Our Veterinary Team

Dr. Kara Malone – (she/her)

DVM (practice owner)
Kara Malone is both a veterinarian and the owner of Wholehearted Veterinary Care in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Malone is a Northview High School graduate and attended Michigan State University for both undergraduate training and veterinary medical school. With experience as a small animal veterinarian since 2003 (in Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and Michigan), she is excited to open a practice in her hometown. As a veterinarian, she enjoys providing dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, gerbils, hedgehogs, ferrets, and reptiles with the high-quality care that all our pets deserve. Outside of work, Dr. Malone enjoys spending time with her family, reading, puzzles, bird photography, volunteer work, and playing music (flute, piccolo, and piano).

Abbi Conley – (she/her)

Hospital Manager
Abbi is the Hospital Manager of Wholehearted Veterinary Care. She graduated from Grand Valley State University and has worked with animals for over 10 years. She is especially interested in exotic pets such as rabbits, reptiles, and rodents.  She is passionate about proper care and husbandry of all species. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, painting, fostering pets, and spending time with friends. She lives alongside her partner, Matt, and their four Chihuahuas, three cats, two chinchillas, a rabbit, mice, a freshwater fish tank, and a tarantula.

Ashley- (she/her)

LVT
Ashley grew up all over the United States and finally landed in Michigan where she graduated from Baker College in 2020. She owns a husky, four cats, and two (17yr old) aquatic turtles. Her favorite part about being a technician is the ability to help not only animals, but people as well. In her free time she enjoys exploring beaches and trails with her dog, kayaking, and reading horror books with her fiancé.

Leah- (she/her)

LVT
Leah has been a Grand Rapids native her entire life. She graduated from MSU with B.S. in Veterinary Technology in 2001. Although she loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, her passion is surgery, anesthesia, and pain management.

When she is not at the hospital, Leah enjoys anything involving outdoor adventure, but it is well known her favorite place to be is on or slalom skiing behind the family boat with her husband and two daughters.

Amber- (she/her)

LVT
Amber is a Licensed Veterinary Technician that has been practicing since 2014. She is a 2014 graduate of the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Colorado. She has helped provide wellness and surgical nursing to cats, dogs, and multiple exotic animals. She is currently working on becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Exotic Companion Animals. She currently lives in a home with her significant other, two dogs, two cats, and two rabbits. In her spare time, you will most likely find her playing video games, watching anime, playing Magic the Gathering, or in multiple DnD sessions. She loves going to Comicon, the Renaissance Faire, Lake Michigan, and playing her flute whenever she can. She is looking forward to working with you as part of the Wholehearted team to take care of your best friend and can’t wait to get started!

Kristin- (she/her)

Veterinary Assistant
Kristin started her career in Veterinary medicine 20 years ago at the Animal Emergency Hospital, where she learned an amazing amount about veterinary medicine and made lifelong friends.  After around 10 years, she transitioned to daytime practice, and most recently worked in animal rehabilitation which continues to be a passion.  At home, Kristin has 2 pit bulls (Rex & Raisin) and 2 cats (Asher & Ronald), and almost always a foster dog or cat (focusing on hospice, neglected dogs, and kittens).  When not working or tending to the animals, Kristin is usually out walking in the woods or listening to live music, while enjoying a craft beverage.

Katie- (she/her)

Veterinary Assistant
Katie grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has been working with small animals for almost 5 years. She is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College, and is finishing her degree at Ferris State University. Katie is a long-time Detroit Red Wings fan and enjoys spending time at the lakeshore with her husband, swimming, and making jewelry. She has two long haired tortoiseshell cats at home.