Meet Our Veterinarians and Staff of Merritt Island

Our team in Merritt Island is a group of talented individuals who are passionate about pet health. We love our jobs, and you can tell! Not only do we offer the best veterinary care we can provide, but we pride ourselves on excellent customer service as well. So stop in and meet us anytime, we are always happy to see new faces!

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Matthew Coris - DVM

As a teenager, Dr. Coris became involved in hand raising and training parrots, raising unique rabbit breeds, and managing intricate aquariums. His interest in aquatic and exotic pets developed into a relationship with a local pet store owner that kindled his future career. Starting as a sales associate, Dr. Coris’s interests quickly shifted to the proper care and husbandry for the animals that the pet store provided. Eventually, is passion for animal care blossomed into a veterinary medicine career.

Dr. Matthew Coris

Dr. Chelsea Jurczenko - DVM

Dr. Chelsea was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania. She developed a love for animals early on, growing up with a menagerie of pets and deciding on a career in veterinary medicine at age five. She realized this decision was the right one as she continued to develop an interest in science and medicine. Dr. Chelsea graduated from Westminster College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and went on to attend Purdue University, where she received her DVM in 2011.

While attending veterinary school, she completed an externship in Port St. John, FL and fell in love with the area, being an outdoor and water enthusiast. Dr. Chelsea practiced in Deltona, FL after graduation and feels fortunate to have joined the Island Animal Hospital team in 2013. Her interests are small animal internal medicine, surgery, and particularly, dentistry. When not caring for pets, she enjoys spending time with her sweetheart, Reid, doing outdoor activities such as paddle-boarding, hiking, canoeing, and running. They are the proud “parents” of their Greyhound, Justice, Miniature Dachshund, Scooby, Cuban Anole, Amelia, and Chinchillas, Fiona and Dagny.

Dr. Chelsea Jurczenko, DVM

Dr. Chelsea Jurczenko

Dr. James Burnett - DVM

Growing up in England and influenced by the James Herriot stories, Dr. Burnett always knew that he wanted to be a vet. After spending much time working on farms and with other veterinarians who continued to inspire him even further, Dr. Burnett found himself traveling to Grenada, West Indies, for his veterinary studies. He graduated from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and has practiced both mixed animal and small animal medicine in England, Grenada, and the United States.

After living abroad for several years, Dr. Burnett, along with his wife, daughter, three dogs and cat are excited to call Florida their home! What Dr. Burnett loves most about small animal practice is educating clients on wellness care for their pets, performing a variety of surgical procedures, and working in a team oriented environment.

Dr. James Burnett, DVM

Dr. James Burnett

Dr. Austin Bell - DVM

Dr. Bell graduated with his DVM from Oregon State University in 2010. With a lifelong interest in animals and medicine, a veterinary career was always in the cards. Dr. Bell loves to help owners keep their pets healthy through client education. 

When he is not at work, Dr. Bell enjoys paddle boarding, swimming, and spending time with his family, which includes his wife Jaclyn, children Charlotte and Calvin, and their Golden Retriever, Leia.

Dr. Austin Bell

Dr. Chelsea Brady - DVM

Dr. Brady earned her DVM from Auburn University in 2018. After she finished her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Rollins College in 2011, she was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine when a family friend pointed out that her true passion was animals. Now at our Merritt Island location, Dr. Brady enjoys many aspects of her job including the people she works with, the variety of things she gets to do every day, and the fact that she gets to be around animals!

Outside of work, one of her greatest achievement was finishing her one and only marathon! She still enjoys running as well as soccer and boating, too. Dr. Brady loves to spend time with her family, especially her fur child, Kendi, a spectacular Golden Retriever.  

Dr. Chelsea Brady

Dr. Kathleen Shedd, DVM

Dr. Kathleen Shedd is a native of South Florida. Having had many pets as a child, she knew she wanted to be a vet at an early age. Dr. Shedd earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida in 2007 and her Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University in 2011. She practiced veterinary medicine in South Florida and New York City before recently moving back to sunny Florida.

Dr. Shedd believes compassionate care, high quality medicine, and client education are the key to developing a successful relationship between a veterinarian and client. One of Dr. Shedd’s favorite parts of being a veterinarian is the strong bond formed with clients and their pets and getting to make a difference every day.  

Dr. Shedd lives in Viera with her husband, daughter and goldendoodle. When not at work, Dr. Shedd enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with her family, and exploring the Space Coast. Dr. Shedd is excited to be a part of the Island Animal team and looks forward to serving you and your pet’s needs!  

Dr. Kathleen Shedd

Our Support Staff

Susan Stitzel - Certified Veterinary Practice Manager

With over 30 years in veterinary care, Susan is an Island Animal Hospital staff member who has quite the story to tell! After attending Auburn University, Susan moved to Melbourne and became co-owner of Melbourne Animal Hospital in 1988. She then went on to manage Aloha Pet and Bird hospital, before eventually taking on a role as an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Practice Consultant.

After over five years of extensive traveling in her role as an AAHA Practice Consultant, Susan decided it was time to find a place to call home, and she did so with Island Animal Hospital! Here Susan works as the Island Animal Hospital HR director, as well as an AAHA coordinator for all of our Island Animal Hospital locations.

It is clear that with Susan’s work experience, she is an animal lover! Susan owns multiple pets, including a 10-year-old cat named “Louie,” a 3-year-old cat named “Brigitta,” and she is currently the custodian of a 15-month old Lab puppy named Sanders II, who is in training for Canine Companions for Independence. 

Veterinarians in Merritt Island: Susan

Susan Stitzel

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager

Cassie Joyner - Lead Technician, Inventory Manager

What does Cassie love about working at Island Animal Hospital? It’s knowing that we can help animals that are in need. She loves seeing the smiles on clients' faces after helping them with their babies!

During Cassie’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, friends, and of course, dancing. She also has an animal rescue and so spends a lot of time caring for all those animals, too!

Cassie Joyner

Lead Technician
Inventory Manager

Stephanie Vladyka

Bio Coming Soon!

Stephanie Vladyka

Veterinary Technician

Isis Cabrera - Veterinary Technician

Originally from Puerto Rico, Isis Cabrera moved to Brevard County after relocating because of Hurricane Maria. As a veterinary technician, Isis loves everything about her profession, including taking care of patients and learning something new each and every day.

Isis owns three dogs and four cats! All of who she says are “her life”. When not at work, Isis enjoys going to the beach, watching movies and television shows, and spending time with her friends and family.

Veterinarians in Merritt Island: Isis

Isis Cabrera

Veterinary Technician

Marie McCreary - Veterinary Technician

Marie is an Island Animal Hospital veterinary technician who loves getting to work with animals day in and day out! When not working, Marie spends her time taking care of five dogs and two cats. Marie’s favorite part of working at Island Animal Hospital is getting to love, care for, and learn from the animals!

When not at work, Marie enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. The beach, flea markets, antiquing, and of course some peace and quiet are what Marie enjoys the most!

Veterinarians in Merritt Island: Marie

Marie McCreary

Veterinary Technician

Wynne Ann

Bio coming soon.

Wynne Ann, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Kayla Hill - Veterinary Technician

Kayla is a veterinary technician here at Island Animal Hospital, and she wouldn’t trade it for the world! From working with visiting veterinary surgeons, to cleaning teeth and caring for our hospitalized patients, Kayla plays an important role here at our animal hospital.

She also enjoys taking photos of wildlife, being outdoors, and visiting Disney!

Kayla Hill, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Jill Cheney

Bio coming soon.

Jill Cheney, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Jason Smeragulioulo - Kennel and Veterinary Technician

When Jason first moved to Brevard County at ten years old, Island Animal Hospital was the first veterinary clinic his family brought their family pet to! Now, Jason works as both a kennel technician and veterinary technician at Island Animal Hospital. What Jason loves most about working here is learning the different personalities of each and every animal, as well as their owners! On top of getting to know different pets and owners, Jason enjoys learning new information on the job which he can use in the classroom while he attends school.

Jason is the proud owner of two dogs, a 10-year-old Border Collie/Lab named Nahla and an 8-year-old Great Dane/Lab named Willow! He also is the owner of a Bearded Dragon named Toothless. In his free time away from work and school, Jason enjoys spending time with his family and going to Disney with his partner.

Veterinarians in Merritt Island: Jason

Jason Smeragulioulo

Kennel and Veterinary Technician

Cortney Baker

Bio coming soon.

Cortney Baker

Veterinary Technician

Amanda Grezzafi

Bio coming soon.

Amanda Grezzafi

Amanda Grezzafi

Veterinary Technician

Diamond Richardson

Bio coming soon.

Diamond Richardson

Diamond Richardson

Veterinary Technician

Nina Wilson

Bio coming soon.

Nina Wilson

Nina Wilson

Veterinary Technician

Regina West

Bio coming soon.

Regina West

Regina West

Veterinary Technician

Jessica Gaudi, CVA

Bio coming soon.

Jessica Gaudi, CVA

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Nate Williams, CVA

Bio coming soon.

Nate Williams, CVA

Nate Wilson, CVA

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Diane Rood - Lead Customer Service Representative

Diane's favorite thing about Island Animal Hospital is that it feels like one big happy family. She also loves the dedication that everyone gives.

Veterinarians in Merritt Island: Diane

Diane Rood

Lead Customer Service Representative

Chasity Buckner - Customer Service Representative

Chasity has a lot of different experience as she has had numerous training in surgery and grooming. As a receptionist with us, her favorite part of her job is seeing pets healthy and happy! She also really enjoys grooming animals when she has the chance.

At home, Chasity lives with her husband Eric and 2 sons, Zevin and Zalen. She also has a number of pets including Appa, a Blue Heller; Zuma, a chocolate Lab; and Hollow and Droppet, two Domestic Short-Hair cats.

Chasity Buckner

Customer Service Representative

Amber

Bio coming soon.

Amber

Customer Service Representative

Tristen

After spending the beginning of her career in property management, Tristen switched over to the dog boarding and veterinary medical field, in which she has been working for the last 10+ years. She finds it extremely rewarding to be able to build long-term relationships with clients and their pets, and she has 2 pets of her own; a sulcata tortoise named Martini, and a cat named Chicken Nugget (her daughter has a dog).

Tristen absolutely loves animals, especially dogs and elephants. She has a BS in zoology from SUNY Oswego, and outside of work, some of her favorite activities include doing DIY projects, experiencing live music, and sleeping!

Tristen

Customer Service Representative

Lauren Donaldson - Customer Service Representative

Lauren always loved animals and had pets throughout her life, from dogs and cats to horses. She shares her home with two cats, Bentley and Sofia, and a German Shepherd/Coonhound mix named Cooper. Outside of work and helping animals, Lauren enjoys drawing, painting, and riding horses. She also loves all things Disney.

Lauren Donaldson

Customer Service Representative

Megan Cronin - Customer Service Representative

Megan always loved animals, and wanted to work with them for as long as she can remember. One of her favorite things about working at Island Animal Hospital is meeting clients and hearing about their pets’ stories, and seeing everyone’s adorable pets in general. Megan’s four-legged family members include Max, a Boxer/Bulldog mix, Jobey, a Chihuahua/Corgi mix and Tweeks the cat. When she’s not working, Megan loves watching horror movies and doing horror/fantasy makeup, camping, paddleboarding, going to the springs; basically, anything with water. She is also getting into gardening!

Megan Cronin

Customer Service Representative

Samantha Scurato - Customer Service Representative

Born and raised in New Jersey, Samantha Scurato, alongside her husband, decided to make the move to Brevard County just before the 2018 New Year. Although Samantha is relatively new to the area, she is familiar with Island Animal Hospital. Samantha’s mother has been bringing her pets to our facilities since 2013.

Before moving to Brevard County, Samantha often brought her own dog Diesel to Island Animal Hospital while making visits to Florida to see her mother! It’s this familiarity with our hospital that drove Samantha to apply immediately after moving into the area. Samantha now works as a Front Desk Receptionist at Island Animal Hospital, and enjoys being a part of a group that works together to ensure the health and happiness of all animals.

Samantha is the proud pet-parent of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Diesel, which can be seen in her photo. When not working, Samantha enjoys spending her time gardening and doing yoga. She also loves spending as much possible on the beach near, or in, the water!

Veterinarians in Merritt Island: Samantha

Samantha Scurato

Customer Service Representative

Lillian Martinez

Bio coming soon. 

Lillian Martinez

Lillian Martinez

Customer Service Representative