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Meet Our Amazing Team

We are a group of passionate animal lovers who are thankful for the opportunity to take care of your pets. Always professional, we strive to give you and your pet the best veterinary care possible.

If you think you would be a great fit as part of our team, send us your resume to: info@clematisanimalclinic.com

Dr. Lora Howell

Veterinarian, DVM

Dr. Lora Howell graduated from Cornell University in 2011, and has over 10 years of experience in practicing veterinary medicine. She enjoys the challenges of preventative, internal, and emergency medicine. She is excited to bring her expertise and skills to Clematis Animal Clinic and the downtown community as a whole. She shares her life with her partner Jesse, their Great Dane Rosie, DMH Paisley (aka “Kitty”), and her OTTB Birdie.

Dr. Amanda Rooney

DVM

Dr. Amanda Rooney, DVM is a 2021 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She has a strong professional interest in dermatology, analgesia, chronic pain management, soft tissue surgery, and fostering the human-animal bond. She is dedicated to providing compassionate care while focusing on both the physical an emotional well-being of her patients.Dr. Rooney is passionate about staying current with advancement in veterinary medicine, and she strives to offer evidence-based, personalized treatment options to her patients and their families. Outside of her veterinary practice, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Holly and Dilly, horseback riding, practicing yoga, and paddle boarding.

Dr. Sarah Evans

Visiting Board Certified Surgeon

Dr. Evans is a board-certified surgeon and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2008. Dr. Evans received her Bachelor of Science (Sc.B.) degree from Brown University then her D.V.M. from Auburn University (‘01). She completed a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Tennessee and a Surgical Internship at the Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, FL. From there she matched for the Residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. After completing her residency, Dr. Evans returned to South Florida to continue to polish her surgical skills.

Dr. Evans performs soft tissue, orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. She is certified to perform the previously-patented TPLO procedure for cranial cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient stifles in dogs. She also performs laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures in addition to traditional laparotomies/thoracotomies. Brachycephalic surgery, extrahepatic portosystemic liver shunt ligations, perineal urethrostomies (PUs), cholecystectomies, and arytenoid lateralizations (“tie-backs”) are a few of her favorite soft tissue procedures; TPLOs, medial patellar luxation (MPLs), toy breed radius/ulna fractures, and hemilaminectomies top the list of her favorite orthopedic and neurological surgeries.

Dayana

Certified Veterinary Technician

Welcome! My name is Dayana. I’m a certified veterinary technician which means I am the equivalent of a registered nurse, but for animals. I am a Cuban native, but a South Florida local. My special interests include surgery and emergency medicine, but have had a background in shelter and general practice medicine. My greatest joy and mission is to advocate for the patients I’m fortunate enough to care for using my 10+ years of experience to provide the highest level of care. I’m grateful every day to have the opportunity to work with my greatest friend and role model Dr. Lora Howell in a clinic that was once just a dream in our heads. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, boating and spending time with my two dogs, ferret, and family. Please feel free to come to me and my companions with any of your pet’s concerns or needs. I will always give my all to help you and your pet to have a stress-free and healthy life. Cheers!

Jesse

Practice Manager

Hi, I’m Jesse, the Practice Manager at Clematis Animal Clinic; but I also handle reception and intake at the front desk. My background is in a corporate setting, but I am excited to be a part of the team here and am passionate about animal medicine and providing our clients and their pets with the best possible experience while in our clinic. When not at the clinic, I enjoy kayaking, trail running (when it’s not too hot!), wrenching on our Jeep, and gardening in the back yard. Stop in anytime and say Hi : )

Kristen Kristiansen

Veterinary Nurse

Kristen has been loving south Florida ever since she moved here in 2014. She has accumulated over 11 years of experience as a veterinary nurse, with 6 years of that in an emergency specialty setting. Along with her hands-on experience, Kristen has an extensive experience in academic settings. This experience includes her HOSA Veterinary Assistant program, 3 years at Penn Foster Vet Tech training, and countless hours of Continuing Education. Her special interests as a veterinary nurse include ophthalmology and whole-body wellness. Outside of the clinic, Kristen enjoys riding horses, spending time with her husband, and training their dogs.

Day Venereo

Receptionist

Dayana, (yes, another Dayana besides the Nurse! Don't worry we call her Day to tell the nurse and receptionist apart) is originally from Cuba (as well, go figure!) Day loves being the first friendly face our customers see when walking into our clinic and providing comfort and reassurance to pets and owners as necessary.

Since she was a child, Day always had a passion for animals and their well-being, so much so that she has lived a vegan and vegetarian life for over 7 years now. She has two young children, Lilith and Lucian, which keep her busy, but she always finds time for her beloved Lab Angus and her newly adopted kitten named Mouse (thanks to Dr Howell for saving her and giving her to a safe good home). When not at the clinic, Day enjoys art and nature, painting and singing.

Lauren Silverstein

Veterinary Technician

Lauren is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with a Master’s Degree in Biology. She has accumulated over 15 years of experience in emergency and critical care settings. Lauren has pursued focused training in small animal anesthesia which she uses almost daily in an ER and General Practice roles. She also has extensive experience in creating nursing training programs for hospitals and is highly sought out for this knowledge and input.

Outside of the hospital, Lauren is a Jack Russell enthusiast, and avid equestrian with a focus on sales and young horse training.