Alumni Connection – March 2020

Caring for women and being part of new life is what local obstetrician/gynecologist Lacy Kessler (‘00) said she’s blessed to do each day. 

“Every day is an adventure and I love having a career that I can be passionate about,” Kessler said. 

Upon graduation from Vanguard, Kessler attended Baylor University then the University of Texas Houston Medical School. She then moved to Amarillo to complete her obstetrics/gynecology residency with Texas Tech Health Science Center. Following residency, she decided to come back home to Waco to serve the women of Central Texas. 

Kessler said her years at Vanguard definitely impacted her and helped equip her with the tools she needed to successfully pursue her dreams.  

“Starting in 7th grade Earth Science with Mrs. Flowers, I learned that the world is full of wonder if you look around and soak in,” she said. “From many years of art class with Mr. Perdichi, I learned that if I can imagine it, I can create it. I learned to value the wisdom and experiences of those who came before us from Mr. Livingstone and WWII class, and from Mrs. Johns I learned that nothing is too hard with focus and determination, not even calculus or the first 50 digits of pi.”  

She said these, as well as the many other lessons and relationships that she was blessed to experience during her time at Vanguard, helped motivate her to work toward her current career and prepare her for the challenges along the way.

Kessler has been in private practice in Waco for the past eight years. 

“During this time, I have grown rapidly and have recently rebranded as Deerwood Women’s Health and Wellness. I have been able to add another obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Hayley Voige, to my practice, as well as nurse practitioner Kim Austin. Both women grew up in this area and are also committed to serving this community. We offer obstetric, gynecologic and aesthetic services.” 

Kessler is married and has two daughters, Katherine, 9, and Caroline. 5. 

“I love being back home and who knows, maybe one day my little girls can also become Vanguard Vikings,” Kessler said.