Dr. Kelly Guardia received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, both from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She has been involved with the veterinary industry since her first job as a kennel attendant at 15 years old in high school. During undergrad, she began to work as a technician at a local small animal practice and an emergency receptionist at The University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. It was through her time as a receptionist that she began to develop a deep love and appreciation for emergency medicine and made the decision to focus her elective courses in emergency medicine while in school. Her professional interests include teaching/mentorship programs, soft tissue surgery, and client communication. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, hiking, camping (including float trips!), cooking with her husband, and spending time with their two dogs (Annabelle and Gilligan).