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.
Jessica Martinez
Originally from Montevideo, Uruguay, Jessica Martinez moved to Florida in 2004 and has been making an impact in the veterinary field for the past five years. She joined Crystal Creek three years ago as a veterinary technician and has since grown into leadership roles, serving as the Lab and Pharmacy Supervisor before stepping into her current position as Hospital Marketing Coordinator.
Jessica’s passion lies in bridging the gap between medicine and client education. She is currently pursuing a degree in nursing, driven by her desire to support both people and their pets through compassionate care and communication. Her unique blend of medical knowledge and love for education makes her a vital part of the Crystal Creek team.
At home, Jessica shares her life with two cats, Saint and Sable, who keep her on her toes.
Her favorite part of working in the veterinary field is the opportunity to heal and advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves—a mission that continues to inspire everything she does.
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
April Maurer
April is one of our veterinary technicians, she has been in the veterinary field for 2 years and has spent the majority of her experience here with us at Crystal Creek Animal Hospital. She aspires to be a multi-business owner in the future. Her favorite aspect of working at the hospital is getting to see all of your fur babies. She has a super energetic Australian Shepherd at home that she spends all her time with. In her free time she enjoys freelance modeling and watching medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy.
Keven Ngo
Keven is one of our surgical technicians, he is from Phoenix, Arizona and has been a part of the veterinary field since 2018. He first became part of our team in 2021 as a kennel technician before moving his way up into the treatment area. His favorite part of his position is having the opportunity to take care of animals and be surrounded by like-minded people. He is the proud parent to a cute corgi named Sokka. In his free time, he enjoys reading and says “I would need way more than a few lines to list all of my favorite books”. He loves trying new foods and he especially loves sushi and tacos.
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.”
Briana R
Briana was born in Missouri and moved to Florida in 2005. She has worked in the veterinary field for three years, all of them at Crystal Creek.
Briana hopes to become a zoo veterinarian one day. She enjoys helping sick pets feel better and loves doing dental cleanings and seeing the difference they make.
At home, Briana has three dogs: Rocky and Duke, who are Boxers, and Snowball, a Maltese/Bichon Frise mix. She also has a turtle named Tuck.
Valeria H
Bio Coming Soon
Alexa T
Originally from Miami, Alexa moved to Orlando in 2023 and has been a dedicated part of the veterinary field for over five years. She joined Crystal Creek two years ago, starting as a kennel technician and working her way up to her current role as a veterinary technician.
Alexa’s favorite part of working in veterinary medicine is the opportunity to learn something new every day. She’s passionate about expanding her knowledge and skills, always looking forward to what the field can teach her next.
Though she doesn’t currently have pets at home, Alexa treats every patient with the same care and affection she would her own—her patients truly are her favorites.
Christie C
Originally from Brazil, Christie moved to Florida in 2009 and has been working in the veterinary field for 2 years. She’s been part of the Crystal Creek team for the past year, where her love for animals shines through every day.
Christie’s favorite part of working in the veterinary field is simple but powerful—helping animals. Her dedication to patient care is clear in everything she does, both at work and at home.
Speaking of home, Christie has a full house with 14 cats and 7 dogs, all of whom she cares for with the same compassion she brings to her work. One of her personal goals outside of veterinary medicine is to buy a home of her own, filled with love—and lots of paws.
Abby H
Born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Abby has been part of the Crystal Creek team—and the veterinary field—for nearly 3 years. Her dedication and compassion have made her a valued member of the clinic, where she continues to pour her heart into every patient she cares for.
Abby’s goal is simple but meaningful: to continue doing what she loves and see where the road takes her. Her passion for animal care is evident in everything she does, and she finds true joy in looking after all the sweet, furry babies that come through the doors.
At home, Abby has two beloved pets of her own: Farkle, her kitty, and Finnegan, her dog.
Anthony M
Born and raised in Miami, Anthony Menendez has been working in the veterinary field for over three years, bringing a strong work ethic and a curious mind to every shift. He joined the Crystal Creek team more than two years ago, starting as a technician assistant and growing into his current role through dedication and hands-on experience.
Anthony is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a veterinarian and holds a CPR certification. His passion for animal care and drive to expand his knowledge make him a key part of the Crystal Creek family.
At home, Anthony’s love for animals is clear—he shares his space with a cat, two Uromastyx lizards, a Ball Python, and an Axolotl.
When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Anthony simply says: “It’s never boring.”
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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Zoe M
Zoe was born and raised in Florida and has been in the veterinary field for over a year. She recently joined the Crystal Creek team and is currently working as a veterinary technician assistant.
Driven by a passion to help animals who can’t speak for themselves, Zoe is dedicated to growing within the field. Her goal is to pursue a degree in Zoology with a pre-veterinary focus so she can one day work with a wide range of species. Every patient she meets teaches her something new—and reminds her why she chose this path.
At home, Zoe has one beloved dog named Rufus who keeps her on her toes and close to her purpose.
Kaiza H
Kaiza Hernandez was born in New York City and moved to Florida seven years ago. She has been working in the veterinary field for a year and joined the Crystal Creek team just two months ago. Though still early in her career, Kaiza has already made a meaningful impact through her compassion, curiosity, and strong foundation in animal care.Kaiza is a certified Veterinary Assistant and is actively working toward becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. She’s passionate about expanding her skills and knowledge so she can provide the best possible care to her patients. Her next step is returning to school to complete the necessary coursework and certification requirements.
For Kaiza, the most rewarding part of working in veterinary medicine is being a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. She loves the constant learning that comes with the field and often finds herself excitedly sharing new things she’s learned with her mom after work. From unique cases to seeing a patient recover and head home healthy, Kaiza finds fulfillment in every aspect of the job.
At home, she has four beloved pets—Koko, Lino, Princess, and Chile—who inspire her every day to keep growing in her career.
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
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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.
Trinity S
Born and raised in Orlando, FL, Trinity has been working in the veterinary field for 4 years and joined the Crystal Creek team 9 months ago. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work with animals—and she's followed that passion ever since.
One of Trinity’s biggest dreams is to open her own animal shelter one day, where she can help pets in need find safe, loving homes. She’s inspired every day by the kindness of others who share that same love for animals—especially when she sees strangers bring in strays and leave with new family members.
At home, Trinity has two cats of her own: Jayce, a playful 2-year-old male, and Sapphire, a sweet 4-year-old female. They’re a big part of what keeps her motivated and connected to the work she loves.
Alyssa V
Born and raised in Florida, Alyssa has been working in the veterinary field for 2 years and joined the Crystal Creek team just 4 months ago. Even early in her career, she’s already shown a deep commitment to animal care and learning.
Alyssa graduated high school with her Associate of Arts degree and is currently in college pursuing dual degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Zoology. Her long-term goal is to transfer to the University of Florida to study veterinary medicine and become a veterinarian.
She loves the variety of the field—especially getting to see different types of animals each day. At home, she has a dog named Prada and a cat named Venus who keep her company and inspire her passion for animal care
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.
