Our Team.

We would like to introduce you to what makes Swartz Vet Hospital so special! Meet our dedicated team members below.

Tammy Swartz, DVM

Small Animal & Surgery

Dr Tammy Swartz is a native of northwest Kansas . She was born and raised on a small family farm near Russell Springs . She is a 1992 graduate of Tri-plains High School and a 1993 graduate of Colby Community College . Dr. Tammy Swartz graduated from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Dr. Swartz and her husband, Cory, have two bright and vivacious daughters, April and Brittany. Dr. Swartz is proud to once again be a part of the Colby Community. The community has greeted her with such open arms. She welcomes everyone to come in and meet her and her staff.

Shaylee Flax, DVM

Large Animal

Dr. Shaylee Flax is originally from WaKeeney, Kansas. She attended Fort Hays State University and graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. She is our large animal veterinarian and has a passion for cow/calf productions. During her time at KSU, Dr. Shaylee was one of five students in her class to be selected into the Veterinary Training Program of Rural Kansas (or "VTPRK"). This is a prestigious scholarship program that offers financial assistance for veterinarians who wish to serve underserved counties throughout the Sunflower State.

Beth Flax, DVM

Small and Exotic Animal

Dr. Beth Flax is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 2018 with a BS in Biomedical Science and from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine with her DVM in 2022. She is married to the "other" Dr. Flax at Swartz Veterinary Hospital. Together they have three dogs, Sandy, Saige and Chevy, one "garage cat" named Simba, and a bearded dragon named Drumstick. They love to spend their free time outdoors with their pets including camping, hiking and fishing!

Tanya Gerstberger

Practice Manager

Tanya is originally from Colorado, but moved to Colby in 2003 for schooling. She has a Bachelor's Degree is Animal Science with an emphasis in horse and beef production. Prior to working at Swartz, she worked for the USDA for 29+ years. She is married to her husband Jason and together they have one daughter named Austin. In her free time, she enjoys wildlife, being home on the farm, riding horses and supporting her daughter in her sports and extracurriculars.

Bri Murphy

Receptionist

Bri was born and raised in Scotty City, Kansas. She moved to Colby in 2023 to attend Colby Community College. She is engaged and planning to get married in Fall of 2025 to her finance Jude. Together they have a little turtle named "Howie". In her free time she enjoys reading, fishing, and painting.

Shaylin Sealock

Receptionist

Shaylin is originally from Hoxie, KS. Throughout her life she has held many positions including family caregiver, groomer, fork lift operator, and massage therapist. She has a 16 year old daughter named Persephanie and they have two cats named Little Man and Cali. In her free time, she enjoys photography, nature and art.

Zach Gregg, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Zach is originally from Great Bend, Kansas and moved to Colby in January 2023. Zach started working for Swartz Vet Hospital in May of 2023 and has been a great addition to the team! After high school, Zach completed 3 semesters of college before joining the Air Force. He served 4 years as a Network Technician at JBLE Langley. He has now decided to go back to school and is pursuing a degree in veterinary nursing. In his free time he enjoys hunting, fishing and cooking.

Sophia Burton

Veterinary Assistant

Sophia is originally from Wyoming and moved to Colby in 2017. She graduated high school from Colby and started working at Swartz Veterinary Hospital in October of 2021. Before she started as a Vet Assistant, she used to help our wonderful groomer Lei Ann bathe and groom dogs! Sophia has two dogs of her own named Lucy and Zeno, and a cat named Jelly Bean. In her free time, she likes to help her boyfriend work on his race truck, spend time with her nieces and cuddle on the couch with her dogs.

Leona Powell

Veterinary Assistant

Leona is from Yuma, Colorado and moved to Colby in August of 2021 to attend the Veterinary Nursing Program at Colby Community College. She has her certification in Veterinary Office Assisting and Veterinary Nursing. Leona has two dogs named Bandit and Bailey, and a rabbit named Rocky. In her free time, she loves to read, go on walks with her dogs and also enjoys 4-wheeling and tractor pulling.

Claire Garrison

Veterinary Assistant

Claire is from Lee's Summit, MO and moved to Colby in February of 2024. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biology and is currently applying to veterinary schools. She moved to Colby to be with her fiancé Nick, and has been a great addition to SVH. She has one dog named Ember and one cat named Freddie. In her free time, Claire likes to read, scrapbook and catch up on her TV shows.

Lei Ann Barnett

Professional Groomer

Lei Ann is originally from Syracuse, Nebraska. She moved to Colby in 1981. Lei Ann started out as a Vet Assistant and eventually started grooming and boarding on her own. She has been in the pet care industry for 39 years! Lei Ann and her husband Tim have 3 grown children named Ross, Cassondra, and Trey. They are blessed with 4 grandkids! In her free time, Lei Ann prefers to be at home with all her animals and spending time with their grandkids and attending their events.