Kelly Cooper

About Kelly Cooper

I’m a veterinarian who became a practice owner early in my career and learned, the hard way, that great clinical skills don’t prepare you to lead a business, a team, or yourself through the pressure that comes with ownership. I’ve lived the long days, the constant decision-making, the financial weight, and the quiet frustration of feeling stuck inside a practice I cared deeply about. I know firsthand about isolation, burnout, and wishing it would all just disappear. Later, I spent over a decade in corporate leadership supporting doctors, leaders, and more than veterinary hospitals. That experience matured me as a leader and sharpened my view of what actually drives business and individual success, regardless of practice type. That perspective allows me to bridge independent ownership with proven leadership practices, without sacrificing autonomy or values.I see how often owners and managers blame themselves for problems rooted in unclear systems, misaligned expectations, or lack of leadership—and how quickly things change when structure, accountability, and empowerment are done well. Working with veterinary practice owners, I focus on foundation, clarity, accountability, and decision-making—especially when everything feels heavy and nothing seems to move forward. My clients are capable professionals who are carrying too much and feeling overwhelmed. Through 1:1 sessions, we create structure and shared responsibility so practices succeed without everything resting on the owner. The result is fewer hours, better decisions, stronger teams, and owners who feel confident leading again.If you’re ready to get unstuck and lead your practice with clarity and confidence, you can reach me directly at d••••••••@realityvet.com.

Experience

1. Founder Owner

   Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting

   Jan 2023 — Present · Oregon City, OR, US

   Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting provides leadership and practice management coaching for veterinarians.

Education

• The University of Texas at San Antonio

  Pre-Veterinary Studies

  1989 — 1990

• Oklahoma State University

  Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine

  1990 — 1996

• Coach Academy

  ICF Accredited Leadership Coach Certification Program