Kari grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa, where she was active in 4-H, Hunter/Jumpers, and CREW. She graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, in 2004, with a bachelor's in Biology (pre-vet). In 2004, she moved to Denver to attend Bel-Rea and graduated in 2005 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She has worked at multiple vet clinics, including emergency, specialty clinics, and equine hospitals. Kari has been an employee at Mesa Vet since February 2011. Her favorite part of her job is dental cleanings and large animal work. She has a horse and some miniature horses that she competes in Reining and AQHA shows. She also has 3 large breed dogs [citation].