The Heart of Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital

Casey’s journey began with a degree in photojournalism from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 1998, where her love for animals and photography collided. Her career took a significant turn when she worked alongside Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo in 2000, fueling her passion for wildlife. After earning her Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license in 2001, she joined the Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital family, ascending to Practice Manager in 2010. As a dedicated outdoor enthusiast, Casey enjoys hiking, wake surfing, and spending time with her family. Her rich background and deep love for animals are the heart of her work at the family-run veterinary practice, originally founded by her father-in-law, Dr. Bill Delaporte, in 1984.

Jessica, or “Jess,” joined Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital in 2018 after relocating to Central Florida with her two dogs (Sasha and Khaleesi) and two cats (Christian and Michi). With eight years of experience as a veterinary technician, Jess developed a deep passion for client education. Now, as the Office Manager, she goes above and beyond to ensure exceptional service for both clients and patients. When not assisting the team or clients, Jess can be found enjoying the beach or exploring Disney during her time off.

 Jess has been in veterinary medicine since 2012, working with small animals, exotics, zoo animals, and emergency medicine. She relocated from Miami to Central Florida and joined the Mount Dora Vet Team in October 2018. Jess has helped to create a warm and inviting hospital for all of our clients and patients. She has 4 French Bulldogs, 3 cats, and an adorable son, Nicolas. When she’s not in the hospital, she can be found taking Nicolas to Disney World or enjoying the beach!  

Samantha began her journey with Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital in January 2024, bringing with her over 15 years of customer service experience. With an educational background in medical assisting, including certifications as a Phlebotomist and EKG technician, Samantha shifted gears to follow her passion for animals and veterinary medicine. A proud mother of four, she enjoys spending her free time at the gym, relaxing at the beach, or creating memories with her family.

Allie has been a part of the team since early 2023. She has been in the veterinary field since 2019 working mostly as a veterinary assistant/technician. Allie has had a passion for the veterinary field since she was a child. Allie  is an advocate for not just animals but their owners as well. She has 4 senior kitties of her own: Frank, Bo, Luna, and Stripey. In her free time she enjoys video games, scary movies, and reading.

Meet Julia, a member of our reception team here at Mount Dora Vet! With over four years of veterinary reception experience, ranging from a high-volume spay/neuter clinic to a bustling urgent care center, she brings both skill and heart to the front desk. She’s the proud mom of a rescued three-legged bearded dragon named Lieutenant Dan and shares her home with a lovable pack of small mutts. A strong believer in TNR, Julia regularly fosters kittens and helps them find their forever homes. When she’s not at the clinic, Julia is a self-taught aquascaper with a house full of thriving fish tanks, from cichlids and sorority bettas to a mixed marine reef. She’s also a rare houseplant collector and is the proud plant parent of a gorgeous Monstera Albo. On top of it all, Julia is a Disney pin-collecting adult whose favorite holiday (of course) is Halloween. What Breed Best Describes Julia? A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Just like this unique breed, Julia is a water lover (hello, aquascaping), highly task-oriented, loyal and hard-working, emotionally aware and tuned in to others’ needs And yes – both even have Canadian roots! 

Trystin joined the team in July of 2025, bringing with her a decade of veterinary experience. Her journey started at her hometown’s humane society where she began learning shelter medicine and how to help the animals that didn’t have any other advocates. She has spent time in general practice and urgent care as well as cat specialty clinics. A Lafayette, Indiana native, she found her way to central Florida after her family relocated. She has one beautiful cat named Jedi who has moved to 5 different states with her. She is additionally experienced as a licensed cosmetologist and phlebotomy technician. Her hobbies include attending Orlando Pride soccer games, reading seven books simultaneously, and listening to music by any available body of water.

Samantha began her journey with Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital in January 2024, bringing with her over 15 years of customer service experience. With an educational background in medical assisting, including certifications as a Phlebotomist and EKG technician, Samantha shifted gears to follow her passion for animals and veterinary medicine. Since beginning her career at Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital she has become a Lead and continues to learn and expand her knowledge and training in Veterinary Medicine. At home Samantha is a proud mother of four, she enjoys spending her free time at the gym, the beach and going on road Trips and adventures.

Kamryn is one of our newest members who joined the team in August 2025.  She is originally from Hawai’i but moved here from South Florida with her 3 dogs and 2 cats. On her off days she spends it with her family and animals.

Originally from Georgia (go Bulldogs!), Makayla moved to Florida four years ago and brought her passion for animals with her. She’s been in veterinary medicine since 2020, working her way from kennel tech to vet tech, and now shines as the friendly face at our front desk. At home, she’s mom to two dogs and four cats-so she knows just how much our furry friends mean to us. Whether she’s booking appointments or handing out treats, Makayla’s warm, easygoing vibe puts pets and people at ease.

Jakkie joined Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital in April 2024 after relocating from Massachusetts, where she spent two years at an emergency and specialty veterinary hospital. A lifelong animal lover, Jakkie’s veterinary journey began as a child, helping out at her aunt’s animal hospital. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her pets, including two dogs, a Chihuahua mix named Simon and a pit bull named Miroku, as well as her cat Kilala and snake Alaskah. She also enjoys reading and gardening.

Since childhood Paulina has always had a passion for the health and wellbeing of animals. With over 12 years of veterinary experience she has turned her passion to a fulfilling career working and traveling from New England, to Alaska, and currently to central Florida. In her free time Paulina can be found on an adventure, hiking with her Bernese mountain dogs Mia and Birch, scuba diving, reading or cuddled up to her kitties Archer and Timber. 

After 30 years as a hairstylist, Tammy followed her passion for animals and transitioned to the veterinary field. She began her career at a county animal shelter, eventually enrolling in the vet tech program at St. Petersburg College. Tammy spent four years working at the shelter and another four years at a local private veterinary hospital before joining Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital. In her spare time, she enjoys four-wheeling with her son and fellow Jeep owners. She has a tripod cat and an Italian Greyhound who lost his eyes to glaucoma.

Allison joined the Mount Dora Vet team in August 2025.  She has been pursuing her dreams of working with animals since 2022 volunteering at Pet Alliance Animal Shelter. That love has driven her through an associate in biomedical sciences and a bachelor’s in biology specialized in zoology and pre-veterinary medicine. Her dream is to work closely with zoo animals. When not in the hospital, Allison likes to visit new restaurants, to roller blade, and to watch movies at home with her two cats: Gracie and Spicy Mayonnaise.

Chelcei has been in veterinary medicine for 8 years and has always had a passion for helping and caring for animals. She originally wanted to go into large animal medicine but fell in love with small animal medicine quickly. Chelcei has a background of responsibly breeding Labrador Retrievers. If she isn’t caring for your fur babies, you can catch her outside fishing, hiking, or even just listening to the waves and soaking in the sun at the beach. She currently has 3 Jack Russel and a Labrador Retriever. 

Rina started with Mount Dora Vet in January of 2025. She started her veterinary career 11 years ago in a clinic in Orlando Fl. , where she started as a kennel technician and learned the basics of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care. She furthered career and education by assisting in all aspects of the hospital as a Technician and participating in Penn Fosters Veterinary program online. She moved to Lake county 3 years ago,  and finally came to us here, at Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital! She has 2 dogs, “Lumpy Pablo” and “Branaw” and a cat named “Arwen”. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, going to the beach, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and friends.

Olivia joined the Mount Dora Vet Team in March 025. Growing up on a farm, Olivia developed a profound connection with animals, sparking her aspiration to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She has now been working in the veterinary field for over seven years, with experience ranging from emergency care in Las Vegas to her current role here in Florida. Outside of her professional life, Olivia enjoys outdoor adventures, horseback riding, and spending quality time with her son, fiancé, and family. She has a special love for German Shepherds, especially her own, Toby and Libby.

Hailie, originally from the midwest Indiana, has always had a passion for animals. She earned her Bachelor of Animal Science: Canine and Feline Care from Unity College in Maine in 2021, followed by a Master of Animal Science in 2024 with a focus on Exotic Animal Husbandry and Behavior, also from Unity College. Now happily calling Florida home, Hailie lives with her husband and a diverse family of pets: two pitbulls, two hedgehogs, two snakes, and a bearded dragon. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her animals, taking a day trip to Universal or Disney, and working toward launching her own exotics rescue.

Ava has been working here for the past couple of years since January 2025 and just graduated with a bachelor’s in general studies. After she finishes her science classes she is going to apply to veterinary school and hopefully go to University of Florida. Ava has always been around animals and grew up riding horses. She has 2 cats named Frito and Bruce. Outside of work, she likes to hangout with friends, go fishing or go to the beach.

Marina joined Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital in June 2025 after growing up on a farm, she developed a love for all animals. She enjoys caring for pets and learning each day as a Veterinary Assistant and brings compassion and cuddles to every patient she meets. At home, Marina spends her time with her two fur balls, Red and Halo, and in her free time she enjoys being outdoors, playing video games, traveling and trying new foods.

Cierra has been a professional pet groomer for 15 years. She always wanted to work with animals and discovered her passion for grooming in high school. She has her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She was born and raised in Massachusetts. She currently owns 2 dogs and 4 cats but has owned a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, rats, mice, and fish.