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

Dr. Bernal

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

dr with dogs

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