Meet the Team

The team at Summer Street Animal Clinic is comprised of highly trained and experienced animal health professionals who have a genuine love for working with pets. Our staff treats every patient with the highest quality of medical care as well as a gentle touch.

Veterinarians

DR. MERLIN VAN ZEE

Veterinarian/Owner

Dr. Merlin Van Zee graduated with distinction from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2003.

After receiving his degree, Dr. Van Zee moved to Burlington and began to practice at Summer Street Animal Clinic, where his professional interests include surgery – both orthopedic and soft tissue, anesthesia and pain control.

Dr. Van Zee is a native of Pella, Iowa, who completed his undergraduate work at Iowa State University studying Animal Science.

Dr. Van Zee and his wife, Magon, have 3 children, Ty, Meadow and Amos. Their family has a Golden Retriever named Violet two cats, “Sammich” and “Scribbles.”

Outside of practice, Dr. Van Zee enjoys outdoor activities, motorcycling, Cyclones athletics and tinkering in his shop.

Dr. Van Zee also takes great joy in spending time with his family and church activities as well as being a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

DR. HEATH HILLYARD

Veterinarian/Owner

Dr. Heath Hillyard is a local native of the Mediapolis area who received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College in 1999 in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Dr. Hillyard then went on to Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May 2003. While at Iowa State University, he pursued a degree in Entrepreneurship as well.

Professional interests include internal medicine, reproduction, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and dermatology.

Dr. Hillyard and his wife, Miranda, currently reside in Burlington with their daughters, Harlynn and Harbor. They also have 2 dogs; a Dachshund named Yadi and a Morkie-Poo named Mecca. His personal interests include spending time with his family, all outdoor sports, snow skiing, bicycling, spending time in the Lake of the Ozarks, and traveling.

He enjoys following Hawkeye athletics throughout the year. He is also active in the Burlington Kiwanis Club, Great River Connections, and the Chamber of Commerce.

DR. BECKY GIBILISCO

Veterinarian

Dr. Gibilisco graduated with honors from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2012. She also received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Iowa State.

After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Gibilisco practiced small animal medicine in Naperville, Illinois before she and her husband decided to move back to Iowa in April 2013.

Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging and dentistry.

Dr. Gibilisco is a native of Oakland, Iowa. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Nathan, and their children, Toby and Edie; being outdoors when the weather is warm and traveling. She also has 2 dogs: Rita and May, who are regular, friendly
faces around the clinic.

DR. PAIGE KELLER

Veterinarian

Dr. Keller is a native of the small northwest town of Whiting, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. Dr. Keller then went on to Iowa State University and graduated in 2013 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

After receiving her degree, Dr. Keller moved to Keosauqua, Iowa, and practiced at a mixed animal clinic there for almost 8 years. She then started at Summer Street Animal Clinic in March of 2021. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, dermatology, and oncology.

Dr. Keller and her husband, Zach, currently reside in Burlington and have two daughters- Violet and Hazel. They also have two dogs- Holly and Millie- and a cat named Norah. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading and traveling, especially visiting her siblings in Alaska and Texas.

Dr. Madison Ullmann

Veterinarian

Dr. Ullmann is a recent graduate from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She also received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Animal Science at Iowa State.

Her professional interests include ophthalmology along with soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Ullmann is a native of Iowa and grew up in Davenport. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places, exploring national parks, and any outdoor activity- especially rock climbing and camping with her dog Kodiak.