Dr. Holder opened FloridaWild Veterinary Hospital May 2004. She first studied at Stetson University in Deland, Florida and earned her B.S. in Biology in 1997. In 2002 she graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine where she concentrated her studies in avian, exotic and integrative medicine.

At the University of Florida, Dr. Holder received the prestigious Lerner Family Wildlife Conservation Award, the Bird Fanciers Scholarship and was inducted into Phi Zeta, the veterinary school honor society. She placed 1st in the United States in the National American Association for Zoo Veterinarians Manuscript Competition and presented her research at the International Zoo Convention.

Dr. Holder furthered her studies at the Houston Zoo in Texas, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, the Exotic Bird Hospital, Lubee Bat Foundation and White Oak Plantation in Florida. Her medical articles have been published in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and Exotic DVM.

Dr. Holder is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in the Zoo and Wildlife Department.

In 2004, Dr. Holder attended the Chi Institute to gain knowledge in the art of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. She continues her path towards specialist in Chinese herbals, food therapy, Tui-Na and advanced acupuncture. Dr. Holder is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Chinese Medicine.

There is nothing more rewarding than watching an animal walk out that was carried in, seeing my staff grow with knowledge, giving an owner a diagnosis with hope, releasing a raptor back into the wild, or holding the owner’s hand while we say goodbye to their beloved pets. I truly have the greatest job in the world. I thank my clients as they are some of the best people I know.

Dr. Pamela Schrager graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with High Honors in 1995, winning the Upjohn Award for Proficiency in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, the W.B. Saunders Small Animal Surgery Award, the Charlie Bild Clinical Proficiency Award in Small and Large Animal Medicine, and the Merck Veterinary Manual Award.

She completed a one-year internship in Small Animal Medicine, Emergency and Surgery at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where she continued to work for almost 2 years as an Assistant Clinical Specialist in Emergency Medicine. At the University of Minnesota, she co-developed and co-taught the clinical emergency rotation for senior veterinary students and won the University Students’ Teaching Award.

She was the Chief of Emergency and Medical Services and Intern Coordinator at a large referral hospital in Washington D.C. for almost 10 years, where she continued to focus on small animal ultrasound, surgery, and critical care, while providing the foundational internship training for many small animal, wildlife, zoo, and marine mammal veterinarians with whom she continues to collaborate and consult.

As she moved on to work at primary care veterinary hospitals, her focus over the past several years has been on whole nutrition and holistic therapies to not only improve outcomes with critical patients, but to help to achieve balance to prevent disease and better manage chronic disease at all stages of life.

In 2018 she studied Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

She believes that attentive, deliberate communication with her clients is essential in providing them the best possible care, understanding, and peace of mind.

“I love what I do! I continue to be humbled by the trust that my clients place in me, and work every day to deserve that trust. I am thrilled to be part of a team at FloridaWild that shares my commitment to provide the best comprehensive care for our patients.”

Dr. Jessica Lallier Hathaway was born and raised in the small town of Dolgeville, New York in the foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. There she fostered a life long love of nature and outdoor activity. She had many pets beginning with gerbils at the tender age of 8 and eventually adding guinea pigs, rabbits, iguanas, snakes, cats, and dogs. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian for most of her life.

Dr. Hathaway left New York State to study pre-professional biology in Melbourne, Florida at the Florida Institute of Technology. She spent three years there and was admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. While completing her veterinary degree, Dr. Hathaway worked nights and weekends in the Small Animal Critical Care Unit where she helped the sickest patients recover from procedures and illnesses so that they could make their way home to their families.

After graduation in 2000 Dr. Hathaway explored many Central Florida towns and decided to move to DeLand. Since then she has worked in multiple clinics, primarily on the East side of Volusia County, and also spent some time doing relief work at multiple clinics after the birth of her sons. She enjoys soft tissue surgery, preventative medicine, ultrasonography, and helping pets recover when illness strikes. She is delighted to be working in her home town, especially at an integrative practice. In 2018 she studied Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She has served as Member at Large, Secretary, and President of the Volusia Flagler Veterinary Medical Association.

In her free time, Dr. Hathaway can be found out and about with her husband Jeff and their three boys. She enjoys outdoor activity and also runs half marathons. They currently share their home with three cats, two dogs, a small flock of chickens, a leopard gecko and four beehives.

Dr. Sarina A. Barbara, aka “Dr. B” graduated from Stetson University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Health Science. She then spent a year working as a small animal veterinary assistant in her home state of Massachusetts before enrolling in veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada. Dr. B completed her clinical veterinary training at University of Georgia and graduated with honors in June 2018. Dr. B enjoys all fields of veterinary medicine, but she does have a passion for geriatric pet care and well-being. She herself has collected a small pack of senior dogs, all over the age of 10.

While here at FloridaWild, Dr. B has gotten involved with our wildlife and especially loves working with tortoises and opossums. To date, she has rehabbed and released over 15 tortoises since joining FloridaWild. Another favorite of Dr. B’s are her pocket pet and reptile patients.

Dr. B is Animal Neuro-Myofacial Release (ANMR) Certified and performs body alignment techniques on her patients in need. All mammal species are eligible for ANMR such as dogs, cats, ferrets and even rats! Misalignments in the vertebrae can lead to chronic sources of pain as well as decreased function in certain organ systems. Dr. B is able to perform ANMR on patients to align the spine which decreases pain and promotes optimal body function.

During her free time, Dr. B enjoys riding her horse Bo Jangles, volunteering for DeLand/Sanford Indie Market, and training for local 5K races.

Dr. Julia Bakker was born and raised in Florida, and inherited her Grandpa’s love of nature. She spent her childhood surrounding herself with as many beloved animals as possible from horses and dogs to pocket pets and wildlife. While other kids enjoyed their summer vacations away from education, she relentlessly studied different species and breeds of pets, eager to understand the animals she loved and the world around her.

She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2015 from the University of Central Florida’s Burnett Honors College. During her time in Orlando, she was an avid volunteer with local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers and animal shelters, and her love of teaching blossomed as a teaching assistant in the biology department. Dr. Bakker graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, and achieved certification in shelter medicine and received the 2019 Operation Catnip award for her efforts volunteering to spay, neuter and treat local community cats in need. She founded and was president of the Student Chapter of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging at the university and worked to provide educational opportunities to her classmates. She also pursued advanced courses in exotic medicine and surgery and integrative medicine.

Dr. Bakker holds education and community-outreach dear to her heart, and loves to teach her clients, co-workers and the public about veterinary medicine and pet care. She is an eager student at her core and loves being a part of the innovative FloridaWild family where she never stops learning and practicing new ways to care for her patients. She has yet to find an area of medicine she doesn’t enjoy, but has special interests in exotic animal medicine, dentistry, nutrition, dermatology, reproduction and surgery.

“I believe that the human-animal bond is invaluable, and I am honored and humbled by my clients who open their hearts to include me and allow me to protect and preserve this bond. The team we create is centered around the pet’s health and wellness, the owner’s empowerment as their caretaker, and alleviating owner concerns through education. I am excited and passionate about veterinary medicine and will continue to work hard to learn and provide all my clients and patients with the best of integrative medicine, leaving no stone unturned that can benefit and improve the lives of those I serve.”

Kevin Adrian Leroy was born in Hollywood, Florida and raised in Miramar, Florida. At 15 years old Kevin got the opportunity to work with puppies at a breeder/puppy store. That is where he learned the basics of animal care and training. While working there, Kevin met his mentor and future employer Dr. Jan Bellows, a respected Boarded Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. His passion for veterinary dental care was awaken through his year of volunteering, – he learned the ropes and his eyes were opened to the importance of veterinary dentistry. In 1994, Kevin was qualified by examination from the ASVDT (American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians). After a few years, Kevin was teaching courses at continuing educational laboratories – he even got the chance to teach faculty at Auburn University. After 15 years of clinical experience, Kevin decided teaching others was where he could make the most difference. He began consulting with other practices and corporations on the importance of veterinary dentistry as well as the technical use of the radiograph equipment scarcely known in the veterinary community.

Kevin spent several years traveling to trade shows and veterinary hospitals across the country, teaching proper techniques and spreading the word of veterinary dentistry. He moved from South Florida and took an opportunity at a practice in Port Orange, Florida where he spent a few years helping furry friends feel better through oral care. After that, he decided to establish his own consulting company. Kevin worked hard at this for a few years but realized the rigorous travel and time taken away from away from his family and pets was not ideal.

Kevin was first introduced to FloridaWild by Dr. Schrager and Dr. Hathaway. He came to install and train the staff on their new equipment acquisition. Kevin was in awe at the quality of medicine, professionalism, services offered, and was blown away at the fusion of Eastern and Western medicine. After realizing what a great addition he was to the FloridaWild team, employment was offered and Kevin is now officially a part of the FloridaWild family!

In Kevin’s free time he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Rebecca, son and three little girls on their 40 acre farm in Pierson. There family also consists of five horses, eight goats, nine cats and three dogs.

“Veterinary Dentistry found me at a young age; it continually fascinates and challenges me every day. In Veterinary Dentistry, 99% of patients will benefit and feel better from treatment. The stories about pets eating better, having more energy and overall having a happier life experience is what makes me love what I do.”

Teresa Cardenas RDH, has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1985. She has her A.S. in Dental Hygiene and her B.S. in Science. Teresa has worked in research, many specialty branches of dentistry (Pedodontist, Prosthodontist, General and Periodontics) and has taught at NYU and Daytona Community College. She currently works at a dental office with human patients three days a week – the rest of the week she works on her canine clients.

In her spare time she volunteers her services at two of Orlando’s Greyhound rescue groups and is active with her Miniature Pinscher, Niko.

Cindy grew up in Colorado, where in high school she was introduced to veterinary medicine and earned her veterinary assistant certification. Cindy moved to Florida in 1980 to continue her career in veterinary medicine. Her passion has always been with furry friends and their humans, and to also educate them. She is currently seeking her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager Certification (CVPM). Cindy has 26 plus years of veterinary experience, whether it is as a manager, technician, receptionist, or trainer.

Cindy joined the FloridaWild team in May of 2015, where she can further her education in eastern and western veterinary medicine, as well as rehabilitation. She has a great passion to see our patients improve and heal. You never know what you will be doing at FloridaWild each day. It is very exciting.

In her spare time she enjoys spending as much time on or near the water, as well as golf carting. She also loves spending time with her crew at home, Ryley, Shelby, Allie, Jessie, Taz, and 5 birds.

Tasha joined the FloridaWild team in August 2012 and has been working in the Veterinary field since 2008. She graduated with her AA degree in December 2017 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Information.

She has always had a passion for animals since she was a child and knew one day she would make a career of caring for them. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her furry four-legged kids. Her hobbies include yoga, kayaking, fishing and pirating.

Katrina has been in the veterinary field since 2001. Her passion has always been with animals since she was little. “Being able to go to work everyday and love what you do is truly amazing.” She has three fur babies at home named Roxy (Shiba Inu), Rocky (Shiba Inu) and Luke (Chihuahua). On her time off she enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach.

“I look forward to helping you and your fur baby in the future.”

Omar was born and raised in Florida. He has traveled outside Florida many times but has never lived anywhere outside the state of Florida.

Omar has helped care for a large array of animals – ranging from tiny Dwarf Hamsters to 120-lb pit bulls. “I have never lived without animals as part of my family and I would never want to!” As a little kid, Omar wanted to be a zookeeper when he grew up. As he got older, that desire grew into wanting to actually own his very own zoo. Even though owning his own zoo is no longer his focus, it’s still a dream of his.

Outside of his love for animals, Omar likes casual gaming, electrical engineering and his two lovely dogs (Baby and Raven). Electrical engineering is his current focus, however since it is a broad field, he is undecided in just where he would like to continue. “I am extremely fascinated with the world and how it works – the electronic field is growing daily, with an astronomical amount to still uncover.” Omar will be continuing his education in electrical engineering in the near future but wants to help with animals in the meantime, in any way he can.

Christina was born in DeLand, Florida, but grew up in Deltona. She and her fiancé have two dogs (Turbo and Blue), two cats (Camber and Doug) and two Sulcata Tortoises. “There was never a moment in my life where I didn’t have animals.” Ever since Christina was little, she has yearned to help animals. As a kid, Christina did horseback riding – including barrel racing. Her first job was at Pet Supermarket, but after years of working there, she decided to take things a step further into the field she really wanted: the veterinary field. She has always wanted to work in a vet office and says she is so grateful to FloridaWild for giving her that opportunity. “The staff, clients and our patients here are the best.”

Ever since Alicia was a little girl, she always knew she wanted to work with animals. That journey officially started in 2006 when she joined the Veterinary field. “I truly love our patient’s fur babies, as if they were my very own.”

When Alicia isn’t taking care of your furry babies, she is spending time with her twelve year-old daughter, Emma. They enjoy going to the beach, shopping, and simply just hanging out.

“I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!”

Emily was born and raised in Port Orange, Florida. From a very young age, she knew her passion was to work with animals. Starting off, she mainly dealt with equine and livestock husbandry but soon found her passion in small animal and exotic medicine.

Emily currently is in the process of earning her bachelors degree and plans to continue on in her education to graduate as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the future. When she is not working, Emily spends most of her time studying, spending time with family and friends, working with film photography, and enjoying nature with her adorable Labrador Retriever Abbey!

Megan was born and raised in Longwood, Florida and attended the University of Central Florida. Megan has always had a passion for animals and can’t remember a time in her life when they didn’t play a leading role.

Megan lives in DeLand with her husband, Chris and their two daughters, Emily and Isobel. On weekends you can find Megan at AKC dog shows with her family, friends and her dogs. Megan has been breeding golden retrievers under the Cloud9 kennel name for the past 8 years and sits on the board of directors of the West Volusia Kennel Club and The Mid Florida Sporting Dog Association. Megan is a member in good standing of the Golden Retriever Club of America and The Florida Gulf Coast Golden Retriever Club. Megan shares her home with not only her family and dogs, but also has three cows and two donkeys.

Kerry was born and raised right here in beautiful Deland, Florida and has been with FloridaWild since 2016. She grew up in an environment that allowed her passion for animals of all species to flourish and knew from a very young age that she wanted to work professionally to help take care of them.

She has an Associate’s of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. Kerry loves learning and is constantly taking continuing education classes and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in this profession a year or twenty years – there is always more to learn! I want to know everything I can about providing the best care for my patients.

She is committed to giving you and your pet the highest quality of care and loves every patient like they were her own. When Kerry isn’t working, she spends most of her time with her husband, her three children and her furry and feathered children: two dogs, a cat, a potbelly pig and a bird.

Kristen joined the FloridaWild team in September 2016. She is originally from New Jersey and has been a Deland resident for two years now – “I love it here!” Her vet tech career began in 2000 in New Jersey. “I couldn’t imagine a more rewarding job than caring for animals.”

She’s a single mom to three teenagers, passionate about butterflies and monkeys, and would love to start her own business as a pet photographer.

Karah is originally from Florida – more specifically, Daytona Beach. She has been working in the veterinary field for over five years. At first she worked as a kennel technician but with hands-on experience she quickly started working her way up. She loved working in the veterinary field and decided she wanted to continue her education through the Veterinary Technician program at St. Petersburg College. Karah is now a CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician).

Surprisingly enough, Karah did not grow up with pets. However, her life experiences allowed her to integrate into different animal groups – that is when something in her sparked! Once she got older, she got her first pet, a dog name Lila… “Lila is my life. I love her so much!” If you asked Karah if she grew up with pets, she would tell you she didn’t but at the same time it feels like she always has. “I can’t imagine life without pets.”

She has a special interest in wildlife and enjoys helping out with wildlife rehabilitation when able to do so. In her down time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her gorgeous fur-child, Lila.

“Coming to work every day and being able to take pride in what I do creates such meaning – for me, my patients and the families of those patients.”

Madison was born and raised in Florida. She graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program from Spruce Creek High School in 2016, and is currently enrolled in a program where she is seeking to obtain her Associates of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology.

Madison knew she wanted to be involved in the veterinary field at a young age. Her love for animals inspired her to become a Halifax Humane Society Volunteer at the age of 10. All of her life she has been surrounded by animals from dogs to bearded dragons. Over the years, she has rescued numerous amounts of animals providing them a warm and happy home. She currently resides with 3 goofy dogs, 3 bubbly cats, and 1 bunny! Madison loves to spend her free time with her animals whom she calls “The Zoo”, hiking, volunteering, and adventuring with her boyfriend.

She has a true passion for animals and believes that they deserve the world and more. Her role at FloridaWild is to make the animals her #1 priority, whether it may be just cleaning up after them or offering a helping hand to the lovely staff of doctors and technicians whose sole mission is to care for all of the animals encountered. She is always cheerful and is always willing to learn more about the well-being of the amazing creatures we all call are “Fur Babies”.

Elizabeth has recently graduated from Daytona State College. She will be continuing her education at St. Petersburg College to become a Certified Veterinary Technician – she wants to learn how to better care for your babies. She has always felt the most comfortable around animals so when she decided to become a Veterinary Technician, it felt like someone was finally calling her home.

She was raised by parents that always taught her to help the souls who may not be able to help themselves. She has grown up around cats and dogs, and has even owned four rats (fun fact… they are extremely intelligent, loving and clean!). She would happily rescue all walks of animal life. She often enjoys taking long walks on the beach with her two Pitty babies, Baby and Raven.

Derek was born and raised in DeLand, Florida. He graduated from DeLand High School in 2016 and is on track to graduate from Stetson University with his Bachelor’s in Health Science in December of 2018. His aspirations include attending vet school so he can further his knowledge and help save animals’ lives. “I’ve wanted to be a Veterinarian ever since I was a little kid – I have always had a strong passion for animals.” He always grew up with at least two dogs in his house at any given time. He has raised everything from squirrels to chickens to pigs to turkeys. He was in 4-H growing up – he says this only made his passion for animals stronger.

“When I’m not at FloridaWild caring for your pets I am with my Golden, Yahtzee, either at home or out doing something fun such as swimming at the beach.”

Ashley is a Florida native! She began working in animal medicine as a kennel tech when she was 17. At one point she left the veterinary medicine field for a few years. However, in 2012 she went back – leaving the veterinary medicine field made her realize how much passion she has for it!

For the last five years she was a veterinary technician at a day practice. She also worked as a critical care nurse with a veterinary emergency clinic for a little over a year. Ashley graduated with her Associates Degree from Seminole State College in 2017. She is currently a student at St. Petersburg College in the veterinary technology program – only 5 more classes until she’s done!! Her goal is to attend The University of Florida when she graduates from St. Petersburg – studying for a Bachelors in Biology. Once she graduates UF she would like to pursue something with FWC, research or conservation.

“I have an amazing daughter who is my pride and joy. She keeps me on my toes with her extracurricular activities (tumbling/cheer). I have the most handsome weenie (dachshund) named Brownie, I fell in love with him when I walked past his kennel at Orange County Animal Services 12 years ago!! I knew in that moment I just had to be his furever mom.” When Ashley isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, the beach or simply hanging out with her friends and family.

Lauren was born and raised in Apex, North Carolina. She moved to Florida after getting recruited to play beach volleyball for Stetson University.

Currently Lauren is studying Biology at Stetson University. She will graduate May 2019! Her plans after graduation are to attend veterinary school in the hopes of working with animals at a zoo. Lauren has always known she wanted to be a veterinarian, but after her internship at the Jacksonville Zoo she completely fell in love with zoo animals and wants to focus on a career involving them!

At home, Lauren has a loveable furry Golden Retriever name Fozzie.

Biography Coming Soon

Sarah is currently a student with St. Petersburg college gaining her vet tech certification. She is currently hold one degree in computer networking but realized that was not much fun. She is an avid animal lover and advocate who will give everything to help them. She calls herself mom to 2 cats (Skitz and Maggie) and a sugar glider (PopTart). “Since I started at FloridaWild I have learned so much and look forward to continuing my journey here!”