A native of LeRoy, Kansas, Eileen received her degrees from Kansas State University. After two years in a mixed animal practice in Iowa, she came to Gardner Animal Hospital in 1986. She is a member of the national, state, and local veterinary associations, Phi Zeta Veterinary Medicine Honorary Fraternity, and graduated in the top ten percent of her veterinary class. She maintains membership in the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association.
Eileen has four sons - Brent, Grant, Adam, and Alec. Her pets at home include a dark silver-black Domestic Shorthaired cat named Hamlet and a cute little Boston Terrier named Gracie. She has been a breeder of Miniature Schnauzers in the past.
For fun, Eileen recently acquired her Private Pilot’s License and is a member of the Aircraft Owner and Pilot’s Association. Her other passions include Ballroom Dancing, Golfing, and Gourmet Cooking. She has played some competitive golf as a serious amateur. Eileen also enjoys water skiing behind her boat on the lake and snow skiing. Her other workout routines include running, bicycling, weight lifting, and Bikram yoga. KC Chiefs and K-State Football games are a part of her entertainment schedule.
Eileen has served the community as a member of the Gardner Planning Commission, Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Gardner Rotary Club, and numerous other community organizations over the last several years.
Most recently, in 2010, Eileen was recognized by Ingram’s Magazine as one of the Fittest Executive Females in Kansas City. In 2009, she was honored as one of the 25 award winners for the 2009 Women Who Mean Business Award given by the Kansas City Business Journal. Gardner Animal Hospital was listed in Ingram’s Magazine as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Businesses in Kansas City that same year. In 2007, Gardner Animal Hospital was one of the 25 Under 25 Award winners given by the Kansas City Small Business Monthly Magazine for the top 25 businesses in Kansas City with under 25 employees. Additionally, in 2007, Gardner Animal Hospital won the Business of the Year Award from the Gardner Area Chamber of Commerce and a Business Achievement Award given by the Kansas Department of Commerce.