Neurology Faculty Veterinarians
Joan R. Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM–Neurology
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
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
Nicole Alleva, DVM
Nicole Alleva, DVM, is originally from Carmel, New York. She received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Presbyterian College. She attended veterinary school at Cornell University and later completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia.
When not at work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, Leeta, baking, and has recently started playing golf. Alleva enjoys all aspects of neurology, especially the diagnosis and treatment of meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO).
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.
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 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.
