MeetOur Team
Dedicated Veterinary ProfessionalsServing Emporia and Beyond
At East Emporia Veterinary Clinic, our compassionate and skilled team is united by a shared mission:
To provide high-quality, personalized veterinary care for pets, livestock, and the people who love them. From surgical services and preventive care to large animal medicine and patient support, we bring years of experience — and a lot of heart — to every patient interaction.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Eric Hess – Business Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Eric Hess graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and became a co-owner of the clinic in 2004. He enjoys building relationships with clients and has a special passion for surgery. Outside the clinic he shares his life with his wife, Kari, their three children Drew, Alli and Aubree and two dogs, Cody and Cedar. You can often find him doing something outdoors or attending one of his children’s sporting events in his free time.
Dr. Haley DeLong – Business Owner & Veterinarian
Raised on a cattle farm outside Emporia, Dr. Haley DeLong brings a lifetime of animal experience to her veterinary work. She graduated from K-State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019 and joined the practice as a co-owner in 2023. Dr. DeLong enjoys surgery, working with hospitalized patients, and caring for cattle. At home, she stays busy with 2 dogs, 7 cats, a small herd of cattle, and a love for gardening and preserving produce.
Dr. Taylor Duff – Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor Duff joined the practice in June 2023 after graduating from K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. She has three dogs and is a proud sourdough bread enthusiast. Dr. Duff brings energy, curiosity, and a strong dedication to quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Eric Hess – Business Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Eric Hess graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and became a co-owner of the clinic in 2004. He enjoys building relationships with clients and has a special passion for surgery. Outside the clinic he shares his life with his wife, Kari, their three children Drew, Alli and Aubree and two dogs, Cody and Cedar. You can often find him doing something outdoors or attending one of his children’s sporting events in his free time.
Dr. Haley DeLong – Business Owner & Veterinarian
Raised on a cattle farm outside Emporia, Dr. Haley DeLong brings a lifetime of animal experience to her veterinary work. She graduated from K-State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019 and joined the practice as a co-owner in 2023. Dr. DeLong enjoys surgery, working with hospitalized patients, and caring for cattle. At home, she stays busy with 2 dogs, 7 cats, a small herd of cattle, and a love for gardening and preserving produce.
Dr. Taylor Duff – Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor Duff joined the practice in June 2023 after graduating from K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. She has three dogs and is a proud sourdough bread enthusiast. Dr. Duff brings energy, curiosity, and a strong dedication to quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Brooke Falk – Associate Veterinarian
A 2023 K-State veterinary graduate, Dr. Brooke Falk, began her journey with us that same year. Growing up on a cattle operation and participating in 4-H sparked her early passion for animal care. She continues to mentor junior cattle exhibitors and spends her free time crocheting.
Dr. Brooke Falk – Associate Veterinarian
A 2023 K-State veterinary graduate, Dr. Brooke Falk, began her journey with us that same year. Growing up on a cattle operation and participating in 4-H sparked her early passion for animal care. She continues to mentor junior cattle exhibitors and spends her free time crocheting.
Dr. Natasha VanGundy – Associate Veterinarian
Originally from Americus, Dr. Natasha VanGundy grew up on a cattle operation and brings a deep love of large animal work to the team. She joined the clinic in January 2025 after earning her DVM from K-State in 2022.
Dr. Natasha VanGundy – Associate Veterinarian
Originally from Americus, Dr. Natasha VanGundy grew up on a cattle operation and brings a deep love of large animal work to the team. She joined the clinic in January 2025 after earning her DVM from K-State in 2022.
Veterinary Technicians & Support Staff
Carrie F. – Lead Technician
Carrie earned her Animal Science degree from KSU in 1999 and has dedicated her career to patient comfort and quality care. Active in 4-H and FFA with her three children, Carrie shares her home with 3 dogs, cats, cows, and a rabbit named Rachel.
Kristina – Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Kristina has been with us since 2014, working her way from kennels to receptionist and eventually RVT. She enjoys surgery, inpatient care, and baking bread. At home, she has a dog and a cat.
Alex – Veterinary Technician
Alex joined in January 2024 and is known for treating every patient like her own. She has 2 dogs, 4 cats, and a love of travel and patient care.
Carrie F. – Lead Technician
Carrie earned her Animal Science degree from KSU in 1999 and has dedicated her career to patient comfort and quality care. Active in 4-H and FFA with her three children, Carrie shares her home with 3 dogs, cats, cows, and a rabbit named Rachel.
Kristina – Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Kristina has been with us since 2014, working her way from kennels to receptionist and eventually RVT. She enjoys surgery, inpatient care, and baking bread. At home, she has a dog and a cat.
Alex – Veterinary Technician
Alex joined in January 2024 and is known for treating every patient like her own. She has 2 dogs, 4 cats, and a love of travel and patient care.
Client Services & Reception
Linda – Administrative Assistant
A vital part of the team since 1992, Linda assists with reception, accounts, and large animal inventory. She enjoys the large animal side of practice and spending time outdoors with her 2 dogs and 4 horses.
McKenya (MK) – Receptionist
MK joined in February 2025 and is known for her enthusiasm, love of Taylor Swift and coffee, and commitment to a great client experience.
Journey – Receptionist
Journey started in July 2024 and brings a sunny, caring presence to the front desk. She’s newly engaged and loves traveling and supporting patient care.
Linda – Administrative Assistant
A vital part of the team since 1992, Linda assists with reception, accounts, and large animal inventory. She enjoys the large animal side of practice and spending time outdoors with her 2 dogs and 4 horses.
McKenya (MK) – Receptionist
MK joined in February 2025 and is known for her enthusiasm, love of Taylor Swift and coffee, and commitment to a great client experience.
Journey – Receptionist
Journey started in July 2024 and brings a sunny, caring presence to the front desk. She’s newly engaged and loves traveling and supporting patient care.
Kyleigh – Receptionist
Since April 2025, Kyleigh has been greeting clients with warmth and a smile. She has 2 dogs, 1 cat, and a bearded dragon, and is newly engaged.
Kyleigh – Receptionist
Since April 2025, Kyleigh has been greeting clients with warmth and a smile. She has 2 dogs, 1 cat, and a bearded dragon, and is newly engaged.
Tayler – Receptionist
Tayler joined in March 2025 and is currently studying to become a nurse practitioner at ESU. She has 2 dogs and a passion for making others smile.
Hadleigh – Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant
With us since January 2022, Hadleigh is a future veterinarian who adores black cats and currently shares her home with two felines.
Tayler – Receptionist
Tayler joined in March 2025 and is currently studying to become a nurse practitioner at ESU. She has 2 dogs and a passion for making others smile.
Hadleigh – Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant
With us since January 2022, Hadleigh is a future veterinarian who adores black cats and currently shares her home with two felines.
Karly – Receptionist
Karly joined in September 2022 and is pursuing a career as a registered dental hygienist. She has two cats and treats every patient like family.
Airyn – Receptionist & Kennel Assistant
Since May 2024, Airyn has been supporting patients with warmth and professionalism. She’s married, owns one cat, and dances with the ESU Dance Team.
Karly – Receptionist
Karly joined in September 2022 and is pursuing a career as a registered dental hygienist. She has two cats and treats every patient like family.
Airyn – Receptionist & Kennel Assistant
Since May 2024, Airyn has been supporting patients with warmth and professionalism. She’s married, owns one cat, and dances with the ESU Dance Team.
Jessica – Receptionist
Jessica joined the team in November 2024. She loves farm life and dreams of running a ranch. She finds deep fulfillment in helping animals recover and supporting their families.
Jessica – Receptionist
Jessica joined the team in November 2024. She loves farm life and dreams of running a ranch. She finds deep fulfillment in helping animals recover and supporting their families.
Breanna – Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant
Breanna has been part of the team since June 2021. A student at Oklahoma State University, she plans to attend vet school. She thrives in the hospital setting and is always ready to lend a hand.
Carrie P. – Receptionist & Groomer
A part of the clinic since 2000, Carrie has built lasting relationships with clients and their pets. She has 2 dogs, loves quilting, and treasures her role in the community.
Emily – Receptionist
Emily joined us in July 2023. A proud mom, she brings warmth and a love of client and patient interactions to every shift.
Breanna – Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant
Breanna has been part of the team since June 2021. A student at Oklahoma State University, she plans to attend vet school. She thrives in the hospital setting and is always ready to lend a hand.
Carrie P. – Receptionist & Groomer
A part of the clinic since 2000, Carrie has built lasting relationships with clients and their pets. She has 2 dogs, loves quilting, and treasures her role in the community.
Emily – Receptionist
Emily joined us in July 2023. A proud mom, she brings warmth and a love of client and patient interactions to every shift.
Kori – Receptionist
Kori joined the team in September 2025. She is currently an ESU student studying Elementary Education with the goal of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. Outside of work, she enjoys riding horses and barrel racing with her family. At the clinic, Kori especially loves witnessing the special moments when pets are reunited with their owners after being hospitalized or boarding.
Kori – Receptionist
Kori joined the team in September 2025. She is currently an ESU student studying Elementary Education with the goal of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. Outside of work, she enjoys riding horses and barrel racing with her family. At the clinic, Kori especially loves witnessing the special moments when pets are reunited with their owners after being hospitalized or boarding.
Compassionate Care from a Team You Can Trust
From the front desk to the barn, our team is here to serve Emporia, Lyon County, and surrounding communities with professionalism, integrity, and heart.
Ready to meet us in person?
Call (620) 343-7682 or contact us online to schedule your next visit.