Veterinarians 
Tim Chirpich, DVM
Dr. Tim Chirpich is a General Practitioner and the owner of Raytown-Gregory Animal Health Center since 1998.
Dr. Chirpich says he began his journey toward becoming a veterinarian while spending summers with his uncle and grandfather on their farm. “I remember one particular experience that made me want to pursue this career path,” he says. “My uncle and I found a cow that was having trouble calving. We chased it for what seemed like hours before we could catch her and begin to help pull the calf. It took a lot of manipulating and tugging to get this calf out. When we finally got the calf pulled, we thought it was dead and put it off to the side to continue helping the cow. After a few minutes the calf started breathing and got up on its wobbly legs to nurse. The feeling of euphoria at being able to help that cow and calf started me down the path to becoming a veterinarian.”
Born and raised in Gladstone, Missouri, Dr. Chirpich attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, after high school and began studying for a degree in Rural Sociology. However, before finishing his undergraduate course work, Dr. Chirpich applied for and received early admission to the University of Missouri, Columbia, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. He graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.
When asked what he enjoys most about being a veterinarian, Dr. Chirpich says, “Being a veterinarian allows me to recapture the euphoria from that day as a 14-year-old boy when my uncle and I helped save the life of that calf and cow on our family’s farm. To this day, my favorite aspect of veterinary medicine is when I am able to relieve pain and improve the quality of life of my patients.”
Dr. Chirpich’s areas of professional interest include anesthesia, pain management, surgery and dentistry. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society. He is also past President of the Raytown Rotary Club (2005-2006), past Chairman of the Board of Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce and current member of the Board of Directors for the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce.
He and his wife, Brigette, have two kids: Brianna, born in 2004, and Brooke, born in 2006. The family has a Dachshund named Mocha and a Bichon named Puff. Dr. Chirpich’s interests include endurance sports such as marathons (he competed in the Kansas City Marathon in 2010), triathlons (Kansas City Triathlon in 2009 and 2010), and golf.
Mike Utz, DVM
Dr. Mike Utz is a General Practitioner who joined the Raytown-Gregory Animal Health Center medical team in April of 1994.
A native of Raytown, Missouri, Dr. Utz attended Central Missouri State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1974. Soon after earning his undergraduate degree he enrolled in the University of Missouri, Columbia, College of Veterinary Medicine and earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1979.
Dr. Utz’s areas of professional interest include gastroenterology, dermatology, and immunology. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Utz and his wife Cindy, a teacher, have a son and a daughter: Clint, born in 1983, and Hayley, born in 1984. Dr. Utz and his wife also have two Basset Hounds named Pearl and Opal. When not working, he enjoys golf, kayaking, history, and geology.
Jeania A. Beachner, DVM
Dr. Jeania A. Beachner is a General Practitioner who has been practicing with Raytown-Gregory Animal Health Center since May of 1996.
A native of Raytown, Missouri, Dr. Beachner says that her decision to become a veterinarian was simply about listening to her heart and her mind. “I have always had a heart for dogs, cats, hamsters, and horses, and my educational interest was strong in science and biology,” she says. “When I put my heart and education together, veterinary medicine was the logical conclusion.”
After graduating high school, Dr. Beachner entered the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she ran for the University’s cross country team all four years of college. In 1992 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. That next fall, she enrolled in the University of Missouri–Columbia, College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.
Now that she is a veterinarian, Dr. Beachner says, “My favorite thing about being a veterinarian is sharing in the bond people have with their pets. I also enjoy educating people on the proper care of their pets because it not only helps improve that animal’s wellbeing, but strengthens the human/animal bond.”
Dr. Beachner’s areas of particular professional interest include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, and cardiology. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Beachner and her husband, Dion, a Cabinet Designer at Shamrock Cabinets, have two daughters. Hannah was born in 1996 and enjoys soccer, horseback riding, crafts, art and reading. Sarah was born in 1998 and also enjoys soccer and reading as well as swimming and babysitting. Dr. Beachner’s hobbies include running, swimming, biking, scrapbooking, photography, reading, and spending time with her family.
The family’s pets include a Ragdoll Cat named Ira, two Mini Dachshunds named Olivia and Lolli, an Australian Shepherd named Maggie, and a Labrador named Biscuit.
Leanna Carpenter, DVM
Dr. Leanna Carpenter is a General Practitioner who joined the Raytown-Gregory Animal Health Center medical staff in May of 2007.
“In eighth grade I participated in career day at my school and shadowed a veterinarian in my community,” says Dr. Carpenter of how she decided to pursue a veterinary career. “From then on I knew veterinary medicine was the only option for me.”
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Carpenter entered the University of Missouri–Columbia, shortly after finishing high school. During her undergraduate studies, she played intramural soccer and was a member of the Block & Bridle and Pre-Veterinary clubs. In 2003, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. That fall, she enrolled in the University of Missouri–Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.
With a few years under her belt as a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Carpenter says, “I enjoy every aspect of being a veterinarian, from diagnosing and treating medical issues to the relationships I build with clients and patients.”
Her areas of particular professional interest include internal medicine and ophthalmology. Her professional organization memberships include the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Carpenter’s animal family includes a Pointer/Dalmatian mix named Skylar, a Terrier mix named Diesel, a domestic longhaired cat named Oscar and a domestic shorthaired cat named Houdini. Her interests include tennis, swimming, kickball league, and spending time with her two nephews.