Experiencing the unconditional love and friendship of her childhood dog, Curtis, left a permanent impression on Dr. Kelly Dwyer. When she was asked on a test in the fourth grade what she wanted to be when she grew up, Dr. Dwyer had one unequivocal answer: a veterinarian! Her dream hasn’t changed since she was eight years old.

Dr. Dwyer is originally from Winter Haven, Florida, where she first started volunteering with animal hospitals at a young age. After attending community college and graduating with honors, she transferred to the University of Florida to earn her degree in microbiology and chemistry, working summer jobs with the United States Department of Agriculture on breaks from school. Next, she attended the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine to earn her Doctorate in 1999.

Dr. Dwyer opened Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital in 2003 after serving as Chief of Staff at a corporate practice. She’s particularly fond of challenging internal medicine cases as well as geriatric care, and loves to improve a senior pet’s quality of life in whatever way she can. Most of all, Dr. Dwyer enjoys meeting the area’s pet owners and their beloved companions on a daily basis.

Aside from her interests in the world of veterinary care, Dr. Dwyer is an avid reader and also loves to practice yoga. She and her husband have three children named Eli, Caleb, and Gabriel, as well as two wonderful dogs who go by Jackie and Lina.

Dr. Martin Giangreco grew up in Asunción, Paraguay, where he nursed many stray pets back to full health over the years. He’s had a passion for animal care ever since he was a young boy! By the time he got a bit older and started to develop an interest in the sciences, the choice was clear: veterinary medicine was the perfect career path for Dr. Giangreco.

Dr. Giangreco graduated from the Universidad National de Asunción in Paraguay in 1989, then came to the United States in 1993 to further his education in the world of veterinary care. He completed a three-year residency in rural animal medicine at the University of Florida in 1998, and obtained his Master’s degree in science from the university in 2000.

He’s been working in private practice ever since! Dr. Giangreco joined the Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital in 2003 on a part-time basis, and transitioned to a full-time role in 2016.

Dr. Giangreco and his wife have three wonderful sons, a German shepherd named Lima, and Jackie the Chihuahua. When he isn’t spending time with his family or caring for the area’s pets here at the hospital, Dr. Giangreco loves listening to music and especially likes discovering new artists and bands.

Yaya can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t passionate about pets. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s wanted to put her time and efforts toward improving the lives of the earth’s creatures. As the Office Manager and a Veterinary Technician here at Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital, Yaya gets to spend every day doing just that!

Yaya was born and raised in Puerto Rico with her parents, brother, and sister. She attended a university there, studying pre-veterinary medicine, before moving to Florida and starting her career in the world of animal care. Yaya completed an internship at Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital in 2006, and signed on as an employee a year later. She’s been caring for the area’s pets here ever since!

Outside of work, Yaya enjoys dancing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and pets at home. She and her husband, Juan, share their lives with three dogs: a pit bull, Isis; Buddy the Bluetick Coonhound; and a trouble-making dachshund who goes by Sugar.

Animals have played an important role in Sherry’s life ever since she can remember. What better way to pay it forward while doing something she loved, Sherry mused, than by working in the veterinary field? Now, she’s been a Veterinary Technician for more than 30 years!

Sherry grew up in New Jersey and lived in Wyoming during her college years before moving to St. Louis, where she signed on as a staff member at the St. Louis Zoo. It wasn’t long before she began her career as a Veterinary Technician at a nearby emergency clinic—Sherry hasn’t looked back since.

After working as a Tech in both the zoo-medicine and private-practice worlds, Sherry joined the team here at Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital in 2014, where she has a special fondness for critical care work and the fast-paced nature of her job. She’s also passionate about keeping up with the latest advances in veterinary medicine in order to best serve the area’s pets and animal owners.

Sherry and her husband—who works in the zoo field himself—have two adult daughters and one wonderful granddaughter. They share their home with a pair of bloodhounds, a Bouvier des Flandres, and a Labrador mix, as well as one cat and two miniature horses. Sherry even uses her animal-care skillset to foster and train K9 deputy bloodhounds for the police department!

When Deniz had to decide what she wanted to do for a living, she knew right out of the gate that sitting in an office and doing a regular 9 to 5 schedule simply wasn’t for her. She wanted to make a difference, particularly in the lives of animals. Working in the veterinary field just seemed like the perfect fit!

Deniz started out in urgent care, but decided she wanted to learn more about surgery and expand her knowledge in general veterinary care, so she joined the Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital team. Professionally, she loves seeing formerly sick patients make full recoveries. Knowing that she played a role in that process is incredibly rewarding.

When she’s not busy working her magic at the clinic, Deniz can usually be found swimming with her dog, who loves to do jumps and chase after his toys.

Rachael was inspired at a young age to do all that she could to help animals. That passion just never wavered. She’s always known that working in the world of veterinary medicine was her true calling! Rachael gets to help pets every day as a Veterinary Assistant with the Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital team.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Rachael was a client here at the hospital before she was an employee. Witnessing the quality care and kindness demonstrated to her and her pets by the clinic staff left Rachael with no doubt: she wanted to join the hospital team herself! She became a part of the Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital family in March of 2018.

Outside of work, Rachael likes visiting the beach, going swimming, taking her kids to the movies, and doting on her own pets at home. She has four high-strung animal companions named Loki, Tank, Ginger, and Sammy.

As a military child, Ashley likes to say she grew up everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Moving so often, it was difficult for her to make close friends, so her animals filled that void for her. As she got older, she knew that she wanted to do more to be a voice for these precious souls who give so much of themselves to their human companions. Working in the veterinary field seemed like the obvious choice!

While she initially aspired to become a vet, Ashley’s career interests shifted over the years. She spent some time working as an intern at a wildlife rehabilitation center and started fostering and volunteering for a local shelter when she was 18. She landed her first paying animal-related job at age 21 at a doggie daycare and was then hired as a zookeeper at the Sacramento Zoo at age 23.

In 2021, Ashley and her husband relocated to Florida, where she worked as an animal care technician at a local shelter. She joined the Royal Oaks team in July of 2022 in a dual role of receptionist and veterinary assistant. Professionally, she loves being the go-to person for our clients, doing her best to help them in their time of need and being someone they can talk to. We all need a support system!

Outside of work, Ashley resides with her husband, Bradley, their three dogs – Little Foot, Gidget, and Sawyer – and their two cats – Phoebe and Wednesday. In their spare time, Ashley and her husband enjoy traveling, although their ideal night is usually spent relaxing and watching true crime documentaries.

Unlike many of her colleagues, Adriana didn’t set out to work in the veterinary industry. In fact, because of her deep love of animals, the thought of seeing one in pain was the last thing she wanted to do. Over time, however, she realized that there is so much more to veterinary medicine. Thanks to this change in perspective, Adriana is now in a job she loves, getting to see pets get better and live amazing lives.

When her family relocated to Florida from New Jersey, Adriana found herself in need of a vet for her dog. When she arrived at Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital and experienced how friendly the doctors and support staff were, she decided to take a chance and apply for a job. The rest, as they say, is history. As one of our veterinary receptionists, Adriana enjoys meeting all the new patients and witnessing their heartwarming journeys to recovery.

At home, Adriana lives with her family of five, which includes a golden retriever named Milo who is the center of attention and the favorite child, hands down. Prior to Milo, the family owned two Rottweilers and two squirrels that had been rescued.

Growing up surrounded by dogs and birds, Karey developed a deep love for animals at a very young age. Initially, she thought about becoming a vet, but realized that path might be a bit too emotional for her, so she opted to explore other options. Over time, her heart led her back to animal care, and now, as one of our amazing receptionists, Karey gets to interact with pets and support their parents in a positive way.

Prior to joining the Royal Oaks team, Karey had spent several years in the corporate world as a Senior Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. About five years into that role, Karey felt it was time to make a change, and learned from a friend that the clinic where she worked was hiring. Deciding to take a chance, Karey applied and was hired in February of 2022. She hasn’t looked back since!

Outside of work, Karey is happily married and the loving owner of three black cats. Jaina and Thrall, who are from the same litter, joined the family in 2020, and they welcomed Anduin in 2022. All three cats are named after World of Warcraft characters.

Growing up, Jordan always had a deep passion for helping those who could not help themselves. Philanthropy and community service have always been where Jordan’s heart thrives. Whether it be serving food at a homeless shelter or looking after animals who have been neglected, abused, and/or abandoned, Jordan will do everything she can to support them. Her love of animals and heart for service made a job in the veterinary field the perfect fit!

Jordan’s career journey began as a kennel technician at a veterinary hospital in her hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska. In just eight weeks’ time, she was promoted to the role of veterinary assistant and began gaining hands-on experience with patient care and client communication. When she relocated to Clermont, she came across the opportunity to join the Royal Oaks team and jumped at the chance! Professionally, Jordan enjoys learning new things and the variety that the job entails.

Outside of work, Jordan is mom to a cuddly German shepherd named Theo who believes he’s a lapdog, despite weighing 80 pounds. In her spare time, you will usually find Jordan doing something outdoors, whether it be paddleboarding on the crystal-clear Florida water or taking in the abundant wildlife. She also regularly volunteers at church, in animal shelters, and with organizations aimed at helping youth/adults experiencing homelessness.

Madisyn has always loved animals and grew up surrounded by pets of varying sizes and species. When her family adopted a young puppy who was gravely ill, Madisyn decided that helping animals was something she wanted to do when she grew up. Fortunately, little Kash survived, and Madisyn went on to fulfill her dream by becoming a veterinary assistant!

In May of 2023, Madisyn learned about an opening at Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital from a family member. From the moment she stepped through the doors and met the team, she knew this was the place for her. While this is Madisyn’s first job in the industry, she has settled in like it was second nature. Professionally, she loves the variety of work and the fact that no two days are ever the same.

At home, Madisyn has one pet of her own: a dog named Hank, who will play dead if you say ‘bang.’ Hank is so smart that it only took him one day to learn that trick!

In Karina’s hometown, located on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, countless stray animals roam the streets. Witnessing this firsthand inspired Karina to pursue a career that would allow her to help animals live better lives. As a veterinary assistant, Karina gets to spend every day helping our furry friends stay happy and healthy!

Karina’s journey began while she was still in high school. She completed all four years and graduated with her certificate. She also attended camp at a university in Puerto Rico where she learned more about the veterinary field. During her senior year, Karina volunteered at a clinic and joined the Royal Oaks Veterinary Hospital team shortly thereafter.

Outside of work, Karina has two fur babies of her own, both of whom love adventure as much as she does!

Unlike most of his colleagues, David didn’t aspire to work with animals until much later in life. In fact, while he’s had a few pets over the years, he’d never given a second thought to working in the veterinary field. As fate would have it, however, David had been out of work and his wife suggested perhaps he could apply here at Royal Oaks. Not holding out much hope, he submitted his resume and was surprised to get a call back. The rest, as they say, is history!

In June of 2023, David relocated with his family from New York to Florida having just retired from a 25-year career in law enforcement. Up until this point, his only exposure to the veterinary field was his externship for a course he took during Covid. In his role as a veterinary assistant here at Royal Oaks, David enjoys observing surgery and assisting in the lab. With his background in law enforcement, doing investigative work and solving mysteries is something that comes naturally to David.

At home, David is happily married and the proud father of eight wonderful kids. Family is the most important thing in David’s life. When he’s not busy spending time with his wife and children, he can usually be found reading poetry—something he picked up after his second heart attack. He also enjoys building model ships and planes, and playing the drums.