Our Team

Dr. Casey Balvanz graduated from lowa State University in 2009 with a Bachelors in Animal Science and then graduated from lowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, Dr. Balvanz completed an equine medicine internship and then worked for a mixed animal practice at Greens Creek Veterinary Clinic in Dublin, TX.

In 2016, Dr. Balvanz moved back home to be close to family and purchased what is now South Hardin Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Balvanz’s favorite part of veterinary medicine is getting to know her clients and their pets and making them a part of her family. She also enjoys preventative mixed animal medicine as well as educating her clients on how best to care for their pets, horses and livestock.
In her spare time, Dr. B and her family have a cow calf operation, a small flock of sheep, several dogs and cats, horses, chickens and geese that keep her busy outside of work. Dr. B enjoys fishing, quilting, riding horses, gardening, reading, and being outside.

Dr. Megan Thomas joined the clinic in 2025. She is driven by the connection between people and their animals. She enjoys caring for everything from beloved household pets to the livestock that keeps family farms humming. The variety of veterinary medicine suits her perfectly. No two days are alike, and there is always something new to learn, refine, and share with clients.

Megan earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2025. At the clinic, she focuses on thoughtful, individualized care and clear communication so every visit feels understood and supported.

Away from work, Megan and her husband, Joe, who is also a veterinarian, keep up with their daughter, Murphy. When the house is quiet, you’ll find her gardening, reading, or baking. Her garden seems to grow a little larger each season. She cultivates armfuls of cut flowers and plants enough vegetables to keep Joe on board with the floral expansion. The family crew includes a farm dog named John, a bird dog named Rosie, a flock of laying hens, and an ever-changing cast of barn kitties.

Favorite animal movie pick: The Biscuit Eater. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can find it on Disney+.

Naomi has been part of the South Hardin Veterinary Clinic team since 2022, where she enjoys working hands-on with both large and small animals. For her, the best part of veterinary medicine is not only caring for patients but also sharing her knowledge with others and learning something new along the way. She especially values working side by side with Dr. B and now Dr. Thomas, making every day at the clinic rewarding and exciting.

Naomi graduated from South Dakota State University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science, with an emphasis in Animal Science. Her education, combined with her practical experience, has given her a strong foundation to provide excellent care for animals and their families.

When she’s not at the clinic, Naomi enjoys life on the ranch with her husband, who manages a cow/calf operation. Family ranger rides to check on the cows with their little one are a regular and treasured part of her routine.

At home, Naomi’s family also includes two beloved dogs: Rocky, a friendly black Lab who loves everyone he meets, and Abby, an adorable Basset Hound with plenty of charm.

Naomi is proud to bring her skills, compassion, and love for animals to South Hardin Veterinary Clinic and looks forward to continuing to grow with the team and community.

Carol graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in English and Speech Communications in 1973. She taught and coached for 14 years, and then was hired as communications director for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association in 1987. In 2005, she became the Public Policy Director for the Iowa Soybean Association. She retired from employment in 2018 and now helps out at South Hardin Veterinary Clinic.

Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is being able to help her family members. She and her husband have always raised cattle, horses, and various pets, so she has been involved in animal health and production. This job has given her the opportunity to learn more about the technical side of animal care and treatment.

In her spare time, Carol enjoys spending time with her grandsons on the farm and attending their sporting events. She loves tending her flower beds and yard in the summer, and working with the livestock year-round, as well as sewing, knitting, and quilting.

Melissa has been a valued part of the South Hardin Veterinary Clinic team since 2023, where her favorite part of the job is getting to know clients and their pets. She loves learning how each pet fits into their family’s daily life and finds joy in building those connections while helping provide quality care.

When she’s not at the clinic, Melissa’s happy place is in her garden. She grows a wide variety of vegetables, carrots, beans, corn, pickles, and tomatoes and enjoys canning them to enjoy year-round. She even grows pumpkins, sharing them with neighborhood kids and growing special pie pumpkins just for her dogs. In the warmer months, she enjoys kayaking, while in the cooler months she cheers for the Green Bay Packers and follows NASCAR all year long.

At home, Melissa shares life with three beloved dogs: Shelby, a sweet Chocolate Lab; Skye Leigh, a lovable Yellow Lab; and Sinder, their larger-than-life Dalmatian. Most of their time is spent lounging nearby, keeping her company, and watching for the chance to snag a treat. Their favorites include carrots, green beans, and of course ice cubes.