Dr. Kernaghan was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. In the pursuit of a career in zoo and
conservation science she attended Texas A&M for her Bachelors in Zoology. This led her to
pursue a career in the veterinary field and she graduated with her Doctorate from Kansas State
College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Throughout this time she worked in zoos and wildlife
centers across the country as well as spent time in the Serengeti working in their field hospital.

She returned to Texas and worked in small animal and exotics general practice for 4 years before
starting her residency under Jessica Johnson DVM, DAVDC in 2023. During her residency, she
studied and published literature on parosteal osteosarcoma, a rare type of oral cancer. She
became a Diplomate of the Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College® in 2026.

Dr. Kernaghan is passionate about improving her patients’ quality of life through alleviating oral
pain. Her professional interests include oncologic oral surgery, as her beloved vet school dog,
Walle, was an oral cancer survivor.

Alongside her husband, her family includes two golden retrievers (Mozzie and Archie), a
labrador retriever (Oliver), and several chickens (all named after Seinfeld characters).

Dr. Cortez grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016, where she met her husband, who is also a veterinarian. After completing her degree, they relocated to Texas, where she began her career in small animal general practice, gaining comprehensive experience in various areas of veterinary medicine. She has also held the position of chief of staff at several hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

After several years as a companion animal veterinarian, Dr. Cortez discovered her true passion for veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. This enthusiasm led her to complete a dental residency under Dr. Jessica Johnson, DVM, DAVDC, in 2025. She is dedicated to oral medicine and is currently researching a uniquely aggressive oral tumor in young dogs.

Dr. Cortez is passionate about teaching dentistry to fellow veterinarians, hosting multiple wet labs each year and speaking at the annual Veterinary Dental Forum and various other conferences and events.

In her free time, Dr. Taylor Cortez enjoys reading, kickboxing, and enjoying moments with her husband and son. She is also a proud dog owner of three furry companions: Glen (a Whippet), Nori (a Borzoi), and Cheerio (a Chihuahua/Yorkie mix).