Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition that affects the hip joints of pets—most commonly large-breed dogs, though it can occur in smaller dogs and even cats. It happens when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly. Instead of gliding smoothly, the bones grind against each other, leading to joint instability, pain, and eventually arthritis.
Surgical Assistant – Fear Free Certified Professional
Nick is an experienced veterinary technician having received his A.A.S. from Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in 2009. While always having a particular interest in surgery since tech school, he started out in GP and has assisted in all types of different surgeries over his career. Now he hopes to grow and continue that passion for surgery with GVS since 2025. When he is not in a surgical suite he likes to travel with his wife for snowboarding, hiking, concerts, or watching his favorite football team. They have two cats, (Simon and Sonya) and two dogs (Storm and Raven).
Surgical Veterinary Technician
Tara graduated with honors from Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Colorado in 2010, earning her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. She then passed her VTNE in March of 2011, shortly before beginning her employment within general practice. During this time she developed a strong interest in surgery. Tara’s professional goal has been to work with the team at GVS since seeing her first TPLO procedure several years ago. Tara is now a Certified Veterinary Technician with Gateway Veterinary Surgery.
Surgical Veterinary Technician – Fear Free Certified Professional
Angel received her B.A. in Communication from Maryville University before pursuing her dream of working with animals and returning to school at the Vet Tech Institute of Hickey College, where she graduated in 2014 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician. She went into general practice at a clinic that provided care to exotic pocket pets in addition to canines & felines, learning anesthesia and surgery on everything from hamsters to Great Danes. She joined the Gateway Veterinary Surgery team in 2023 and is grateful to have the opportunity to provide surgical services, anesthesia assistance, and excellent patient care to clinics within the St. Louis region. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter & giant yellow Lab (Moose). She loves reading, hiking, running, and cheering on St. Louis sports teams.
Surgical Veterinary Technician – Fear Free Certified Professional
Racheal has been a Certified Veterinary Technician since 2011. She has a BM in secondary education from UW-Whitewater and an AS in Veterinary Technology from Hickey College. She previously worked in general practice in Illinois, but surgery is where her heart is. She lives with her son, Jude. They have a pug mix named Charlie Barker. In her free time she enjoys running, traveling (especially to Disney parks), as well as watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.
Senior Surgical Technician
Megan is a Registered Veterinary Technician and has been with the GVS team since 2016. She obtained her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology from Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in 2012. She quickly fell in love with surgery during the first few years of her career, where she worked in a GP Surgical Department. From there, her passion for surgery has only grown. She loves assisting Dr. Wardlaw in the OR, monitoring anesthesia, and is dedicated to providing a positive difference in the lives of the patients and their owners too! Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her two dogs: Tubby and Ruckus.
DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice) – Collaborating Small Animal Specialist
Dr. Richard Meadows grew up in a mixed animal veterinary clinic in the panhandle of Texas and, over the last 43 years, has worked in many areas of private and academic medicine/surgery. For over 20 years he was the section leader for small animal Primary Care, Dentistry, Dermatology and Shelter Medicine at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He was named Small Animal Practitioner of the year by the AVMA in 2006 and National Veterinary School Teacher of the year in 2010. He has also been awarded the title of Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor, Emeritus. He likes traveling with his geriatric motorcycle group and/or his wife and loves spoiling his 5 grandchildren, who all live in state.
DVM, MS, DACVS-SA – Collaborating Surgeon
Dr. Luther earned her board certification in small animal surgery and MS from the University of Missouri in 2010. She spent four years in private practice in St. Louis, eight years as academic faculty at MU, and in 2021 started Heartland Veterinary Surgery to provide mobile soft tissue surgical services in mid-Missouri and the greater St. Louis area. Some of the most common procedures Dr Luther performs in a mobile setting include urethrostomy, anal sacculectomy, skin reconstruction, hernia repairs, and advanced surgical oncologic procedures. She resides in Columbia, MO with her amazing family that includes her husband, Wally, a teacher and builder, and kids Walter, 14, Millie, 12, and Oliver, 8. Together, they enjoy fixer-upper homes, traveling, and a chaotic household of four cats, a crazy shepherd mix named Raspberry, and Scarlett, a miniature Aussie who herds everyone.
DVM, MS, D.A.C.V.S.-SA – Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Jennifer Lynn Demko Wardlaw is a St. Louis native of 8 generations, and founder of Gateway Veterinary Surgery. She went to St Joe, then the University of Arizona. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Mizzou, followed by an internship, surgical residency, and completing a Master’s at Mississippi State. She became a Board-Certified Small Animal Surgeon in 2009 and served as Chief of Small Animal Surgery at Mississippi State University, where she helped develop the sports medicine and rehabilitation service. She enjoyed teaching and promoting evidence based medicine for a decade, and she continues to serve as adjunct faculty.
In 2013, Dr. Wardlaw returned to St. Louis to launch Gateway Veterinary Surgery, a concierge surgical practice partnering with elite vet clinics to help the pets in her hometown. She specializes in orthopedics, surgical oncology, sports medicine, and wound reconstruction for cats and dogs. A renowned author and speaker, she has contributed to over 100 publications and lectures internationally. Dr. Wardlaw remains a respected, active member of local, regional, state, and national veterinary organizations, holding numerous elected board and volunteer committee positions. She lives in Kirkwood with her husband, two children, dogs, and horses.
