DVM, DACVAA
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia
Dr. Kelley Varner’s clinical and research interests centre on equine and large-animal anesthesia, analgesia, locoregional techniques, and pain management. Her work has contributed to a growing body of research on anesthesia and pain in horses and cattle, and she has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in veterinary anesthesia and critical care.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Varner is an experienced educator and mentor who has trained veterinary students, interns, residents, and graduate researchers. She is a frequent invited speaker at veterinary conferences and academic programs and has held several leadership roles within the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, including serving as Chair of its Board of Directors. She was named a Founding Fellow of the ACVAA Pain Fellowship in 2025.
LVT
Anesthesia Technician & Externship Coordinator
2026 AAEVT President
Lexie Conrow is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with more than 15 years of experience in equine veterinary medicine, with particular expertise in anesthesia, surgery, technician education, and mentorship. She currently works at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital as an Anesthesia Technician and Veterinary Technician Externship Coordinator, helping support both clinical care and the development of future veterinary professionals.
Lexie is also deeply involved in advancing the veterinary technician profession. She currently serves as President of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT), following several previous leadership roles within the organization, and is an instructor with its Anesthesia Society. A frequent speaker and guest lecturer, she has presented for veterinary associations and technician programs across the United States. Her professional interests include equine anesthesia, technician advocacy and empowerment, leadership development, and mentorship.
LVT
Anesthesia Technician
2026 AAEVT Regional Contact
Lauren Kasnet is a Licensed Veterinary Technician whose career has been shaped by a lifelong connection to horses and a strong focus on equine anesthesia. Since becoming credentialed in 2019, she has built extensive experience managing anesthesia for equine patients across elective, emergency, and life-threatening cases, including neonatal and geriatric patients, total intravenous anesthesia, and complex surgical procedures. She also helps train intern veterinarians in equine anesthesia and supports the operation and maintenance of a wide range of anesthesia equipment.
Lauren’s background extends beyond the operating room into equine racing and regulatory medicine. She serves as credentialed sample collection personnel with the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation, supporting drug-testing and horse-welfare processes, and has worked trackside at the Kentucky Oaks and Derby. She is also active with the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and is working toward specialty recognition in Large Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia, with a long-term interest in education, lecturing, and advancing the field of equine veterinary medicine.
LVT
Equine Anesthetist
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Monique Cross brings extensive hands-on experience in equine anesthesia, emergency care, and veterinary nursing, with a career spanning specialty hospitals, ambulatory practice, and small-animal medicine. Her work has included managing anesthesia for both elective and critical equine cases, monitoring complex surgical patients, supporting neonatal and emergency care, and working closely with veterinarians, surgeons, interns, and residents.
Her background also includes several years in equine hospital nursing and ambulatory practice, where she developed broad experience in patient assessment, diagnostic procedures, anesthesia recovery, biosecurity, and emergency response. Before focusing fully on veterinary medicine, Monique worked in human healthcare as a neurodiagnostic technologist, performing EEGs and intraoperative neuromonitoring—experience that adds a unique depth to her understanding of patient monitoring, physiology, and clinical safety.
2150 Georgetown Rd.
Lexington, KY 40511
Marriott Grifin Gate- 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX) ~10 mi fomr host clinic
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) ~80 mi from host clinic
