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.

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.

Elaina Volpe, D.V.M.

Elaina was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in small animal science from Delaware Valley University. Prior to attending veterinary college, Elaina worked as a veterinary technician at a local animal shelter in Pennsylvania. The shelter provided care for under served populations and animals. This inspired her to become a veterinarian and continues to be a passion for her today!

In 2016, Elaina made the big move across the country to attend Midwestern University in Arizona for veterinary college! Dr. Volpe received her Doctorate of veterinary medicine from Midwestern in 2020 and graduated as a member of Phi Zeta (the veterinary honor society).

During veterinary college, Dr. Volpe married her husband, James. They share their home with their 2 year old energetic Boston terrier, Yoshi. Outside of work, Elaina enjoys reading books of all kinds, watching anything on Bravo TV, hiking, trying new restaurants with her husband and spending time with friends and family.

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 Rottweiler mix named Batman and a kitten named Robin. Batman is about nine years old but still thinks he is a puppy. He loves to redecorate the backyard by digging holes. Unfortunately, he is very camera shy. Robin is an outgoing two year old who likes to play games, especially at night when Olivia is trying to sleep.

Sarah - Veterinary Technician

Sarah was born in Redwood City, California and moved to Arizona in 1991. She graduated from Anthem College of Veterinary Technology in 2011. Sarah has worked at Banfield and VetMed before accepting a position at Arizona Skies Animal Hospital. Sarah's pet family includes a calico cat named Snax as well as a mischievous Maine coon mix breed cat named Houdini. She is also has a grey horse named Beauty. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading, video gaming with video editing and spending time with her boyfriend.

Courtney - Veterinary Technician

Courtney was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and still has yet to become accustomed to the “dry” heat . She graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in biology to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She is extremely passionate about small animal medicine and has many years of experience in shelter medicine. One of her earliest memories includes frequenting her local library to memorize dog breed books. At the age of 16 she started volunteering at a local shelter and never looked back. In her free time she loves playing pokemon and spoiling her puppy, Jellybean. Jellybean, aka “Beans”, is a 4 year old spaniel mix who has her mom and dad wrapped around her little toe bean. Courtney strives to provide the best in compassionate animal care and can not wait to spoil your fur babies!

Lizzy - Veterinary Technician

Lizzy joined Arizona Skies Animal Hospital in May of 2023. She graduated from Paradise Valley Community College in 2016 for her associates in arts and then her associates in general education in 2018. Lizzy then received her Veterinary Assistant Certification in 2019 from the PIma Medical Institute. Lizzy is certified in CPR. She has been working in the field since 2018. Lizzy's favorite part of the job is working with animals to improve their health, especially helping the hospitalized patients feel better.

In her free time, Lizzy likes to do small family adventures up north or go camping on the weekend. Most of her free time is taken up these days planning her wedding. Lizzy has three pets, two lovely beagles named Lily and Roxie and an adorable rat named Jerry.

Kristen Nelson, D.V.M. Elaina Volpe, D.V.M. Thorough medicine with care!