Our goal is to help you and your pet stay happy and healthy together through advanced diagnostics and optimal cardiac care.
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Tacy Rupp moved from the northeast to south Florida in 2000. Seeking refuge from the northern winters, she joined the specialty medical care field here and was the first board-certified veterinary cardiologist based in south Florida. She established the Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Care Center in 2007 and has provided compassionate cardiac care in Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties ever since. Dr Rupp also has a special interest in advanced pulmonary medicine and offers complete respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic care.
Dr. Rupp received her DVM from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. She performed a small animal internship at North Carolina State Veterinary Teaching Hospital, then returned to The Ohio State University to complete her residency in Cardiology and her Master of Science degree. She remained at Ohio State while serving as a clinical instructor, sharing her passion for cardiology through teaching cardiology to veterinary students.
Dr. Rupp has a menagerie of pets – dogs, cats, birds, a guinea pig, and a rat. This is, in part, thanks to her husband, Dr. Greg Rupp (also a veterinarian) and to her son, another enthusiastic animal lover!
DVM, Cardiology Specialty Intern
Dr. Nicholas Hayes, DVM is under the direction of Dr. Rupp, as he completes his specialty internship in cardiology here at VCCC. His interest in cardiology stems from a fascination with the logic of the heart, and his desire to establish long-term relationships with patients.
Dr. Hayes grew up in London before receiving his DVM from Kansas State University. Having completed a small animal internship in Brooklyn, his loyalties center around New England, including a commitment to nothing other than Vermont Maple Syrup, and a reputation as a diehard New England sports fan.
His leisure time activities include sailing, playing tennis, biking with his fiancé, and of course napping under a pile of dogs: most notably Macklin, his Great Dane, and Gaia, a beloved Pitty.
Practice Manager
Client Care Supervisor
Ashley joined us in 2014 as a Client Service Representative She is now our Client Service Supervisor. She was born and raised in South Florida. Ashley attended Coastal Carolina College for her Associate’s Degree in Science. She is constantly striving to improve the quality of customer care for our practice and manages our social media. Ashley is fortunate enough to be the mom to a wonderful little boy, two cats, KeeKee and Storm Trooper. As well as a few amazing dogs, Cooper, Randy, Girl, Whitey, Roach, and Pistol. Outside of work, Ashley spends a lot of time with her family, snuggling with her dogs and cats, at the beach or outside!
Veterinary Nurse
Kimberly is one of our Veterinary Technicians who joined our team in 2016. She has over 16 years experience in veterinary medicine. Kimberly was born in south Florida, and currently resides in south Florida with her husband, her dog Moana and cat Penny. All who have invested many years in supporting her compassion and dedication to all of her patients and their families. In her free time she loves spending it outdoor, running, gardening, swimming, or just relaxing!
Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Nurse
Marlise Alvarez may have been born to be a veterinary nurse. Her love for animals, experience caring for them, and education in the field are huge.
During an externship at the Animal Recreation and Rehabilitation Center, Marlise studied rehab, acupuncture, underwater therapy, cold laser therapy, and more. She’s well versed in everything from pharmacology to the unique treatments of both large animals and exotics. And as if all that isn’t enough, Marlise has five pets of her own.
Marlise loves VCCC because she gets to see cute patients every day and help prolong their lives. Marlise has a great sense of humor, a big heart, and a sense of adventure—always open to trying something new. At home you’ll find Marlise drawing, listening to music of all types, gardening, and of course playing with Remy, Mojo, and Stella, her dogs, and her cats Zebra and Astrid.
Client Care Coordinator
VCCC takes client care seriously, and that’s a value shared by Client Care Coordinator, Jessica Santacruz.
Jessica began her career in the veterinary field in 2016, and came on board with our hospital in 2019. She loves working in the cardiopulmonary field because each patient is unique. She also loves Asian food, being outdoors, exercising, reading—and of course her two adorable cats, Bentley and Bella.
Although Jessica has called south Florida home for over 20 years, she’s also lived in New York and Colombia. A seasoned traveler who enjoys all kinds of new experiences, Jessica’s favorite destination is Costa Rica.
Client Care Coordinator
When it comes to client care, there’s nothing Christy Marino hasn’t mastered. She’s worked in the veterinary field for over 30 years, including general practice, emergency, and neurology. She enjoys VCCC because each case is completely different, and she finds the heart to be a fascinating organ.
Christy is an excellent cook, and also enjoys reading, especially while cuddling her two cats, Mr. Seven and Misschievous (Missie for short), and her amazing daughter, who Christy calls her miracle.
It’s been over 15 years since Christy began calling south Florida her home. That doesn’t mean she’s been stationery, however. In fact, she has traveled all over the world.
Client Care Coordinator
Rachel Panarites is a Client Care Coordinator for our hospital. She absolutely loves taking care of animals and serving their owners.
Rachel graduated high school in 2012, went into the veterinary profession right away, and never looked back. She joined the VCCC team in early 2020, based on a strong desire to expand her knowledge in the fascinating specialty of cardiology.
Her personal life revolves around animals as well. Rachel has two pets: Moo, a beautiful Labrador, and OC, her cat. What’s more, she’s an avid equine barrel racer. And whenever possible, Rachel takes advantage of the south Florida lifestyle and heads to the beach.
