Dr. Shawn McCoole graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinarian Medicine in 1991. He is a native of Atchison graduating from Atchison High School in 1984. Dr. McCoole practiced several years in both Kansas and Missouri before returning to Atchison in 1997. He enjoys a true mixed animal type of general practice, working on dogs, cats, cattle, horses and goats. Specialties include some orthopedic surgery, herd health management, and preventative medicine. Shawn enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time. And if any good fishing and hunting opportunities are offered he would gladly accept. (No, really, he’s serious.) J

Dr. Christine McCoole is a 1991 graduate of Kansas State University. She is a native of Hutchison, KS and spent the first 12 years in small animal practice in the Kansas City area. Dr. McCoole has specific interest in internal medicine, including endocrinology, dentistry, small animal reproduction and soft tissue surgery. Dr. McCoole has practiced full time in Atchison since 2004. Christine enjoys hiking, playing with all 5 of the family dogs, and attending K-State and Chief’s football games.

Dr. Peggy Kistler started at Cedar Ridge in January 2019. She has practiced veterinary medicine for 31 years. She is a graduate of Kansas State University. Dr. Kistler also helps out at the family farm where she and husband, Mark, have fall and spring calving cows and row crop farm. Katie, her oldest daughter, works in graphic design in Vancouver, Washington. Carrie, her youngest daughter, is a senior at the University of Minnesota. Carrie has a pending job with Eco Labs in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Dr. Matthew Kelso is a graduate of Kansas State University earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. During his time at Kansas State University, he earned a certificate in Public Health Core Concepts and was the first student to receive the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Food Animal Veterinary Certificate. He was also a part of the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas.
Originally from Eudora, KS, Matthew grew up on a small farm raising polled Hereford cattle, llamas and rabbits. He was an active member of 4-H and remains involved to date. Matthew had a strong background of livestock reproduction prior to obtaining his formal veterinary education.

Matthew’s professional interests include: large animal reproduction and companion animal internal medicine – but enjoys working with all creatures, great and small. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid K-State and Kansas City sports fan.

Julie joined Cedar Ridge in 2019. She grew up on a small farm outside of Leona, KS which kick-started her passion for helping animals. As an adult, Julie followed her passion and earned her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology from Colby Community College and is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She strives to provide quality care for her patients. In her free time, you can find Julie helping out on her family farm or hanging out with her beagle, Sam.

Amber started at Cedar Ridge in 2016. In 2020 Amber earned her Fear Free Certification which allows her the knowledge to practice providing the best care to her patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing at the clinic. She is working on obtaining a degree in Veterinary Nursing at Colby Community College. When she is not at the clinic or working on her schoolwork she enjoys spending time with her family.

Allison joined our time in October 2018 and is an Atchison native. Growing up she was active in 4H, showing rabbits and dogs. Currently, Allison is enrolled in the Veterinary Nursing program at Colby Community College. In her spare time, Allison enjoys spending time with her family.

Jade joined our team in December 2019. Before her time at CRVC Jade worked at two different animal care-related jobs in Lawrence, KS, which led her to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2018 through CCPDT. She is currently working on maintaining her dog trainer certification through continuing education. Jade will also begin taking classes for Veterinary Nursing in January 2021. When she is not at the clinic or training dogs, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, but most importantly, her 3 Heeler mixes; Heidi, Holly, and Harper.

Phillip joined our team in 2020. He grew up on his family’s farm outside of Troy, Kansas. He is currently attending Northwest Missouri State University for Animal Science: Pre Vet Medicine. He has plans to attend K-State once he finishes his courses at Northwest. Phillip raises a rare breed of sheep and caring for them is how he spends most of his free time. When not caring for his animals, Phillip enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. He thoroughly enjoys working here at CRVC knowing that the best knowledge is learned on the job.