Dr. Kevin Cooper, DVM — Veterinarian

Dr. Kevin Cooper was born and raised in southeast Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2006. After working in western Kansas for two years, Dr. Cooper moved to Independence and has been a Barta Animal Hospital team member since 2008. Dr. Cooper is a mixed animal veterinarian with experience in many species, but he is especially interested in small animal surgery and cow-calf production medicine.

A “normal day” can include anything from routine and orthopedic surgeries, caring for dogs and cats, pulling calves, working herds of cattle, or a trip to the zoo. He has the philosophy that if you can find it in Kansas, our team will do our best to keep it healthy. When he is not at work, Dr. Cooper enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He especially enjoys taking his daughter fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Dr. Cooper also likes to do woodworking and always has a list of projects he is working on.

Dr. Jessica Wilczek, DVM — Veterinarian

Jessica joined Barta Animal Hospital in the winter of 2022. Jessica comes from a family farming background in central Oklahoma and has spent most of her life around animals. 

She grew up with a passion to work with, help, and care for animals with a goal to be the best veterinarian she can be for the community. Her dream is to work in a rural mixed animal practice. She enjoys helping clients care for their livestock and their pets to create the best possible life together.
Jessica graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and in 2022 achieved her doctorate in veterinary medicine. 

When she is not working, Jessica enjoys reading and working on craft projects as well as cuddling on the couch to watch a movie with her two pets, a tabby cat named Hawkeye and an Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie mix named Quigley.

Paula Tow — Practice Manager

Paula Tow is our practice manager, and she has been with Barta Animal Hospital since 1984. She has always loved animals and enjoys seeing the bonds that they form with their owners. Throughout her hospital journey, Paula has definitely seen the ins and outs of veterinary medicine, and she strives to help make patients and their owners feel better.

When Paula is not working, she spends her free time with her husband, Dan, and a German shepherd named Riggs.

Haley — Veterinary Assistant

Haley was born and raised on a small market farm with her family in a small town in Central Oregon’s mountains. She has always spent her life around animals. Haley joined Barta Animal Hospital in December 2019 as a veterinary assistant.

When she is not working, you can find Haley enjoying the outdoors. From hunting and fishing to riding horses, dirt bikes, and hiking, Haley does it all. When she is not here at the clinic, she is probably at the lake with her husband, two daughters, and dogs enjoying Kansas’s outdoors and summer heat.

Maryssa— Veterinary Assistant

Maryssa grew up with animals her whole life. She has always had a love and interest in animals and has wanted to work with them since a young age. Her dream is to make a difference in the community with how animals are treated and cared for. She has worked for boarding and training facilities as well as our local AWOL shelter.

When not working or helping out at the shelter, Maryssa enjoys walking at the lake, reading, watching movies and playing video games. She also spends time with her boyfriend, Remy and cat, Yoshi.

Anabelle— Kennel Assistant

She is involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Volleyball, Basketball and Archery.

In her free time Anabelle enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She has two golden doodles, Ranger and Teddy, who she loves to play outside with.

Cara— Kennel Assistant

When not at work, Cara can be found with her partner, Dustin, and their three dogs, Fleur, Laddie, and Gus at their sides. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to live music, spending time at the lake with the dogs, and going fishing and hunting.

Tristan — Kennel Assistant

Stephanie — Client Services Representative