Our Team

Molly Pearson

DVM

Dr. Molly Pearson has been caring for Gainesville area pets since graduating from the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. During that time, she worked at Gainesville Animal Hospital for 4 years and Magnolia Animal Hospital in Ocala for 8 years. In 2000, she opened her own practice in scenic Micanopy, FL, and has been enjoying the clientele and their animals ever since. Dr. Pearson has a special interest in rabbits, reptiles, and other exotics. At home, she lives with 3 dogs, 3 cats, and several tortoises. With ties to both Alachua and Marion counties, she feels strongly about supporting local businesses and looks forward to furthering that relationship with the community and their pets for many years to come.

Kelly Berisha

DVM

Dr. Kelly Berisha moved from Sarasota, FL to Gainesville in 2001 to attend the University of Florida. She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences with honors in 2004 and graduated from UF veterinary school with honors in 2008. She has practiced in the Gainesville area since that time. Dr. Berisha enjoys all aspects of private practice, but her areas of special interest include dentistry and feline medicine.

She lives in Gainesville with her husband Mark, her two young children, Kol and Kira, as well a pair of sweet kitties- Dart and Raja. Her favorite things about living in this area are the wide open spaces, the friendly local culture, and being at the heart of the Gator Nation. In her free time she enjoys gardening, traveling to historic cities, local festivals, and doing anything outdoors.

Marcia Aufmuth

DVM

Dr. Marcia Aufmuth, a resident of Micanopy for over 30 years, graduated with honors from the UF Veterinary School in 1994. She then returned to her home state of Illinois for a yearlong internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Returning to Micanopy, she practiced in Ocala where she and Dr. Pearson were associate colleagues. Dr. Marcia happily joined the Micanopy Animal Hospital staff in 2019. She has a special interest in oncology, cytology, and internal medicine. Marcia and her husband of >35 years, Joe who was formerly the Mayor of Micanopy, have had many pets that included boa constrictors, ferrets, cats, and dogs (many of them at the same time!). Currently they 2 kitties- Leo and Trixie. In their free time they enjoy trips to Disney World, gardening, cooking, and spending time in their pool.

Isis Sánchez

DVM, MS, DACVS, cVMA, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Sanchez is pleased to perform specialty surgery at Micanopy Animal Hospital. She enjoys all aspects of surgery. Her chief areas of interest are plastics and reconstruction, oncologic surgery, wound management, urologic surgery, and cardio-thoracic surgery. Dr. Sánchez is certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture and has extensive training in rehabilitation therapy and therapeutic massage.

Dr. Sánchez enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, fencing, swimming, and rowing. She has hiked on all the major mountains along the Cascade Range.

Ginny

Practice Manager

Growing up as a local in Jonesville, Ginny has always had an interest in the wellbeing of animals. She grew up caring for dogs, cats, chickens, parrots, and even had a squirrel to take care of. She came to MAH after a long history of being in law enforcement as a dispatch supervisor. During that time, she volunteered as a rescue foster and was a coordinator for local rescues.

Currently, she has quite the variety of pets at home; mini goats, mini donkeys, chickens, three dogs, 4 inside cats, and she tends to a colony of feral cats. Needless to say, Ginny loves spending time with her pets during her spare time, but you will also catch her traveling or lounging by the pool.

Candice

Hospital Manager

Originally from Florida, Candice moved into the area to be closer to the University of Florida to attend school. She now resides in Hawthorne with her shepherd mix Skillet, two cats (Roran and David), and a map turtle named Amarillo. Although she does not currently own a horse, she greatly enjoys working with them. Her interests include reading and working with animals, large and small, whether they slither or crawl. In the future, she hopes to pursue a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with a specialization in mixed animal practice.

Laura

Client Care Representative

Laura has a background studying in Psychology and Zoo Animal Technology. Before working with us at MAH, she worked with exotic animals. She has a special recreational interest in birding and has participated with the Audubon Society and other clubs tracking/monitoring native and migratory species, documenting their behaviors and locations. At home she has a Mini Rex rabbit named Margo, along with 3 cats- Momma, Parker, and Zeke. She also has a rescue bearded dragon named Rex. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, biking, or painting.

Ash

Veterinary Technician & Client Care Representative

Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Ash grew up on a quaint farm with many animals. From a young age, she knew that she was meant to work with animals. Ash began her career at 16 years old as a farm hand at an equine farm. A year later, she started as a kennel technician at Gainesville’s Pet Paradise Resort, and eventually cross-trained as a receptionist and playtime coordinator. After leaving Pet Paradise, Ash worked for a private snake breeder before making her way to Micanopy Animal Hospital in early 2023. She has four dogs named Appa, Bianca, Kobe, and Kong, three cats named Bruno, Lila, and Momo, and one tortoise named Tracey. Ash practices art in her free time, primarily painting and ceramics, and has a special interest in animal portraiture. Additionally, Ash enjoys spending time with her pets, traveling with friends and family, and going to the beach and theme parks.

Daniel

Veterinary Technician & Client Care Representative

Bio coming soon

Alyssa

Client Care Representative

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Alyssa and her family moved to Citra when she was 18 years old, where she worked at a local veterinary hospital for many years before coming to Micanopy Animal Hospital. Having always grown up around animals, Alyssa knew from early on that she wanted to give the same love and support to pets as they gave to her. At home, Alyssa has a plethora of animals: a pig named Hammy, a cat aptly named Kitty (courtesy of Alyssa’s daughter), a French Bulldog named Stitch, and four Labs named Jeb, Sapphire, Scarlett, and Libby. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing video games, and riding her four-wheeler.

Hailee

Client Care Representative

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Hailee grew up on a beef ranch, taking care of 13 animals. Because she grew up around so many animals, Hailee enrolled in her high school’s vet program, and shortly after began working for her local ER vet. Having experience working in a veterinary clinic treating animals, as well as working in reception and surgery, Hailee came to us with invaluable knowledge and skills, and has continued to show excellent service and patient care here at Micanopy Animal Hospital.

When at home, Hailee finds herself spending time with her husky named Skyler. Hailee also enjoys crocheting, reading, and baking. Fun fact about Hailee: her cousin is a famous director! Ask Hailee about his movies next time you are in.

Lori

Lead Surgery Technician

Lori is a certified veterinary technician, a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, and certified “Feline Friendly” by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Her background is in surgical nursing, anesthesia, and rehabilitation. She has become one of our expert Surgery and Laser Technicians, connecting and caring for our patients as she has done throughout her life with other animals. She has a farm at home with 6 horses and 9 cats. She enjoys volunteering at horse shows while watching her daughter compete, and you will also catch her riding horses to relax when she is not at MAH comforting patients out of surgery.

Ruthie

Veterinary Technician

Originally from Puerto Rico, Ruthie’s first language is Spanish and being bilingual, Ruthie provides an invaluable service being able to communicate with our spanish speaking clients and provide them with excellent care for their pets. Ruthie started her career working with animals at Gainesvilles Pet Paradise as a resort associate for 6 years before coming to MAH, working as a veterinary technician. Ruthie has a German Shepherd who is a blood donor named Mia, 2 cats- Sable and Sunny, and 2 crested geckos- Draco and Miso of her own. From a young age, her father instilled the value of loving and caring for animals, which she continues to do at home and in her professional career. In her spare time Ruthie enjoys spending time at Disney as a passholder, going to the beach, reading a good book, or playing video games.

Laramie

Veterinary & Surgical Technician

Updated bio coming soon!

Paige

Veterinary Technician

Paige, originally from Jacksonville, Fl, began her career by volunteering at a low cost general practice clinic. A year later, she was hired on full time and was there for 9 years before coming to MAH. Paige loves helping ill pets get back to their healthy selves and enjoys building a connection with their owner along the way. Paige has a dog named Copper and 3 kitties- Forest, Snowball, and Zena. When Paige is not at the clinic giving our patients the utmost best care, she is at home playing games, watching movies, and enjoys trying new foods- lifes too short not to try new things!

Olivia

Veterinary & Surgical Technician

Olivia moved to Gainesville from Melbourne, FL in order to further her career working with animals by studying Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. Before moving to Gainesville, Olivia began her career by working at a facility that did a little bit of everything- daycare, boarding, training, grooming, you name it! She has been a vet tech for many years and enjoys all aspects of animal care. Olivia loves animals because of their unconditional love, as she says, “animals deserve the world,” and that’s one of the many reasons we love Olivia. She has a kitty herself, Ham N’Cheese, AKA Ham. She is a loving & rambunctious tuxedo kitty. When Olivia is not taking care of the animals that come into MAH, you can find her roller skating, baking, enjoying the outdoors in Gainesville, or escaping to the mountains for a hike. Fun fact about Olivia, she can touch her tongue to her nose!

Kayla

Veterinary Technician

Originally from West Palm Beach, Kayla has a special interest in horses and plans to become an equine vet in the future. From daily husbandry, to riding, to equine medicine, Kayla has always had an inclination towards horses, so much so that at her very first show, she won Grand Champion! This grand champion also enjoys drawing/doing art, repairing her car, and playing video games. Kayla provides great care to the animals that come into MAH, and feels a deep sense of purpose everyday to help animals feel their best. Kayla has 2 pets of her owner, a ball python named Godiva, and a cat named Bibi.

Ash

Veterinary Technician & Client Care Representative

Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Ash grew up on a quaint farm with many animals. From a young age, she knew that she was meant to work with animals. Ash began her career at 16 years old as a farm hand at an equine farm. A year later, she started as a kennel technician at Gainesville’s Pet Paradise Resort, and eventually cross-trained as a receptionist and playtime coordinator. After leaving Pet Paradise, Ash worked for a private snake breeder before making her way to Micanopy Animal Hospital in early 2023. She has four dogs named Appa, Bianca, Kobe, and Kong, three cats named Bruno, Lila, and Momo, and one tortoise named Tracey. Ash practices art in her free time, primarily painting and ceramics, and has a special interest in animal portraiture. Additionally, Ash enjoys spending time with her pets, traveling with friends and family, and going to the beach and theme parks.

Daniel

Veterinary Technician & Client Care Representative

Bio coming soon

Diego

Kennel Technician & Veterinary Technician

Originally from Venezuela, Diego comes from a veterinary family and grew up on a farm. Diego’s uncle practiced vetmed and instilled the passion he has for animals. He moved to the US in 2018 and spent some time working as an electrician before jumping back into the animal field. Since then, he has been studying animal sciences and plans to become a veterinarian himself in the future. When Diego is not at the clinic caring for our patients, he is at home with his dog Jack, and enjoys playing tennis and soccer. You may also find Diego at the gym or at the lake fishing or racing cars.

Diego

Kennel Technician & Veterinary Technician

Originally from Venezuela, Diego comes from a veterinary family and grew up on a farm. Diego’s uncle practiced vetmed and instilled the passion he has for animals. He moved to the US in 2018 and spent some time working as an electrician before jumping back into the animal field. Since then, he has been studying animal sciences and plans to become a veterinarian himself in the future. When Diego is not at the clinic caring for our patients, he is at home with his dog Jack, and enjoys playing tennis and soccer. You may also find Diego at the gym or at the lake fishing or racing cars.

Erin

Kennel Technician

Meet Erin. Originally from upstate NY, Erin has lived in FL the majority of her life and is pursuing an education in Animal Sciences. Having graduated from Santa Fe, Erin finds herself enrolled in UF’s Animal Science bachelor’s program, so she may continue pursuing her passion for helping animals of all kinds. Her passion was born after losing her best friend unexpectedly, a cocker spaniel named Brady, and from that moment, she knew she was meant to help animals. When she’s not at work, you might find Erin line dancing or lifting weights. A fun fact about Erin is that she is fluent in American Sign Language. Next time you see Erin, ask her about it!

Elizabeth

Kennel Technician

Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth was born into a life with animals. Instilled in her at an early age, she has a strong sense of responsibility and love for animals, having grown up on a farm and from living with parrots.

Elizabeth has been living in Florida for many years now, and finds ways to bring herself back to her roots through volunteering at shelters, working with animals, and helping out on her family land here in FL.

She spends her free time with her cats Sandy and Juno, and her dogs Roscoe and Tiana. As well as playing volleyball, crocheting, trying new food spots, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Animals are like Elizabeth’s second self, they complete her. Because of this deep connection, she finds herself giving back to animals and having the need to provide them with the highest quality of care, because they deserve it!

Tonia

Kennel Technician

Born and raised in Florida, Tonia came to us after some internships in the industry and is currently enrolled in UF for Zoology.

Tonia is involved in research, several community-involved groups, and extracurricular clubs, including but not limited to an ophthalmology internship, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Medi-Gators club, Pre-vet club, and the National Society of Black Women in Medicine.

Tonia’s experience being involved in her local community stems all the way back to her local church growing up, where she started her own youth group mentoring young adults and providing support to them along their journey.

When not in school or helping her community, she spends her time with her Rottweiler Champ. Tonia enjoys writing, traveling, fashion, and cooking.

Tonia is there for animals the way they are here for us, unconditionally. Pets are proof that unconditional love exists; no matter how tough life gets, Champ is always there for her.

Jazmyn

Kennel Technician

A native Floridian and current Micanopyian living on a ranch, Jazmyn grew up in a small town before making her way over to us. Jazmyn’s love for animals stems from a long life of riding horses and showing animals. Since the age of 3, Jazmyn has spent her free time riding horses, and spent 13 years showing rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, pigs, horses, and other animals with 4H. Jazmyn has since moved on to continuing her education through the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree.

She has 2 horses, Sassy and Jubilee, and enjoys barrel riding and reading good books when she’s not at work.

Jazmyn craves purpose and thrives off challenging herself. Animals have always been there for her, providing a good listening ear and a shoulder to cry on and a friend to celebrate the big life moments with.

Knowing she must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, Jazmyn finds herself advocating for our furry friends who spend their days in our homes waiting for our return. Jazmyn see’s that we are our pets whole life, and they make our lives whole.