Meet Our Veterinary Team
Our Veterinary Team
DR. Claudia Comeaux, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Comeaux is proud to follow in the footsteps of her father and uncle, both respected veterinarians who owned small animal practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley before relocating to New Orleans, where she worked as a veterinary assistant at Airline Animal Hospital, the Louisiana Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, and the New Orleans Zoo.
While in veterinary school, at Louisiana State University, Dr. Comeaux received a grant to travel to China, where she worked with Animals Asia to study and categorize behaviors in Asiatic Moon Bears rescued from bile farms and rehabilitated at the Animals Asia Bear Center outside Chengdu. After graduation, she completed a small animal internship at Alameda East Animal Hospital in Denver.
Dr. Comeaux moved to Phoenix, where she served as the Chief Veterinarian at the Arizona Animal Welfare League and Altered Tails, organizations focused on animal rescue and overpopulation control. At AAWL, she realized her passion for combining veterinary care with education, particularly through her work with volunteers and children at the shelter’s summer camps.
Her approach to veterinary care focuses on building a compassionate healthcare team for both pets and their owners. Dr. Comeaux believes in creating a welcoming and attentive environment, ensuring every client and pet feel listened to and understood from their first contact with Kierland Animal Clinic. She feels fortunate to be part of the outstanding team at Kierland, led by Dr. Krista Gibson, whose practice philosophy aligns with her own.
Outside of work, Dr. Comeaux is married to a Phoenix Police Detective. Together, they own a Thoroughbred mare named Sugar Beaujolais (an eventer) and a Zangersheide gelding named Alpe D’Huez B.Z (a show jumper). When she’s not working or riding and training with Lisa Jacquin, an Olympic Grand Prix Silver Medalist, Dr. Comeaux and her husband enjoy following Formula One racing and traveling internationally.
Carissa Keary, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Keary was raised in Maryland before relocating to Arkansas where she pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas. After working as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and Hospital Manager, she went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Midwestern University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Keary enjoys spending quality time with her family, whether it’s exploring the outdoors, enjoying the thrill of amusement parks, or catching live music at concerts. At home, she shares her life with three beloved, spoiled felines—BW (also known as “Be-Dubs”), Squinty, and Junipurr.
Krista Gibson, DVM
Medical Director
Dr. Gibson, a Scottsdale native, left her hometown years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary School in 1996. Her career took her across the country, and she eventually returned to Scottsdale, where she is now the proud Founder and Medical Director of Kierland Animal Clinic. In her free time, Dr. Gibson enjoys spending time with her husband, Tom, and their four dogs—Rango, Pepper, Betty, and Bindi—their two cats, Truman and Princess Fiona, and their three goats, known as “The Spice Goats”—Curry, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg. She loves mountain biking, painting, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
Jasmine
Veterinary Assistant
Jasmine joined the team at Kierland Animal Clinic in 2023, bringing with her a lifelong passion for animals. From a young age, she dreamed of working with animals and improving their lives. With her experience as a veterinary assistant, Jasmine is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners as part of the Kierland team.
Truman
Clinic cat
Meet Truman, a 8-year-old orange tabby. Known around the office for his charming demands for pets, food, and attention, Truman is always eager to make his presence known. Don’t be surprised if he walks into your exam room—he’s simply making his rounds. While his sister, Fiona, may not be thrilled about sharing the spotlight, Truman can’t help his undeniable cuteness!
Jade
Customer Service Representative
Jade joined our team as a receptionist in March 2023, after relocating from California. Jade truly enjoys engaging with clients and building meaningful connections with both them and their furry companions. With a passion for animals, she takes great pride in offering a warm, personalized experience to every pet and owner. Outside of work, she is a proud pet parent to four beloved animals: Doug, Annie, Frankie, Penelope.
Emily
Hospital Manager
Emily, was raised in a small town in Central Illinois before attending Arizona State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. After spending time living in Seattle and San Francisco, she returned to Arizona, where she now resides with her cat, Opal, and her dog, Ozzy.
With a lifelong passion for animals, Emily was inspired by her grandmother, who was the director of a local animal shelter, and spent much of her childhood there. From an early age, Emily knew she wanted to work in animal care, dedicated to improving the lives of pets and helping their owners do the same.
Nikki
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Nikki graduated from Pima Medical Institute in December 2017. Passionate about educating clients, Nikki loves helping pet owners find the best ways to keep their furry friends happy and healthy. Outside of work, she enjoys bowling, playing board games, cooking, and spending quality time with her son and three cats: Hades, Maus, and Scully.
Jetzel
Veterinary Assistant
Jetzel has been working in the veterinary field for several years, having graduated from Carrington College in July of 2019. Since joining Kierland Animal Clinic, Jetzel has developed a deep passion for the rescue community an interest that Kierland has helped nurture and grow with their involvement in the Arizona Rescue Community buy providing veterinary services and assistance to local rescues.
After only a month of working here, she “foster failed” a three-legged Chihuahua, Chloe, making her a proud fur mom to four! Jetzel’s furry family includes Arya, Ivy, Luca, and Chloe.
Fiona
Clinic Cat
Meet Fiona, the resident cat at Kierland! A 9-year-old domestic longhair with a stunning coat of pristine white fur, Fiona takes her role as the clinic’s princess very seriously. You’ll often find her lounging in her bed up front, and once you start petting her, she’ll make sure to shower you with affection. Fiona’s primary job is ensuring that everyone stays on task—especially when it comes to feeding her treats. As the original resident cat, she enjoys greeting clients, attempting to steal food from the receptionists, and, of course, indulging in plenty of naps.
Alexis
Lead Customer Service Representative
I have been working with this amazing team at Kierland Animal Clinic for 2 years now. I enjoy helping clients feel at ease knowing their pets are in good hands. I love being able to work with and help all the rescues that do so much for the animals. Playing with all the fur babies is always a plus! In my free time, I enjoy taking my 4 dogs to the park, and playing board games with friends and family!
Lizzy
Veterinary Assistant
I joined the Kierland Animal Clinic team in May 2021. I graduated from Pima Medical Institute as a certified veterinary assistant in April 2019. I have been in this field since September 2018. My favorite part of my job is to help every patient that comes in and the puppies and kittens. In my free time, I like to do small family adventures up north or go camping on the weekends. I have 4 pets including 2 beagles named Lily, Roxie, and two rats named Oreo and Jerry.
Alexis
Customer Service Representative
My name is Alexis I live here in Scottsdale and have five fur babies of my own. One Pitbull name Tank, a Dachshund named Molly, and three kitties Chance, Lila, and Toffee. In my free time I volunteer at AAWL in Phoenix, I sponsor a horse named Tully and have fostered ten puppies over the last year. I enjoy connecting with clients and their pets and value being part of the dynamic team at Kierland Animal Clinic.
Shania
Customer Service Representative
Shania is originally from Kentucky and relocated to Arizona in 2021. As a Customer Service Representative, she loves the opportunity to meet new people and their pets, creating lasting connections. Outside of work, she is the proud owner of two pets, Genesis and Tony, and enjoys taking them on exciting new adventures. As well as spending time outdoors, listening to true crime podcasts, and socializing with friends
Jordan
Veterinary Assistant
Jordan is a dedicated veterinary professional who graduated from Pima Medical Institute in February 2024. With experience in the veterinary field since 2023, Jordan is passionate about providing exceptional care to animals in need. He finds great fulfillment in the opportunity to connect with pets on a personal level and make a positive impact in their lives. Outside of work, he is the proud owner of a playful and unique cat named Jinx, who is not only a beloved companion but also a constant source of joy.
Meli
Veterinary Assistant
From a young age, Meli knew she wanted to work in veterinary medicine. What she didn’t expect was to develop a deep passion for the rescue community an interest that Kierland has helped nurture and grow with their involvement in the Arizona Rescue Community buy providing veterinary services and assistance to local rescues. Meli is excited to continue her journey here, eager to learn and expand her skills. She can’t wait to see where this fulfilling path will take her in the future!
Amaya
Veterinary Assistant
Amaya joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in October 2024, after relocating from Georgia, where she worked as a Veterinary Customer Service Representative. In her new role, Amaya is passionate about helping both people and their pets, creating meaningful connections along the way. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her beloved furry friend, Astro.
Eunice
Veterinary Assistant
Arizona native, born and raised. She’s always had a passion for medicine and in 2018 graduated Carrington College with her Veterinary Assistant Certificate to get her foot into the door of animal medicine. Coming up on 5 years in the field she can’t see herself doing anything else. She has her Associate in Science through Phoenix College and is currently at ASU getting her Bachelor in Biology with a minor in Pre-Veterinary. In her free time you will find her hiking, camping, or traveling with her family and 2 kids, Rose and Hotch, 2 Husky Mixes who are her whole life!