Veterinary Staff of Punta Gorda Animal Hospital

Punta Gorda Animal Hospital is fortunate enough to have some of the most talented, experienced, and compassionate veterinary staff Punta Gorda has to offer. We genuinely care about our clients and their incredible pets, and we strive to deliver the best veterinary attention available. Get to know our team better by reading their biographies below!

Susan Skates, CVT/Practice Manager

Susan helps with setting up the exam rooms, managing the staff and inventory. She has an associate degree of Science and is currently enrolled at Saint Petersburg Jr. College to obtain her B.A.S. in Veterinary Practice Management. She has been involved in animal-related fields for over thirty years! She loves the family-oriented environment and how accomplished all of the veterinarians are. At home, Susan cares for her chihuahua named Ivy, and heeler named Dottie.

Jessica Malasics, Veterinary Technician

As one of our phenomenal Veterinary Technicians here at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital Jessica works hard to enforce the highest standards of veterinary medicine and care available. She has been working in the animal related field for over 9 years and possesses a wealth of expertise and knowledge in numerous areas of veterinary and client care.

Since joining the Punta Gorda Animal Hospital team in March of 2014, Jessica has been providing assistance as a surgical technician and aiding the veterinarians and fellow staff members with treatments and medicines. Jessica also helps to administer x-ray diagnostics, restrain patients as needed, place IV catheters, running bloodwork, and much more. Each day Jessica loves coming to our facility and being able to practice her passions by interacting with the wonderful animals and caregivers that enter our doors.

Away from the hospital Jessica enjoys spending her free time binge watching tv shows and movies, but also loves being outdoors and going for hikes or fishing. She owns an Australian Shepherd named Phi, an Am Staff mix named Lily, two DSH cats named Kovu and Kiara, and a rabbit named Ty.

Heather Seymour, Veterinary Technician

As a fantastic member of our team since August of 2020, Heather uses her ten years of experience in animal-related fields to form strong client relationships and fosters a family-oriented environment at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital. Her responsibilities include assisting with surgery, recovering anesthesia patients and reading cytologies.

Heather has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently enrolled in the vet technician program at St. Petersburg College.

She has two Pitbulls named Dory and Indigo, and 4 cats named Sir, Rajah, Scrappy, Irma and Winston. She also has a rabbit named Jelly, a chinchilla named Opie, and a turtle named Squirt.

In her free time, Heather volunteers at the local animal shelter and pet sits. She also loves yard sales, fishing, puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Amanda Timberman, Veterinary Technician

Joining us in March of 2023, Amanda has over eight years of experience. Her extensive expertise helps our patients feel comfortable as she draws blood, takes X-rays, trims nails, places catheters, and assists the doctor.

She loves the fact that there’s something different happening every day! Snuggling with the animals is also a big plus.

Amanda has cats and a bearded dragon. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, thrifting, revamping furniture, kayaking, and much more.

Danielle Tallon, Veterinary Technician

Known for her extensive shelter experience and awesomeness, Danielle has been a member of our Punta Gorda Animal Hospital team since August of 2023. As a veterinary technician, she assists the doctor, helps in the kennels, and runs tests and bloodwork. Her favorite part of the job is assisting with surgery. Danielle just graduated from University of South Florida.

Overall, she finds that working on our team is rewarding, fun, and getting to work with our Dental Technician Bryan is a particular highlight!

Danielle has two cats: Plate and Melon. She also has two dogs named Mollie and Frank. When Mollie was younger, Danielle would train her for agility. When she’s not working, Danielle loves fishing, going on the boat, and schoolwork.

Bryan Baxter, Dental Technician

Bryan joined our team in 2022 and brings 12 years of experience in the animal care field. As a dental technician, he is responsible for taking x-rays, scaling and probing teeth, and monitoring pets under anesthesia. Bryan also assists during cleanings and oral surgery. When not at work, he enjoys bike riding, reading, and spending time with his wife and 3 cats.

Hannah Ray, Veterinary Assistant

Hannah Ray has been a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital since May 2024. With a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and two years of experience in the animal care field, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Ray’s responsibilities include animal handling, performing X-rays, running and reading bloodwork, and assisting with cytologies. She particularly enjoys helping doctors, technicians, patients, and clients.She finds satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of both animals and their owners.

Ray is known for her adaptability and adventurous spirit, qualities that have significantly enhanced her contributions to the hospital. Her previous roles include working as an Exotic Animal Caretaker and Kennel Technician at a shelter, where she honed her skills in various aspects of animal care.

At home, Ray shares her life with three Schnauzers named Molly, Chloe, and Bean, as well as two Domestic Shorthairs, Grayson and Riesling. Her passion for pet care extends to her hobbies, including teaching her pets tricks.

Ray appreciates the hospital's dedication to going the extra mile for patients and clients, which aligns perfectly with her own values. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and playing video games with friends.

Hannah Duckett, Certified Veterinary Assistant

With four years of prior experience in animal-related fields, Hannah has a strong ability to multi-task and work under stressful situations. She enjoys working with the doctors and staff to ensure our patients’ health and well-being! As a veterinary assistant, her daily duties include handling patients, running blood work, filling medications, preparing patients for surgery, reading cytologies, taking x-rays, and preparing exam rooms for the doctors.

Hannah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Florida Gulf Coast University.

“My favorite part of working here is the friendly atmosphere and the learning opportunities. I feel I have gained more knowledge and added to my skill sets since starting here.”

Hannah has a Dachshund named Daisy, as well as Roxie, a Pitbull Mix. During her free time, she loves the outdoors, especially gardening and growing a variety of plants around her house.

Jocelyn Northup, Certified Veterinary Assistant

Jocelyn has been a valued member of our team since June of 2020. With kindness towards all clients and patients and incredible attention to detail, her duties include surgery prep, restraint, getting patient history, x-rays, maintaining the lab area, and filling medications.

“I love being able to help patients, as well as clients, feel comfortable while under our care. I love working here because all staff members are like family. We work together to make sure everything is done to the highest standards for our patients.”

Jocelyn has three dogs: a Shar Pei/pit mix named Athena, a Lab named Pepper, and a Pug named Alvin. She also has one cat named Ricky Bobby.

When she’s not working, she loves gardening, swimming, taking her pets out, shopping, cooking and baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Megan Viveiros, Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

Megan Viveiros is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital, having joined the team in May 2024. With an Associate's degree in Veterinary Science and Crime Scene Technology from Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA, Megan combines her academic background with hands-on experience in animal care. She has been working in the field for approximately four years, including roles as a Veterinary Technician (2021-Present), Veterinary Receptionist (2022-Present), and Kennel Technician (2020).

In her current role, Megan assists doctors during examinations and excels in client care communication. She finds the most fulfillment in helping animals and making clients smile, appreciating the opportunity to contribute positively to their experiences. Megan's colleagues value her quirky sense of humor and unique personality, which bring a fun and lighthearted atmosphere to the clinic.

Megan's love for animals extends to her home life, where she cares for her hound mix, Lucky, who is about two years old. She enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, writing, playing video games, going to the gym, and listening to music. Megan is passionate about the learning experiences she gains from the doctors and treasures the supportive and amazing team she works with at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital.

Erika Mercer, Receptionist

Receptionist, Erika, has been working with Punta Gorda Animal Hospital since March of 2018. Each day Erika brings with her a cheeriness that echoes through our halls, as well as an outgoing and upbeat approach to interacting with our outstanding clients and their pets. She offers a wealth of knowledge and experience and is always willing to help out. Erika has been working in the animal related field for over 12 years, having worked for several animal clinics and hospitals prior.

“I enjoy working here because it is very personable,” Erika says. “Everyone is very pleasant and hard working. Everyone works as a team, I’ve never been happier. Best place I have ever worked at!”

In her spare time Erika likes going fishing & rescuing animals. She also works at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic, and loves helping animals in need however she can. Erika owns 2 dogs, a Chihuahua P-Nuts and a Doberman named Matrix, as well as a double yellow headed Amazon Parrot named Albert.

Joan Sessions, Receptionist

Known for her friendliness and responsibility and joining us in June of 2022, Joan is our lovely receptionist who enjoys interacting with people and their pets as she answers phones, makes appointments, inputs information for clients/patients, and processes prescriptions from websites. She has over 20 years of experience in animal-related fields as a veterinary assistant and providing in-home pet care.

“I enjoy working with a professional, friendly staff! Everyone is treated with kindness.”

Joan has three mixed-breed dogs named Gigi, Toki, and Honey Bun, and an African Grey parrot named Goomba. In her free time, she loves fishing, boating, the dog beach, native plant gardening, Charlotte County Coastal Cleanup, walking, and environmental concerns.