Dr. Cooley grew up on a small dairy and swine farm in southern Minnesota, where she enjoyed helping her dad with chores and showing her two dogs (both Shelties) in 4-H. Surrounded by all sorts of animals as a child (dogs, cats, rabbits, cows, pigs, and one fun goat), it's not surprising that she can't remember a time she didn't want to be a veterinarian. In fact, she fondly remembers the excitement she felt every time the veterinarian visited the farm.

Dr. Cooley received her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University and continued on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University, as well. From there, she completed a one-year rotating internship at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital in Aurora, Illinois, followed by a three-year residency training program in internal medicine at Colorado State University before joining the internal medicine team at VCA MidWest Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center. During her residency at Colorado State University, Dr. Cooley also received a Master's degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, where her research focused on chronic kidney disease in cats.

Dr. Cooley understands the strong bond that exists between owners and their pets. In fact, it was a non-negotiable for her that Clancy and Willie, her two childhood Shelties, be in attendance at her wedding. As "Dogs of the Bride," they stole the show, walking down the aisle in the most adorable tuxedos! As they aged through her time in veterinary school, Dr. Cooley worked with many specialists to simultaneously manage multiple conditions they developed, which really sparked her passion for internal medicine.

A native of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Dr. Cooley loves boating and fishing and has recently picked up paddle boarding, as well. Her husband, Michael, an Iowa native, is also an Iowa State University alum, so they both enjoy cheering on the Cyclones (and promise to do their best to become Husker fans, too!). They also love traveling and visiting family, especially their five nieces and nephews. While they're looking forward to children of their own soon, they keep busy with their two dogs, Daisy and Indy, and their two cats, Poody and Vladimir.