Dr. Christina Nelson
Medical Director Liberty
Dr. Christina Nelson grew up in Winfield Illinois, a small suburb of Chicago. She always had pets in the house, whether it was a fish, hamster, rabbit, or dog, and even a few exotic pets like a Hedgehog and Coatimundi. She knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian so she began volunteering in high school at a local veterinary clinic. Dr. Nelson attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri in the fall of 2001, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology, graduating with Cum Laude Honors. She continued to work in the veterinary field throughout her entire college career and spent a summer as a camp counselor for a science and animal camp. When she graduated in 2004, she decided that she liked Missouri so much that she would stay there for veterinary school. In 2009 she graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri.
“I love getting to know my clients and developing a relationship based on trust and communication. I find that taking the time to really get to know a family, and taking the time to truly explain what is going on with their pet, creates a trust and bond that results in their pet getting the best possible care.”
Dr. Nelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the Kansas City Veterinary Association. Her interests include Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Dentistry, Integrative Medicine, Client Education/Preventative Medicine.
In Dr. Nelson’s free time she loves to watch sports, and enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling with her family. She resides in Oak Grove with her husband Ron, her children Chase, and Charlotte, and her dogs Emmet a Golden Doodle, Han Solo a Bernedoodle, and Rey a miniature Labradoodle. Her family also co-owns 50+ chickens with their neighbors.
MATTHEW SILVIUs
D.V.M. & Mananging Partner
Dr. Matthew Silvius is a dedicated veterinarian who has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine in the Kansas City area. Inspired by his early interactions with farm animals, he developed a passion for helping animals and embarked on a journey to become a veterinarian. Growing up on a farm in Lathrop, Missouri, he gained valuable experience and knowledge that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
With his commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care, Dr. Silvius played a crucial role in expanding Eagle Animal Hospital's reach to the Tiffany Springs and Liberty locations. Through his involvement in the design and construction of these new facilities, he ensured that clients throughout the Northland region could access state-of-the-art veterinary care in comfortable and modern surroundings.
Dr. Silvius began his veterinary career at Eagle Animal Hospital, where his first job as a kennel assistant ignited his passion for veterinary medicine. The established culture and support he received from his family members motivated him to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. He enrolled at Missouri Western State University, where he pursued his undergraduate studies in Biology and excelled academically, earning a place on the Dean's list.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Silvius continued his education at the prestigious University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2007, he graduated magna cum laude with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, receiving recognition for Excellence in Dermatology. Driven by a desire to provide the best care possible to his patients, he has consistently sought to expand his knowledge and skills in various areas of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Silvius' professional interests revolve around furthering the expansion of Eagle Animal Hospital and pushing the boundaries of veterinary medicine. He actively seeks out the latest advancements in medical techniques, equipment, and treatments to provide the best possible care to his patients. By staying at the forefront of veterinary knowledge, he ensures that Eagle Animal Hospital remains a leader in the field, offering advanced and comprehensive medical services. In recognition of his contributions to the profession. Dr. Silvius is currently the president of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and is a member of the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association. He is also an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Silvius cherishes the time spent with his family. He and his wife, Dr. Margaret Silvius, share their home with their two children; Hubert, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sunny a domestic shorthair, and Patty a British Shorthair, the British Shorthair. In his free time, Dr. Silvius enjoys working on outdoor projects, following state and local sports, and creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
As a compassionate and skilled veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Silvius continues to make a positive impact on the lives of both animals and their owners. His unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care and his commitment to advancing veterinary medicine make him a respected and valued member of the veterinary community.
JAMES T. SPARKS
D.V.M.
Dr. Jim Sparks is an esteemed veterinarian and the principal owner of Eagle Animal Hospital. From a young age, Dr. Sparks displayed a deep love for animals, and his unwavering passion led him to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and eventually acquiring Eagle Animal Hospital. He embarked on a journey to provide exceptional veterinary care to the community, expanding the hospital's reach to Riverside, Tiffany Springs, and Liberty locations, ensuring that clients throughout the Northland region had access to top-notch medical services.
Dr. Sparks' commitment to creating a positive experience for clients is evident in his involvement in designing Eagle Animal Hospital and Pet Resort at Riverside and Eagle Animal Hospital at Tiffany. By incorporating the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and ensuring the buildings are modern and welcoming, he has successfully created an environment that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of both patients and their owners.
Dr. Sparks' journey in veterinary medicine began at the age of 15 when he was given the opportunity to work as a kennel attendant by Dr. Noyes, the former owner of Eagle Animal Hospital. From that moment, his dedication to the profession was solidified. Throughout high school and his undergraduate years, he worked as a receptionist and veterinary technician, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge.
In 1986, Dr. Sparks graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning his doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1990. During his time as a student, he completed an externship with the chief veterinarian of the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, further expanding his expertise in the field.
Since completing his education, Dr. Sparks has remained a valued member of Eagle Animal Hospital, devoting his career to the well-being of animals and the strengthening of the human-animal bond. His professional interests lie in companion animal internal medicine, where he constantly seeks to expand his knowledge and stay up to date with the latest advancements. Driven by a love for learning, he embraces the daily challenges and opportunities for growth that veterinary medicine presents.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Sparks is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Piper, have a blended family that encompasses three children of their own and three stepchildren. They share their home with a wonderful array of pets, including a German Shepherd named Ava and a kitty named Faith.
Dr. Sparks remains involved with various civic charities. He is also a strong supporter of youth athletics, reflecting his commitment to fostering the well-rounded development of young individuals. In his leisure time, Dr. Sparks enjoys being outdoors, playing golf, fishing, spending time at the lake and in Colorado.
With his compassionate nature, dedication to ongoing learning, and commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care, Dr. Jim Sparks continues to make a significant impact on the lives of animals and their human companions. His contributions to Eagle Animal Hospital and the wider community have solidified his reputation as a trusted and respected veterinarian.
TOM DEL PICO
D.V.M.
Dr. Tom Del Pico joined our Eagle team July 2020. As sole owner of Smithville Animal Hospital retired in 2019. Dr. Tom has been providing outstand veterinary care for the Smithville area for over 30 year. He graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science, Cum Laude from the University of Missouri where he was selected to the Honor’s College in the Department of Agriculture. Dr. Del Pico graduated from the University of Missouri’s school of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. He grew up on a boarding and breeding stable in Chesterfield where they raised both gated and Paso Fino horses. As a high school student, Dr. Tom volunteered countless hours in both equine ambulatory and small animal clinics. Two legendary figures he met during attending the summer programs at the St. Louis Zoo, influenced his desire to work outdoors and embrace the joy and challenge of caring for animals.
Beyond the obvious, gaining satisfaction from helping both pets and their families, this profession has exceeded his expectations. He shares, “Every day in practice is not like the day before, one never stops learning in the “practice” of medicine. I especially enjoy the improvisational methods that we sometimes need to employ in order to solve our patient’s problems. With the ever-growing technologies and emerging therapies our ability to create solutions for our patients that “fit” them is very gratifying to me.”
Dr. Del Pico is a member of the AVMA and KCVMA. His professional interests include pain management, allergies, sport-dog medicine, and soft tissue surgery.
When not working, Dr. Tom enjoys woodworking, cycling, racing pigeons, upland dog training, and landscaping. He and his wife, Denise have two sons. She is a professor of Journalism and Strategic Marketing at Kansas University. They have two pets, Ada, the Weimaraner, and Fex the Pixie-Bob.
ASHLEY KAYSON
D.V.M.
While growing up, Dr. Ashley Kayson has always had pets and an interest in animals. She didn’t have a lot of exposure to veterinary medicine or what it all entailed outside of taking her cats for annual checkups. Career day during her senior year of high school was the turning point that sparked her interest in the profession. After listening to a local veterinarian, she immediately knew it was what she wanted to do. Since that day, Dr Kayson pursued veterinary medicine whole-heartedly. “Becoming a veterinarian gave me an opportunity to advocate for and treat the animals I care so much about. I consider it an honor to be there for the animals that are always there for us.”
Dr. Kayson grew up in St. Charles and attended the University of Missouri for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science with a minor in Captive Wild Animal Management. During her undergraduate studies, she worked in the veterinary neurology and ophthalmology laboratory, caring for dogs with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. She has also worked with a bat conservation/rehabilitation group stationed in Columbia. Dr. Kayson received the Chancellor’s Award and Dean’s list from Fall 2015-2019 and the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association Award. Dr. Kayson graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023.
Dr. Kayson is a member of the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. She enjoys internal medicine, emergency medicine, and dermatology.
In Dr. Kayson’s free time she loves being outdoors (hiking, backpacking, and canoeing) and has a goal set to visit every National Park in the US. She also enjoys reading and playing strategic board games with family and friends. Recently married, Dr. Kayson and her husband have three dogs, Charlotte, Leo, and Fen the Dachshunds, a cat named Jeffrey, and five chickens.
Dr. Stella Pettid
Certified Animal Chiropractor
Dr. Stella Pettid’s lifelong animal enthusiasm began with both dogs and cats in the home. There was always a furry critter by her side and she joyfully helped her family take in every stray that was to be found. After beginning to volunteer with a dog rescue, she was gifted with the chance to show a champion Great Pyrenees as a junior exhibitor for a season. The competition world then became a passion for Dr. Stella although continuing with horses rather than her furry companions.
While performing with her horses and as a professional equine groom, she came into contact with some incredible practitioners that helped animals feel and perform their best. After years of watching the benefit of bodywork, specifically chiropractic, in conjunction with excellent vet care, Dr. Stella decided she had to take her care of animals to the next level.
Knowing she wanted to serve animals with chiropractic care she enrolled at Cleveland University to begin her journey in becoming a certified animal chiropractor. She currently shares her life with a lovely rescue cat, Oliver and her horse, Frodo. Dr. Stella graduated from Cleveland University with her Doctorate of Chiropractic, then obtained certification in animal chiropractic by the IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association).
Dr. Stella is thrilled and honored to be joining forces with Dr. Emily McLeod of All Creatures Chiropractic, Inc to bring this amazing form of wellness care to your furry and hooved friends and is licensed in both KS and MO.