Kara Amstutz: Veterinarian, Educator, and Chappell Roan’s Mother

Most people first hear the name Kara Amstutz through a concert crowd. Her daughter, Chappell Roan, won the Grammy for Best New Artist in February 2025 and has a habit of stopping mid-show to shout out her mom. Fans cry. Videos go viral. The woman in the crowd becomes as fascinating as the woman on the stage.

But Kara Amstutz built a career worth knowing before any of that. She holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and runs two veterinary organizations in Springfield, Missouri — the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She consults on VIN, the world’s largest online veterinary community, and leads Canine Arthritis Resources and Education, a free resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.

This article covers her professional path, her credentials, the organizations she runs, how she raised a world-famous daughter, and why her story resonates with both fans and veterinary professionals.

Early Life and Education

Kara Amstutz married her high school sweetheart, Dwight Amstutz. Dwight trained as a Registered Nurse and worked in Neuro and Burn Intensive Care Units and in Psychiatrics. He also served 21 years in the US Navy and was deployed to locations around the world, earning awards for his dedication and leadership.

Kara earned her Bachelor of Science from Southwest Missouri State University in 1996, then her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. That same year, the couple moved to Springfield, Missouri, and started building a life and a practice together.

Professional Credentials and Milestones

Dr. Kara holds one of the most comprehensive credential profiles in veterinary rehabilitation medicine. She is one of roughly 65 Diplomates in the United States with board certification in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.

What is a Diplomate? A Diplomate is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training, typically a multi-year residency, and passed rigorous examinations administered by a recognized veterinary specialty college. In Dr. Kara’s case, she completed a five-year non-traditional residency program through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. This credential represents the highest level of formal recognition in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Building a Career in Canine Rehabilitation

From General Practice to Pain Management

In 2002, Kara and Dwight established Hometown Veterinary Hospital in Springfield. For several years, Dr. Kara ran a full general practice, treating routine checkups to complex cases. But she held a special place in her heart for pets who suffered from pain and mobility issues.

In 2010, she reached a pivotal point. She was heartbroken when pet owners had to make the excruciating decision to let their pets go due to uncontrolled pain or debilitating mobility issues. That emotional turning point changed the direction of her career. She made it her mission to intervene on her patients’ behalf and give their families more time together.

She began studying advanced pain management, earning her Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner credential through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management in 2014. That same year, she opened River Canine Rehabilitation as a dedicated practice within Hometown Veterinary Hospital, transitioning her focus to pet rehabilitation and pain management. She added Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist to her credentials in 2019 through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

Taking Over the Canine Rehabilitation Institute

Dr. Kara first discovered Canine Rehabilitation Institute at a veterinary convention in Las Vegas. At the time, the company was based in Denver, Colorado, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through CRI in 2013.

In 2022, she and Dwight purchased CRI and moved it to Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Kara never considered running CRI somewhere else. “Having a home base allowed us to significantly expand our business,” she says. Between 2022 and 2024, class offerings increased by 50%.

As Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Kara teaches multiple courses, designs curriculum, and shapes how the next generation of rehab practitioners approaches canine pain and mobility. About 1,400 students, mostly veterinary professionals and physical therapists, travel to Springfield annually for four- to five-day courses offered year-round. Core certification courses include CCRT, canine rehabilitation assistant (CCRA), and veterinary acupuncture (CVAT), among others. Continuing education courses include Canine Therapeutic Exercise and Exercise Physiology of the Working Canine.

Everyone’s favorite staff members are the “dog professors” — local working and competition dogs from the 417 area. An important element of CRI programs is that students work with a variety of breeds, sizes, and ages.

Dr. Kara emphasizes in-person learning as a major differentiator. “A hands-on career requires hands-on training,” she says. “This approach restores passion to practitioners, and in turn, hope to pet owners and health to pets.” Students spend over 80 hours in the classroom and must complete a 40-hour internship, which they can finish onsite at the adjacent Momentum clinic.

Returning to Clinical Practice: Momentum

In March 2024, Dr. Kara founded Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation next door to CRI in Springfield. It is the only specialty practice of its kind within three hours, focused on improving pets’ quality of life through pain management and physical rehabilitation.

Momentum uses cold laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave therapy, acupuncture, and traditional gym equipment like exercise balls and treadmills. “Most of what we do here, we did on humans first and figured out how to modify it for animals,” says Dr. Kara.

Her team includes Scarlett Bruton, RVT, CCRVT, who earned her canine rehabilitation certification through CRI in 2019; Brandy Van Boening, CCRA, who has been in veterinary medicine since 2014; and Korie Custer, CCRA, who serves as the clinic’s customer service representative. Dwight Amstutz serves as Practice Manager and co-owner of Momentum.

A Vision for Veterinary Rehabilitation

A primary focus moving forward is participating in clinical research, a step toward advancing the understanding of veterinary rehabilitation worldwide. “The goal is veterinary rehab in every community,” Dr. Kara states.

Areas of Expertise and Clinical Focus

Dr. Kara’s clinical interests span pain management, sports medicine and rehabilitation, musculoskeletal ultrasound, biologic medicine, geriatric medicine, and neurology. Her teaching focuses on therapeutic exercise, acupuncture for pain control, trigger point therapy, and the clinical management of canine osteoarthritis.

She also serves as CEO of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), an organization dedicated to providing veterinary professionals and pet owners with comprehensive, evidence-based information on managing osteoarthritis in dogs.

Teaching and Conference Activity

Dr. Kara lectures nationally and internationally on topics related to canine rehabilitation, pain management, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and more. She is a consultant on VIN, the world’s largest online veterinary community. She is also active in leadership within sports medicine and rehabilitation organized veterinary medicine and served as the immediate past president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.

Her recent and upcoming speaking engagements include:

• Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association 2025 conference
• Pennsylvania VMA Keystone Conference, where she discussed rehabilitation and mobility enhancement for veterinary patients
• STAAR Conference 2026, presenting on behalf of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute

Kara Amstutz as Chappell Roan’s Mother

From Willard, Missouri to the Grammy Stage

Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz on February 19, 1998, grew up in Willard, Missouri — a small, conservative town outside Springfield. The family was raised extremely religious and attended church three times a week. Her father, Dwight Amstutz, manages the family practice. Her mother, Kara Amstutz, is a veterinarian.

Kayleigh was signed to Atlantic Records when she was 17. She released her first single, “Good Hurt,” in August 2017 and her first EP, School Nights, a month later. Her single “Pink Pony Club,” co-written and produced by Dan Nigro, came out in 2020 and fueled her initial rise. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess, was released in September 2023 to widespread acclaim but lukewarm commercial success. It wasn’t until June 2024 that the album peaked within the top ten on the Billboard 200.

After a name-making performance at Coachella, a viral visit to NPR’s Tiny Desk, and the album’s surge in popularity, Chappell Roan became impossible to ignore. In February 2025, she won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

The Concert Shoutouts That Went Viral

During her concerts, Chappell Roan frequently gave her mother a shoutout. On TikTok, a fan posted a video of Roan singing to her mother while performing on stage. These moments spread fast. Fans were moved by the genuine warmth between them.

Chappell has spoken openly about her mother’s dating advice, imitating her in front of thousands. She recalled her mom saying, “You can’t sleep with them until the third date. You can’t wear red lipstick ’cause that means something,” and then telling the crowd, “Mom, I love you. But it doesn’t work like that when you’re dating a girl.”

Supporting a Daughter Without Conditions

The star has discussed the support she received from her parents throughout her singing career, sharing that “They never put their concerns over my happiness.”

Roan also explained, “They just are really good at knowing that Chappell Roan is a character and Kayleigh is their daughter.” That distinction — separating the performance from the person — reflects a maturity and emotional intelligence in Kara’s parenting.

Chappell’s hit song “Pink Pony Club” directly addresses her mom in the lyrics. In December 2024, the entire family appeared on a Carpool Karaoke Christmas special on Apple TV+, singing the song together. Dwight Amstutz was visibly moved.

Balancing Fame and Professional Identity

Being the mother of one of pop music’s biggest stars has not changed what Kara Amstutz does every day. She still teaches. She still treats patients. She still shows up at conferences and leads curriculum development at CRI.

In a podcast interview, Dr. Kara joined Dr. Andy Roark to discuss balancing a thriving veterinary career with raising a world-famous daughter, sharing how she rebuilt her love for veterinary medicine through pain management, teaching, and lifelong learning. She spoke about burnout and resilience, themes that resonate with veterinary professionals across the country.

Family and Personal Life

Kara and Dwight Amstutz have four children: Kayleigh (Chappell Roan), Kamryn, Dawson, and Drew. The family lives in Springfield, Missouri, with their French Bulldog, Nutmeg, and their dog Jasper, described by Dr. Kara as a “rock finder extraordinaire.”

Outside of veterinary medicine, Kara is an outdoorswoman. She enjoys being on the river, hiking, camping, and gathering with friends around a fire. She and Dwight travel frequently.

Her personal philosophy is captured by a quote she keeps close: “If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.” — Betty Reese.

FAQs

Who is Kara Amstutz?

She is a board-certified veterinarian (DVM, DACVSMR) who serves as Director of Clinical Education at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and founder of Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. She is also the mother of Grammy-winning pop star Chappell Roan.

What are Kara Amstutz’s credentials?

She holds a B.S. from Southwest Missouri State University (1996), a DVM from the University of Missouri (2000), and certifications as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT, 2013), Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP, 2014), and Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA, 2019). She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2023 after completing a five-year non-traditional residency.

Where does Kara Amstutz practice?

She practices at Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri, and leads the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), which trains veterinary professionals from across the world.

What is the Canine Rehabilitation Institute?

CRI is a postgraduate certification program for veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary nurses in rehabilitation and acupuncture. Dr. Kara purchased it in 2022 and moved it to Springfield, Missouri. About 1,400 students travel to Springfield annually for courses.

Is Kara Amstutz married?

Yes. She married her high school sweetheart, Dwight Amstutz, who serves as Practice Manager and co-owner of Momentum. Dwight trained as a Registered Nurse and served 21 years in the US Navy.

How is Kara Amstutz related to Chappell Roan?

She is Chappell Roan’s mother. Chappell Roan’s legal name is Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, born February 19, 1998, in Willard, Missouri.

What is Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation?

It is a specialty veterinary clinic founded by Dr. Kara Amstutz in Springfield, Missouri in March 2024, focused on pain management, mobility challenges, and rehabilitation for pets. It is the only specialty practice of its kind within three hours of Springfield.

What is CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education)?

CARE is an organization led by Dr. Kara that provides veterinary professionals and pet owners with evidence-based information on canine osteoarthritis management.

Why Her Story Stands on Its Own

Millions of people searched Kara Amstutz’s name after viral concert clips, after Chappell Roan’s Grammy win, after the Carpool Karaoke Christmas special on Apple TV+. But reducing her to “Chappell Roan’s mom” misses most of what makes her worth knowing.

She spent a decade in general practice, watched families lose pets to uncontrolled pain, and decided to change the direction of her career. Over the next 13 years, she earned five advanced credentials, sold her first practice, purchased a national education program and expanded its course offerings by 50%, then founded a specialty clinic and returned to direct patient care on her own terms. She raised four children in a conservative small town and supported her daughter’s identity without conditions, even when that identity conflicted with the community around them.

She is still presenting at major veterinary conferences in 2025 and 2026. She is still teaching. She is still treating patients. The next time someone searches her name because of a concert video, they will find a woman who was already worth knowing — and who is still building.