Meet the Staff
Kristen Nelson, D.V.M.
We can learn so much from animals! Kris grew up on a farm in Minnesota where she developed a deep appreciation and understanding for animals. At age four, she decided to be a veterinarian. A year later her father took her hunting. Once she realized what was happening, Kris made noise to warn the ducks. She established a hospital in the bow of the boat with blankets, food and water. When a duck was brought in, she dressed its wounds before wrapping a towel around the bird. Kris wanted to save them all. . . she still does.
In 2010, Kris was lying in bed with her cat Tigre when he began to sniff her body. When he got to her abdomen, he let out a loud hiss and tried to cover her with a sheet. Two weeks later, Kris was in the hospital starting chemotherapy for rare form of cancer called double-hit lymphoma. She had her first cat scan at home!
EDUCATION:
After graduating from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Nelson completed a small animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. She continued her education with a year of additional surgical training at the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to learning advanced surgical techniques, she also taught surgery to veterinary students.
EXPERIENCE:
Dr. Nelson cares for dogs, cats and exotic animals. Her thirty plus years of practice include work as an emergency room veterinarian and Medical Director of a private hospital. She then launched her own practice - the Minnesota Veterinary Center. On a cold winter day in 1997, Dr. Nelson sold her practice to relocate to sunny Arizona. Kris continues to care for animals in the Phoenix metro area.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Dr. Nelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.
MEDIA AND HONORS:
Dr. Nelson has appeared in USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, DisneyFamily.com, The Ladies' Home Journal and numerous radio and television interviews. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Duluth Kennel Club Award for Outstanding Small Animal Surgery and Medicine and the Carl F. Schlotthauer Memorial Surgery Award. The latter is presented by the University of Minnesota Surgical Faculty to a senior student "In Recognition Of Outstanding Ability in Veterinary Surgery." As a student, Kris was a member of Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine. The United States Customs Service awarded Dr. Nelson a commendation for her care of a drug-sniffing canine officer.
AUTHOR:
Dr. Nelson's first book Coated With Fur: A Vet's Life celebrates the deep bond between humans and animals. Set in a veterinary practice, the book chronicles Kris' triumphs and trials as a young woman owning her first animal hospital. Experience each day as she did, from the joy of saving a dog's leg to the agony of losing a long-term patient. Marvel at what it took to untangle a snake stuck in a doorway, scaring the society ladies in the waiting room.
Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat's Love continues the story of a young women who opened a veterinary hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota. Marvel when a blind cat helps Adam overcome a physical limitation. Follow Kris as she tries to collect a semen sample from Ivan the shy Doberman, saves the life of a struggling Chihuhua and delivers Ashley's adorable golden retriever puppies. Meet Snowflake, a white cat who fights hard to stay alive and Lilah, the friendly, pregnant German shepherd. Through it all, experience the sheer joy and challenges of being a veterinarian. More information at www.coatedwithfur.com. Her books are available at Amazon as well as the clinic.
Dr. Nelson is currently writing the third book in the series, "Coated With Fur: A Vet's Heart."
ore information at www.coatedwithfur.com. Her books are available at Amazon as well as at the clinic.
Elizabeth Carter, D.V.M.
Dr. Carter is an Arizona native. She grew up in Queen Creek, back when it was a small town. She was surrounded by animals of all kinds which influenced her passion for veterinary medicine. Dr. Carter moved to Desert Hills with her husband, Chase to attend Veterinary College and never left.
EDUCATION: After receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University, College of Veterinary Medicine, she completed a equine internship with Southwest Equine Hospital before joining Arizona Skies Animal Hospital.
Dr. Carter is also an Equine Dental Technician having completed specialty training at the Academy of Equine dentistry in Glens Ferry, Idaho before starting Veterinary School.
PROFESSION MEMBERSHIPS: Dr. Carter is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Honors: During veterinary school, Liz was a member of Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Carter enjoys spending time with Chase, their 3 dogs, 2 horses (Little Lark and Lily), a Sulcata tortoise and lots of chickens and ducks. She loves riding her horses, painting ceramics and watching her favorite movies.
Olivia - Veterinary Technician
Olivia was born in Yakima, Washington then moved to Arizona when she was five years old. She has lived in Phoenix ever since. In 2018, Olivia graduated from Carrington College as a Veterinary Assistant. She was on the Dean's List, President's List and received an award for Perfect Attendance. She completed her externship at Arizona Skies Animal Hospital. Olivia impressed us so much we offered her a permanent position. Olivia is bilingual, speaking Spanish as well as English. She enjoys working with all kinds of animals.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys photography, drawing and spending time with her family. She adopted a kitten named Robin who has grown into an outgoing cat. He loves to play games, especially at night when Olivia is trying to sleep. He also developed a craving for spicey chips and steals a taste whenever he can.
Maria - Veterinary Technician
Maria born and raised in Arizona. Through her family, she was exposed to a variety of animals which ultimately led to her interest in veterinary medicine. She received her Veterinary Assistant degree from Carrington College in 2020. Maria worked as a kennel attendant for Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic and Pet Resort as well as the animal rescue group Home Fur Good before joining Arizona Skies Animals Hospital. She continues to help the rescue by bringing them food and items donated through the generosity of our clients.
In her free time, Maria enjoys painting, spending time with her family and her pets, Bobby, Huracan, Mandi, Pantera and Mocha. Maria is also bilingual, speaking English and Spanish.
Caitlin - Veterinary Assistant
Caitlin has been fascinated with animals since she was young. She has lived with dogs, fish, hermit crabs, frogs and a lizard. She is currently owned by a Pitbull named Bongo and a snake named Fettuccine. Caitlin taught preschool before deciding to follow her passion for animals to veterinary medicine. She is currently pursuing her Veterinary Technician Certification through Penn Foster.
In her free time, Caitlin enjoys concerts, spending time with her boyfriend, Anthony and her family.
April - Veterinary Assistant
April was born and raised in a small town in Illinois. She moved to Arizona with her husband, David and a Pitbull mix named Mason. From the time April was a little girl, she always had a love for animals and a passion to work with them. April started her career as a Veterinary Nurse before joining Arizona Skies Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant.
In her free time, April enjoys baking, spending time outdoors and traveling. Ask her about traveling to Peru and seeing Machu Picchu.
Haley- Veterinary Assistant
Haley was born and raised in Arizona. Animals have always held a special place in her heart. She grew up with 4 dogs and a cat. After a year of volunteering at the American Humane Society, she decided to turn her passion for animals into a career. She joined the staff of Arizona Skies Animal Hospital in the Spring of 2025 and is enjoying getting to know all of our wonderful patients. Haley's goal is to make everyone feel as safe and comfortable as possible during their visits. She always has treats in her pocket!