Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the wonderful veterinarians and staff of Arch Animal Hospital West. We take great pride in providing excellent care for your pets!
Get to know our doctors.
Dr. Mike Richards
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Mike grew up in the Metro East since early childhood. After graduating from East Alton Wood River High School, he attended the University of Missouri-Rolla, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biological science. He then attended the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2009. While in vet school, Dr. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Beth. After graduation, they moved back to the St. Louis area. Dr. Mike first practiced in Fairview Heights for 3 years, then in Waterloo for a year. They purchased Arch Animal Hospital in early 2013.
As a young child, Dr. Mike always had an affinity for animals of all kinds. The household that he grew up in with his older brother and younger sister always had pets around. Throughout childhood, they had four dogs, three cats, a guinea pig, a turtle, and several hamsters.
Dr. Mike became interested in veterinary medicine at a fairly early age, largely inspired by his uncle, Dr. Richard Vesper, who practices small animal medicine in Columbus, Ohio. His mother was also a major influence, herself an avid animal lover.
Dr. Mike and Beth have two amazing daughters, Audrey and Eleanor, and an awesome son, Charlie. In addition, they have Rylie, a golden retriever, and Crosby, an English retriever named Crosby. They love being a part of the St. Louis community and look forward to helping the pet owners of St. Louis by providing the best possible medical care for the furry family members all over St. Louis.
Dr. Woodrum
Veterinarian
As a child, Dr. Woodrum always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. That goal was achieved in 2000 when she graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine. The next 23 years would be a whirlwind of general practice, management, emergency, then back to general practice, where her passion lies.
“Prevention isn’t just shots once a year. It includes heartworm, flea/tick medications to prevent the disease processes that come from getting these, as well as every 6-12 months of blood work and physical exams to catch disease processes early! They are so much easier, cheaper, and less painful to treat when found early!”
She enjoys scuba diving, hiking, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She has a German Shorthaired pointer, three cats, and two capuchin monkeys that keep her busy.
Dr. Stephanie Weber
Veterinarian
Dr. Stephanie Weber graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, following the completion of her undergraduate degree in Animal Science and a Masters of Business Administration degree. Dr. Weber, a St. Louis native, nurtured a lifelong fascination with animals and aspired to become a veterinarian from the tender age of 8. She derives satisfaction from collaborating with clients to identify solutions for their pets’ medical and behavioral concerns, whenever necessary. Currently, Dr. Weber, along with her husband Greg, resides in St. Louis County with their four children. Their household also includes three dogs and two cats. During her leisure moments, Dr. Weber finds pleasure in cooking, traveling, and cherishing quality time with her family.
Dr. Samantha Heppermann
Veterinarian
Dr. Samantha was born in Chicago, IL but after a family move grew up in St. Louis. She had an interest in animals at a young age and came to work at Arch Animal Hospital in high school as a kennel attendant. Dr. Samantha graduated from Kennedy Catholic High School and went on to pursue a bachelor’s in science at Lindenwood University. Her relationship with Arch Animal Hospital continued throughout the years helping in various positions with the now long-term goal to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at Kansas State University. Dr. Samantha graduated on January 31, 2023, and is eager to begin her career as a veterinarian! Her schooling has taken her to many locations but we are lucky to have her return to Arch Animal Hospital as a now Doctor of Veterinary Medicine! Dr. Samantha grew up with three siblings and always a large dog or two running around the house. Her parents took quite a liking to St. Bernards, so she is no stranger to lots of dog drool and barking. She now helps care for her family at St. Bernard, Odin, and Great Pyrenees, Athena, as well as her very own dwarf rabbit, Ragnar. In her free time, she likes to stay active, travel, and spend time with her friends and family.
Get to know our team.
Dawn G.
Dawn has been in the veterinary field for well over 17 years. She started as a Kennel Technician and worked her way to Veterinary Receptionist and Veterinary Assisting. She received her Certification as a Veterinary Assistant from Penn Foster. Currently, she is enrolled to gain her CVPM through Penn Foster as well. Dawn is passionate about helping others, and she wears many hats here at Arch Animal Hospital West. We are proud to have her as our Practice Manager. Outside of the hospital, you can find her with her family by the river, studying hard to gain knowledge to be the fearless leader she is. Dawn trains in Mixed Martial Arts and is working on continuing her skills to gain her blue belt. You can defiantly hear from afar when she gets home with her two hounds and heeler that keep her and her husband entertained.
Kate P.
Kate started to work in the medical field early on and quickly discovered how much she was interested in helping others, more specifically animals. She decided to go into the veterinary field and pursue her degree as a Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Hickey College in 2015 and started working at Arch Animal Hospital West shortly after. She has a Standard Poodle named Jordy, a Terrier Mix named Phineas, and is an avid St. Louis Blues fan.
Lindsey S.
Registered Veterinary Technician
Lindsey started as an intern at Arch Animal Hospital West during her final semester at Midwest Institute, where she graduated in February 2019. Lindsey is excited to go to work every day and is shown daily why veterinary medicine is the right career path for her. From scales to feathers and everything in between, she loves all animals and can’t wait to meet your amazing pets!
Katie G.
Katie was born and raised in Wentzville MO, and joined our team in November 2020. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in December 2014 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in Missouri in August 2015. Katie has been around Veterinary Medicine since she was a freshman in high school and believes that she has found her passion in life. Although she has worked with small, large, and exotic animals in her career, most of her knowledge is in small animal medicine. She has a special interest in feline medicine and has taken the courses needed to become a Feline Friendly Veterinary Professional by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She has 2 dogs and 2 cats at home, and she looks forward to meeting your fur babies!
Olivia N.
Olivia graduated from the Vet Tech Institution of Hickey college in 2016 and went right into working at Arch Animal Hospital West. She has 3 high-energy doggos at home and a pet pony. She also has a toddler keeping her busy.
Alexis R.
Alexis joined our team in September of 2020. Originally from Virginia, she graduated from the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College St. Louis in September of 2017. Throughout Alexis’ time in veterinary medicine, she has worked with small, large, and exotic animals. She continues to study toward her goal of taking the Veterinary Technician National Exam and becoming registered. At home, with her husband and two daughters, they enjoy time with their 3 dogs and 2 cats. Alexis is happy to be a part of Arch Animal Hospital West’s team of amazing staff. She looks forward to meeting and caring for all of your wonderful pets!
Heather
Sami
Brittany
Bio coming soon.