Dr. Heyer didn't always know she wanted to be a veterinarian but has always been interested in science, medicine and animals, so once the idea occurred to her it was a natural fit. She loves animals, but also the people that come with them and the understanding that a pet is an important part of a family and each family is unique and different.

Her passions include soft tissue surgery and dentistry - she enjoys the concept of taking things apart to put them back together again and marvels at the body's ability to repair itself through the surgical process.

Dr. Heyer practiced for 1 year in Nebraska after veterinary school before relocating to Des Moines. She worked at a local practice for about a year before finding her place as an associate DVM at AMC/ACCW where she has practiced for the last 9 years. She graduated from St Louis University in St Louis, Missouri in 2002 with a BSN in Biology and went on to get her Doctorate of Vet Med at the University of Missouri - Columbia where she graduated in 2007.

Originally from Lake Ozark, Missouri, Dr. Heyer enjoys boating, swimming, and skiing and finds her happy place in the sunshine with water nearby. A favorite family pastime is playing frisbee with their water-loving labrador, Kona (who is claimed to be the best-behaved member of the Heyer family). Outside of caring for her patients and their families, Dr. Heyer enjoys traveling with her family (husband, Nathan, and their two children, Riley and Quincy) and experiencing new cultures and foods. Dr. Heyer has traveled to 49 of 50 states with many international experiences as well.

"One of my favorite things about my job is exploring the individual and unique relationships that people form with their pets. My goal is to help lengthen and strengthen that relationship by providing individualized care to each patient that I see." - Dr. Heyer