The Momentum Team
Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine), CVA, CVPP, CCRT
Owner/Founder of Momentum VSMR
Dr. Kara Amstutz graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Along with her husband, Dwight, she established Hometown Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, in 2002. Dr. Kara holds a special place in her heart for pets who suffer from pain and mobility issues. In 2010, she began her studies in advanced pain management for her patients, eventually leading to her becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) through the IVAPM in 2013. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI) in 2013. In 2014, River Canine Rehabilitation was started, functioning as a small practice within Hometown Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Kara became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through IVAS in 2019.
Dr. Kara achieved her lifelong dream of completing a 5-year non-traditional residency program through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine in 2023. She is now a board-certified specialist, equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to help her patients even more effectively.
Dr. Kara is the Director of Clinical Education for the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, a post-graduate certification program for veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary technicians in rehabilitation and acupuncture. Dr. Kara loves to teach and speaks internationally about veterinary rehabilitation, pain management, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and more.
Scarlett Bruton, RVT, CCRVT
Scarlett graduated in 2014 from Pima Medical Institute with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She was introduced to the amazing world of pet rehabilitation in 2016 and has never looked back! She earned certification in canine rehabilitation through the Canine Rehabilitation Institution in 2019 and believes it is the best job ever . She is a wife and a mother to 4 who keeps life busy! Scarlett also has 2 pups, some cows, and lots of chickens
Brandy Van Boening, CCRA
Brandy Van Boening is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant at Momentum. She has been in veterinary medicine since 2014. Her passion is to help animals feel better and become stronger. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends in the great outdoors.
Korie Custer, CCRA
Korie Custer is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant and is our dedicated Customer service Representative and loves to help pets and their families!
Dwight Amstutz, Practice Manager
Owner/Founder Momentum VSMR
Dwight trained as a Registered Nurse and worked in Neuro and Burn Intensive Care Units and in Psychiatrics. In 2002, he and Kara founded Hometown Veterinary Hospital & River Canine Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. Dwight's patient and detail-oriented leadership style helped the practice grow tremendously. Dwight served 21 years in the US Navy and was deployed to a variety of locations around the world. He earned many awards because of his dedication and leadership.
Momentum's Purpose
In 2010, Dr. Kara Amstutz reached a pivotal point in her career when it came to painful pets. She was heartbroken when pet owners had to make the excruciating decision to let their pets go due to uncontrolled pain or debilitating mobility issues.
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Dr. Amstutz made it her mission to learn more and advance her skills to intervene on her patient's behalf and give their families more time together.
Since then, she has developed a team of highly trained professionals who are dedicated to keeping your pet moving, happy, and healthy.
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