Our Veterinarians

Meadow Hills Veterinary Center's number one asset is our highly trained and exceptionally compassionate staff. Their knowledge, expertise, and professionalism should exceed your expectations during your visit. We all work together to ensure that each pet receives personal attention and close monitoring.

Janine Swailes, DVM - Janine Swailes, DVM – attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with her DVM degree in 1986. She entered veterinary school in 1982 with a five-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter; then had another daughter between first and second year. It was busy a busy time! Dr. Swailes practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Minnesota and Arkansas before moving to Washington in 1993. Her special interests include canine breeding and infertility. She was raised in Iowa. Her three oldest children live in Seattle while her youngest daughter attends college in Denver. The family also includes Bean, a mischievous cat, and Bennie, a terrier mix and favorite hiking partner. Dr. Swailes enjoys bicycling in the summer, skiing in the winter, and cooking year 'round.

Susan Thorson, DVM - - is a 1981 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU (go Cougs!) and has worked as a veterinarian in the Tri-Cities since graduation. She really loves helping people, to help their pets be healthier and happier! Her special interests are kitty medicine and pain control. The dogs in her family are: Phila, a sweet Labradoodle, Hope, her devoted Teacup Poodle and dear Sirius, an intensely athletic Labrador. Dr. Thorson’s family also includes two reclusively shy, kitty twin sisters. She is an adjunct professor for the WSU senior vet student preceptor program, where students come to learn, right here at Meadow Hills. She retired from volunteering with WSU’s innovative veterinary communication program in 2014. Dr. Thorson and her husband Murray have two grown sons. She is the daughter of a surgeon, and was raised in Hawaii.

Sabine Gerds, DVM - was raised in Essen, Germany and earned her veterinary degree from Giessen University in Germany in 1992. She first came to the United States as an exchange student to Kansas State University. After her graduation in Germany, she was eager to leave the Seattle-style weather at home and return to the open skies, sunshine and the occasional tornado of the Midwest US. She earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Science Ophthalmology from Kansas State University and then worked at the University of Pennsylvania for one year as a Small Animal Intern. Her special interests are ophthalmology, preventative medicine and zoonoses and she now is enjoying her 17th year of helping pets at Meadow Hills Veterinary Centers. Dr. Gerds husband, Brett, also is a veterinarian and graduate of KSU (Go Wildcats!). They have a daughter, Kaitlin, and son, Darius, who have a pet chicken - 6 years old and still laying strong! After work Dr. Gerds enjoys hiking, backpacking, tent trailer camping and participating in the Columbia Basin Fly Casters group. She also has fun practicing karate with her children.

Heidi Wells, DVM - has been with Meadow Hills Veterinary Center since 2006. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 1998. Her favorite part of veterinary practice is keeping pets as healthy and comfortable as possible so they can have a full and happy life! Dr. Wells loves to ride her AQHA mare, Belle, when she is not busy with her three children and their ponies – Skye, Whisper and Trigger. Her family also owns two cats, Toulouse and Buttons, who have very different personalities. Toulouse, who was a stray, is so gentle and amazing with the children, while Buttons, who looks so fluffy and cute, is the rascal!

Shannon Urza, DVM - is a graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been with Meadow Hills since 2008. She enjoys the beautiful sun of the Tri-Cities but loves to travel whenever she can. She has a passion for dancing including Latin and African styles, has performed in the US and danced around the world. When not dancing or traveling, she enjoys spending time with her cat Snowy, gardening, and hiking. As a vet, she aspires to provide exceptional, compassionate medical care to each patient she has the pleasure of meeting.

Laura Serreyn, DVM - Dr. Laura Serreyn has been with Meadow Hills Veterinary Center since 2009. She has been practicing since 2001 after graduating from Oregon State University (though she attended WSU for part of her veterinary education as well). She grew up wanting to be a veterinarian since the fourth grade. Her favorite part of her job is enjoying the bond clients and their furry companions share.

Outside of work, Dr. Serreyn enjoys spending time with her dogs; Labrador Daisy, her Yorkie Shelby and Casey. Dr. Serreyn's wide range of hobbies include; running, boating on the Columbia, snowmobiling in the Blues, and fitting in a good book when she can.

Brynne Lyle, DVM - earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 2010. After 3 years of practicing on the Washington coast, Dr. Lyle is very happy to be back in the area near her hometown of Royal City. She has developed a strong interest in small animal nutrition along with many other aspects of small animal practice. Dr. Lyle and her husband, John, have recently welcomed their daughter, Amalynn, who is keeping them both busy and entertained! Dr. Lyle's family also includes two Basset Hounds, Boug and Lexi. During her time off Dr. Lyle enjoys spending time outdoors gardening and camping as well as knitting, reading and baking.

Samuel Peck, DVM – Samuel Peck, DVM - is a 2013 graduate from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. He has a broad range of interests in small animal medicine and surgery - he loves the variety of general practice! He and his wife, Andrea, have two little girls (Willow and Eowyn), as well as three dogs: a Border Collie - Oreo; a Boston Terrier - Floyd; and a Great Dane - Hendrix. Besides spending time with his human and canine family, he has many hobbies that use up his little leftover free time, including reading, guitar, ice hockey, and riding his motorcycle.

Staff Training

Every team member has been rigorously screened and evaluated before ever joining Meadow Hills! Each new team member participates in an intense ten phase training program to ensure compassionate care and safety for your pet. We want you to know you can have confidence in each and every member of Meadow Hills.

Staff & Team Meetings

Monthly team meetings are held for our group education, open discussion on improving our services and for personal connection between ourselves.

Continuing Education

In addition to in-house training, our staff travels to regional and national lectures and conferences to maintain our knowledge of current medical, surgical and dental procedures, as well as preventative medicine.

Veterinary Students

Select veterinary students nearing graduation from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine apply their training during a four-week internship at Meadow Hills Veterinary Center.