Meet the Team
James Beckman, DVM
James is a native of Southern Indiana. He was raised in Lanesville, a small town about 15 miles west of Louisville. Dr Beckman is a graduate of the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing vet school, he worked as an associate in a private practice in Pennsylvania. After two years in Pennsylvania, Dr Beckman moved back to the Louisville area to be closer to family and to start a new veterinary practice with his wife. Dr Beckman is a also a Certified Control Judge for the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). When he is not working, James enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, and cheering for Oklahoma State University Cowboys. GO POKES!
Kerry Beckman, DVM,
DIPL ABVP (Equine)
Kerry grew up in Oldham County, spending her youth showing hunters and participating in Pony Club. After graduating with honors from the University of Florida, she completed an internship in an equine hospital, and worked as an associate in a busy equine clinic in Oklahoma. She then completed a residency in Equine Sports Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. After completing her residency she became board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Equine Practice. Dr Beckman has been published in peer-reviewed veterinary journals, and has authored several chapters in the Equine Five Minute Veterinary Consult. Dr Beckman enjoys working horse shows and other equine events.
Nina Stewart, DVM
Dr. Stewart is a native of Indiana. She graduated from Purdue University before going on to graduate from Michigan State University Veterinary School. She has worked in two of the most advanced equine hospitals in the world, in both Ocala, Florida and Lexington, Kentucky. She has also done humanitarian veterinary work internationally. Dr. Stewart is now excited to bring her years of experience to help the people and horses served by Gas Light Equine.
Lauren Koster, DVM
Dr. Koester grew up in southern Indiana before attending Morehead State University to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree. She attended Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine for her Master of Veterinary Biomedical Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Dr. Koester grew up riding quarter horses and competing in 4-H and western events.
She and her husband now have a thoroughbred, Forest, along with two dogs, Winnie & Roo; a cat, Juniper; and two guinea pigs, Margot & Poppy. As a horse owner, Dr. Koester understands how crucial veterinary care is in emergencies and looks forward to providing this service to the area.
Mikala Vig, DVM, MS
Mikala was born and raised in Minnesota, receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale Arizona. After vet school she completed a 1-year equine hospital internship at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center. After her internship she spent a year in Kentucky working as an associate veterinarian at Bluegrass Equine Emergency Service. She then moved to Colorado to complete a 3 -year residency in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Colorado State University. During her residency she earned a Master of Science with research focused on back pain and insulin dysregulation in horses. Her professional interests include axial skeletal pain (neck, back and pelvis), poor performance issues, integrative medicine and rehabilitation. As a youth, she was actively involved in 4H and FFA and grew up riding barrel horses. During college she dabbled in cutting, earning her rookie buckle. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and four-legged children, Moxie (Chihuahua/Pug), Marvin (Corgi) and Vader (Quarter Horse).
