Our Team
ASHLEY KARL, DVM
CATHARINE KEYES, DVM
Dr Keyes grew up in New Mexico, with a single-minded goal of becoming an astronomer from an early age. She achieved a B.S. in Physics from the University of Texas in Austin, but became disillusioned with physics, instead leaning toward the biomedical sciences. While working at Advanced Micro Devices, a co-worker suggested that she should become a veterinarian, so she did!
Dr Keyes practiced for over 20 years in disciplines from dairy medicine to shelter medicine, but needed to find work-life balance. So, she moved overseas. While working in Europe, she found a love of working overnights in Emergency settings, and developed an interest in the Europeans’ different style of practice. In particular, she learned about handling animals in ways that generate less fear, and in the rational and more sparing use of antibiotics.
Once back in the US, she accepted a position at AECNE. She founded an antimicrobial stewardship committee on the Lakefield medical advisory board. She loves to teach and learn, and values practicing across the entire spectrum of care that clients can afford. Her most important principle is that the veterinarian must primarily advocate for the animals’ best interest.
CARISSA BLAIR, DVM
Dr. Blair graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M Commerce. She obtained her doctorate in 2006 from the world-renowned TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Blair started her career in Equine medicine. After a few years she transitioned to small animal medicine. Through a series of interesting turns and twists in life Dr. Blair performed a relief shift at Animal Emergency Clinic North East. The shift was intense, exciting, and educational. The director of the hospital called the following day and offered Dr. Blair a permanent position. Thus dawned Dr. Blair’s career in emergency medicine.
Since 2013 Dr. Blair has exclusively practiced as an emergency veterinarian. Outside of veterinary medicine Dr. Blair’s interests extend to more tradition practices like pottery, blacksmithing, and rug-hooking. Dr. Blair also enjoys painting miniature figurines. These hobbies are done with Dr. Blair’s pets by her side. Dr. Blair also has three cats named Sophie, Hurley, and Lilly. Lastly, there is Mr. Belvedere, a piebald python.