Spruce Mountain Veterinary Acupuncture. Call 802-368-2244 or click for home.

About Dr. Kelly

Professional Background

Like many of you who love animals and share your life with them, I always wanted to be a veterinarian. I feel fortunate beyond words to have been able to fulfill this dream. I graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988.

After 12 years in conventional veterinary medicine — including 10 years as the owner of a busy small animal hospital — I returned to Tufts University for further studies under the auspices of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. I was astonished to discover the depth and wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on which acupuncture is based. I became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2002. I subsequently returned to Tufts for further training in the field of herbal medicine.

I am licensed to practice both veterinary acupuncture and conventional veterinary medicine in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. I offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for dogs, cats and horses at clinics and on a housecall basis in these three states. I also enjoy speaking to small groups about acupuncture and natural health care for animals.

Teaching and Speaking Credentials

Problem-Based Learning course facilitator, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1993-2003.
This position provided ten years’ experience teaching first- and second-year veterinary students. It was endlessly inspiring to see the energy and dedication of tomorrow’s veterinarians!
Teaching Assistant, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Acupuncture Program at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2005.
This was an opportunity to share my knowledge of acupuncture with other veterinarians committed to expanding their skills to better help their patients. If your veterinarian has taken this type of training, he or she has devoted hundreds of hours to intensive study in order to bring greater health and comfort to the animals you love. Did you know that?
Speaker, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Annual Congress, 2006.
This annual meeting draws veterinarians from every continent, including famous leaders in the field of veterinary acupuncture. (Was I nervous? You bet I was!) My presentation addressed the use of acupuncture for emotional and cognitive disorders in geriatric dogs.

Professional Memberships

Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA)
As soon as I graduated from veterinary school, I joined the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR). This group was active on many issues related to animal welfare and animal rights. When the AVAR merged with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in 2008, I became a member of the newly formed Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA). The union of the AVAR and HSUS has brought together committed animal advocates and experts from various fields. Together, we achieve even more than we did as separate groups. Animal welfare is a hands-on issue for me, too. I volunteer every week week at my local animal shelter. I encourage you to do the same!
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA)
This relatively new organization is growing fast as more U.S. veterinarians become veterinary acupuncturists. Their publication, The Meridian, is packed with informative material for veterinary acupuncturists.
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS)
This organization oversees the training and certification of veterinarians in the field of acupuncture. In addition, it’s a great group of people all over the world. Members share ideas and advice via the newsletter and website, and there are many educational meetings available throughout the U.S. and overseas recognized or sponsored by IVAS.
Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA)
This state-wide organization provides terrific educational opportunities in the form of one-day conferences several times a year. These educational meetings present the latest in veterinary medicine and are one of my favorite tools for staying current on trends in conventional veterinary medicine.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
This is the largest veterinary organization in the U.S. Membership is necessary for most U.S. practitioners.
Veterinary Information Network (VIN)

VIN is an online community of veterinary professionals with educational courses, discussion boards, and a vast array of resources (veterinary and human medical texts, journals, etc.).  It is a tremendous resource, primarily for conventional medicine but also for complementary medicine.  Through VIN, I can post a question about a patient and receive advice from a board-certified specialist within hours.  I joined VIN in the early years, when only about 1,000 veterinarians were members.  It has grown to over 47,000 members today.  Despite tremendous growth, VIN has retained the feeling of a close community of professionals working together to achieve the best possible care for their patients.