IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing and congratulating Dr. Ashton R. Sellers during Women’s History Month on becoming the first African American/Native American female veterinarian to own a hospital in the Kansas City Area.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22210, March 23, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Donna Peyton, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to honor the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women who break barriers and inspire future generations; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Ashton R. Sellers’ love for animals began in early childhood, nurtured by her passion for reading and learning, especially her favorite book, an encyclopedia of large cats throughout history which first sparked her dream of becoming an “animal doctor”; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Sellers’ dedication to animal care grew as she volunteered at Wayside Waifs during middle school, walking dogs and providing enrichment for both dogs and cats, and later shadowed Dr. Swope at Northeast Animal Hospital during high school, where she discovered her passion for surgery and solidified her commitment to veterinary medicine; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Sellers now serves as the Head Veterinarian and owner of Hickman Mills Animal Hospital, where she delivers compassionate, trustworthy, and high-quality veterinary care to the Kansas City community, guided by her respect for the human-animal bond and her belief in accessible, ethical care; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Sellers earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis, graduating in 2023, and completed her clinical rotations at Louisiana State University, gaining extensive hands-on experience and developing interests in reproductive health, wildlife medicine, and exotic animal care; and,
WHEREAS, her professional focus includes small animal preventive care, diagnostic imaging, and soft tissue surgery, with continued interests in neurology and reproductive health, demonstrating her commitment to comprehensive and progressive veterinary
medicine; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Sellers has achieved an historic milestone as the first African American/Native American female veterinarian to own a veterinary hospital in the Kansas City area, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects perseverance, leadership, and meaningful advancement within the veterinary profession; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Sellers is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Association of Black Veterinarians, and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, underscoring her dedication to continued education, professional growth, and community engagement; and,
WHEREAS, she remains committed to expanding access to affordable veterinary care, supporting local rescue organizations including the Missouri German Shepherd Rescue and, growing Hickman Mills Animal Hospital to serve as many animals and families as possible; and,
WHEREAS, beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sellers is passionate about wildlife and exotic animal education, rescue, and rehabilitation, and enjoys horseback riding, reading, watching sports, and spending time near lakes and oceans; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that during Women’s Month, the Jackson County Legislature hereby recognizes, honors, and congratulates Dr. Ashton R. Sellers for her historic achievement, her outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine, and her unwavering service to the Kansas City community, and her leadership, vision, and dedication stand as an inspiration to women, future veterinarians, and community members alike.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22210 of March 23, 2026, was duly passed on March 23, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______8__________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_________ Absent ______1______
_________________ _______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature