JAMES T. SPARKS
D.V.M. & OWNER
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.
MATTHEW SILVIUS
D.V.M. & CO-OWNER
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 the British Shorthair. In his free time, Dr. Silvius enjoys working on outdoor projects, following state and local sports, and watching his kids play sports.
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.
Stephanie Brennan
D.V.M.
Dr. Stephanie Brennan is one of the newest members of our phenomenal veterinary staff, joining the Eagle family in July 2018. Stephanie was born in Memphis, Tennessee. After living in five different states by the age of eleven, her family eventually settled in Oklahoma City. Accompanying her parents to the vet with her first pet, Jenna the bunny, planted the seed in her mind of becoming a veterinarian herself. During her teenage years she remembers her childhood dog, Chester, was diagnosed with kidney failure. She shares, “Caring and comforting for my childhood dog throughout his journey with kidney disease solidified my career path.” It was soon after this Stephanie began shadowing a vet where she eventually worked as a kennel attendant, receptionist, and technician prior to vet school. This experience left her with a great appreciation for every position in a veterinary hospital.
Stephanie attended and completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma. After graduation she transferred to the Oklahoma State University veterinary program, earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine in 2015. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association.
“Empowering clients to help make educated decisions regarding their pet’s health and seeing how that strengthens the human-animal bond has been the most rewarding part of my job.”
Stephanie has two dogs, Oliver, a Kuvasz mix, and Cody, a Labrador mix. When not working, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dogs, and discovering new places in Kansas City and in the Northland.
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.
GARETT SCHAEFER
D.V.M.
Dr. Garett Schaefer grew up in Scott City, a small town in Southeast Missouri. He remembers as a small child always having a pet. His pets were always members of the family. “I feel that bond between with my family pets made me gravitate towards a profession where I could care for those, I grew up loving so much.” This desire to care for animals lead him to the veterinary medicine. He began working as a kennel worker and technician assistant prior to going to veterinary school. Before attending the University of Missouri, Dr. Schaefer completed his undergrad at Southeast Missouri State University with an Athletic Scholarship for the SEMO Redhawks football team. He graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2019
Dr. Schaefer is a recipient of the America College of Veterinary Radiology 2019 Senior Student Award. His veterinary interests include, Radiology, Nutrition, and Routine Surgery. Dr. Schaefer is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“Witnessing the strength of the human/animal bond every day has been the most satisfying outcome of becoming a veterinarian. I feel lucky each and every day I get provide care for patients that need me to be their advocates.”
When not taking care of your pets, Dr. Schaefer enjoys fishing, exercising, football, (sports in general), bowling, and going to the movies. Dr. Schaefer’s soon to be wife is also a veterinarian. They have three dogs and a cat. Howard is a Golden Retriever mix, Ralph a Chocolate Labrador, Henry a Golden Retriever, and Richard a Domestic Shorthair Tabby.
Dr. McKenna Wingerd
D.V.M.
Dr. McKenna Wingerd grew up in a family of animal lovers. Her parents always had an array of animals in the home. This exposure to animals at a young age sparked her interest in pursuing her education in veterinary medicine. Dr. Wingerd considered a few other career alternatives but in her heart, vet med has always been her true calling. Before vet school, she volunteered at a small animal clinic that was associated with the city shelter. In addition, she spent some time on her cousin’s dairy farm (who are also veterinarians) where she got to experience the large animal side of vet med. Dr. Wingerd also worked as a groom and exercise rider at a horse farm in the California desert. During vet school, she worked as a barn attendant, dog walker, and equine ICU assistant.
Dr. Wingerd attended Cal Poly Pomona for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science. She then attended the University of Missouri and graduated from the school of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Dr. Wingerd received the Anatomy Award, Parasitology Award, Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship Award. She is a member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Wingerd’s professional veterinary interest include preventative care, general surgery, dermatology, clinical pathology, infectious and zoonotic diseases.
She shares, “Being in the position to have the tools, knowledge, and support to allow a sick pet to be healthy again for the sake of both the animal and the owner. I am grateful and humbled that I get to serve people and their pets in this unique way.”
In Dr. Wingerd free time, she and her husband enjoy hiking, running, traveling, horse sports, and spending time with family. They are looking forward to adopting a cat and dog after getting settled into the Kansas City area. She especially loves Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Bassett Hounds!!
DR. RAY POTTIOS
D.V.M.
Dr. Ray Pottios, a native of the Northland, grew up in Liberty, MO and graduated from Liberty High School. Dr. Ray worked in a clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas as an assistant while attending college at the University of Arkansas. He fell in love with the veterinary staff and family like atmosphere. This is where he learned what a career in this field could look like and solidified his desire to become a veterinarian. He also worked in the intensive care unit and emergency room as a student nurse during most of veterinary school. Dr. Ray Pottios attended Kansas State University graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. He was awarded the Dr. Richard M & Pamela K DeBowes Professional Leadership Award 2022, the Dr. John S Koen Memorial Award for Swine Medicine and Surgery 2022, and the Dr. Robert E. Kind Memorial Scholarship 2021. Dr. Ray was also the Class President of the Class of 2022.
“I look forward to fostering an open communication relationship with pet owners and providing a tailored medical experience for every pet. I value my relationships with my pet parents and look forward to connecting with you and your pets so that we can work as a team to provide the best care for your pet.”
Dr. Ray volunteers with Kansas City’s Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO) organization where they provide free veterinary resources alongside with human medical doctors to help people and their pets who are experiencing homelessness receive medical care. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, and the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
Dr. Ray Pottios is interested in all aspects of canine and feline medicine and surgery, as well as companion exotic pet medicine and surgery. He enjoys treating small mammals such as ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and plans to become more familiar with reptiles and birds. He also has an interest in urgent care/walk in appointments as “I find it highly rewarding to help pets and their owners when their pet needs prompt medical attention.” Dr. Ray also enjoys diagnostic imaging like, X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans. “I thrive off the ability to help people with their pets and working with pet owners as a team to provide the best care possible!”
When not working, Dr. Ray thoroughly enjoys the outdoors with his partner and their two dogs kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. They love to travel and explore new places and always make it a point to visit the local food and brewery spots. On the weekends you can find them working on home projects, socializing with friends, spending the morning at the market, or spending the afternoon on a walk or exploring local Kansas City food/hang out spots. They have two dogs, a Border Collie Mix named Nico and a miniature Australian Shepherd named Thea.
DR. EHREN ANDERSON
D.V.M.
Dr. Ehren Anderson
Dr. Anderson grew up on 50 acres of land in rural Kentucky where her family had cows, horses, sheep, dogs, and plenty of aquatic critters in a few ponds on the property. She would spend her days exclusively outside spending time with the animals and learning first-hand about the human-animal bond. “Ever since I could remember, I wanted to a veterinarian because I knew when I grew up, I wanted to be the one fixing my personal animals on the farm.” Whenever one of Dr. Anderson’s animals had a medical issue, our hometown veterinarian came in like a superhero and saved the day, fixing our animals. Seeing him firsthand work miracles further solidified her desire to one day be a veterinarian.
As a senior in high school, Dr. Anderson worked at a small animal clinic in my hometown as a veterinary assistant until I went to college. Throughout college, she volunteered at an emergency/specialty small animal clinic in Lexington, Kentucky. In Dr. Anderson’s last year of undergrad, she worked at an equine hospital as a veterinary assistant and worked there until she left for veterinary school. Dr. Anderson attended the University of Kentucky graduating summa cum laude with her master’s in biology in 2019. She attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn Alabama, graduating in 2023.
Dr. Anderson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians. Her professional interests are physical therapy, exotic medicine, and endocrinology. She shares “The most satisfying thing about being a veterinarian is making a positive impact in my community. Whether its treating animals, educating owners, speaking at local organizations/schools about the profession, or just advocating for my patients and their people, I truly feel I can make a difference in the community.”
Outside of work, Dr. Anderson enjoys physical fitness, painting, going to museums, kayaking, hiking, and visiting every Bucee’s gas station she comes across. She and her fiancé relocated to Kansas City for her his medical residency at KUMC and are exicted to explore our city! They have two domestic short hair cats Joy and Luna, and a Lynx Point named Dora.
ANDREA DELUKE
D.V.M.
Dr. DeLuke is available to perform advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries at Eagle Animal Hospital. She specializes in TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgeries, Patellar luxation repair, fracture repair, arthrotomy, among other orthopedic surgeries. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 2004. She completed her clinical training at the University of Missouri and then pursued a small animal rotating internship at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty Center in Tucson, AZ. Dr. DeLuke continued working as an Emergency Doctor in Tucson for several years, and during this time she discovered her passion for surgery. Dr. DeLuke returned to the Midwest and completed a small animal surgery residency at Mission MedVet in Mission, KS.
Prior to the spring of 2019, she performed countless surgeries to save or improve the lives of animals as a staff veterinarian in the surgery department at referral hospitals in St. Louis & Kansas City. Dr. DeLuke is trained in soft tissue, orthopedic & neurologic surgery, with special interests in oncologic surgery and cranial cruciate ligament surgery. In her free time, Dr. DeLuke enjoys traveling with her two children. She has three dogs, two cats and a yard full of chickens.