OUR TEAM

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Veterinarians

Dr. Timothy Hutson

Director of Medicine

Dr. Timothy Hutson, Director of Medicine

Dr. Tim is a St. Louis native who graduated with a BA in Biological Sciences from SLU in 2008. After 18 months of lab work in medical research at Washington University, he decided to forgo a career in human medicine and instead chose to go into veterinary medicine. He went on to graduate from the University of Missouri vet school in May 2013. After graduation, Dr. Tim joined My Best Friend under Dr. Bill’s ownership. Dr. Tim took over the clinic in 2018 from Dr. Bill.
Dr. Tim enjoys woodworking and bonsai in his free time. He is also an avid fan of the Cardinals and Blues. Most of all, he loves spending time with his family; his wife, Irina, and two children, Anna and Cameron. They also have 3 furry children, a French bulldog named “Corndog” (named by their daughter), and a pair of crazy cats “Branch” and “Poppy”.
Dr. Chelsie Bivens-Meinders

Assistant Medical Director

Dr. Chelsie Bivens-Meinders, Assistant Medical Director

Dr. Chelsie came to My Best Friend Veterinary Center in 2020. Originally from Springfield, IL she began her pre-veterinary studies in Kentucky at Murray State University. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she had many opportunities for exotic experience, including volunteering at Riddle’s Elephant Sanctuary in Quitman, AR and briefly studying marine biology abroad in Belize. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri Vet School in 2019.
Dr. Chelsie’s wonderful family consists of her husband, two daughters, and three dogs; Millie, Murray and Max. Her three dogs are spoiled rotten and she would love to show you a picture of them. Chelsie is always up for an adventure. She has been skydiving four times and hopes to get her skydiving license someday.
She loves a good “dad” joke.
“I have an appointment with the doggy doctor. How that dog became a doctor, I don’t know.”
Dr. Heather Yarnall

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Heather Yarnall, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Heather grew up in a military family that settled in the metro St. Louis area. She attended the University of Missouri for both undergraduate studies and veterinary school. She has moved a few times since graduation, practicing in both St. Louis and Madison, WI. She has worked in a wide variety of practices, from a spay/neuter clinic, a canine reproduction clinic, shelter medicine, and general practice.
Dr. Heather’s favorite parts of being a veterinarian are getting to know the pets and their owners, and the satisfaction that comes with helping pets live their best, happy, healthy lives. She joined the MBF team in 2021.
She grew up with pet rabbits and dogs, and watching veterinarians work on her pets (especially a C-section on the family labrador) inspired her to pursue it as a career herself.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Heather spends most of her time with her husband, Ben, and their kids, Max and Sophie. They attend as many Cardinals and Blues games as they can! She also shares her home with 2 border collies, Crash, and Enzo. Her favorite hobby is competing in dog agility with Crash.
Dr. Erin Reiter

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Erin Reiter, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Erin was born and raised in St. Louis and attended Indiana University for her undergraduate studies. She graduated from the Mizzou vet school in 2013 (with Dr. Tim!) and moved to Denver to work as an associate veterinarian in private practice for 5 years. In 2020 she returned home to Missouri and joined the My Best Friend team.
Dr. Erin is thrilled to be a part of a profession where she has the opportunity to help people and animals on a daily basis. While she loves every aspect of general practice, her particular interests include internal medicine and feline medicine. In her free time, Erin enjoys traveling, running/cycling, yoga, and spending time with her family. Erin and her husband, Mike, have 2 daughters, Caitlin and Olivia.
They also have four furry children including dog, “Greta,” and their 4 cats, “Riley”, “Rufus”, “Tiki” and “Russell”.
Dr. Audrey Kastner

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Audrey Kastner, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Audrey was born and raised in St. Louis, just down the street from My Best Friend! Her parents have been bringing their pets to My Best Friend since before she was born, and she has fond childhood memories of visiting the clinic.
Dr. Audrey received her bachelor’s in biology from Truman State University in 2020, then graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2025. After vet school she spent a year practicing exotic and small animal medicine in California, but moved back in 2026 to be closer to family.
In her free time Dr. Audrey enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her husband, Austin, and their many pets. Her animal family consists of a Boston terrier named Ravioli, two cats named Geri and Roo, and a large assortment of reptiles, including a Blue Tongue skink and multiple snakes and geckos.

Hospital Staff

Megan

Lead Veterinary Technician

Megan, Lead Veterinary Technician

Megan graduated from the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in 2015 and passed her certification exam becoming a CVT in 2016. She joined MBF in 2021. She is a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady and owns 4 cats herself, along with a spoiled guinea pig named Watson, who is treated by the others as an honorary cat. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, cooking, and playing video games.
Emily

Lead Veterinary Technician

Emily, Lead Veterinary Technician

Emily earned her associates degree in Veterinary Technology at Hickey College in 2013. She joined MBF in 2019 and we have been stuck with her ever since. She has 3 dogs, 1 cat, 1 ferret and a lot of jumping spiders. When she’s not at work being your best friend, she is laughing at her own jokes with her spouse Matt and son Elliot, or she is probably staring at her spiders.
Brandy

Office Manager

Brandy, Office Manager

Brandy joined us with a variety of experience in retail, photography, and teaching. She has brought her positive attitude and organizational skills to our reception area. All her professions have prepared her to expect the unexpected and be ready for anything (her husband and child have added to that experience as well) which comes in handy everyday here at My Best Friend. She is happy to help your pet live their best life!
She lives in Maryland Heights with her husband, Chris, son, Lincoln, and their 4 cats. Brandy and her boys love to play board games, snuggle up for movie nights, and all things Harry Potter and Disney!
Irina

Practice Manager

Irina, Practice Manager

Irina joined the MBF team in 2019 as the Practice Manager. She is married to Dr. Tim and is the co-owner of My Best Friend.
Irina’s first career was in scientific research. After obtaining a master’s degree in microbiology from Purdue University, she spent the next 10 years working in human research at Washington University and University of Missouri.
In 2019 she transitioned into veterinary medicine. While her main responsibility is to take care of the administrative side of things, you’ll often find her assisting the vet techs and receptionists. She also takes care of the fish tank you see in the MBF lobby. At home, Irina has 2 children, a pair of sassy cats, Branch and Poppy, a stubborn French bulldog named Corndog, and a bunch of fish that don’t have names.
Janet

Receptionist

Janet, Receptionist

Janet has been a part of the MBF family since 1995—back when there were only four employees, Dr. Bill ran the show, and Fuzzy, the clinic cat, ruled the roost! She’s watched MBF grow over the years and is thrilled to be part of its journey once again.
After spending most of her life in St. Louis, Janet and her partner Tiff ventured to San Antonio, Texas for a change of scenery. But after a year and a half without Ted Drewes, toasted ravioli, and Cardinals games, they knew it was time to head back to the Lou! Now happily settled in Brentwood, Janet is excited to be back where she belongs—helping pets and reconnecting with her MBF crew.
Janet’s proud of her daughter who lives in Omaha, Nebraska and works at Creighton University. She recently earned her Master’s in Public Health! At home, Janet and Tiff stay busy with their furry family: two pups, Ruby and Theo, and three lovable and sassy cats—Jack, Zeus, and Romeo.
Whether she’s welcoming clients at the front desk or sharing stories about her four-legged crew, Janet brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of love to everything she does at MBF.
Laura

Receptionist

Laura, Receptionist

Laura came to My Best Friend Veterinary Center in January of 2008, having had a passion for animals her entire life. She seems to always be watching Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel to satisfy her desire to continue learning. After purchasing her pug she began to discover the desperate need for adoption of homeless mixed breeds in the animal shelters. Over the years she has taken in many pets that needed a loving home. She shares a home with her partner, Denise (our groomer), and her poodle, Mason.
Andrea

Receptionist

Andrea, Receptionist

Andrea graduated from Hickey College as a Veterinary Technician in 2011. She then worked as a Vet Tech at Banfield Pet Hospital in Boulder, CO before returning to St. Louis and beginning her grooming career at Silver Maple Farm. She joined My Best Friend in 2021.
She shares a home with her wonderful partner, Eddie, and their three dogs: Charlotte, Sassy, and Taj.
While she’s not busy trying to pet every dog in St. Louis, you can find her hiking, kayaking, camping, spending time with family, and lint rolling dog hair off her clothes.
Sydney

Receptionist

Sydney, Receptionist

Sydney has always had a passion for animals. She began volunteering in animal shelters before she could legally work. Her journey in the veterinary field started in Ozark, MO, and she later relocated to St. Louis in 2023 to get a taste of city life. Outside of work, Sydney still fills her time with all things animals- from foster and rescue work to cuddling on her old man of a dog, Louie, and cat, Stevie Nicks.
Carrington

Veterinary Technician

Carrington, Veterinary Technician

Carrington has worked in the veterinary field on and off since 2016. After getting her degree in Anthropology and minoring in Biology and Forensic Science, she realized her dream career path involved cuddling cats all day. Carrington’s interests include trivia, film, video games, and catastrophizing. She loves spending time with her boyfriend and their fur children: Milo, Archie, Spruce, and Miso Soup.
Katlynn

Veterinary Technician

Katlynn, Veterinary Technician

Katlynn joined My Best Friend in 2024. She came to us from the University of Missouri Veterinary Dermatology Center, so she has a lot of experience with skin conditions. She has 3 handsome feline boys at home, Ollie, Baby, and Charlie.
Allison

Veterinary Technician

Allison, Veterinary Technician

Allison has been with My Best Friend since 2025. She is a 2020 graduate of the Jefferson College veterinary technology program, and has spent time working in emergency medicine at VSS. She has a silly German Shepherd mix named Montu at home.
Abby

Veterinary Technician

Abby, Veterinary Technician

Abby entered veterinary medicine in 2020, when she began working at the Animal Emergency Clinic. Around that same time, she lost her best friend, a lab mix named BigMac. Through those experiences, she realized her passion for emergency veterinary medicine and proper afterlife care for our pets.
Abby joined My Best Friend in 2024 after having her beautiful baby boy, Easton. Also in the family is her fiancé, Logan, a black lab mix named Hazel, a yellow pit bull mix named Zoey, a chocolate lab named Ryder, and last but not least a grey domestic short hair cat named Meeko.
In Abby’s free time she enjoys spending time outside hiking, hunting for mushrooms, and bon fires. Abby loves to try new things as well! You may see Abby talking and giggling around the clinic but nevertheless she is working hard to make sure your pets needs are met! Also never be afraid to say hi, she loves to spark up a conversation!
Kelli

Veterinary Technician

Kelli, Veterinary Technician

Kelli has loved animals from an early age, and after spending some time in human medicine she decided to switch to veterinary medicine full time. She graduated from Jefferson College veterinary technology program in 2014 and has worked in general practice and emergency medicine. She has 3 dogs at home; Chance, Jazzy, and Quinn. She enjoys spending time with pets and friends whenever she is not working.
Ellie

Veterinary Technician

Ellie, Veterinary Technician

Ellie joined My Best Friend in 2025. She’s spent time working in animal neurology and bird medicine clinics, as well as general practice. Other than animals, she has a passion for dance, history, and travel. She is currently pursuing a history degree. She currently has a few cats, a few dogs, and a few birds… she is not allowed to bring home any more pets.
Belle

Veterinary Technician

Belle, Veterinary Technician

Belle is a 2025 graduate of Jefferson College veterinary technology program. She has a passion for shelter medicine and has experience working with Stray Rescue.

Grooming

Denise

Pet Stylist

Denise, Pet Stylist

Denise was introduced to dogs by her partner Laura and decided to attend the grooming school at Petropolis in November 1999. The bulk of her initial grooming experience came from her work at Bal-Coeur Animal Hospital. She joined My Best Friend Veterinary Center as our grooming expert in 2006. Although purebreds are emphasized in grooming books, she enjoys the mixed breeds that visit her because they bring out her creative side. After years of grooming she feels the key to success is a lot of coffee and Red Bull.

OUR TEAM

Veterinarians

Dr. Timothy Hutson

Dr. Chelsie Bivens-Meinders

Dr. Heather Yarnall

Dr. Erin Reiter

Dr. Audrey Kastner

Hospital Staff

Megan

Emily

Brandy

Irina

Janet

Laura

Andrea

Sydney

Carrington

Katlynn

Allison

Abby

Kelli

Ellie

Belle

Grooming

Denise

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