The KIM Program is a non-profit 501c3 with a unique mission: Through mobile, in-home veterinary care, support will be provided to disabled Americans, homebound elderly, and American veterans who depend on an assistance animal to live active, productive lives. The KIM Program’s objectives are prioritized to help these assistance animals stay active and “in motion” by providing wellness care and therapeutic techniques, prolonging their ability to serve the individuals who rely on them.

The Challenges:

  1. According to 2011 United States Labor Force data, the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was nearly double that of those with no disability. As a result, veterinarians often encounter disabled persons who cannot afford general wellness care.
  2. Further, medical expenses generally increase as an animal advances in age and many assistance animals are likely to suffer from service-related injuries and marked degenerative diseases.

Inspired Solution:

In partnership with several well-established assistance dog programs throughout the southeastern U.S., the KIM Program will create the first mobile veterinary clinic designed to meet the specific service-related needs of assistance animals. Using regenerative therapeutic techniques, both young and aging assistance animals can be set on the path for a healthy, pain-free life in order to continue their important work.

Further, the KIM Program seeks to employ a “Career Exploration” opportunity for disabled young adults. Many young adults with physical disabilities may find it challenging to secure work in this market. The program seeks to offer these special young adults their first “paid” job as they assist in providing the needs of the mobile KIM unit while gaining invaluable experience serving others.

Meet the KIM Team

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Dr.-Joyce-GerardiDr. Joyce Gerardi

President & Founder of KIM

Dr. Joyce Gerardi, is a pioneer in the use of Veterinary Regenerative Medicine and Surgery with a specialized focus on “Serving the Servants”  through Certified Service and Assistance Animals. Dr. Gerardi is currently studying as a Masters Student at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Her goal of study is using Regenerative Medicine therapies combined with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to advance treatment goals in treating and managing animal pain. Dr. Gerardi is currently working with several biotech companies to test new diagnostic equipment devices and offer new treatments options for her patients by conducting approved clinical trials in the new medical facility in New Bern, N.C. Dr. Gerardi has completed advanced training and completion of the following degree certifications: Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), Certified Veterinary Food Therapy (CVFT), Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist (CVCH), Masters Degree In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (MS-TCVM pending).

Dr. Gerardi was the recipient of the 2012 Heska Veterinary Inspiration in Action Award.  Joyce Gerardi DVM CVA is CEO-Founder of Kindred-Canines In Motion and is dedicated to helping persons with a disability who depend on a Service/Assistance Animal to stay active and in “motion” with veterinary acupuncture in Eastern NC and Central FL.

Dr. Gerardi began her initial Veterinary education at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada and earned her doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed intern rotations at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland with advanced training in the disciplines of Canine Ophthalmology and Neurologic diseases.

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Kimberly-ClarkKimberly Clark

Co-Founder & Inspiration of KIM

Hi my name is Kimberly Clarke (KIM). A horseback riding accident in 1997, resulted in a life changing event for me. The accident left me as a quadriplegic. My life has taken some interesting twists and turns as I have learned to cope with living as a quadriplegic. Dr. Joyce is my aunt and this life change has driven the inspiration for the KIM project. We hope to help many people who live with a disability and depend on their Service/Assistance dog to continue to live an active life.

I am 33 years old and currently live with my dog, Dugan, in Eastern North Carolina. I am employed at East Carolina University (ECU) as an Administrative Support Associate in the Trauma Department. Currently, I am taking classes to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Services Management at ECU.

This past summer marked 15 years since I suffered from the Spinal Cord Injury. My dog Dugan, is a labrador mix who is my constant friend, comforter and my needed comical relief.  He will be 12 years old this August and I know I could not have gotten this far in my life without him. No matter what tricks or skills he can or can’t do his best one is his ability to make me ALWAYS feel safe and secure.

Dr-Lisa-TannerDr. Lisa Tanner

Vice President of KIM

Dr. Tanner earned her doctorate in Audiology from the University of South Florida, where she also completed her undergraduate degree in Disorders of Communications. Dr. Tanner is a licensed Audiologist in the state of Florida. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Tanner is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), the Florida Academy of Audiology (FL-AAA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). Dr. Tanner serves on the Florida Board of the Hearing Loss Association (HLA-FL). Dr. Tanner was the recipient of the 2010 Specialty Doctor of the year award in Brandon, Florida. Dr. Tanner has served as guest lecturer at many Hearing Loss Association groups, church groups, community and civic organizations.

Dr. Tanner is the director of Advanced Diagnostics & Hearing Solutions where hearing services are offered for all ages. Proper treatment depends on an accurate thorough evaluation. Dr. Tanner will perform a complete diagnostic audiological evaluation, explaining the results, to prepare you to make an educated decision regarding solutions to any hearing problem.

Wendy-BaileyWendy K Bailey, BSN, RN

Secretary of KIM

Wendy earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing (1997) at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.  She has served American Veterans as a Spinal Cord Injury/Rehab nurse and presently serves as a Critical Care nurse for the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Wendy has had the pleasure of interacting with many service dogs through the course of her career and is proud to be a member of the Kindred Canines in Motion (KIM) team.

Ryan-SmithRyan Smith

Technology/Video Assistant

Hi my name is Ryan Smith. I am 17 years old. I am Deaf and I use my Cochlear Implant to help me hear everyday. I was born in Brandon, FL. I attend Florida Virtual School. My special interests are in Technology and Video games. I am excited to be a part of the Kindred-Canines in Motion (KIM) TEAM. I hope to use my Technology skills to help KIM grow so it can help many people who depend on a Service Dog to live an active life. Here is a picture of Me with Mr. Moore (Certified Hearing Alert Dog).