Michelle B. Carnes, MS, DVM, DACVIM

Board-Certified Neurologist
Neurosurgery Certificate
Medical Director, Specialists in Companion Animal Neurology

Primary Practice Location: SCAN-Naples / SCAN-Clearwater

  • 2004: DVM; Auburn University (graduated Cum Laude)
  • 2004-2005: Internship; University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 2005-2008: Neurology/Neurosurgery Residency; Auburn University
  • 2008: Masters Degree (Biomedical Science); Auburn University
  • 2009: Board certification ACVIM (Neurology)
  • 2010: Completion of Canine Rehabilitation Course; University of Tennessee
  • 2011: Completion of Advanced Neurosurgery Certification Course; Las Vegas, NV
  • 2015: Obtained Neurosurgery Certificate

During the completion of her neurology/neurosurgery rotations in veterinary school, Dr. Carnes first witnessed the incredible reward of being able to restore an animal’s ability to walk again through surgery following a spinal cord injury. Thereafter, she knew that her professional calling was to specialize in veterinary neurology/neurosurgery. As a Florida native, following completion of her residency and board certification in 2008/2009, Dr. Carnes moved back to Florida and has been practicing neurology and neurosurgery in private practice. Her professional interests include neuro-oncologic surgeries of the brain and spinal cord, seizure management, Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia and pain management. Dr. Carnes also has a special interest in non-invasive advanced imaging procedures of the brain and spinal cord, specifically high-field MRI and CT which are conveniently located within the hospital. She has presented research both nationally and internationally and is a Founding Member of the Veterinary Neurosurgical Society.

Jim Cook, DVM, PHD, DACVIM

Board-Certified Neurologist

Primary Practice Location: SCAN-Clearwater

  • 1977: DVM; The Ohio State University
  • 1977-1978: Associate Veterinarian, Westside Animal Clinic, Columbus, OH
  • 1978-1979: Internship, Veterinary Hospital for Special Services, Mt. Kisco, NY
  • 1979-1983: Neurology Residency, University of Georgia
  • 1983-1984 Instructor in Small Animal Clinics, Veterinary Teaching Hospital,
    University of Georgia
  • 1984-1990: Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, Purdue University
  • 1984-1990: Staff Neurologist, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Purdue University
  • 1988 – Phd Conferred, Neurophysiology, University of Georgia
  • 1990-2011: Neurologist/Neurosurgeon, Animal Medical Clinic, Cooper City, FL
  • 2011-2017: Neurologist/Neurosurgeon, Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

A highly-regarded neurologist and neurosurgeon, Dr. Jim Cook has more than 40 years of experience in the field. He received his Phd in Neurophysiology from the University of Georgia after he earned his DVM from The Ohio State University. A board-certified neurologist for more than 30 years, he has a special interest in spinal surgery and MRI interpretation. Today, he is not only a well-respected neurologist and neurosurgeon, he is also a sought-after thought-leader. Dr. Cook has authored and co-authored more than 30 referred veterinary and human journal articles, textbook chapters and research abstracts in some of the world’s most well-respected industry publications. He has also presented on a wide range of topics at the local, state, national and international stage. A native of Marion, Ohio, he spent most of his young life in LaRue, Ohio. He moved to Florida in 1990 and married his wife Kathy, a retired middle school teacher in 1993. They have lived in the Sunshine State for close to 30 years and currently reside in Clearwater, Fla., where they enjoy frequent visits from their grand-dog Lola, a rescue mutt from the Everglades.

Ashley J. Kelley, DVM

Practice Limited to Neurologist

Primary Practice Location: SCAN-Naples

  • 2014: Bachelor’s of Science in Neurobiology; University of Miami
  • 2016: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine; University of Florida
  • 2017: Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
  • 2020: Residency in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery

Dr. Kelley’s interest in veterinary neurology began with her introduction to the specialty through her own experience with her dachshund, Champ, and his struggles with intervertebral disc disease. She had been interested in pursuing a career in medicine for as long as she could remember, and once she learned more about the field of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery, she knew this was the career path she wanted to pursue. With this goal in mind, she attended the University of Miami (FL) to obtain a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology. Dr. Kelley became captivated by the organized complexity of the central and peripheral nervous systems and the way in which a patient’s neurological signs enable the clinician to pinpoint the precise location of the disease process. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida.  Dr. Kelley continues to find medical neurology fascinating, but she has found her true passion in spinal surgery.

Dr. Kelley, her husband, and their dachshund, Williston, have recently moved to Naples. She prefers being outdoors and loves the warm water and gorgeous beaches here. She enjoys swimming, hiking, jogging, weight-training, and reading a good book.