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.

What would characterize the ideal Practice Manager at a Veterinary Cardiac Hospital? A love of animals? Many years’ experience? Someone who truly cares? We’re pleased to say that our own Erick Kabler fits all these descriptions and more.

Erick received his veterinary Emergency Room and Intensive Care training at the University Of Florida. He managed a busy ER for 10 years prior to joining our practice. But unlike the emergency environment, VetCCC gives Erick the opportunity to form longer relationships with patients and their families. This is a profound difference Erick loves. In addition to his technical skills, he is strong on the business side, with a servant leadership style which benefits the entire team.

He stays busy outside the office, too. Erick is a pilot, scuba diver, nature enthusiast, and—most importantly—the cool dad to his four children: Little Henry, Ava Lilly, Ethan Jade, and Hannah Rose. And let’s not forget Myam the cat, and his favorite turtle, Donatello.

Erick signs his emails with the title, “Proud Practice Manager.” We’re pretty proud to have him on board here as well.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vet CCC team member Xiomara Lou is known as “Xio” by her friends and “Z” by her co-workers. However, our clients know her as a caring Nurse Assistant who has worked with animals since 2015 and loves every moment of it.

Xio graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biology from FAU and plans on continuing her education to fulfill her dream of becoming a Veterinarian. Working in cardiology appeals to her because it extends the lives of patients, giving owners additional years with their little ones, and it provides Xio with exposure to specialty animal medicine.

Her position at our hospital allows Xio to do what she loves: learn more about animal medicine and be surrounded by cats and dogs! When Xio is not at work she enjoys going to the gym, tanning at the beach, or grubbing out. But there’s nothing Xio likes more than to just hang out with friends, family, and of course her cat, Kilo!

Hailey has always been passionate about her love of animals. She began to make her passion her career in 2010, and joined the Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Care Center in the important position of Nurse Assistant in 2020.

A south Florida native, Hailey studied at Animal Behavior College, and holds a Veterinary Assistant Certification. Veterinary cardiology keeps pets as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, and that’s what Hailey likes most about working at VetCCC.

When not at our hospital, Hailey loves trying new foods, being at peace in nature, taking cars apart and putting them back together, and of course spending quality time with her many “fur babies” at home, which consists of an astounding seven dogs and cats and counting.