About Us

Dr. Joan McCleary is a 2000 graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced at Colonial Terrace since then, becoming a partner in 2005, and owner in 2010. She enjoys the daily challenges of veterinary medicine, along with seeing the joy pets bring to people’s lives. She feels blessed to have such a wonderful support staff, both at work and at home. Dr. McCleary is married to Brian, an investment specialist at American Trust, and they have two children. 

Why did you choose to work in the veterinary industry?

I am fascinated by how the body works and of course, am crazy about animals.  I cannot imagine how empty my life would be without caring for my own animals, and I enjoy caring for people and their pets.

Tell us about your animals:

Three cats, two dogs, two chickens, five goats, one sheep and one guinea pig.

Tell us fun facts about you:

I have been married to my HS sweetheart for 20+ years. I have two very curious children Elena and Owen.

I enjoy baking, reading, and cleaning “my barn.”

Dr. Abbie McClain is a 2012 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been with Colonial Terrace since graduation. Dr. McClain truly appreciates the bonds we have with our pets and understands that they are important members of our families. The areas of practice she enjoys the most are dentistry, oncology, and dermatology. Dr. McClain is originally from Dubuque and was happy to be able to come back home to practice veterinary medicine, which has been her lifelong dream. She is married to her husband Jonathan and is a new mom to son Lachlan.

She has a crazy pet named Lincoln, who is a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Dr. Marianne Kirkendall is a 2007 graduate from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her areas of interest include internal medicine, nutrition, behavior and exotic animal medicine. She maintains membership in the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) and the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV). She also provides all veterinary services for the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium here in Dubuque, treating a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds and mammals. In her free time, she keeps busy by catering to the needs of her varied menagerie of pets and juggling an assortment of hobbies, from computers to gardening, to hiking, and more!

Dr. Kylee Bessine is a 2016 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her areas of interest are internal medicine and dermatology. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is seeing the strong bonds built between pets and their owners. She is originally from Burlington, Iowa. In her free time she enjoys boating, fishing, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with family, friends, and her Golden Retriever, George. She is married to Jarren, and they are enjoying exploring their new home here in Dubuque.

Why did you choose to work in the veterinary industry?

 I think the human and animal bond is an amazing thing and I wanted to be a part of strengthening that between pets and their owners

Tell us about your animals:

We got George the first year I started at the clinic.  He is full of energy and personality.  Love peanut butter and barking at the squirrels.

I love the St. Louis Cardinals, and my husband loves the Cubs.  If I could, I would go fishing every day.  When I was in first grade, I dressed up as a veterinarian for career day. 

Mariah Crotty is a 2019 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a B.A. in Biology from Luther College. Her areas of interest include exotic animal medicine, surgery, and behavior medicine and she is Fear-Free Certified. She’s passionate about providing the best possible care to all animals, big or small. Mariah is originally from Ames, Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, and playing the clarinet and her favorite TV show is The Office. She has a pet rabbit named Moose and she’s hoping to get him a buddy in the near future. Mariah is very excited to join the Colonial Terrace team!