Neurology Faculty Veterinarians
Joan R. Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM–Neurology
Neurology and Neurosurgery Section Head
Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Director of the Comparative Neurology Program
Board-certified Specialist in Neurology
Joan Coates specializes in neurology and neurosurgery and is Section Head of the Neurology & Neurosurgery Section/Service.
As a researcher, Coates is a member of the Comparative Neurology Program, which explores inherited developmental and degenerative diseases of the nervous system, and is involved with translational research for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Her research focus involves the study of canine degenerative myelopathy as a disease model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease).
In addition, Coates co-directs the Neurology & Neurosurgery Service, and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Coates received a bachelor’s degree and a doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Texas A&M University and a three-year residency in neurology and neurosurgery at Auburn University. She also received a master of science degree in neuroscience from Auburn University.
When she’s not working, Coates enjoys spending time with her family and their four dogs, one cat, two miniature Sicilian donkeys and two quarter horses. Her hobbies include long-distance cycling, hiking and trekking and playing flute.
Dennis O’Brien, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM
Adjunct Professor Emeritus
Resident Training and Teaching Support
Chancellor’s Chair of Excellence in Comparative Neurology
Board-Certified Specialist in Neurology
Dennis O’Brien specializes in medical neurology with a special interest in hereditary diseases, movement disorders and epilepsy.
O’Brien received his doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois. After three years in general practice, he returned to the University of Illinois to complete a residency in neurology and a PhD in neuroscience.
A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, O’Brien received the organization’s Kirk Award for Professional Excellence in 2011.
When he’s not working, O’Brien enjoys hiking, cycling, prairie restoration, and photography. His family shares their home with two cats, three draft horses, and two dogs with cerebellar ataxia and one with diabetes.
Residents
Lauren Healy, DVM
Lauren Healy is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. She received her bachelor’s in biology with minors in neuroscience and chemistry at Wake Forest University. She attended veterinary school at Cornell University before returning back to Boston for a small animal rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center. When not in the hospital, she enjoys exploring outside with her dog and cooking for family and friends.
Kristen Keyes, DVM
Kristy Keyes is originally from San Diego, California. She received both her bachelor’s and doctor of veterinary medicine degrees from Colorado State University. She then went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as stand up paddle boarding and hiking with her dogs, Ranger and Charlotte, as well as relaxing and indulging in the newest true crime series with her cats, Chicken and Waffles.
Ashley Schug, DVM
Ashley Schug is originally from Advance, North Carolina. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from North Carolina State University. She attended veterinary school at the University of Arizona. She completed her small animal rotating internship at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital in Brentwood, Tennessee. When not in the hospital, she enjoys cooking, baking, crafting, and exploring new places.
Tiernan Smith, DVM
Tiernan Smith is originally from Galesburg, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Truman State University. He then went on to attend veterinary school at the University of Missouri followed by a small animal rotating internship at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, hiking, playing the guitar, and spending time with his family including two cats and one dog.
Veterinary Technician
Lillian Pendergrast
Lillian Pendergrast, also known as Ruthi, is a Missouri native who was raised primarily in Polo, Missouri. She attended Moberly Area Community College and earned her associate of applied science in veterinary technology degree in Mexico, Missouri, in 2025. Ruthi knew at a young age that she wanted to work with animals and has enjoyed working with all kinds. She worked in a private practice while in school, and after graduating, realized she was interested in the neurology aspect of veterinary medicine. In her spare time, Ruthi enjoys spending time with her cats, Bagel and Keppra, and has her three Redbone Coonhounds, Jill, Beast and River, that she hunts with every year. Making time to be around friends and family is a priority for her.
