Medical Team

Curt Barchard
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Barchard earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida in 1989.

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 pet's 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."

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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. Department of Wildlife Biology on a conservation project 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."

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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."

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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.

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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."

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Edward Marion
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

After earning his bachelor's degree in animal sciences from the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Marion went on to Tufts University where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. During his internship at North Carolina State University, he experienced emergency medicine first hand.

Since that time, he has worked in emergency veterinary medicine in Ohio, Arizona, Georgia, and Florida. Currently, he works overnight shifts at AECC where the cases are primarily emergencies. He says, "It's important that we offer 24-hour care because there are times when an animal shouldn't be moved or released. With the overnight availability, animals are far more likely to have a positive outcome."

Dr. Marion enjoys working on puzzles and considers the diagnostic process to be a complex and important one. Finding the solution to what is causing problems with a person's pet is a rewarding challenge.

As a child he watched Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and longed for the world of veterinary sciences. His studies brought him close to the "wild kingdom" during an internship with a zoo in Melbourne, Australia. While there he worked on several wild animals, including a hippopotamus with a tooth abscess.

"Working at AECC is the best job I've ever had. I'm amazed, but I'm also upset. I wish I had come here sooner."

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Beatrix Nanai
DVM, DECVN, Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology/Neurosurgery, Resident of the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Nanai graduated from the University of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary in 1998. She completed a rotating, small-animal internship at the University of Hungary. She obtained her U.S. veterinary license in 2002, and completed a surgical externship at South Carolina Veterinary Surgical Services.

Following this, she completed a three-year residency through the European College of Veterinary Neurology/Neurosurgery at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Fort Pierce, Florida. She received her Diplomate status in 2007.

Currently, she is working as a full time neurologist/neurosurgeon at AECC. She has also started her second specialty training through the European and American College of Veterinary Surgeons under the mentorship of Dr. Christiansen.

Dr. Nanai has scientific publications on the use of intraoperative ultrasonography during spinal surgeries and on the use of external skeletal fixators combined with interlocking nails for the treatment of tibia fractures.

Her special area of interest is neurosurgery and the use of advanced diagnostic modalities, such as MRI, CT, electro-diagnostics and intraoperative ultrasonography to help her neurological patients.

During her free time she likes driving, playing with her red nose pit bull (Bruce), reading and studying neurology and surgery related articles, but most of all visiting her family in Hungary and eating Hungarian food.

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Todd Strubbe
DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

As a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist serving the eye care needs of pets at AECC, Dr. Strubbe addresses a variety of disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, retinal disease, dry eye, and eyelid/eyelash disorders. In addition to treating domestic pets, Dr. Strubbe cares for horses, birds, reptiles, rabbits, small rodents, and the occasional exotic/wild animal.

Dr. Strubbe views his role as a partnership with primary care veterinarians. The field of veterinary ophthalmology is vast and continuously expanding, with intense focus on details that general practice veterinarians may not be exposed to on a day-to-day basis. A specialist helps fill in the gaps in disease management and offers support to a patient's primary care team. Since diseases of the eye often progress far more rapidly in animals than in humans, Dr. Strubbe recommends early referral so that patients can receive a timely and accurate diagnosis which allows for an improved outcome.

Dr. Strubbe earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. He completed a general veterinary internship at the University of Tennessee and went on to complete a three year ophthalmology residency at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. He was accepted into the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, an organization which recognizes and supports board certified veterinarians.

"My career in veterinary ophthalmology has offered me unbelievably exciting and satisfying experiences, from restoring vision in beloved household pets to treating diseases in exotics, such as elephants and tigers. I've learned how valuable early diagnosis and treatment can be for ocular diseases in animals, and I constantly strive to improve the quality of care that I provide for my patients."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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Danielle
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Danielle has an AS in Veterinary Technology. She recently joined our team in February, 2008 as a certified veterinary technician.

Danielle assists in triage, anesthesia monitoring, treatments, radiology and ultrasounds.

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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."

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Gloria
Veterinary Technician

Gloria brings to AECC, 14 years of experience in general veterinary practice. In New York, she worked with a traveling veterinarian who cared for large animals such as cows, horses, pigs, and goats. Her time with large animals helped prepare Gloria for the unpredictability of an emergency medical hospital. After moving to Florida, Gloria worked at a local general practice facility before starting at AECC in 2006.

Gloria earned a degree in architectural drafting from Harvard Regional Vocational Technical School, but a career behind a desk didn't appeal to her hands-on spirit. However, the connection to technology at AECC is something she can appreciate from her technical background. Gloria frequently assists Dr. Faure during ultrasound and MRI diagnostic procedures.

"AECC supports continued growth of the staff with teaching and training. I've taken my education and experience so much further than I ever hoped."

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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, when she and her husband were stationed at Ft. Bragg. 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 in May 2005. She currently is working overnights and Sundays. Heather enjoys the different aspects of all shifts but prefers overnights and weekends because she never knows what will be coming in next.

"I really enjoy the adrenaline rush!"

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Holly
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Holly graduated as a certified veterinary technician in May, 2006 and started working at AECC shortly thereafter. Holly is continuing her veterinary education; she will graduate in 2008 with her bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. Her long-term career goal is to become a veterinarian.

Working the overnight shifts, Holly has many different responsibilities including patient treatments, assisting with surgery and 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."

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Jennifer
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Jennifer has an AA from Brevard Community College and is a graduate from BCC's Veterinary Technology Program. She joined our team in January 2008 as a certified veterinary technician.

Jennifer will be utilizing the skills she learned in school by assisting in treatments, x-rays and ultrasounds. Eventually, she will become adept at all the imaging and critical care equipment in our facility.

"I love being a part of something bigger than myself."

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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. During this time she also worked part-time at the Brevard County Zoo as an animal caretaker.

Currently Jill assists Dr. Christiansen with surgery cases. Prior to surgery she prepares 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 truly help animals recover from serious illnesses or injury exciting and rewarding.

"It's exciting for me to see us take an animal from a really critical situation and turn the corner with them."

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Kerry
Veterinary Assistant

Although Kerry is new to the animal emergency and critical care field, she has a long history working with animals. She has been a lead keeper at the Brevard Zoo for the past 9 years and has a certification in large animal rescue.

Kerry has had on-the-job training here at AECC for the past year. She assists the doctors and technicians with treatments, x-rays, and simple procedures. Kerry helps keep the hospital clean and the supplies stocked.

"I enjoy learning things each day to help people help their pets. To help a sick animal get well, makes for a good day."

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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."

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Melissa
Receptionist

Melissa brings a great deal of experience in the veterinary field to her job as a receptionist at AECC. She began working with a primary care veterinarian in the late 1990s. Her knowledge allows her to help pet owners during the early stages of an emergency. She understands how important it is for the clients to remain calm even in the toughest situations.

On days when there is less activity up front, Melissa enjoys giving attention and affection to the animals in the facility. One of her favorite parts of the job is meeting pet owners who cherish their animals.

"I hope people realize what wonderful and loyal companions pets can be, but also realize that there are many obligations that come with being a responsible pet owner."

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Terri
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Head Surgical Technician

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 head surgical technician she assists Dr. Christiansen by preparing animals for surgery and administering anesthesia during procedures.

"Great satisfaction comes from providing compassionate care to surgical or hospitalized patients struggling with trauma or disease. Experiencing patient recovery is phenomenal."

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Wendy
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

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. 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."