Meet Erica! Erica is originally from Apopka Florida, she moved
Elisia is originally from Live Oak Florida. She has moved
Jessica Andrews is a 4th year vet student at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital opened its doors in the fall of 2007. While working at and managing various animal hospitals in northern Florida, Dr. Leslie saw that pet owners are most concerned about how much veterinarians and staff care about them and their pets. She observed that often veterinary care givers became hurried and even callous towards the needs of the clients and their pets. The name Caring Hands was chosen to help remind us all about why we are really in this profession.
The facility in Lake City is a bit of a local historical landmark in that it was originally a Pizza Hut constructed in the 1970’s. Most long-time residents of Lake City, including Dr. Leslie, remember eating pizza in this building. When the new Pizza Hut was built closer to the interstate, the building served as a Mexican restaurant for a time before sitting vacant for a couple of years. Dr. Leslie purchased the building from the original owner, Mr. Ansbacher, who at one time had 33 Pizza Huts in northern Florida. After extensive remodeling and a 21-foot addition, Caring Hands Animal Hospital emerged from the construction dust. Caring Hands Animal Hospital became accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association in 2008, just 6 months after opening and the first accredited hospital within a 40-mile radius. The AAHA standards we follow and the equipment within allow us to offer high quality care to our clients, but it’s really our attitude that sets us apart from the other hospitals in the area.
In 2018, Dr. Leslie and partners decided to purchase a second location in Live Oak, FL which was formerly Live Oak Animal Clinic. The name was changed to Caring Hands of Live Oak and the facility gained AAHA accreditation in 2019. Clients will often see Dr. Leslie and familiar staff members at both locations since doctors and staff are shared between clinics. During her free time, Dr. Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, William, her 2 adult children and Boeing the tuxedo cat. Dr. Leslie frequently sings at Epiphany Church in Lake City and is an avid dressage competitor with her Dutch Warmblood mare, Nawal.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital opened its doors in the fall of 2007. While working at and managing various animal hospitals in northern Florida, Dr. Leslie saw that pet owners are most concerned about how much veterinarians and staff care about them and their pets. She observed that often veterinary care givers became hurried and even callous towards the needs of the clients and their pets. The name Caring Hands was chosen to help remind us all about why we are really in this profession.
The facility in Lake City is a bit of a local historical landmark in that it was originally a Pizza Hut constructed in the 1970’s. Most long-time residents of Lake City, including Dr. Leslie, remember eating pizza in this building. When the new Pizza Hut was built closer to the interstate, the building served as a Mexican restaurant for a time before sitting vacant for a couple of years. Dr. Leslie purchased the building from the original owner, Mr. Ansbacher, who at one time had 33 Pizza Huts in northern Florida. After extensive remodeling and a 21-foot addition, Caring Hands Animal Hospital emerged from the construction dust. Caring Hands Animal Hospital became accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association in 2008, just 6 months after opening and the first accredited hospital within a 40-mile radius. The AAHA standards we follow and the equipment within allow us to offer high quality care to our clients, but it’s really our attitude that sets us apart from the other hospitals in the area.
In 2018, Dr. Leslie and partners decided to purchase a second location in Live Oak, FL which was formerly Live Oak Animal Clinic. The name was changed to Caring Hands of Live Oak and the facility gained AAHA accreditation in 2019. Clients will often see Dr. Leslie and familiar staff members at both locations since doctors and staff are shared between clinics. During her free time, Dr. Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, William, her 2 adult children and Boeing the tuxedo cat. Dr. Leslie frequently sings at Epiphany Church in Lake City and is an avid dressage competitor with her Dutch Warmblood mare, Nawal.
Dr. Annie Choi is originally from Queens, New York. She completed her Bachelor's degree at the University of Delaware in 2017. She completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Ross university where she rescued her beloved cat Garfield and graduated in 2022. She completed her clinical year at Lincoln Memorial University where she found Caring Hands during an externship. Dr. Annie fell in love with the technicians and is extremely excited to work alongside a great mentor, Dr. Leslie. Dr. Annie has a passion within vet med for soft tissue surgery and general practice. In her free time she loves going to the beach, and going on special adventures with Garfield.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital opened its doors in the fall of 2007. While working at and managing various animal hospitals in northern Florida, Dr. Leslie saw that pet owners are most concerned about how much veterinarians and staff care about them and their pets. She observed that often veterinary care givers became hurried and even callous towards the needs of the clients and their pets. The name Caring Hands was chosen to help remind us all about why we are really in this profession.
The facility in Lake City is a bit of a local historical landmark in that it was originally a Pizza Hut constructed in the 1970’s. Most long-time residents of Lake City, including Dr. Leslie, remember eating pizza in this building. When the new Pizza Hut was built closer to the interstate, the building served as a Mexican restaurant for a time before sitting vacant for a couple of years. Dr. Leslie purchased the building from the original owner, Mr. Ansbacher, who at one time had 33 Pizza Huts in northern Florida. After extensive remodeling and a 21-foot addition, Caring Hands Animal Hospital emerged from the construction dust. Caring Hands Animal Hospital became accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association in 2008, just 6 months after opening and the first accredited hospital within a 40-mile radius. The AAHA standards we follow and the equipment within allow us to offer high quality care to our clients, but it’s really our attitude that sets us apart from the other hospitals in the area.
In 2018, Dr. Leslie and partners decided to purchase a second location in Live Oak, FL which was formerly Live Oak Animal Clinic. The name was changed to Caring Hands of Live Oak and the facility gained AAHA accreditation in 2019. Clients will often see Dr. Leslie and familiar staff members at both locations since doctors and staff are shared between clinics. During her free time, Dr. Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, William, her 2 adult children and Boeing the tuxedo cat. Dr. Leslie frequently sings at Epiphany Church in Lake City and is an avid dressage competitor with her Dutch Warmblood mare, Nawal.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital opened its doors in the fall of 2007. While working at and managing various animal hospitals in northern Florida, Dr. Leslie saw that pet owners are most concerned about how much veterinarians and staff care about them and their pets. She observed that often veterinary care givers became hurried and even callous towards the needs of the clients and their pets. The name Caring Hands was chosen to help remind us all about why we are really in this profession.
The facility in Lake City is a bit of a local historical landmark in that it was originally a Pizza Hut constructed in the 1970’s. Most long-time residents of Lake City, including Dr. Leslie, remember eating pizza in this building. When the new Pizza Hut was built closer to the interstate, the building served as a Mexican restaurant for a time before sitting vacant for a couple of years. Dr. Leslie purchased the building from the original owner, Mr. Ansbacher, who at one time had 33 Pizza Huts in northern Florida. After extensive remodeling and a 21-foot addition, Caring Hands Animal Hospital emerged from the construction dust. Caring Hands Animal Hospital became accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association in 2008, just 6 months after opening and the first accredited hospital within a 40-mile radius. The AAHA standards we follow and the equipment within allow us to offer high quality care to our clients, but it’s really our attitude that sets us apart from the other hospitals in the area.
In 2018, Dr. Leslie and partners decided to purchase a second location in Live Oak, FL which was formerly Live Oak Animal Clinic. The name was changed to Caring Hands of Live Oak and the facility gained AAHA accreditation in 2019. Clients will often see Dr. Leslie and familiar staff members at both locations since doctors and staff are shared between clinics. During her free time, Dr. Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, William, her 2 adult children and Boeing the tuxedo cat. Dr. Leslie frequently sings at Epiphany Church in Lake City and is an avid dressage competitor with her Dutch Warmblood mare, Nawal.
Annie Choi is originally from Queens, New York. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Delaware in 2017. She completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Ross university where she rescued her beloved cat Garfield and graduated in 2022. She completed her clinical year at Lincoln Memorial University where she found Caring Hands during an externship. Annie fell in love with the technicians and is extremely excited to work alongside a great mentor, Dr. Leslie. Annie has a passion within vet med for soft tissue surgery and general practice. In her free time she loves going to the beach, and going on special adventures with Garfield.
Ashley Grubbs is from Tampa, Fl. She started working in veterinary medicine because she loves being able to provide the needed care for animals especially in emergency situations. Her favorite part of working in this field is surgery! In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends. Her family consists of one daughter, two sons, two dogs and a bearded dragon!
Paige was born and raised in the Tampa area, she’s a true Florida native. Growing up she had dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, etc. and hardly ever being told no to adding another one, it wasn’t a surprise to anyone that she wanted to be a vet when she grew up. She got her first part time job at a vets office in high school and QUICKLY learned that she no longer wanted to be a vet, but couldn’t imagine not working with animals. After a few years and changing her college major many times, she graduated college as a Certified Veterinary Technician in the Spring of 2020. Her veterinary interests include practice management, emergency medicine, and intensive/critical care patients.
Outside of work she is married to her highschool sweetheart. They have 2 kids together and their hobbies include wrangling the children on a daily basis, boating, and tending to the farm they are creating!
Brooke was born and raised in White Springs, Fl. She began working in veterinary medicine in 2013 because she has always had compassion for animals and educating owners. She loves handling the animals and seeing their different personalities. Outside of work, she is a barrel racer, she says “I really enjoy the adrenaline it gives me and I love watching my horses become better each time!”
Mike is originally from Miami Beach Florida. His father is a retired veterinarian, so he has grown in the veterinary industry and experienced many things over the years. He looks up to his father and has learned so much from him in all aspects of life, and sees him to be a huge role model in his career. Mike got his first official paying job in vet med about 15 years ago. Since building a career in the field he has developed a love for Dentistry, Surgery, and Emergency & Critical care patients. In his free time Mike loves to explore, spend time outside, and cooking. He likes diving in the local springs, hiking nature trails, and anything that may involve water!
Jaden was born and raised in Lake City, Florida. Growing up she always wanted to work with animals. At the age of 13 she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, so her career path changed to becoming an RN. She went to college, completed her pre-requisites for nursing school and graduated with her AA. Around this time Covid had started and was actively becoming a major problem in the world. Because of this, she fell back on working with animals, and will never go back! Her first job at an animal hospital was at Plantation Animal Hospital in Fleming Island. She was there for a little over a year as a kennel technician and LOVED it. She loved the quality time that she got to spend with the dogs and how they would recognize you when they came in. She is now a kennel technician at CHAH and loves it just as much as she did her previous job. The dogs and her coworkers are the reasons that she loves coming to work everyday! Outside of work, she enjoys going to the beach, riding four wheelers, and spending time with her family and friends. She is hoping to continue to learn and grow within veterinary medicine and be sure that the clients’ pets get the medical attention that they need and desire!
Meet Erica! Erica is originally from Apopka Florida, she moved to the Lake City area in 2023(?), and became a part of the Caring Hands Team in early 2024. Erica loves all animals and has a hard time picking a favorite but will narrow her favorites down to reptiles and amphibians, her dream job would be a wildlife surveyor/necropsy assistant. In her free time she enjoys riding horses, barrel racing, and spending time doing outdoor activities. She looks up to her parents and late grandmother as role models and inspiration. Within veterinary medicine her interests include wellness/preventative care and dentistry.
Elisia is originally from Live Oak Florida. She has moved around throughout her life, and has recently landed back in her hometown. Elisia originally started working with animals at an SPCA in Martinsville, Virginia. This is where she learned that she would like to continue to grow in vet med, and work with animals. Since joining the Caring Hands team she continues to grow as a technician and is thankful for the opportunity to work with a team that will continue to push her to learn and grow as much as she can. Elisias vet med interests include working with the pets that may be fearful or not so friendly at their visits and using a fear free approach to ease these patients nerves. At home Elisia has 2 dogs, Everest & Ranger, she enjoys being outdoors and taking the pups on adventures with her. Some advice to take with you from Elisia, “Treat others how you want to be treated. You never really know someone’s situation.”
Madison was born and raised in Lake City, Florida. Ever since she can remember she has wanted to work with animals. At 18 she started working as a kennel technician at a general practice in Sunrise, Florida. From there she continued to grow in the field while attending college. During her time in South Florida, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After graduation, she moved back to Lake City and joined the CHAH family in March of 2024! Outside of work she enjoys art, games, and exploring nature. She hopes to continue to grow in this career and learn more everyday!
Sara began her career in the animal care industry 10 years ago in Broward county, Florida. Her love for the animals is what moved her to choose this as a career path. Her goal is to help animals and their owners have the best life together. Sara enjoys spending time with her son, visiting different parks and zoos, and occasionally going to Disney World!
Jeanne was born in Hartford Connecticut and moved to Florida in 1976, and has been a Florida resident since. Jeanne has overcome many trials and tribulations in her lifetime, being homeless for months at a time, and living in uncertain times taught her to appreciate those around her and always treat others the way that she would want to be treated (with respect & kindness, always). She began working at a vets office for the first time in 2000 when she moved to the Lake City area. Jeanne loves the pets and helping the ones in need, she also loves working with the clientele as well. Her greatest joy from the field is seeing a pet that is in critical condition in the hospital get the opportunity to go home and continue to live comfortably at home. On the weekends you can find Jeanne looking for something fun to do and if you ever need a listening ear, she’s ready to listen and help in any way she can!
Melanie, who is better known as Mel, is from Orlando, Florida. She started her career in the veterinary industry in 2020. She chooses to work in Veterinary medicine because she has always loved animals. At work, she loves to be with the animals and helping to educate the pet owners about the care that comes with owning a pet. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and her own personal fur-babies. She has 2 calico cats, Jinx & Cali!
Jessica Andrews is a 4th year vet student at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. She is originally from Jensen Beach, FL, and she went to University of Florida for her undergraduate studies. Her professional interests include ultrasound, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys running with her dog and going to dirt track races with her fiancé. Jessica is looking forward to learning from the whole team during her time at Caring Hands!
