OUR TEAM
Coral Springs Animal Hospital Veterinary Team
Meet the veterinary staff of Coral Springs Animal Hospital who will take care of your pet’s essential health needs.
Our Veterinary Team
Our commitment is to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. We treat your pet as we would our own.
Primary Care

H. Bruce Sullivan, Jr., DVM, CCRT
Associate Veterinarian
Meet H. Bruce Sullivan
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Primary Care
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 1997
Educational Background:
- BS : University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida : 1984-1988 and graduated with a BS in Biology….in 2011 (long story, if you have time I will share-LOL)
- DVM : University of Florida (Go Gators!), College of Veterinary Medicine – Gainesville, Florida : 1992
- Internship – Small Animal Medicine/Surgery : Hollywood Animal Hospital – Hollywood, Florida : 1992-1993
- Acupuncture Course : Tufts University – Medford, Massachusetts : 2004
- Canine Rehabilitation Course & Certification : 2013
Notable Achievements & Organizations:
Was Director of Continuing Education for the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA) from 2006-2008 and then President of the BCVMA from 2008-2011.
I am a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the BCVMA.
About Dr. Sullivan:
I actually met my wife- Karen Sullivan- during my internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital and have been in love ever since. She now works with me here at the hospital in human resources.
I love anything to do with the water- either above or below! Fishing is my absolute love but also diving and lobstering with friends.
A group of us Coral Springs Animal Hospital “lifers” love to go down to Key West, and we often vacation there.
My philosophy in life is to laugh and laugh often- I can be severe when it is called for but I would rather be uplifting to those around me.
I have an immense love (almost pathological) for the Florida Gators and love being in “enemy territory” down here in South Florida, where a lot of my FSU and Miami owners love to give me grief- I love it!!
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
What Is Your Favorite Thing About This Profession?
I got into veterinary medicine because I LOVE animals- that is the absolute truth. However, what keeps me going is interacting with my clients, who also LOVE their furry babies and helping keep them healthy.
Quote:
“The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” Anne Frank

Amy Harrison, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Amy Harrison
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Primary Care
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2002
Educational Background:
- BS : Columbus State University, Bachelors of Science in Biology, Cum Laude – Columbus, Georigia : 1992
- DVM : University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine – Athens, Georgia : 1996
- Internship: Hollywood Animal Hospital – Hollywood, Florida : 2001-2002
Notable Achievements & Organizations:
- American Veterinary Medical Association
Broward County Veterinary Medical Association - The Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
- Exceptional Proficiency in Feline Medicine and Surgery-University of Georgia 1996
- Exceptional Proficiency in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery-University of Georgia 1996
About Dr. Harrison:
I really enjoy running and exercising. I absolutely love to cook and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that preparing a healthy and delicious meal can provide. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and son. My son, Jaxson, is involved in many sports so we spend a lot of time at the various parks while he is engaged in his activities. Kacey, our dog, keeps us busy as well since she is young, brilliant, and energetic. She is an absolute sweetheart and a great family dog.
Hometown: Columbus, Georiga
What Is Your Favorite Thing About This Profession?
I have loved being around animals since I can remember. Since animals cannot speak for themselves, I love the challenge of being a medical detective to discover how I can help that animal and the very rewarding feeling when I do. I also really enjoy caring for a pet throughout its lifetime, from the juvenile to senior years. I appreciate the special bond that is created with the family members during this experience as well. I can’t think of anything more satisfying than taking care of those who cannot care for themselves. I was born to be a veterinarian.
Pets:
Kacey – Belgian Malinois
Quote:
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France

Natalia Alicea, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Natalia Alicea
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Primary Care
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2021
Educational Background:
- BS : University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine – Gainesville, Florida
- DVM : Western University of Health Sciences, DVM candidate
About Dr. Alicea:
Being raised on a small island, I love everything about the outdoors. If I am not at the beach, paddle boarding, or enjoying delicious seafood, I am likely at a National Park enjoying a nice, long hike with my Labrador Retriever, Sofi. I have a strong interest in veterinary dermatology, dentistry, and adjunctive integrative medicine, for which I am currently working on obtaining a veterinary acupuncture certification.
Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Pets:
Sofi- Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Yoda- Sphynx
Lilah- Domestic shorthair
Quote:
“Balance is not something you find, but something you create.”

Ryan Hugh, DVM
Medical Director
Meet Ryan Hugh
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Medical Director
Department:
Primary Care
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2015
Educational Background:
- BS : University of Central Florida, Biology – Orlando, Florida : 2009
- DVM : St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine – Grenada, West Indies : 2011-2015
- Clinical Year : University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine – Gainesville, FL : 2014
- Internship – Small Animal Medicine/Surgery : Coral Springs Animal Hospital – Coral Springs, Florida : 2015-2016
Notable Achievements & Organizations:
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Member of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Most Valuable Student Award, University of Florida, June 2015
- SGA George B. Daniel Award, St. George’s University, February 2014
About Dr. Hugh:
In my time outside of work, I enjoy live concerts and trying new restaurants. I love to attend Broadway musicals/theater. I have a passion for travel and I’m eager to experience new countries and cultures. I also enjoy interior design and decorating with a simple/modern style. Those who know me know that I thoroughly enjoy good reality television shows like Survivor and Big Brother as well as drama/comedy sitcoms. I am hopeful that during my lifetime I will see the Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl, being born and raised in south Florida.
Hometown: Margate, Florida
What Is Your Favorite Thing About This Profession?
We are able to help patients who cannot speak for themselves and we have the gift to end their suffering in a peaceful way.
Pets:
Panther (Domestic Short Hair)
Liam (Miniature poodle, Chihuahua mix)
Quote:
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore

Eduardo Bernal, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Dr. Bernal
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Primary Care Veterinarian
Department:
Primary Care
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2022
Educational Background:
- DVM : La Salle University, Bogota Colombia 1992
- American Veterinary Medical Association: 2004
- Notable Achievements & Organizations:
- Member of American Veterinary Medical Association
- Florida Veterinary Medical Association
- Broward Country Veterinary Medical Association
About Dr. Bernal:
I love to spend time with my kids, my family, and my friends. I enjoy outdoor activities. I ride my bicycle when I have free time. I ride a road bike, and a mountain bike and now I am riding a gravel bike, on the levee, a very new experience that demands physical endurance and let me enjoy the natural beautiful elements the levee offers.
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Pets:
Cooper (Yorkie)
Quote:
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” — Dalai Lama
Emergency

Sara Salomon, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Sara Salomon
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2017
Educational Background:
DVM:
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine – Gainesville, Florida : 2013
- University of Florida, Shelter Medicine Certificate : 2013
Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida

Angelikie Zafiris, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Angelikie Zafiris
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2017
Educational Background:
DVM:
- Ross University, College of Veterinary Medicine – St. Kitts, West Indies
- Cornell University, School of Veterinary Medicine – Ithaca, NY
Hometown: Miami, Florida

Joana Griciute, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Joana Griciute
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2015
Marius Vasilescu, DVM, MS, PhD
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Marius Vasilescu
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
DVM, MS, PhD
Department:
Emergency
Educational Background:
DVM: N. Balcescu University, Bucharest
MS: FVM Bucharest
PhD: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest
Surgical Internship: West Canada Veterinary Specialist
Year Started at Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2022

Amanda Benton, VMD
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Amanda Benton
I Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2006
Educational Background:
- VMD : University of Pennsylvania, College of Veterinary Medicine – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania : 2006
- Internship – Small Animal Medicine/Surgery : Coral Springs Animal Hospital – Coral Springs, Florida : 2006 – 2007
Notable Achievements & Organizations:
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Broward County Veterinary Medical Associatior
About Dr. Benton:
Hobbies : I like taking guitar lessons, hoping to get back to riding horses after falling off and breaking my arm, and running.
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
What Is Your Favorite Thing About This Profession?
I love seeing how medicine has changed over the years and how much more information is being studied. I love being able to have studies backing our diagnostic and treatment plans.
Pets:
Bailey (Labrador Mix)
Specialty Care

Francisco Alvarez-Berger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Medical Director
Meet Dr. Alvarez-Berger:
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Medical Director
Specialty:
Oncology
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2007
Educational Background:
- DVM:
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México – Mexico City, Mexico : 1998
- Residency : Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine – Columbus, Ohio : 2003 – 2006
- Clinical Instructor : Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hematology and Oncology : 2006-2007
- Board Certified in Oncology : Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Oncology : 2007
Notable Achievements & Organizations:
- The Ohio State University: Hospital Service Award
- I have been part of the committee for the ACVIM oncology examination.
- UPAEP (Mexico) – Tribute to my professional career
- Member of ACVIM, VCS, AVMA, BCVMA
About Dr. Alvarez-Berger:
I am a dedicated, respectable, honest, tolerant, and friendly person. I believe I am a good father and husband, and at least I try my best every day of my life. I love to spend all the time that I can with my family and share with them what I love.
I like to have a pleasant time every day at work, at home, or anywhere else, and take the best of every moment and every day. I tend to be optimistic and see things in a positive way.
I enjoy practicing outdoor sports such as running, biking, swimming, scuba diving, horse riding, water skiing, and snowboarding. I used to practice skydiving, rock climbing, and spelunking.
I am a marathon and ultramarathon runner.
I love nature and animals.
I like to read, in particular historical novels and science fiction, but especially I love to read about science, and I have a special interest in astronomy.
I don’t like waking up late and wasting time, lying down doing nothing. Also, I don’t like wasting time watching TV, but I do enjoy watching a good movie or a really good TV show.
I like to travel, learn, and understand the world.
I enjoy cooking, especially Mexican food.
I hate pain, suffering, intolerance, and discrimination of any kind.
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
What Is Your Favorite Thing About This Profession?
I enjoy helping patients have a good quality of life and owners enjoy that time with their beloved pets.
Pets:
Pelusa (Shih Tzu)
Lucy (Poodle)
Lola (Golden Retriever)
Maui (Domestic Short Hair)
Matilde (Sulcata Tortoise)
Quote:
“If you want to live a thousand lives, read. If you want to live forever, write.”

Evelyn Caporali, MV, MS, PhD, DACVS
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Evelyn Caporali
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Specialty:
Surgery
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2015
Educational Background:
- DVM : Julio de Mesquita Filho Sao Paulo State University – UNESP – Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999
- Surgical Residency : Julio de Mesquita Filho Sao Paulo State University, Sao Paulo, Brazil : 2001-2003
- Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine: Julio de Mesquita Filho Sao Paulo State University– UNESP – Sao Paulo, Brazil : 2003-2004
- PhD in Veterinary Medicine: University of Illinois – Champaign, Illinois : 2005-2011
- Internship : Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana : 2010-2011
- Internship – Small Animal Medicine/Surgery : University of Illinois – Champaign, Illinois : 2011-2014
- Board Certified : Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgery : 2015
Notable Achievements & Organizations:
- American Veterinary Medical Association
Diplomate - American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Broward County Veterinary Medical Association
About Dr. Caporali:
I really enjoy water activities like scuba diving.
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
What Is Your Favorite Thing About This Profession?
I love working in collaboration with other veterinarians and nurses to improve the health of small animals.
Pets:
Amelie (Cat)
Quote:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Alison Gerken, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Alison Gerken
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Specialty:
Behavior (Practice Limited)

Megan Petroff, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Megan Petroff
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Specialty:
Behavior (Practice Limited)

Pamela Colareta, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Pamela Colareta
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Specialty:
Behavior (Practice Limited)

LeeAnn Ablin, DVM, DACVS, CCRP
Associate Veterinarian
Meet LeeAnn Ablin
Educational background:
Undergraduate – Vassar College, AB;
Graduate Tufts – University School of Veterinary Medicine, DVM;
Internship – The Animal Medical Center, NY, NY;
Residency – Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine/Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, MA
Notable achievements:
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons;
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner;
Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncture
Hometown:
Palm Beach, FL
Favorite thing about veterinary medicine:
Being a veterinarian is a fulfilling profession because I am able to help animals have a good, happy, pain-free, and healthy life.
Pets:
Two miniature Dachshunds, three horses
Quote:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela

Anne Chauvet, DVM, DACVIM – Neurology
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Anne Chauvet
Educational background:
Graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1990
Internship – University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana 1990-1991
Residency – University of California, Davis 1991-1993
Achievements:
Published in multiple journals and book chapters;
International speaker;
Creator of the Basic Science Course in Veterinary and Comparative Neurology & Neurosurgery (Brain Camp);
Author of books;
Producer of video for rehabilitation;
Winner of multiple business awards
Hometown:
Davie, FL
Favorite thing about the profession:
Keeping families together
Pets:
Rowan 15-year-old FS Blue Heeler;
Mirabelle Schnapps 1-year-old Rate Terrier;
Luminaria 9-year-old Andalusian mare;
Louis 2.5-year-old Andalusian stallion.
Quote:
“It is only with the heart that one can see clearly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Administration
Amy Rapplean, CCRA
Hospital Manager
Meet Amy Rapplean
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Hospital Manager
Department:
Administration
Amy Woods
Hospital Manager
Meet Amy Woods
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Hospital Manager
Department:
Administration
Stacy Frank
IT Manager
Meet Stacy Frank
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
IT Manager
Department:
Administration
Jeny Platt
Vet Relations Coordinator
Meet Jessica Bedard
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Vet Relations Coordinator
Department:
Administration
Olutokumbo Adebusuyi, BS, MBA
Hospital Manager
Meet Olutokumbo Adebusuyi
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Hospital Manager
Department:
Administration
Mable Martinez
Financial Care Coordinator
Meet Mable Martinez
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Financial Care Coordinator
Department:
Administration
Rolando Romero
Maintenanace Manager
Meet Effie Drosos
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Administration