Meet Our Veterinarians and Staff of Cocoa Beach

Our animal hospital in Cocoa Beach is not only in a beautiful location, but we have a wonderful team here, too! The veterinarians and staff who serve your pet are dedicated to their craft and also love what they do: the perfect combination! We strive to continue to better our services everyday so you can always expect our best. Learn about our team below or stop in some time to say hello!

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Adam Ballard - DVM

Dr. Adam Ballard graduated from Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, after receiving his undergraduate degrees from Appalachian State University and Oregon State University. He is originally from Kentucky, but he was drawn to Florida by the sunshine and water.

Dr. Ballard has a special interest in orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, and cardiology. He enjoys spending time with his two sons, Whelan & Lochlain, and also his pets. His hobbies vary and he looks for any reason to get out on the water.

Dr. Adam Ballard

DVM

Dr. Jeffrey Christiansen - DVM, DAVCS

Dr. Christiansen grew up on a horse farm with lots of pets. He knew he wanted to be a veterinarian since the first grade, and while in school, he chose to focus on surgery in order to make a big impact in pet’s lives. He started his study of animal medicine as an undergraduate at Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a BS in Animal Bioscience in 1992. He then went on to pursue a DVM from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, which he received in 1996. Dr. Christiansen completed two internship programs in which surgery was a focus, including one at NYC’s Animal Medical Center and Houston’s Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. He then went on to complete a surgical residency at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. Since then he also received a certificate in tibial tuberosity advancement, as well as a certificate in stem cell therapy.

He is experienced in a variety of surgeries. He can do just about any soft tissue surgery including stomach, liver, bladder, mass removal, and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Christiansen is also an orthopedic surgeon who can perform fracture repairs, joint surgeries, and address congenital deformities, too. He is even able to do the more complex surgeries including spinal surgeries, especially disc disease in the back or neck.

Dr. Christiansen is married to his wife, Wendy, who is also a veterinarian. They have two children, Henry and Kate who are both active in music, which is also a passion of Dr. Christiansen’s. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and exercising. He has several pets including two dogs, Consuela and Charlie, two tree frogs, Perry and Sally, as well as three cats, Lamont, Sheniqua, and Yolanda.

Dr. Jeffrey Christiansen

DVM, DAVCS

Our Support Staff

Justina Cutler - Certified Veterinary Technician

What is so special about Island Animal Hospital to Justina is how much we are a family. We may bicker and butt heads at times but by the end of the day we still love each other and would do anything for each other.

When Justina has free time, she enjoys surfing, wakeboarding, hiking, reading, and gardening!

Justina Cutler

Certified Veterinary Technician

Suzanne Traversa - Veterinary Technician

What’s special to Suzanne about Island Animal Hospital is that we are willing to teach you what ever you are willing and able to learn. She also appreciates that everyone is so helpful in training and takes the time to teach.

During Suzanne’s free time, she likes to take long walks on the beach and ride her bike. Outside of Florida, she loves to snow ski.

Suzanne Traversa

Veterinary Technician

Ashley Bates - Veterinary Technician

Ashley has always been an animal lover, but after the loss of her own pet, she decided to start volunteering at a local shelter and zoo. It was with these jobs that she realized animal care is what she wanted to pursue, so she went back to school! In fact, she is currently enrolled at St. Petersburg College and is taking courses to obtain her CVT. Yet, she is also working full-time with us, where she finds that making a difference in both the pet’s and client’s lives and being a part of every step in a pet’s recovery is the most rewarding experience.

When Ashley is not with us or at school she enjoys gardening, going to the beach, bike riding, and traveling! She also loves spending time with her pets: Zuke, a German Shephard mix, Elva, her Ball Python, and Dexter, her potbelly pig!

Ashley Bates

Veterinary Technician

Bobbi Hardymon - Customer Service Representative

What is special about Island Animal Hospital? Bobbi believes it's all the terrific clients we have. She feels blessed to call many of them friends. And, she's very thankful to have the opportunity to work with this new group of people.

Before working for Island Animal Hospital on Cocoa Beach, Bobbi worked for Dr. Bernard of Beach Animal Hospital for 23 years until he retired and sold the location to Island Animal Hospital.

Bobbi Hardymon

Customer Service Representative

Valerie Kellum - Customer Service Representative

Valerie was born and raised in Cocoa Beach and considers herself very blessed to be able to live, work and play here! She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UCF and worked in a veterinary hospital while in school. While she originally wanted to become an elementary school teacher, she loved her job so much that she decided to stay in the veterinary field! She loves working with people and their pets in the Cocoa Beach community.

Valerie is married to her husband of 23 years and has three teenagers who keep her busy! Additionally, she has three dogs: Bruna, a Rottweiler; Kipper, a Cocker Spaniel; and Zoie a Poodle mix. She also has one cat, Finley! When she’s not working at the clinic, she enjoys being on the beach, camping traveling and practicing yoga.

Valerie Kellum