Neurology Faculty Veterinarians
Joan R. Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM–Neurology
Neurology 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.
Residents
Allison DuPont, DVM
Allison DuPont is originally from Montclair, New Jersey. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in nutrition and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She relocated to the Midwest for her postgraduate education, attending veterinary school at the University of Illinois followed by a small animal rotating internship at the University of Wisconsin. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog, Willow, exploring new trails, kayaking, paddle boarding and working on improving her green thumb with her recently cultivated herb garden.
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.
Kara Majors, DVM
Kara Majors is originally from Lexington, South Carolina. She received her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and attended veterinary school at Mississippi State University. She later completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri and a specialty neurology internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Colorado. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Benji and Moose, yoga and reading.
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.
Veterinary Assistant
Anna Vollet
Anna Vollet was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri. She attended Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, where she studied sociology and psychology and ran Division 1 track. After graduating, she discovered she had a passion for working with and caring for animals, which inspired her to pursue a career in this field. In December of 2023 she joined the MU Neurology Service as a veterinary assistant with the goal of continuing her education and becoming a registered veterinary technician.
Her hobbies include reading, writing, drawing, going to the movies, going to the gym, and spending time with her family.
