OUR TEAM
Dr. Giovanni Vergel
Attending DVM, Practice Owner
Doctor Vergel is our senior attending veterinarian and practice owner. He graduated from Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, Colombia in August of 2001.
When asked why he loves working with animals, he says “Because it is not my work, it is my life.” Doctor Vergel can typically be found in all areas of the hospital. He is present for primary care, urgent care, emergency visits, intensive care, surgical procedures, and hospitalizations. He accepts canine, feline, pigs, and exotic pocket pets. His process in providing the best care possible is to regularly see his patients for wellness exams, in his words, general practice and surgical practice are connected. One cannot exist without the other, and the findings in his patients exams along with his use of diagnostics help him to create a comprehensive treatment plan that can include surgical intervention when appropriate. He says even after years of performing surgical procedures, he still enjoys his work, even when the process is long and labor intensive.
He is thankful to be supported by his staff of hospital management, technicians, tech assistants, receptionists, kennel attendants, and groomers. He says “My staff is always supportive and helpful, they are there for anything from speaking to clients to assistance with emergency patients. Many of them are young, and I appreciate seeing my team members grow and develop as people, as well as strengthen their skills as an employee in the hospital. Without them, I could not complete my day.”
Dr.Vergel’s current goals in his career are to continue advancing his knowledge and use of medicine, as well as expand his workplace. He is always looking for new ways to improve and better serve his clients as well as his patients.
When he isn’t at the hospital, he enjoys spending time with his wife Tanya and his daughter Tiana. He has a total of 5 animals of his own at home. Three dogs named Sofia, Theodore, and FeFe as well as 2 cats named Maui and Elena.
About Us
what is Crystal Creek Animal Hospital?
Crystal Creek Animal Hospital is a state-of-the-art, full-service veterinary hospital dedicated to providing excellent care for your pets. Our compassionate medical staff treats every patient like family, offering care for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, potbellied pigs, and other pocket pets.
At Crystal Creek Animal Hospital, we offer routine, urgent, and emergency care services, including emergency surgery and hospitalization. Since 2013, we have proudly served the greater Orlando area, continuously striving to improve the care experience for you and your pet.
We offer boarding amenities and a grooming salon to keep your pets happy and fresh. For your convenience, we’re open evenings and Saturdays, and hablamos español para servir mejor a nuestra comunidad.
EXCEPTIONAL CARE & SERVICE
ABOUT THE TEAM
At Crystal Creek Animal Hospital, we are committed to delivering top-notch veterinary care for your beloved pets. Our compassionate team is always eager to assist with any questions or concerns you may have while at our clinic, and we genuinely enjoy connecting with our clients to make you and your furry companions feel at ease. From our front desk staff to our experienced veterinarians and dedicated support staff, we work in harmony to provide exceptional service at every stage of your pet's healthcare journey.
Management
Carey Ettison
Carey brings over two decades of veterinary experience to the Crystal Creek team, joining the practice in January 2023. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, she moved to Florida at the age of four and has since lived in several different places—each one adding to her unique perspective and leadership style.
With a true passion for both animal care and team development, Carey thrives in her role as Practice Manager. Her goals include continuing to elevate the practice and support her team in meaningful ways. She also has her sights set on earning her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation in the future.
At home, Carey is a proud dog mom to three beloved pups: Emmie Lou, a 12-year-old Boxer/Hound mix; Ramsay, a spirited 2-year-old Rottweiler; and Dolly, their newest addition—a sweet, special-needs Frenchie.
Carey’s favorite part of working in the veterinary field is getting the best of both worlds—making a difference in the lives of pets while also supporting clients and team members alike. Her dedication, warmth, and experience make her an essential part of the Crystal Creek family.
Sam Jimenez
Samantha was born in Boston, Massachusetts and moved to Orlando in 2006. She has been working in the veterinary field for five years and has been part of the Crystal Creek team for two of them.S
he is currently studying business management and hopes to continue growing in the management side of the veterinary field.
At home, Samantha has two dogs named Athena and Ares, and four cats: Achilles, Oliver, Ray, and Blue.
Her favorite part of the job is learning something new every day. She values knowledge and enjoys having the chance to grow and improve in her role.
Amber C
Amber was born and raised in Winter Park, FL, and has been in the veterinary field for 18 years. She originally worked at Crystal Creek Animal Hospital for 8.5 years before taking a three-year hiatus—and proudly returned to the team in September 2025.
Over the years, Amber has developed a strong passion for patient care. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is being able to say, "I was the one who helped in saving an animal’s life." She currently holds an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies and hopes to eventually become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).
Amber shares her home with a lively crew of pets—five cats: Janet, Jinx, Junior, Stormy, and Sabrina, along with two dogs: Diggity and Wishbone.
Technicians
Tay Cooper
Originally from Paterson, New Jersey, Tay Cooper has been dedicated to the veterinary field for the past four years and joined the Crystal Creek team in 2024. Over the past year, Tay has become a valued part of the clinic, bringing passion, compassion, and a strong desire to grow within the profession.
Tay’s goal is simple but powerful: to continue learning and growing in order to provide the best possible care for every patient. He is committed to building meaningful relationships with both pets and their owners and takes pride in being part of a team that makes a difference every day.
At home, Tay is a proud pet parent to two adorable French Bulldogs, Sr. Prince and Gucci, who keep life full of energy and love.
When asked what he enjoys most about working in the veterinary field, Tay says, “My favorite thing about working in the veterinary field is being able to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their families. It’s incredibly rewarding to help pets feel better, support their owners, and be part of a team that truly cares.”
Christie C
Christie has been a valued member of the Crystal Creek Animal Hospital team since July 2024! With five years of experience in veterinary medicine, including both formal education and hands-on training, she continues to grow her knowledge and skills while providing compassionate care to her patients.
Some of Christie's favorite aspects of veterinary medicine include assisting clients with international health certificates, collecting diagnostic samples, and, of course, working with kittens!
Her passion for animals extends well beyond the hospital. Christie dedicates much of her personal time to rescuing, fostering, and finding loving homes for animals in need. In fact, she has helped rescue and rehome approximately 50 cats in the past year alone! She also shares her home with two cats of her own.
When she's not caring for animals, Christie enjoys soaking up the Florida sunshine at the beach or paddleboarding through the beautiful natural springs.
Christie genuinely loves what she does, from the patients she cares for to the people she works alongside. She is grateful for the knowledge and experience she's gained throughout her career and looks forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of animals and their families.
Anthony M
Anthony has been a valued member of the Crystal Creek Animal Hospital team since August 2023! He began his journey with us as a Veterinary Technician Assistant and, through his hard work and dedication, was promoted to Veterinary Technician within just six months. Today, Anthony also serves as our Pharmacy Technician and assists clients with international health certificates.
With over four years of experience in veterinary medicine, Anthony began his career as a Kennel Technician before advancing into more hands-on medical roles. He has a particular passion for emergency medicine and especially enjoys working through diagnostic cases and assisting with wound repairs. He thrives on the problem-solving aspects of veterinary medicine and enjoys the opportunity to expand his clinical knowledge and technical skills.
Anthony's love for animals doesn't stop when he leaves the hospital! He has quite the unique family of six pets, including Binx, a tuxedo cat; Winnie, a solid black cat; Beans, a yellow uromastyx; Frank, an orange uromastyx; Rango, a ball python; and Dee Dee Dee, an axolotl! His diverse group of companions reflects his appreciation for animals of all shapes, sizes, and species.
Outside of work, Anthony enjoys playing video games, traveling, challenging himself with escape rooms, and working on his terrarium. His curiosity and love for learning extend into both his personal interests and his career.
Anthony is currently working toward his goal of attending veterinary school! His passion for medicine, dedication to his patients, and drive to continuously challenge himself make him a wonderful part of our team. He looks forward to furthering his education and one day taking the next big step in his veterinary career as a veterinarian!
Zoe M
Zoe has been a valued member of the Crystal Creek Animal Hospital team since August 2025! She began her journey with us as a Veterinary Technician Assistant and, through her dedication and continued growth, was promoted to Veterinary Technician within her first year.
Zoe has been working in veterinary medicine for two years, beginning her career as a veterinary receptionist before transitioning into a more hands-on role in patient care. Some of her favorite aspects of veterinary medicine include providing compassionate care to her patients and performing diagnostics to help identify and better understand their medical needs.
Her love for animals extends well beyond the hospital! At home, Zoe has a beloved pittie mix named Rufus, who is always ready to accompany her on her next outdoor adventure. When she's not at work, Zoe enjoys attending live concerts, spending time in nature with Rufus, and working with farm animals.
One interesting fact about Zoe is her passion for horses! She volunteers with a horse rescue and enjoys horseback riding, allowing her to combine her love for animals with her desire to make a difference in their lives.
Zoe's passion for veterinary medicine comes from her genuine love for animals and her commitment to providing them with the care and compassion they deserve. She takes pride in continuing to expand her knowledge, develop her technical skills, and grow within the field. With a strong dedication to her patients and a willingness to learn, Zoe looks forward to building her career in veterinary medicine and making a positive impact on the animals and families she serves.
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Oaisy R.
Veterinary Assistants
Kimberly Serrano
Kimberly is one of our amazing tech assistants, she started out here as an extern during her vet assistant training. We added her to our team almost 1 year ago, and her current goal is to gain confidence with her treatment skills. Her favorite place to be in the hospital is in the lab, setting up various tests and looking under the microscope. She is the loving parent to 3 cats: Tulip, Contessa and Foosa.
Katherine A
Katherine Aguilera was born in Venezuela and grew up in Valencia before moving to Florida with her family at a young age. She’s been part of the veterinary field for two years and recently joined the Crystal Creek team as a veterinary assistant.
Katherine’s journey began as a volunteer in animal shelters, where her dedication and love for animals quickly led her into a professional role. She is currently pursuing a degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian and making a meaningful impact wherever she goes.
At home, Katherine is surrounded by her own furry family—four dogs: Chloe and Kennedy (Chihuahuas), Luna (a Poodle), and Pompom (a Maltese), along with two cats named Thomas and Hamburger.
For Katherine, the best part of working in veterinary medicine is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of both animals and the families who love them.
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Kennel Technicians
Janet Velasquez
Janet is our kennel supervisor, she has been in the veterinary field for 3 years and does an amazing job guiding our kennel team. She started out as a kennel technician before stepping into her lead role. She was born in Boston, and moved to Florida in 2007. Her goal as one of our team leaders is to continue growing in our hospital and provide excellent care to all of your fur babies. She says “I love every single animal and care for them like they are one of my own.” She has 3 dogs and one mischievous ferret at home. Janet continues to work in the veterinary field because of her appreciation for the pets that she cares for and the unconditional love they hold for their owners. When she isn’t here caring for our boarding patients, she loves spending time at home with her daughter and her pets.
Marisol R
Originally from Puerto Rico, Marisol has been living in Florida for the past 13 years and has worked in the veterinary field for 5 years. She has been a valued member of the Crystal Creek team for 3 of those years.
Marisol has a special passion for working in boarding. She loves caring for pets as if they were her own—spending time with them, playing, and making sure they feel safe and loved while away from home.
At home, Marisol has two dogs: Kay, a 2.5-year-old pit bull, and Beba, a 2-year-old chihuahua, who both hold a special place in her heart.
VEterinary Receptionists
Justine B
Justine Brijmohan joined the Crystal Creek team in 2024, bringing with her six years of experience in the veterinary field. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she relocated to Orlando in February 2024 and quickly became a valued part of the team.
Justine is a certified Veterinary Assistant with a passion for expanding her knowledge and skills in animal care. Her favorite part of working in the veterinary field is getting to see and interact with a wide variety of pets every day.
At home, Justine shares her life with a spirited Quaker parrot who keeps things lively. Her dedication to animals and her warm, welcoming personality make her an asset to both her team and the clients she serves.
Ariadna F
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ariadna moved to Florida in late 2015 and has been drawn to the veterinary field ever since. Though she currently works as a receptionist at Crystal Creek, her heart is fully in animal care—and she’s no stranger to hands-on experience. She previously spent several months as a veterinary technician and is eager to return to that role in the future.Ariadna’s dream has always been to work with animals. She once aimed to become a veterinarian, and while that goal is still close to her heart, she has found a true calling in veterinary technology. For her, being a vet tech is not just a job—it’s fulfilling, rewarding, and something she genuinely loves.
At home, Ariadna shares her life with a full house of pets: three dogs—Nani (a Chihuahua), Marley (a miniature Schnauzer), and Grey (a standard Schnauzer), a cockatiel named Machito, a baby tortoise named Shelly, and her beloved cat, Juna.
For Ariadna, the most rewarding part of working in veterinary medicine is helping animals feel better—something she deeply misses and looks forward to doing more of as she continues growing in the field.
