Nurses, Technicians & Assistants
Evelyn, CVA
Certified Veterinary Assistant Evelyn joined the team at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital in 2013. Evelyn is responsible for monitoring patients while they're under anesthesia, administering medications, assisting during examinations, and assisting our veterinarians whenever needed.
"We work as a family/team, it's a well-oiled machine," she says. "Sometimes there are no words exchanged, but we know what each other needs."
A sports fan, Evelyn spends her spare time playing softball, biking, or watching games on television. She has a 13-year-old Poodle named Sierra.
Ashley, CVT, CCRVN
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Nurse Ashley joined our team in May of 2012. With Associate's degrees in both Veterinary Technology and Sports Medicine, she has a passion for pet rehabilitation and serves as a rehabilitation technician.
"I also enjoy seeing new procedures and learning about new pets, diseases, and surgeries," she says. "We are all always learning something exciting and new! We are inspired to find our passion in our field and encouraged to become specialized, boarded, certified, licensed, or registered to make Aloha an even more exceptional hospital for our clients."
Ashley is a consultant for Bayer's Animal Sciences department and a former Paw Pals and VITAS Hospice evaluator. Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her children and family, bake, trail ride with ATVs, shoot at the range for sport, run, and stay fit. Her pet family includes two dogs, a Doberman named Boss and a Chow mix named Lobo, and three cats named Cori, Oliver and Eva.
Ariel, CST
Ariel joined Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital in August of 2014. She has more than a decade of experience in the animal care field, and is certified as a Surgery Technician by Eastern Florida State College. Her responsibilities include prepping for and assisting with surgeries and monitoring hospitalized patients.
"I love working here because (Dr. Pepen) is very family-oriented and is always interested in our continuing education," she says. "I also love how much we offer for our patients."
Outside of work, Ariel enjoys supporting the Miami Dolphins by attending their games, hitting the water to kayak or boat with her family, and spending time with family friends. She has an American Bulldog, Dakota; a Dachshund, Optimus Prime; and a cat, Baby Kitty.
Colleen, CVT
Colleen is a night certified veterinary technician at Aloha Pet and Bird Hospital. She's responsible for treating, monitoring and being there for patients overnight. Colleen enjoys getting to spend extra time with the animals to make them feel comfortable. She holds an associate's degree in veterinary technology from Eastern Florida State College. Colleen joined our hospital in January 2016.
She says, "The entire staff at Aloha is amazing, especially the doctors. They are here around the clock and truly care about every patient no matter the situation."
At home, Colleen has a 1-year-old tabby cat named Paisley. She enjoys reading, painting, traveling and going to Disney.
Britney, Veterinary Technician
Britney joined the team at Aloha Pet and Bird Hospital in January 2016. As a Veterinary Technician, she is responsible for running diagnostics, blood work, monitoring patients during surgery, and treating and nursing hospitalized patients. Britney holds an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate of Science degree, and a certification from an accredited veterinary technician program. Her favorite part of working in the animal-care field is cytology.
“Aloha Pet and Bird Hospital does everything they can for their clients and patients,” Britney says. “They go above and beyond to ensure the best customer service and they truly love what they do at this hospital.”
At home, Britney has a 5-year-old beagle/hound mix named Rusty that she adopted from a nearby animal shelter. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, spending time at the beach, going out on her boat and fishing.
Mark, CVA
Certified Veterinary Assistant Mark started at Aloha Pet and Bird Hospital in July 2016. He has been working in the animal care field for over five years. Mark's job responsibilities include helping doctors to make sure they have everything they need and taking care of the hospital's clients and pets. His favorite part of his job is interacting with people and helping their pets. Mark's wonderful and witty sense of humor, along with his big heart for anything with fur or feathers or scales, helps makes clients and patients happy.
Mark earned his associate's degree from Eastern Florida State College. He's currently working on his Certified Veterinary Technician certificate from St. Petersburg College. Mark says, "I love the amount of exotic pets that come here. Everyone has everyone's back here and we help one another. It's a great work environment."
At home, Mark has a 5-year-old Scottish terrier named Barney, an 8-year-old toy poodle named Laura, and a 2-year-old cat named Tony Stark. He spends his free time restoring classic cars, riding his Harley, reading comic books and playing video games.
Shelley, Team Lead, Veterinary Assistant
Shelley works at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital as a full-time Team Lead and Veterinary Assistant. She is responsible for patient care, drawing blood, getting medical history, running lab work, taking x-rays, CTs, and educating pet owners. Before working with us, Shelley also worked at an open play, cage free boarding and training facility. She also has a BS in Biomedicine.
As Team Lead, Shelley thrives in a fast-paced environment. At home, Shelley is a pet parent to her 13-year-old Pomeranian named Toby, a 7-year-old small mix named Moose, a 4-year-old golden retriever named Fisher, and 2 male 4-year-old chameleons. In her free time, Shelley likes to work out, stay active, go fishing, go to the beach, craft, and plan events.
Waldemar, Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Waldemar is responsible for ensuring that the animals entering Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital receive the best care and attention possible. The part of his job that Waldemar enjoys best is taking good care of animals and aiding in their recovery. He offers a unique knowledge and attitude to Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital, bringing an open-minded approach to learning new practices in the veterinary field.
Waldemar possesses an Associate degree in Veterinary Technician. He also holds a veterinary technician certificate, and is happy to be able to practice his knowledge in the great state of Florida.
Bobby, CVT
Bobby joined the Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital team as a full-time Certified Veterinary Technician in June of 2018. Two unique attributes that Bobby brings to Aloha and its clients is his lightheartedness and his experiences in emergency veterinary services. Some of Bobby’s responsibilities include taking care of our patients, monitoring anesthesia, assisting with exam room visits, obtaining patient vitals, preparing medications, and answering phones. The aspect of his job that Bobby finds most pleasurable is being able to assist in surgery and administering anesthesia protocol.
“I like the fact that we try to help everyone that walks through our doors,” Bobby says. “I love the amount of birds and other exotics that we get to see, and I also enjoy working with such a well-rounded staff. Everyone works great together!”
Bobby owns a Siamese cat named Calypso, a Calico cat named Mac, and a Brazilian Rainbow Boa named Iris. One of his earliest veterinary interests growing up involved breeding exotic reptiles. In his spare time Bobby can be found fishing, fishing, and doing some more fishing! It’s one of his favorite ways to pass the time.
Jessica C., CVT
Jessica is proud to serve the patients at the Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital! She loves being a veterinary technician because it allows her to help the health and wellness of animals in our area. Her responsibilities include patient care, anesthesia monitoring, administering medications and vaccines, phlebotomy, placing IVs and catheters, and performing diagnostics. Her favorite part of the job is helping patients heal and making their experience as comfortable as possible.
Two unique attributes that she brings to the job are her patience and compassion. She is also level 3 certified in fear free training, because she understands that we have to take care of our patients bodies and minds. Jessica knows that emotional well-being is just as important as physical well-being. Compassionate team members like Jessica are exactly what makes Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital such a wonderful care facility for both patients and staff.
Jessica has an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Pima Medical Institute of Colorado. She loves helping her patients every day and making sure they get the best quality care! We are so lucky to have her on our team!
Rebecca, CVT
Veterinary Technician, Rebecca, joined the Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital team in July of 2019. In this role, she is responsible for treating hospitalized patients, monitoring surgery and performing diagnostics. While working, she most enjoys her time spent one-on-one with patients monitoring their treatments and helping them improve. She holds and Associate's Degree from St. Petersburg college in Veterinary Technology and brings an eagerness to learn to her position.
At home, Rebecca has four dogs: Mack, an Old English Bulldog, Pynkie & Trixie, Chihuahuas, and Mikasa, a Beagle.
Norah, CVT
Norah has been a full-time CVT with our team at Aloha since August of 2021. Prior to her role here, she has five years of experience working at a doggie daycare and boarding facility in 2017 and then as an LVT in a small animal practice. With a Veterinary Science Technology AS degree from the State University of New York at Delhi, Norah uses her robust experience to make sure hospitalized patients are as comfortable as possible.
Asked why she loves working with Aloha, Norah says, “[I like] getting to work with a huge variety of patients and cases. Everyone’s top priority is helping the patients in need, no matter the situation.”
Norah has one cat and a dog named Frannie and Phoebe. When she’s not working, she loves crafts, photography, and writing.
Sarah, Veterinary Assistant
Sarah loves helping to achieve the best possible support for your pets. With a degree in criminology and biology from Florida State University Sarah is attentive to detail and works incredibly hard. With over four years in the industry Sarah has multiple pets of her own, including several snakes, and a pet rat.
“I like working in Aloha’s positive and motivating work environment, the team is super supporting. I also enjoy the hybrid setting of the practice. I am excited to learn about exotic pet medicine as well.”
Sarah spends her free time painting, going to the gym, drawing, and spending time outdoors. She enjoys going on adventures, hiking, going to the beach, fishing, and vising the zoo and aquariums.
Dustin, Veterinary Assistant
Full-time Veterinary Tech Dustin has over eight years of experience and is inspired by healing pets and watching them thrive. He’s responsible for assisting with room visits and running labs.
With his thoroughness during appointments and ability to make lasting connections with pet parents, he puts everyone at ease. Dustin says, “I adore the staff that I work with. I feel connected with everyone that works here and feel welcomed and loved. I love seeing the pets and exotics come in and see them get better.”
When Dustin isn’t working, he loves taking walks with his two dogs, a four year old Staffordshire Terrier named Brock and a three year old Dachshund mix named Murphy. In his free time, Dustin loves playing video games, exploring the Disney Parks, and spending quality time with family.
Jessica L., LVT
As a full-time veterinary technician with us since March of 2022, Jessica utilizes her robust skill set in order to monitor and treat recovering patients, take radiographs, phlebotomy, and more. Jessica is known for her friendliness and finds it rewarding to bond with patients, help them heal, and earn their trust. With a B.S. in Biology, she’s also working on a Penn Foster grooming program.
Jessica loves the high-tech, clean environment of Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital. She also appreciates the fact that the staff are kind to each other and help one another out throughout the day.
She has two standard poodles, one small breed mutt, two cats, one fish, as well as a skink and a snake. When she’s not working, Jessica loves playing with her pets, playing the guitar and uke, singing, video games, and enjoying the outdoors.
Julianna, CVA
Certified Veterinary Assistant Julianna has been a member of the team since August 2022. As a Certified Veterinary Assistant, her duties include meeting clients and patients, assisting in exams, and running tests. Her favorite part of the job is getting know each patient and learning their different personalities. Having grown up in the animal world, she has always been interested in working with animals and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a Veterinary Technician. She has a particular passion for dogs and aquatic mammals.
Julianna is currently enrolled in Penn Foster Technician School and has her CVA certification. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, working out, going to the beach & being outside. She is very into fitness & health, and incorporates her dogs Roscoe, Tika, and Zena into her hikes and walks as often as possible.
Louisa, CVT
From a large specialty hospital primarily focusing on exotic animal critical care, Louisa has provided the best care to animals for eight years. She has been a member of our staff since July of 2022.
As a certified veterinary technician, Louisa also holds an associate degree in Animal Science from the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, PA. Her daily responsibilities include caring for hospitalized and post-operative patients, assisting with exam room visits and triaging emergencies. Her favorite parts of the job are nursing care, patient comfort, monitoring patients, and working with doctors to provide the best care.
Louisa has two rescue pigeons found as strays: Dooby, a two-year-old flight pigeon, and Chili, a five to 10-year-old king pigeon. She also volunteers with Palomacy and Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue, organizing events and occasionally fostering rescues.
“I’ve always loved how universal a relationship between a person and their pet can be. No matter what language you speak, whether you have a dog, cat, or tegu, we all know how strong that bond can be. I love working at Aloha because Dr. Pepen and his staff have created a culture of respect for every creature and their family that comes through our door.”
Louisa loves learning new things. Aside from veterinary-related topics, she loves learning anything from world history to new crockpot recipes. On a lazy day, she loves video games like Fallout and Mass Effect. She and her fiancé love exploring their new area Melbourne by finding outdoor markets, going to museums, or just spending the day on the beach.
Michael, Veterinary Assistant
Known for his open-mindedness and eagerness to learn, Michael has been a member of our team since January of 2023. His job responsibilities include helping patients and owners in rooms, then assisting the vets during visits. He also assists with holding animals for other technicians. He loves interacting with the animals and helping to bring comfort to both them and their owners. Michael has a Bachelor’s in Biology from Macalester College.
“Aloha provides me with the opportunity to further my career in animal medicine. I am able to gain further knowledge to provide the best care for animals and their caretakers. Specifically, I enjoy the variety of pets we see and the exciting knowledge they provide.”
Michael has a three-year-old Black Mouth Cur mix named Kai and two cats named Nala and Newton. When he’s not working, he loves skateboarding, surfing, printing, and reading.
Francisco, Veterinary Assistant
Francisco brings a wealth of experience from his background as a wildlife veterinarian in Chile. He has spent years working on scientific projects involving marine animals, with a special focus on pinnipeds and mustelids. Among his favorites are fur seals, sea lions, and marine otters.
Francisco made the decision to work at Aloha Vet Clinic to gain insight into the practice of veterinary medicine in the United States. His ultimate goal is to become a licensed veterinarian and work with as many different animals as possible!
"Working with animals is my passion, and nature is my home," says Francisco. He can often be found spending hours photographing or filming animals, especially those he has never encountered before.
A talented creator of graphic and audiovisual content, Francisco enjoys educating others about science, ecology, and animal welfare. As a valued member of the Aloha team, his enthusiasm for learning and dedication to animal care makes him a crucial addition to our clinic.
In his free time, Francisco loves to explore the great outdoors and document his encounters with wildlife through photography and film.
Diana, Veterinary Assistant
Known for her high energy and willingness to learn and aid the team, Diana began as a Veterinary Assistant with us in March of 2023. Her responsibilities include checking vital signs, ensuring that our patients are fed and watered, helping technicians and doctors, and holding animals so that they are comfortable and the doctors and technicians are safe during treatment. Diana has a Veterinary Degree in Ecuador from UDLA.
She enjoys taking the vital signs of critically ill patients and keeping an eye on their evolution from the time they arrive to the time they leave. It makes her very happy to see how they have improved!
“The teamwork is amazing, everyone here helps each other and always puts the welfare of the animals first. I would like to learn and have the ability that everyone here has, including the ability and speed to act in any emergency. I like how everyone is open to teaching and learning.”
Diana has one 10-year-old Beagle. In her free time, she loves cycling and walking with her dog. She spends as much time as she can with her older dog so that he knows that she’s there for him.
Charnay, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Nicole, PCT, Veterinary Assistant
With almost eight years of experience in the animal care field, Nicole is known for her loving attention of our patients – they never forget they are loved and cared for at Aloha! As a PCT and Veterinary Assistant, some of her responsibilities include taking vitals and administering meds.
“I enjoy working at Aloha because we see so many different species of animals, not just dogs and cats! I have learned so much about exotics already in my short time here, and the doctors are always willing to teach.”
Nicole has a three-year-old Doberman named Mayhem, who is her life! She also loves reading, going to the beach, and playing video games.
Melody, Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Melody's primary passion in life is her love for animals. She has been a devoted member of our team since joining the staff at Aloha in September of 1994. Some of her responsibilities at our animal hospital include performing diagnostic tests on blood work, taking X-rays, monitoring post-surgery patients, reviewing home care prior to discharge, and equipment sterilization. Melody finds all aspects of her position equally gratifying and has a special interest in cytology.
"I am very proud to work with Aloha in that we do not turn any people away, especially those in need," she says. "It is that sincere compassion that best represents who we are."
Melody donates to various animal foundations and homes and adopts kittens when she can. Melody spends as much time as she can with her grandchildren, and even recently acquired two hermit crabs for them named Cupcake and Spidey. At home Melody has two rescued pets of her own: a six-year-old mixed breed dog named Snickers and a cat named Maui. In her free time Melody enjoys working in the garden and her kitchen.
Emily, Exam Room Technician
Joining our team in November of 2023, Emily is known for her excellent attitude and her strong love for animals. She began as a Veterinary Assistant in Arcata, California and has an associate degree in science exploration. Her duties include patient care, taking histories and vital signs, animal restraint, and assisting the doctors. Her favorite part of the job is animal restraint because she gets to hold all kinds of animals.
“I love the fast-paced environment [of Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital]. I love my co-workers and the doctors that I work with. I love doing and learning something new every day and being around animals all day long.”
Emily has six dogs: Rusty, Brynn, Kahlua, Hennessy, Khora, and Freya. She also has five cats named Machiel, Lyra, Jett, Tofu, and Gator. Not to be forgotten, she also has a tortoise named Timothy and four turtles!
In her free time, Emily loves fishing, swimming, going to the beach, horseback riding, boating, and doing anything with her dogs.
Jennifer, Veterinary Assistant
With 12 years of extensive experience as an overnight animal ER tech, Jennifer provides patients with the best of care as she administers medication, IVs, bloodwork, and much more.
Asked why Jennifer enjoys working with us, she states, “I enjoy critical care. I learn something new daily. Highly state of the art facility. Huge compassion. Organized and very clean! Awesome staff and doctors.”
When she’s not working, you can find Jennifer spending time with her daughter and son, going to church, fishing, kayaking, arts and crafts, and reading.
Brianna, Overnight Technician
Brianna joined our team at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital in February 2024 as an overnight technician. Her job responsibilities include taking care of our hospitalized patients, answering client calls, filling medications, and more. Her hardworking and caring personality, combined with her great ability to work well with others, makes her a great asset to our team.
"I enjoy working at Aloha to really show my passion for nursing sick patients," Brianna shares. Nursing is her favorite part of her position. "I hope to expand my knowledge and I also love seeing the patients get better and go home to their loved ones."
In her free time, Brianna enjoys fishing, hunting, reading, and spending time with her boyfriend and her dog, Louisa, a two-year-old Lab/Pit mix.
Molly T., Veterinary Assistant
Biography coming soon!