Meet our team!

Dr. Hayes

DVM

Dr. Hayes is an Iowa native who graduated from the Veterinary College of Iowa State University in 1994. He worked in mixed large and small animal practices before founding the Cat Clinic of Iowa City in 2002 to focus on feline medicine and create the best veterinary environment for cats. He is a member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Dr. Lyons-Nace

DVM

Dr. Lyons-Nace was born and raised in Iowa and developed a love for animals and a passion for caring for them at a very young age. By age 8, she knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Lyons-Nace received her DVM from Iowa State University in 2004, and practiced companion animal medicine in Arizona and Iowa, until joining the Cat Clinic in 2022. Along the way, she completed an MPH from the University of Iowa in 2014 (Go Hawks!) and became board certified in veterinary preventive medicine in 2015. Dr. Lyons-Naceis very excited to be at the Cat Clinic, and fulfill her dream of working in a feline-exclusive practice. Her professional interests include feline geriatric medicine, feline wellness, environmental enrichment, and public health.

When she is not working, Dr. Lyons-Nace enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, and their beloved ginger tabby, Redcat. Her other interests include gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Nicole

Practice Manager

Nicole holds an MS in Cell Biology from the University of Houston and has over 14 years of experience in higher education as an Allied Health Program Coordinator and college instructor. She moved to Iowa from Louisiana in 2021 and now resides in Cedar Rapids with her husband, three children, five cats, and two dogs. In her free time, Nicole enjoys baking, camping, kayaking, and being a band/volleyball/soccer mom.

Natalie 

Registered Veterinary Technician

Makaya

Veterinary Technician

Makaya has had a love for animals since she was a child growing up in Oregon. As an adult, she decided that she wanted to become a veterinary technician and graduated from Muscatine Community College in 2024. Her biggest passion for animals lies in providing the best care to keep patients healthy. Makaya shares her home with three dogs—Molly (Black Lab), Lilly (Shepherd Husky mix), and Holley (German Shepherd)—a Sun Conure bird named Tule, and a saltwater tank of fish. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, photography, and spending time with her husband and family.

Taylor

Vet Assistant

Taylor, originally from Dubuque, Iowa, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021. After spending two years in the medical field, she’s now back in school, pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Outside of caring for our furry patients, you can find her cuddling her two cats (Lillian and Lemmy), dancing, or enjoying quality moments with her partner and family.

Hannah

Vet Assistant

Hannah has a background in animal rescue and a passion for feline care. A U.S. Army veteran who served as a Russian Human Intelligence Collector, she now works at the Cat Clinic after transitioning from rescue work in Okinawa, Japan. Hannah now happily lives in Iowa with her beloved pets, including Bug (a calico adopted in Japan), Knox (a vocal Maine Coon), Binx (the sweetest black and white cat) and Zeus (a German Shepherd). In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading and journaling.

Tessa

Receptionist

Tessa has over two years of experience in veterinary care and has a heart for animals and a knack for creativity. When she’s not studying Biology at the University of Iowa, you’ll find her painting, crafting, biking, observing wildlife, or tending to her garden (she’ trying to turn her brown thumb green!). At home, she cherishes the company of her three adorable cats: Ren, Kiko, and Navi.

Lindsey

Receptionist

Lindsey moved to Iowa in 2018 and has been a receptionist in veterinary care for over 7 years.  She and her husband, Derek, fill their home with lots of love and fur!  They have 2 dogs: Ziva (a Golden Retriever) and Fletcher (a mutt, 50% terrific/50% awesome), and 4 cats: Gob, Penny, Bowie, and Starla.  

Kerry

Receptionist

Kerry grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa. Her journey in veterinary medicine began in December 1995, starting as a receptionist. Over the years, her dedication and passion led her to become a veterinary technician, and later, a hospital manager. She has a love-hate relationship with golf, enjoys backroad convertible trips, reading/relaxing on her deck during warm evenings, and annual getaways to Key West. Kerry is blessed with a loving family, including her husband Jeff, three children—Brittany, Josh, and Madison—and two grandchildren, with a third on the way! Kerry also shares her home with Flynn Raymond, a 10-year-old Boxer/American Bulldog mix.