RGVS Team
Dedication. Expertise. Compassion.
RGVS team members possess advanced expertise in emergency and critical care, with hands-on experience treating injured and sick pets. We are committed to educating first responders, pet owners, and caregivers by teaching essential skills and techniques that can make a significant difference in a pet's health until veterinary care is available
Founder
Dr. Leo Roa
Dr. Roa completed a residency program in emergency and critical care in 2014 and has over 15 years of experience in emergency and critical care.
He is CPR-certified by the College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and has a deep passion for CPR, trauma cases, mechanical ventilation, and the management of acute kidney failure.
Dr. Roa has published and collaborated in research papers and textbook chapters related to emergency and critical care.
During his tenure Dr. Roa has participated as a speaker in multiple conferences nationally and internationally.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Jessica Wolfe
Jessica graduated from Iowa State University in 1999 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Animal Science and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology in 2009.
In 2017, Jessica earned her Veterinary Technician Specialist certification in Clinical Practice (Canine/Feline). Jessica has worked in many aspects of veterinary medicine including general practice, research, specialty medicine, and emergency medicine.
She has a special interest in anesthesia and all things cat.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Sarah Jackson
Sarah has 14 years of experience as a registered veterinary technician in Emergency and Critical Care. She graduated from Illinois College with a Bachelors in Biology in 2008 and obtained her degree in Veterinary Technology from Parkland College in 2010.
While working in emergency medicine she obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Emergency and Critical Care, in 2016.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Kayla Wilcox
Kayla graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a Veterinary Technician Degree in 2014. She has worked in Emergency and Critical Care for 10 years at Bluepearl Pet Hospital.
She manages the Cedar Rapids Bluepearl Blood Bank Program that provides lifesaving blood products for Intensive Care patients. She also has a special interest in Internal Medicine and Critical Care.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Allison Rike
Allison graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a Veterinary Technician Degree in 2012.
She has worked in emergency and critical care since November 2011 at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. Allison has been a lead technician in charge of training employees in the ER department.
Also, she is in charge of ventilator management and gas sterilization.
Veterinary Assistant
Virginia Severns
Ginny has worked in Emergency and Critical Care for going on 7 years at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. During this time she has worked in multiple specialties with a special interest in Internal Medicine and Critical Care. She graduated from Central College with Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2014.
Ginny is the Cedar Rapids Blue Pearl Patient Safety Liason, working internally and regionally to improve patient safety protocols, hospital practices, and medical quality.