Animal Emergency Critical Care Medical Team
The Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center of Brevard is staffed 24 hours a day/seven days a week with highly trained, emergency veterinarians and technicians. Our board certified surgeon and ophthalmologist are available by appointment.
Curt Barchard
DVM, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Dr. Barchard earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida in 1989. He completed his Certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2011.
His interest in science and medicine combined with a deep love of animals drew him to the veterinary field. For more than 17 years he worked in general practice, until he decided to pursue his interest in emergency medicine here at AECC in 2006. He believes his experience as a primary care veterinarian helps him work more effectively with veterinarians who refer their patients to AECC. He also understands his clients hope for the best possible outcome for their pets. Dr. Barchard recognizes that there are times when those hopes and the pets needs may be different. He counsels his clients through those challenging times.
Dr. Barchard relies on the in-house testing and imaging equipment to speed up the diagnosis process. Knowing that he will get an answer quickly helps him stabilize and relieve pain as soon as possible.
His relaxed demeanor and decisiveness have made him a trusted professional to pet owners throughout Central Florida. He truly enjoys the shared approach to treating patients at AECC.
I enjoy the pleasure of helping the pets and their owners, as well as seeing those around me doing the same.
Chris Beale
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Beale began his veterinary career as a technician in an emergency clinic in Central Florida. He feels his many years as a veterinary technician helps him to appreciate the importance of each member of the team.
He continued working as a veterinary technician throughout college. Dr. Beale earned two undergraduate degrees, one in zoology and the other in microbiology, from the University of Central Florida. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida.
Prior to completing his degree, Dr. Beale worked for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Oregon, tracking spotted owls, flying squirrels, osprey and golden eagles. Following his time there, he worked with Dr. Melody Roelke and the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission on the Florida Panther Project. The project, in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Zoo, involved many aspects of veterinary care and scientific study of Florida panthers.
Dr. Beale joined the Animal Emergency & Critical Care Center in 1997. He enjoys the challenges of emergency and critical care medicine, both the routine and the unexpected. He feels he does his best work in this stimulating environment.
"I am very proud of the level of care we are able to provide here."
Kevin Brackett
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine / President of AECC
A graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, Dr. Brackett found his calling in emergency veterinary medicine in Gainesville, Florida. Following graduation he began an exotic animals practice during the day. In the evenings, he worked at a night-time emergency veterinary hospital. It was this early exposure to emergency medicine that shaped his career.
After moving to Brevard County, Dr. Brackett worked for five years as an emergency veterinarian at Brevard Animal Emergency. In 1996, the group of veterinarians who owned the practice agreed to sell the business to Dr. Brackett. Renaming the facility, Animal Emergency & Critical Care Center of Brevard, he took the opportunity to create an ideal environment for both his patients and his staff.
Dr. Brackett's goal with all the patients is to provide the best level of care available. In order to achieve that goal, he has built a state of the art facility which includes 3 surgical suites, high-quality critical care and quarantine areas, houses a comprehensive set of diagnostic imaging equipment, and stocks uncommon but critical medicines on site.
For his staff, he established a place where there is the opportunity for lifelong learning. He offers the team freedom to grow and challenge themselves. Because of the diversity of the facility, along with the large number of employees, the staff is better able to specialize and steer their careers toward a path that suits their experience, talent and personality best. Dr. Brackett encourages the team to rely on each other and think as one during crisis situations. He allows the veterinarians the freedom to manage their cases and trusts his staff to care for their patients competently. Because of this encouraged team/family atmosphere, the casual observer wouldn't easily recognize Dr. Brackett as the owner of AECC.
"Relying on your team to think and act as one in an emergency situation is your only choice, we work together to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients."
Jeff Christiansen
DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Christiansen received his undergraduate degree in animal bio-science from Penn State University. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee where he earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school he began his advanced training, which included a general internship at the well-known Animal Medical Center in Manhattan; a surgical internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery in Houston; and a surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania.
The supportive team at AECC allows for a rapid transition from one surgery to another. This keeps animals from spending unnecessary time in pain or waiting to begin the healing process. The critical care team closely monitors each patient 24 hours per day.
Dr. Christiansen, along with the rest of the surgical team, works exceptionally hard to limit and manage an animal's pain or discomfort. During surgery, Dr. Christiansen often administers epidurals that give 24 hours or more of complete pain relief. This helps considerably with post-surgical care.
Dr. Christiansen believes surgery provides pet owners with realistic prognosis. Surgery gives a rapid answer to the cause of many symptoms. While the majority of Dr. Christiansen's surgical cases are planned in advance, he is also available for after-hours consultations or emergency surgical procedures.
Verena Faure
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Faure studied in Munich, Germany at the Ludwig Maximillian University. While in Germany, Dr. Faure worked in a 24-hour emergency clinic with a surgical specialty. She enjoyed the entire process from diagnosing to curing the animals. Through those experiences she realized her sole focus in practicing veterinary medicine was to get the animals well.
Upon arriving in the U.S., she worked with the Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates to complete a U.S. certification program. Today, she is licensed to practice in both Germany and the U.S.
In 2001, Dr. Faure joined the team at AECC. She calls the hospital "amazing" because there are so many tools to help patients, especially from the diagnostic imaging side. Dr. Faure has a particular interest in ultrasound and has attended several advanced training classes and seminars. She regularly uses the ultrasound equipment to better determine how to handle a case.
"I often find myself thinking about the day's cases at home. Our responsibility to our patients and our clients is just huge."
Pierre S. Bichsel, DVM, MS
Diplomate ECVN / Diplomate ACVIM (neurology)
Dr. Pierre S. Bichsel is a graduate of the University of Berne (Switzerland) College of Veterinary Medicine. He achieved his doctorate degree at the University of Berne in the Department of Virology with a study on the oral vaccination of foxes against rabies. He completed two internships at the University of Berne in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and in the Department of Neurology. He completed a residency in neurology at the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine and obtained his master degree of sciences with a study on the effects of sedative and anesthetic drugs on the quality of multimodality evoked potentials.
In 1989 he obtained the ECVN board certification. In 2004 he obtained the ACVIM certification in neurology.
Russ Lovaas
Hospital Administrator
Russ began his tenure with AECC in 1994 when he started as a part-time veterinary technician. Today he manages the day-to-day operations of the hospital while still performing technician duties. His priority is maintaining a compassionate staff that puts patient care first.
His introduction to veterinary medicine came during his time in the United States Air Force as a military working-dog handler. He trained and worked canines responsible for explosive and narcotic detection as well as patrol. Part of his training included first aid procedures utilized in the event of an emergency while out in the field.
He's worked closely with Dr. Brackett to build a unique collection of diagnostic imaging equipment at AECC. He understands the importance of providing the best tools to allow the team to do their job. He has taken significant steps to ensure that everything for surgery, imaging, diagnostics, critical care and emergency medicine is on-site.
"I learned early on that animals are very sensitive to our actions and emotions. Therefore, I feel it is essential that we remain calm and composed during critical situations for the sake of the patient."
Ashley
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Ashley has her Associates of Science degree in veterinary technology. She is currently in school pursuing a bachelor's in veterinary technology. Ashley is a certified pet nutrition counselor, as well.
Ashley's responsibilities entail all functions of animal nursing care, including triage, wound care, administering medications and injections, taking x-rays, drawing blood, and inducing and monitoring anesthesia. She has enjoyed medicine for as long as she can remember. This combined with a love of animals, makes this the perfect career for her.
"I have found my niche in emergency medicine because there is never a dull moment."
Barbara
Receptionist
Barbara comes to AECC after working in many different areas of the veterinary field, including reception, office administration, and as a veterinary technician. This variety makes her the ideal, well-rounded receptionist who has a great understanding of the whole treatment process.
She enjoys being a receptionist because she gets to interact with clients to ease any anxieties they may have about being here, in an emergency situation, with their pet. She finds it gratifying to help people who love their animals and want to provide the best care for them.
"The icing on the cake is the incredible staff we have here, who share the same love and compassion for animals that I do."
Christie
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Christie has been working in the veterinary field since 1996. She graduated in 2000 with her veterinary technician degree from Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia. Upon completion of this 2 year program she was required to take a National Board Exam to become licensed in the State of Virginia. During this time, she continued to work in a busy four doctor/specialty practice. In 2005, she passed the Florida State Board Exam so she would be certified for the State of Florida. She is also a certified veterinary dental technician.
In June, 2006 Christie relocated to Melbourne with her family, at which time she was hired at AECC. She works as a certified critical care technician where her primary job is to monitor all of the inpatients in the hospital. Some of her responsibilities include monitoring vitals, lab work, cytology, catheter placement, x-rays, blood transfusions, and monitoring anesthesia patients.
Christie enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and has a particular interest in cytology and anesthesia. She became a technician because she enjoys helping sick and injured animals.
Cindy
Veterinary Technician
Cindy worked at AECC for 8 years as a veterinary technician before taking a break to home-school her children. As her children are now older, she decided it was time to go back to work as a veterinary technician and has returned to AECC. Cindy brings with her 15 years experience working in the veterinary field, and 10 years working in the emergency medicine side. Cindy has also spent time helping with wildlife rehab.
Cindyç´ technician duties include monitoring vitals, drawing blood, lab work, cytology, catheter placement, x-rays, and administering treatments. Cindy prefers the emergency medicine field because of the constant change and challenge of the day-to-day work load.
In her spare time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, rescue dog, and cats.
Danielle
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Danielle as an AS in Veterinary Technology. She recently joined our team in February 2008 as a certified veterinary technician. She is NAVTA and FVTA certified.
Danielle assists in triage, anesthesia monitoring, treatments, radiology and ultrasounds.
She enjoys camping, surfing, travel and taking care of her animals.
Emily
Veterinary Technician
Emily's career working with animals began in the late 1990s in Fort Lauderdale where she showed, groomed and treated horses. From there she entered the world of emergency veterinary medicine in Virginia. The hands-on role she enjoyed with horses continued into her responsibilities as a veterinary technician.
Emily joined AECC in February 2005. She likes emergency medicine because there are many more treatment options available to help animals in this setting. Emily also assists with the MRI, CT scan, endoscopy and ultrasound.
"I want people to know how much we care. It is extremely rewarding to save someone's family member."
Heather
Veterinary Technician
Heather's family knew at a very young age that she was headed for a career working with animals. She had a natural love of animals which earned her the nickname Elly May, from the Beverly Hillbillies.
Heather started her veterinary technician career shortly after high school at a local animal hospital. Her first experience in an animal emergency hospital was in North Carolina. That experience solidified her love of the veterinary field, especially emergency and critical care. Heather has over 15 years of training as a veterinary technician. Heather started working at AECC shortly after the new facility opened.
"I really enjoy the adrenaline rush!"
Holly
Veterinary Technologist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant
Holly graduated as a certified veterinary technician in May, 2006 and started working at AECC shortly thereafter. Holly graduated in 2008 with her bachelors degree in veterinary technology. In 2011, Holly attended the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and completed her certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Assistant.
Holly has many different responsibilities including patient treatments, assisting with surgery & anesthesia, radiology and lab work. She finds her job to be very rewarding, especially during the emergency and critical care situations.
"Each day and each case is a new learning experience. I always feel that I am growing as a technician and as a person."
Jill
Veterinary Technician
Jill completed her associate of arts degree at Brevard Community College. Following graduation, she began her veterinary technician career at AECC in 2005, working primarily with critical care cases. Before joining the AECC medical team Jill was a zookeeper at the Brevard Zoo for 5 years.
Jill works primarily as an emergency technician, critical care nurse, and receptionist. Jill assists in surgery by preparing the operating room and the patient. During surgery, she monitors the anesthesia and the patient's vital signs. Following the procedure, she stays with the patient during the initial stages of recovery before transferring the case to a critical care nurse.
Like many of her peers at AECC, Jill finds the opportunity to help animals recover from serious illnesses or injury exciting and rewarding. She also loves helping clients feel more comfortable and at ease while their beloved pet is in need of medical care.
In her free time Jill loves to shop, ride horses, and most of all spending time with family.
Katieri
Veterinary Technician
Katieri joins AECC with over 14 years experience in the emergency & specialty veterinary field. During that time she worked for 3 years in general practice, but she missed the challenges and constant learning opportunities of emergency medicine. Katieri is also a certified surgical technologist.
Katieri's primary responsibility is ensuring that all of the hospital's patients are receiving the care that they need. She monitors their vitals, gives medications, and keeps them clean and comfortable. Katieri assists the Doctors by providing needed diagnostics through blood work and radiographs.
"I think about how much veterinary medicine has evolved in the last 14 years and I am very proud to have played even a very small role in that evolution."
Kerry
Veterinary Assistant
Although Kerry was new to the animal emergency and critical care field when she joined the AECC medical team in 2006, she had a long history working with animals. She worked as a lead keeper at the Brevard Zoo for the past 13 years and is now a Curator of Animals at the zoo. Kerry has a certification in large animal rescue.
Here at AECC she works with emergency cases, critical care hospitalized patients, and is a valuable asset when it comes to clients with exotic species patients.
When Kerry is not at one of her jobs she loves riding horses, playing with her two dogs and her pet chickens.
Lacey
Veterinary Technician
Lacey returned to the AECC team in January 2008 after a two year absence. Lacey learned all her technician skills through on the job training. She started working in kennels at the age of 16 and continues to expand her knowledge.
She is involved in all aspects of the emergency technician duties including triage, drawing blood samples, IVC placement, radiology, administering medications, and monitoring patients.
"As a little kid I would bring home stray and injured animals. This is not just my career, it is my way of life. There is no other job I could ever enjoy more."
Shea
Shea has worked in the accounting department at AECC since 1999. Shea has an accounting degree from the University of Florida.
Besides handling many of the day to day financial aspects at AECC, her other responsibilities include payroll administration, employee benefits administration, accounts payable, and events coordination.
Terri
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
For nearly 20 years, Terri has provided an unparalleled level of care to animals in Brevard County. She started her career in 1989 as an intern in a medical hospital. She earned her associate's degree in veterinary technology from St. Petersburg College. Following graduation Terri successfully passed the National Board Exam to become licensed in the state of Florida.
Terri worked for several years in a local general practice before coming to AECC in 2002. As a technician she monitors the hospital's inpatients following surgery, her technician responsibilities include monitoring vitals, labwork, cytology, catheter placement, x-rays, and blood transfusions.
"Great satisfaction comes from providing compassionate care to surgical or hospitalized patients struggling with trauma or disease. Experiencing patient recovery is phenomenal."
Wendy
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Head Surgical Technician
Wendy was originally pursuing a career in nursing until she had a medical emergency with her own pet. That experience helped change her professional path to animal medicine. Wendy graduated in 2005 with her veterinary technician degree from Brevard Community College. While attending BCC's technology program, Wendy interned with AECC. Following graduation she was hired as a full-time certified veterinary technician.
Wendy enjoys getting involved in the medical diagnosis aspect of her job. As head surgical technician, she assists Dr. Christiansen by preparing the animals for surgery and administering anesthesia during procedures. She knows the importance of clearly educating clients about the disease process, the treatment plans, and the prognosis of their pets. From blood work to treatments, she believes it is all worth it when you see animals come in sick and then turn around because of the care they received at AECC.
"I do and see everything I learned in school. In this job, I use all my skills daily."
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The entire team at Animal Emergency demonstrated a level of compassion and professionalism matched only by their expertise.