximately 6 years, Kailey moved to Manhattan, where she accepted a job in the Critical Care Unit at the K-State Veterinary Health Center. Kailey became a specialized critical care nurse after working in the ICU & ER for about 2 years. Not long after, Kailey’s daughter, Emmalyn, was born. Kailey moved to the Oncology department within Kstate to maintain more consistent hours for her daughter. She stayed at K-state for another year and a half before moving back home to work at South Shore Animal Hospital. But, as fate would have it, Dr. Mertz asked her to come back to work at Gardner Animal Hospital once again. Kailey has never been happier to be home.

Kailey is newly engaged to her fiancé, Shylo, and they have a blended family of 5 amazing kids and 4 dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends, reading, and outdoor activities (weather permitting). Kailey is looking forward to planning their small wedding within the next few months, and beginning the rest of forever with their family.