PROVIDERS

Leelasri Vanguru M.D.

Dr. Vanguru is both fellowship-trained and board-certified in Pediatric and Adult Sleep Medicine. Also carries board certification in Family Medicine. She is a devoted full-time sleep specialist. She believes in “Sleep is as vital as food and water for a Patient and Sleep is the fifth vital sign for a doctor.”

Dr. Vanguru graduated from Dr. N.T.R University of Health Sciences, India with a medical degree. She completed Family Medicine residency at the University of Toledo, Ohio. During her residency, she was fascinated by how lack of good quality and/or quantity of sleep can affect a patient physically, emotionally, and socially. This led to her pursuing Sleep Medicine fellowship at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Dr. Vanguru served as Co-Chief resident during her Family Medicine residency. She was awarded with Family Medicine Resident Award for Scholarship by Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD) and the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG). She also won the Annual Resident Scholarly Activity Award during her residency.

Dr. Vanguru moved to Huntsville/Madison area with her husband and two kids in 2019. She started Vital Sleep Care in March 2021.

Dr. Vanguru is a member of

  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine
  • American Academy of Family Practice
  • Medical Association of the State of Alabama
  • Madison County Medical Society

When not working, Dr. Vanguru enjoys spending time with family, hiking, yoga, traveling, movies and music.

Emily Klae Carnes PA-C

Klae is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Athens State University and then went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Medicine from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Klae practiced as a PA in primary care in Huntsville, AL, for three years before joining Vital Sleep Care.
Klae practices evidence-based medicine and uses a team approach to provide patients with the best care possible. She is excited to join Vital Sleep Care and contribute to their commitment to outstanding sleep medicine services.
When not in the clinic, Klae enjoys hiking, traveling, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kathryn Petersen CRNP

Katie is a board-certified family Nurse Practitioner.  She received her Associate Degree of Nursing from Calhoun Community College and continued for her Bachelor of Nursing from UAH.  She received her Master of Science degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from UAH.  Katie has practiced in Sleep Medicine and Orthopedics as a Nurse Practitioner in Huntsville, AL before joining Vital Sleep Care in March 2024.   
Katie believes that the best way to provide high-quality patient care is to acknowledge each patient’s individuality and meet them on their level. Care should be patient-focused with the patient at the center of decision-making.  Patient care should be holistic and compassionate with an emphasis on educating the patient while building a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and best evidenced-based practice.  She is thrilled to join Vital Sleep Care and contribute to their commitment to outstanding sleep medicine services.   
In her free time, Katie enjoys being outdoors, watching/playing sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  As well as anything related to animals…she has 5 at home.