Our laboratory team brings more than 75 years of combined experience and dedicated excellence in histopathology. Our lab is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologist (CAP) certified.
Kara LeFevre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, is the dermatopathology lab director. Dr. LeFevre completed medical school and residency at the University of Missouri and trained in dermatopathology at the University of California-San Francisco. In addition to routine analysis of skin biopsies, Dr. LeFevre maintains time in clinic, with a special interest in complex medical dermatology, rheumatology-dermatology multidisciplinary care and psoriasis. She sees patients of all ages and enjoys teaching both dermatology and pathology residents.
Meet our staff
Susan Helming, Dermatopathology Laboratory Manager
Susan is a graduate of Columbia College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science. She started her career at the University of Missouri in the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, obtaining her HT (ASCP) certification in 2009 and her HTL (ASCP) certification in 2012. In 2021, She joined MU Health Care in the Dermatopathology laboratory as a Histologic Technologist. In 2024, she transferred into laboratory management.
Jackey Garvey, Histologic Technician
Jackie is a graduate of St John’s School of Histologic Technique in Springfield, Illinois where she obtained her HT(ASCP) certification. She has worked in both hospital and veterinary medicine laboratories over her 30-year career. She joined MU Health Care in 2012 when the Dermatopathology laboratory was founded.
Alene Garcia, Histologic Technologist
Alene is a graduate from the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. She started with the University of Missouri in 2012 in the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. She obtained her HT (ASCP) certification in 2012. In 2015, she transferred to MU Health Care in the Dermatopathology laboratory. She earned her HTL (ASCP) in 2024.
Amity Mims, Histologic Technician
Amity is a graduate of Stephens College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. She started with the MU Health Care in 2019 in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory and transferring to Dermatology in 2020 as a Mohs Laboratory Technician where she obtained her HT (ASCP) certification. In May of 2024 she started working for the Dermatopathology Laboratory.
Jenna Woelfel, Clinical Lab Assistant II
Jenna is pursuing a graduate degree from the University of Missouri. She is a part-time employee, joining the Dermatopathology Laboratory in 2025.