Our Doctors

Dr. Merk, originally from New Jersey, is a 2001 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a 1997 graduate of Skidmore College (BA Biology-Chemistry). She joined Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in September of 2004 and became the practice owner in 2016. She has a special interest in feline medicine, is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and is a Certified Cat Friendly practitioner. She currently resides in West Des Moines with her husband Jason, her son Wyatt, her daughter Emily, her 3 nutty cats: Hans, Sparky, and Noodles, and her 2 funny guinea pigs: Snickers and Twix. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Sara Niemand joined Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in April 2017. Dr. Niemand grew up in Ames, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 2002 with an Animal Science degree and 2007 with her veterinary medical degree. She is certified to practice acupuncture through the Chi Institute. She has a special interest in canine physical therapy, pain management, surgery and small exotics. She lives with her two cats, Maramalade and Millie, and her rescue Golden Retriever, Jamison. In her free time she enjoys travel, crafts, bonsai, horseback riding and spending time in the great outdoors.

Dr. Frahm joined the Ashworth Road Animal Hospital team in 2021. Dr. Frahm grew up in Urbandale, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 2015 with an Animal Science degree and 2019 with her veterinary degree. She is certified Free Free and is a certified Cat Friendly practitioner. Dr. Frahm has always had a love for animals, even when she was younger. As she went through school, experiences with her own pets made her decide to go down the path to becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Frahm owned a hedgehog growing up which got her interested in exotic animals. Dr. Frahm’s professional interest include exotic pet medicine, preventative, geriatric care, and pain management. While she isn’t working, she likes to crochet, paint/draw, read, write, watch tv, and spend time with her pets, friends, and family. Dr. Frahm currently has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and three cats: Beau, Momohime, and Itsy. She looks forward to working with you and your furry friends.She is a Certified Cat Friendly Practitioner. 

Dr. Wiedmann joined Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in 2021. She is a native of Kansas City, Missouri and received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia. After taking a tour and falling in love with “The Mitten,” she attended Michigan State University and earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2017. After graduation, she moved to Colorado, got hitched to her fiancé (now husband), and began practicing in Colorado Springs. Soon after starting a family, she and her husband realized the importance of having family nearby and decided to take the plunge and move to Iowa to be closer to their families. She is thrilled to be a member of such a wonderful team at Ashworth Road Animal Hospital. Her professional interests include surgery, dermatology, dentistry, wound management, and caring for geriatric patients. She is a certified Cat Friendly practitioner. She spends her free time with her husband, Matt, and their daughter, Adley. She enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and trying out new recipes on her husband. She has three dogs and two cats; two howling Huskies named Nanook and Tonto, a loyal German Shepherd named Bella, a sassy Calico named Ember, and a stud muffin Ragdoll named Chino. She looks forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible care for your furry companions!