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.
Specialty Care
Francisco Alvarez-Berger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Dr. Alvarez-Berger:
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
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.”
Dr. Lucia Alvarez, DVM, DACVIM, SA
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Dr. Alvarez:
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Specialty:
Internal Medicine
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2024
Educational Background:
- AB : Princeton University 2000
- DVM : Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine 2006
- Residency : University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine: 2007-2010
- Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine : 2010
About Dr. Alvarez:
I enjoy exploring the outdoors, watching wildlife, reading, and traveling.
Hometown: Lima, Peru and Birmingham, AL
Pets: I grew up with big dogs but currently have 3 spoiled cats
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
Ryan Hugh, DVM
Medical Director – Primary Care, ER, and Specialty
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?
Developing bonds with my patients and their families.
Pets:
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
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
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
Amanda Benton, VMD, CCRT
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Amanda Benton
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)
Taylor Howell, VMD
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Taylor Howell
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2023
Educational Background:
- BS in Animal Science, Minor in Equine Science at University of Arkansas
- DVM: Louisiana State university School Of veterinary medicine, LSY Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of merit Award 2020.
Research:
-
Elution Characteristics of Meropem, Ampicillin/Sulbactam, Cefazolin, Amikacin, and Gentamicin from a commercially available Calcium Sulfate Local antibiotic Delivery Kit.
About Dr. Howell:
Hobbies: I like spending time at the beach and playing any kind of sports
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Pets:
Kai (Shepard Mix)
Quote: “Never let the fear of striking out keeping you from playing the game”
Maria Casillas, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Maria Casillas
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2023
Educational Background:
- DVM:
DVM Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
ECFVG Certification Program
Hometown:Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pam Colareta, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Meet Pam Colareta
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Emergency
Year Started At Coral Springs Animal Hospital: 2024
Educational Background:
- BS: Bachelor’s of Science, Florida State University
- DVM: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine/The Ohio State University
- Internship: Coral Springs Animal Hospital 2019-2020
- Residency: Florida Veterinary Behavior Service 2020 – 2023
About Dr. Colareta:
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Hobbies: I love working out, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family
Pets: Hank (Hound Mix), Lady (Golden Retriever), William & Raya (two pretty cool cats)
Quote: Whatever you do, always give 100% – unless you’re donating blood.
Administration
Amy Rapplean CVT, CCRA
Practice Manager ICU/ER, Specialty
Meet Amy Rapplean
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Hospital Manager
Department:
Administration
Jeny Platt
Hospital Manager – client services
Meet Jessica Bedard
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Vet Relations Coordinator
Department:
Administration
Silas Bloom
Inventory Manager
Vivi Restrepo CCRA
Hospital Liaison/ Marketing Coordinator
Meet Effie Drosos
Role at Coral Springs Animal Hospital:
Associate Veterinarian
Department:
Administration
Felix Bourdier
IT Manager