Our Staff


Dr. Michael Rumore
Flash, Coconut & Fluffyzoom

Dr. Michael Rumore
Flash, Coconut & Fluffyzoom

Dr. Rumore, the owner of Lake Seminole Animal Hospital, graduated from the veterinary school at Virginia Tech after finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia. He started his veterinary career in rural Maryland and Pennsylvania working on dogs, cats, cattle, horses and other farm animals. He realized that the winters and the hooves were not for him and moved to Florida to focus on dog and cat medicine in 1998. His special interests include chronic medical diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis, as well as internal medicine, pain control, surgery, pet-behavior, and acupuncture.

An active member of our community, he was the President of the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association in 2005, and a board member and past president of Pinellas Animal Foundation, a non-profit humane education organization. Dr. Rumore was awarded the Florida Veterinary Medical Association’s Gold Star Award for service 5 times for his work in the community. He also received Veterinarian of the Year in 2001 from the SPCA of Tampa Bay, where he previously served on the medical advisory board and taught classes on pet first aid. Dr. Rumore helped found the non-profit Nell’s Fund that works to rehabilitate sick and injured animals.

Dr. Rumore has appeared on local television and radio stations, such as News Channel 13, Studio 10, as well as WQYK, WRBQ, WSJT and other stations, giving his expert opinion on current pet topics as well as pet advice. He has a regular column in Tampa Bay area newspapers. His pet-family includes his deaf white boxer named Coconut (from Florida Boxer Rescue), Flash (from Florida Collie Rescue), and Fluffyzoom the cat, adopted from Pinellas County Animal Service. He and his wife have 2 daughters, Gianna and Mia, who have two pet rats named Didgeridoo and Ratatouille.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

When I was in vet school, I spent part of a summer at a free-ranging wildlife ranch in Texas working on antelope, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, ibex, wildebeest, addax, kudu, etc. I also enjoyed working with dairy cattle – though that’s not really “wildlife.” I think having a farm would be relaxing.


Dr. Elena C. Foley
Mika

Dr. Elena C. Foley
Mika

Dr. Elena C. Foley was born in Manhatten, but was raised in central Florida. Dr. Foley majored in Biology at Florida State University, graduating in 2002. She continued her education at Purdue University, earning her degree in 2007. Upon graduation, Dr. Foley moved to St. Petersburg and has practiced in several veterinary hospitals, including private practice, corporate hospitals and non-profit hospitals. She has been a volunteer with Project Spay Day for over six years. Dr. Foley is fluent in Spanish and looks forward to serving Spanish speaking pet owners in the Tampa Bay area.

In her free time Dr. Foley enjoys reading, crocheting, baking and dancing. Dr. Foley and her husband have one cat, Mika, and have owned rabbits in the past.

We Asked
Describe how the higher level of care LSAH administrators make you feel?

It makes me feel very good and satisfied. I enjoy the high level of patient care.


Dr. Jeffrey Berberick
Jynx, Bella Rose, and Stella

Dr. Jeffrey Berberick
Jynx, Bella Rose, and Stella

Dr. Berberick was in the Air Force for 13 years, but took the opportunity to separate in 2001 and fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a Veterinarian.  In 2008 he graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  His wife Chris was then, and still is, Active Duty Air Force.  Being a Military family, they have moved numerous times, and most recently the Air Force has brought them here to Florida.  Dr. Berberick has practiced in each and every state they have moved to bringing a vast wealth of different experiences from a wide diversity of Veterinary Medicine.  They have two daughters, Jordyn (who is a Junior at Oklahoma State), and Jamie.  They also have Chris’s cat Jynx, Jordyn’s cat Bella Rose, and Jamie’s dog Stella (who you see pictured).

We Asked


Dr. Abigail O’Connor
Tiger and Blue

Dr. Abigail O’Connor
Tiger and Blue

Dr. O’Connor graduated with distinction from the University of Edinburgh in 2011.  After leaving Scotland, Dr. O’Connor moved to Costa Rica where she volunteered at a humane society in San Jose and provided spay/neuter services in rural communities.  She then moved to São Paulo, Brazil to work with a small animal orthopedic specialist and gain experience in treating exotic and wildlife species.
In 2012, Dr. O’Connor moved to Delhi, India to teach medicine and surgery to the local doctors at the largest animal shelter in Asia.  There she managed the shelter’s Intensive Care Unit and set up SNIP, a spay/neuter initiative program directed at sterilizing and vaccinating street dogs against rabies.  After 6 months in India, Dr. O’Connor worked with the US Navy in a civil-military humanitarian mission providing veterinary services to the South Pacific islands.
Dr. O’Connor has worked in veterinary hospitals in Pinellas County since 2013.  In her free time, Dr. O’Connor enjoys running and hiking with husband, Steve, and their two dogs, Tiger and Blue.  Dr. O’Connor also enjoys treating and rehabilitating wildlife — particularly squirrels! She is available for consults in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

We Asked


Dr. Veronica Brenes-LaRoche

Dr. Veronica Brenes-LaRoche

Born and raised in the island of Puerto Rico Dr. Brenes-LaRoche can discuss your pets health in Spanish or English.
She achieved a BS in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and graduated in 2000 from Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine.
She has practiced in Alabama, Texas, Connecticut and now Florida.   Dr. LaRoche decided to enjoy the warm weather here in Florida and at the same time be closer to family.
When she is not at work she spends most of her time thinking about travel and food!   Trying out different restaurants or cooking new recipes at home keeps her entertained.
To relax she will sit down with her 8 year old chihuahua mix on her lap and enjoy a good book.  On Sundays you will find her teaching little ones at church and afterwards likely at the beach.
She is eager to meet clients here at Lake Seminole Animal Hospital and provide a good quality of life for their pets through preventive medicine and compassionate medical care.
Dr. Veronica start September 4th at Lake Seminole Animal Hospital!

We Asked


Dr. Zoë Wilkinson
Ripley, Crash, Sprocket & TJ

Dr. Zoë Wilkinson
Ripley, Crash, Sprocket & TJ

We wish Dr. Wilkinson all the best as she moves towards another direction in her veterinary career!
Dr. Wilkinson graduated from Louisiana State University of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She moved to the Tampa Bay area and has practiced at several area veterinary hospitals. Professional areas of interest include feline medicine, geriatric medicine, dermatology and behavior. She is a volunteer member of Eckerd College’s International Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and has done volunteer work for Pinellas County Animal Services.

Dr. Wilkinson was born and (mostly) raised in New Orleans. She still has a love for the music and culture of home- though, as a vegetarian, doesn’t partake of the cuisine. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends. She currently lives with her partner, two young sons, three dogs and six cats.

We Asked
Can you recall (and describe) the day you decided to work with animals?

I volunteered at the animal shelter in New Orleans when I was in my early 20’s. At the time I was pursuing an undergraduate degree in English Literature. Once I realized how happy and fulfilled I felt working with the shelter animals, I immediately change course to pursue veterinary medicine. Never looked back.

Jessica
Zoe

Jessica
Zoe

Jessica has been providing care to clients and pets of Lake Seminole Animal Hospital since 2001. She transitioned from Client Care Specialist to Practice Manager in 2010. The best part of her job is getting to work with such a dedicated and compassionate team. All the dog kisses and kitty purrs are pretty great too! In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach or park with her two children and husband. Her pet family includes a recently adopted Terrier mix named Zoe.

We Asked
Can you recall (and describe) the day you decided to work with animals?

I saw the ad for a front desk position at LSAH and felt drawn to it. I was working at a human doctor’s office and wasn’t happy. As soon as I walked in the front door of LSAH I felt like I was home. The added bonus of getting to see dogs and cats all day sealed the deal – that was 16 years ago!


Gina
Tank, Taco, Leo, Jake & Rocket

Gina
Tank, Taco, Leo, Jake & Rocket

Gina relocated from New York City in September 2006. She has been working as a Certified Veterinary Technician for 30 years. Tender, loving patient care is Gina’s main focus. Her animal family includes dogs Jake and Taco, three cats, Bob,Tank, and Leo.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

I would live somewhere where the forest is my backyard and there would be a stream close by. I can’t choose a single animal but would enjoy seeing all the wildlife from the forest venture into my yard and play in the stream.


Barbara
Bella, Buster, Harry, Hermoine, Jack & Bobbie

Barbara
Bella, Buster, Harry, Hermoine, Jack & Bobbie

Barb joined Lake Seminole Animal Hospital in September 2007.She has 28 years of experience in the Veterinary Medical field. Her specific interests include dog obedience and client education. At home she has five animal family members: Bella a Golden Retriever, Bobbie, a Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot; and siblings Harry and Hermione, both rescued kittens. Jack and Buster, also rescue kitties round out the animal family.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

Western U.S to be near wolves and wild horses.


Melissa
Harley Thor, Cali & Kylo Ren Solo

Melissa
Harley Thor, Cali & Kylo Ren Solo

Melissa was born and raised in Seminole. She has four children. Her pet family includes cats Kylo Ren Solo and Callie; two dogs, Harley and Thor. Melissa really enjoys interacting with our clients and their pets. She likes learning something new in veterinary medicine everyday.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

I would move to Australia if I could – to be close to more animals outside of my home so my children could enjoy them as well.


Dani
Kaya, the Carolina dog and Louie, the fluffy side-kick

Dani
Kaya, the Carolina dog and Louie, the fluffy side-kick

Dani joined our Lake Seminole Animal Hospital team in November 2010. Dani graduated in November 2008 with a degree in Applied Science for Veterinary Technology from Veterinary Technology Institute at International Business College in Indiana. She enjoys all aspects of the veterinary field. Her hobbies are yoga, gardening, cooking, the beach, hiking, camping, kayaking, going to the springs, and traveling!

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live? And what animal would you move for?

New Zealand- to be closer to the resident Orca's that call New Zealand home!


Lisa
Farley, Edgar & Clyde Henrey

Lisa
Farley, Edgar & Clyde Henrey

Lisa has been at Lake Seminole Animal Hospital since 1993. In 2003 she received recognition from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association for Veterinary Team Member of the Year. Her special interests are in pet dentistry and wellness care. Her pet family includes her dogs, Clyde Henrey, Edgar, and Farley.

We Asked
Can you recall (and describe) the day you decided to work with animals?

The day I got hired here and started working with the boarding pets. I fell in love with the job and the animals and the rest is history!


Amy
Roo, Fester, Leonard, Oliver & Lou

Amy
Roo, Fester, Leonard, Oliver & Lou

Amy’s love of all animals show in her compassionate nursing care. She has been at Lake Seminole Animal Hospital since 2008. Amy has a special interest in feline medicine and animal rescue. Amy’s pet family includes four rescue kitties; Roo, Oliver, Fester and Leonard. She also has Lou the tortoise.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

I would move to Georgia, Tennessee, or North Carolina – near the mountains. I would enjoy the surrounding wildlife in all of those states.


Sara
Tawnee, Xena & Dunkin

Sara
Tawnee, Xena & Dunkin

Sara joined the Lake Seminole Animal Hospital family in August of 2009. Sara graduated from St. Petersburg College with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 2014. She has special interests dentistry and laboratory diagnostics. Sara’s pet family includes Tawnee, the Beagle, Xena, the Boston Terrier and Duncan, a rescue cat.

We Asked
Can you recall (and describe) the day you decided to work with animals?

The first time I was able to help my grandma at her farm.


Kimme
Zoey & Harley Quinn

Kimme
Zoey & Harley Quinn

Kimme joined the team at Lake Seminole Animal Hospital in September 2009. Her special interests include surgery and interacting with our patients. Kimme is the happy owner of a Boxer named Zoey.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

I would live in Hawaii to be closer to the diverse sea life especially sea turtles!


Alicia
Tippy and a tortoise named Shelly

Alicia
Tippy and a tortoise named Shelly

Alicia joined LSAH in April as a Veterinary Nurse, but worked here when she was younger as well! She has decided to come back to our practice after many years of working overnights at the local emergency clinic. In her downtime, Alicia enjoys going on a walk around the neighborhood with her son. Her pet family includes a Collie mix named Tippy, a DSH named Mushu, and a Tortoise named Shelly.

We Asked
Can you recall the day you decided to work with animals?

As far back as I can remember, I've always loved animals and have always wanted to work with them and help in any way I could.


Taylor
Bruno, Delilah & Tank

Taylor
Bruno, Delilah & Tank

Taylor became a team member at Lake Seminole Animal Hospital in 2012. She enjoys learning something new about veterinary medicine every day. Taylor is working towards her associates degree at St. Petersburg College. Tank and Delilah, German Shepherd dogs and Bruno a kitten adopted from the SPCA are part of her family.

We Asked
If you could live anywhere to be closer to particular wildlife, where would you live?

I would love to live closer to the coral reef. I have always wanted to go visit and I have always been interested in marine life. I would move for the sharks and turtles.


Robyn
Luca

Robyn
Luca

Robyn joined LSAH in November 2017 and works full time as a kennel assistant. Her favorite hobby’s include listening to music and walking in the park. Robyn has worked with animals almost all her life! She has a domestic longhair cat named Luca.

We Asked
Can you recall (and describe) the day you decided to work with animals?

Growing up I had a cat named Tasha, who one day curled up on my chest when I was in bed and just had a look and then started licking my face!