Meet Our Team at Verden
When you walk in the door, you’ll feel the warmth of our team and the passion we have for our clients and their animals. The team here is a tight nit family and when you become one of our clients, we like to think of you as part of our family too.
Our Doctors
Dr. Jake Brown
Veterinarian
I grew up on a cow-calf ranch in southwest Missouri raising charolais-cross cattle. As I grew up, I realized the impact a veterinarian can have on both the people and cattle within an operation. This impact was the driving force behind my choice to become a veterinarian. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelors in Animal Sciences in 2018 to be followed by a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Masters of Business Administration in 2022. When not at work I enjoy hunting, fishing, and woodworking. I am the proud owner of a Catahoula Leopard Dog, Icsi, and my Ragdoll cat, Freya.
Dr. Jessica Stone
Veterinarian
I grew up in rural Southern Illinois. I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with my bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness with an emphasis in Animal Science and a biology minor. I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. I love being a mixed animal veterinarian because of the variety of work I see and the people I get to meet. When I’m not at the clinic I enjoy spending time with my dog and my cat, Maya and Nigel.
Dr. Clay McKinney
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. McKinney was raised in northeast Oklahoma. He grew up watching his father practice veterinary medicine. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2005 from Oklahoma State University. After graduation, he practiced in the flint hills of Kansas for 2 1⁄2 years. In the fall of 2007, Dr. McKinney moved his wife and children to Chickasha and began practicing at Verden Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Bruss Horn. Dr. McKinney enjoys working in a true mixed animal clinic and the challenges associated with being versed in the treatment of multiple species. He and his wife Holly, have been married for 22 years and have 3 children, Logan, Keaton and Cooper. He enjoys fishing, upland game hunting and training pointing dogs.
Dr. Kim Ferguson
Veterinarian
Dr. Blake Runner
Veterinarian
Dr. Blake Runner earned his veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University and officially became a licensed veterinarian in June 2026. Before becoming a veterinarian, he spent years working alongside and shadowing experienced veterinarians, building a strong foundation in patient care and client communication.
Dr. Runner enjoys the variety and challenge that each case brings and is passionate about partnering with pet owners to provide the highest quality care for their animals. He values building trusting relationships with clients while helping their pets live healthy, happy lives.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Runner enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing golf, and playing guitar.
Heather Johnston, RVT
Veterinarian
Heather Johnston, RVT is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a 2024 graduate of Oklahoma State University–OKC. With 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Heather enjoys all aspects of patient care, with special interests in cytology, ruminant medicine, and emergency medicine.
Outside the clinic, Heather enjoys spending time with family, tending to flowerbeds, camping, fishing, and being active in the church community. Heather’s passion for animal health and dedication to compassionate care make Heather a valued member of the veterinary team.
Our Staff
Diana Barber
Office Manager
Hello my name is Diana. I grew up on a dairy farm in California until I was in the 6th grade then moved to Oklahoma for 5 years then moved back to California. I became a dog groomer and have been doing that for 9 years. In 2018 I moved back here and groomed for a short time before starting at this clinic in March 2020. When I’m not at the clinic I enjoy my time with my family and pets.
Leila Wedel
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Leila Wedel, and I started as a veterinary assistant at this clinic in October of 2020. When I was younger, my sister and I always tried to nurse any sick or suffering creature back to health—bunnies, kittens, chicks, dogs, even a mouse once. Right now I have one dog, her name is Pupples. She is a parvo survivor, and quite possibly my biggest fan.
I am currently enrolled in an online high school program and upon graduating I hope to go on to tech school and become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I am so proud to be a part of this team; the veterinarians and my coworkers here are the most supportive people and I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. I am eager to continue learning and working hard for each of you as our clients and your pets!
Abbey Phillips
Veterinary Assistant
Abbey has been working in veterinary medicine for six years and has a special passion for caring for large animals. Having grown up around cattle and horses, Abbey developed a lifelong love for animal care that naturally led to a career in veterinary medicine. As a veterinary assistant, Abbey enjoys helping animals and supporting their health and well-being every day.
Outside of work, Abbey enjoys spending time with friends and family, fishing, and relaxing at the lake.