Meet the Team

DR. ANNA JOHNSON, DVM, PRACTICE OWNER

Dr. Anna Johnson is the owner and senior veterinarian at Lawrence Veterinary Hospital. Growing up in Ghana (West Africa) gave her special insight into what life for our four-legged compatriots looks like without regular health care and a passion for making life as happy and healthy as possible for the pets in our lives. In 2004, she graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She spent her first five years after graduation in a mixed animal practice setting in eastern Colorado, before honing in on exclusively small animal medicine in 2009.

Dr. Anna believes in maintaining our pets’ best quality of life through preventive medicine and tailored diagnostic and treatment plans according to each pet and its family’s needs. She loves the challenge of complex medical and surgical cases, but the heart and soul of what gets her up each morning include getting to be a part of making the best of the relationships between pets and their families. Dr. Anna enjoys reading, baking, and glamping with her husband and two children. When she’s not doing that, she is busy keeping the peace between her earnest Border Collie, “Cross”, sassy Mini Aussie, “Chouli”, & devoted Standard Poodle, “Boue”.

Professional Certifications & Affiliations:

• International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
• Fear Free™ Certified Veterinarian
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Douglas County Veterinary Medical Association (DCVMA)
• Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KSVMA)

Areas of Special Interest:

• Dentistry
• Pain Management
• Geriatric Medical Management
• Surgery

DR. JEN BUSSEN, DVM

Dr. Jen joined the LVH team in 2017. She graduated from Kansas State University earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2009, and then her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2013. Following graduation, she worked for a short amount of time at a mixed animal practice in Nebraska, and then was at an exclusively small animal practice in the Kansas City area for several years.

She loves being able to focus on helping pets, forming long-term relationships with their families, and strengthening the human-animal bond. Dr. Jen enjoys music, photography, and playing board games. She also loves spending time outside walking, hiking, and playing at the park with her husband and 4 sons. She has two cats, “Nirget” & “Marshall”, who keep her entertained as well.

Professional Certifications & Affiliations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Douglas County Veterinary Medical Association (DCVMA)
• Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KSVMA)

Areas of Special Interest:

• Dentistry
• Pain Management
• Internal Medicine
• Preventive Care

DR. PHIL TOLL, RELIEF DVM

Dr. Toll joined us in 2019 as a Relief Veterinarian. He graduated from Kansas State University earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1986. Dr. Toll worked for Hills Science Diet from 1991-2013 and was involved in Nutritional Research & Product Development. He held various positions while there including Principal Scientist and Medical Director. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities and knee-slapping “Dad Jokes”. He shares his home with a Yellow Lab named “Sunny” and a big orange farm cat named “Tangy”.

        Areas of Special Interest:

• Clinical Nutrition
• Canine Sports Medicine

Dr. JAMES "JIM" KRAFT, DVM (RETIRED)

Dr. Kraft attended the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, graduating in 1972 with a Liberal Arts Degree before graduating in 1979 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. In 1981, he returned to Lawrence and opened Lawrence Veterinary Hospital. In 1996 he built our current veterinary hospital. He retired and sold the practice to Dr. Anna in 2017. Doc now enjoys traveling, fly-fishing, hiking, biking, literature, and making wood-fired pizza. He is currently living his best life while residing in Colorado with his wife and their dogs.

ERIKA EDGAR, PRACTICE MANAGER

We welcomed Erika to Lawrence Veterinary Hospital in late 2015 as a receptionist. She began working in the veterinary field in 2002 in California then moved to Kansas in 2005 and has been consistently working in this field ever since. She has children and grandchildren who live in California and visits as often as possible. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, watching animal TikToks, crocheting, and spending time with friends. Her critter crew consists of a cat, “KiKi”, a dachshund, “Mabel”, Schnauzer/Yorkie mix,  “Joleen”, a special needs Lab named “Opie”, and a Shih Tzu named “Penny”.  Her (in)famous  African Grey parrot, “Ingrid”, also accompanies her to work each day!

CALLIE INGRAM, LEAD RVT

Callie has been in the field of Veterinary Medicine since age 16. She first joined our team in 2008 as a Kennel Attendant. She re-joined our practice as an Assistant Technician in 2013 while attending Brown Mackie College of Veterinary Technology in Lenexa, Kansas. In April 2016, she graduated and earned her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credentials. Callie’s favorite part of working at LVH is the continuity of care through critical cases, end-of-life consultations, and educating owners on how to care for their pets at home. Callie also manages the hospital’s online & social media presence. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, kayaking, DIY projects, and spending time with friends and family. She is a Lawrence native and enjoys all our town has to offer. She shares her home with a long-haired Dachshund named “Arlo”.

BAILLIE ADAMS, RVT

Baillie joined our team in 2019 as a Registered Veterinary Technician. In 2017, she graduated from Brown Mackie School of Veterinary Technology in Lenexa, Kansas and obtained her RVT credentials. Baillie enjoys bonding with her patients from puppyhood through adulthood. She can be found spending quality time with her family on the dairy farm in her free time. She shares her home with her husband & two sons, a Golden Retriever named “Goose”, and a cat named “Otis”.

HUTTON BRENTON, RVT

Hutton joined our team in May 2020. She obtained her Associate degree in Veterinary Technology and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in July 2020. She continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Animal Science from Morehead State University in Kentucky. Hutton is also a Fear Free™ Certified Professional. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding and baking. She shares her home with her husband, Jack, 2 Goldendoodles, “Opal” & “Lois”, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, “Savvi”, and a mutt named “Franklin”.

Professional Affiliations:

• Fear Free™ Certified Veterinary Technician

BRANDEN BASTON, ASSISTANT TECHNICIAN

Branden joined our hospital in summer of 2022. He currently attends Penn Foster Veterinary Technology program and will graduate in 2023. Branden loves building relationships with pet parents and educating them on how to care for their pet at home. In his spare time, he enjoys basketball, golf, and anything competitive. He shares his home with a Lab mix, “Bella”, and a cat named “Fleck”.

FATIMA HAESEMEYER, ASSISTANT TECHNICIAN/KENNEL ATTENDANT

Fatima joined the LVH family in the summer of 2022. She currently attends KU majoring in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology with a minor in Korean. She is an APVMA delegate for the KU Pre-Vet Society and plans to apply for vet school in the future. Her favorite part of work is observing and assisting in surgery. In her spare time, she enjoys Taekwondo, weightlifting, and learning new languages. She holds a special passion for rabbits, and is pictured with her beloved “Mochi”, Dutch rabbit, and “Peanut”, Mini Lop rabbit.

GABBY BOOR, RECEPTIONIST

Gabby started with LVH at the beginning of 2019 as a Kennel Attendant. She began as a receptionist in the spring of 2020. Gabby’s favorite part of working at the clinic is helping with hospital inventory. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, drawing, and gardening (especially succulents). She also enjoys ALL things spooky, making Halloween her favorite time of year. She currently shares her home with a Pug mix, “Butch”, and 3 cats, “Baby Kitty”, “Sam”, and “Lilith”.

MATT TORRES, RECEPTIONIST

Matt joined our clinic in the summer of 2022. Although originally from Olathe, he has lived in Lawrence for over 18 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from KU. Matt regularly volunteers and fosters pets at Lawrence Humane Society. His favorite part about working at LVH is getting to meet a pet for the very first time. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, fencing, and playing video games. Matt shares his home with his significant other, Brea. Together they have one cat, “Leonard”, a Chihuahua, “Dulce”, a Shih Tzu, “Lilac”, a Cocker Spaniel, “Charlie”, a Chihuahua mix, “Jefe”,  and a Cairn Terrier mix/current foster fail, “Nugget”.                                                                                                                                                                                   

ERIN TAPPEN, LEAD KENNEL ATTENDANT

Erin joined our clinic in 2012. She became our clinic’s Lead Kennel Attendant in 2016. She holds a degree in Physical Education, specializing in coaching, from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. She enjoys spending her free time with friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. Her nurturing quality and attention to detail are just a few traits that make her an excellent Lead Kennel Attendant. While she does not currently have a pet of her own, she thoroughly enjoys caring for every cat and dog that comes through our doors.

MARCIA SHEPARD, SUPPORT STAFF

We welcomed Marcia to Lawrence Veterinary Hospital in 2010. She is to thank for maintaining our clean facility, and she always does so with a great smile and friendly attitude. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, aerobics, and biking. She currently shares her home with 2 cats, “Henry” and “Sadie”.

JERRY JOHNSON, MA, CFO & PRACTICE OWNER

Jerry started with LVH in 2018 and is our highly educated hermit that hides behind computer screens, mumbling about numbers, purchase orders, and how Border Collies are the superior form of companion (a subject that is highly debated among the staff). Lucky visitors can catch a rare glimpse of him scurrying across the office checking computers or foraging for snacks. In his free time, he often gets lost in the woods. But don’t worry, we’ve had him microchipped. If found, please return him to our office.

"INGRID", OFFICE SHENANIGATOR

If you stop by our office while Erika’s here, you will most likely be treated to the antics of the African Grey Parrot that owns her. “Ingrid” is mostly the office gossip, buzzing around, eavesdropping, and adding odd comments. This sassy lady cracks our staff up every day with her outrageous belly laughter (best heard over the lunch hour), her sultry wolf whistles (mainly at the UPS guy), and of course, her favorite, the Andy Griffith theme song. Even though she yells at barking dogs to "STOP IT!" and throws around the occasional cuss word, our team loves her to pieces, and life at LVH just wouldn't be the same without her. Feel free to stop by and say Hi to her…but mind your fingers!

"CROSS" the Border, OFFICE SUPERVISOR

“Cross” started with Lawrence Veterinary Hospital in 2017 as Supervisor and Employee Morale Specialist. He ensures all staff meets the stringent requirements as Bord(er) Certified Play Specialists. Outside the office, he continues his diligent work ensuring Dr. Anna completes her daily petting and snuggling practice. “Cross” enjoys squeaky Lamb Chop toys and playing outside with his children (A.K.A. Dr. Anna’s kids).

"PATCHOULI" ("Chouli"), OFFICE BOUNCER

Patchouli joined our team in 2019 and is dedicated to protecting and serving. She screens all delivery men and suspicious sounds, also eviscerating dubious toys to assess for contraband. She has worked hard to make sure our staff and clients are as safe as possible also while faithfully ridding the world of strawberry yogurt.