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. 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

Dr. Jeffrey Jacobs, DVM

Bio coming soon

Dr. Jeffrey Jacobs

Dr. Chloe Williams - DVM

Dr. Williams earned her DVM from the University of Florida in 2018. She understands how important animals are in her life, and in the lives of others, and she wants to help people by helping their pets. Some of her favorite aspects of being a veterinarian include giving owners more time with their animal companions, and strengthening the human-animal bond as a whole. Dr. Williams and her husband share their home with 2 dogs; a mixed-breed rescue named June and a Border Collie named Cash. When she’s not working, Dr. Williams prefers to spend her time gardening, cooking, and doing agility training and competitions with Cash. She is also a big foodie and loves trying new restaurants.

Dr. Chloe Williams

Dr. Megan Dowst - DVM

Dr. Dowst earned her DVM from the University of Florida in 2018. As a young girl, she was always drawn to animals, so she already had aspirations to pursue a veterinary career at an early age. She had a lot of animals in her household including dogs, pocket pets, snakes, and birds. Dr. Dowst was also fascinated with science and medicine, so becoming a veterinarian just made sense! Her special interests in the field include internal medicine, preventative medicine, and dermatology, and her favorite aspect of her role is getting to bond with people and their pets.

At home, Dr. Dowst shares her days with her Pit Bull mix, Rocko. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, engaging in various outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

Dr Megan Dowst

Dr. Megan Dowst

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

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

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

Diamond Richardson

Bio coming soon.

Diamond Richardson

Diamond Richardson

Veterinary Technician

Amanda Grezzafi

Bio coming soon.

Amanda Grezzafi

Amanda Grezaffi

Veterinary Technician

Regina West

Bio coming soon.

Regina West

Regina West

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

Nate Williams, CVA

Bio coming soon.

Nate Williams, CVA

Nate Wilson, CVA

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Alicia Bohman, Inventory Specialist

Alicia grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. She loves animals, and always had pets! She completed a year of college at University of Wisconsin Green Bay, then moved to Florida and obtained her esthetician license at Eastern Florida. One of Alicia’s favorite aspects of working in veterinary medicine is getting to meet all kinds of new people and build relationships. She’s excited to be here! At home, she has one four-legged family member, a cat named Blaze. In her free time,  Alicia enjoys hanging out on the beach, hiking, and diving into a good book.

Alicia Bohman

Inventory Specialist

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 Holley

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

Kayt Yoho

Bio coming soon. 

Kayt Yoho

Veterinary Technician

Elizabeth Breitigan

Bio coming soon. 

Elizabeth Breitigan

Veterinary Technician