River's Edge Veterinarian Hospital

Dr. Karla Cunningham is a 1996 graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband Ed live in Eddyville, Illinois with their terrific son Ethan, born in March 2010. She is very pleased to be providing medical care to pets in Massac and surrounding counties. Having served as an assistant professor for the U of I College of Veterinary Medicine from 1998 through 2007, she is dedicated to educating pet owners in the best way to care for their furry friends. When not at River’s Edge, Dr. Karla and Ed can usually be found with Ethan at a Scouting activity.

Dr. Cunningham’s interest in pet dental care began when she started River’s Edge in 2007.  Many of her small animal patients had severe dental disease that caused them pain of which their owners were unaware.  As she started treating these animals and received feedback from their owners about how much better they felt afterwards, the desire to learn more about dentistry grew. Over the years she has participated in many continuing education seminars focused on pet dentistry and learned even more about how best to treat and prevent dental disease. River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities including digital dental radiography, electronic anesthetic monitoring devices, pain management and tooth saving procedures. These technologies along with Dr. Cunningham’s expertise will ensure that each of her patients receive superior care for their dental needs.
 
Her favorite quote is by Henry David Thoreau. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

Alisa was born and raised in Massac County and graduated from Joppa High school in 2009. She then attended Shawnee Community college for two years, and transferred to Murray State University in August of 2011. She Graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology in December of 2013, she joined the Rivers edge
team after graduation. Alisa Loves spending time with her Pets; Cletus, Phoebe, Dahlia, Mopurr, and Journey. Alisa loves to spend time outside hiking, and camping, and loves to travel whenever she gets the chance. Alisa has been a member of the Rivers edge team since 2013, and looking forward too many more years. 

Ellen has been working at River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital since October of 2008. Prior to that, she had been a Registered Veterinary Technician for over 35 years in Indiana and Michigan. She grew up in central Illinois and moved here to be close to her parents when the opportunity arose. She is now our inventory specialist. She semiretired two years ago to care for her aging parents.

She is married and has many pets including 4 cats, 3 dogs, 2 horses and 2 mules. She and her husband live on a farm in Pope county near the Shawnee National Forest, where they love to ride the trails. 

Carisa was born and raised in Massac County, and graduated from Massac Country High school in 1989. She resides in Metropolis with her husband Jack. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, her standard poodles, and playing golf in her spare time.

Carisa was interested in going to college for an occupation in the veterinary field, however went into the banking industry and worked in that field for over 23 years. She is now enjoying an occupation that is very important to her.. taking care of pets, and educating pet owners.

Jerri graduated From Hardin County High School in 2017. She resides in Hardin County where she has 2 horses, 1 cat, and 4 dogs. She enjoys spending her time going camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Jerri joined the River’s Edge team in the summer of 2018 after completing a one semester Veterinary Assistant course at Southeastern Illinois College.