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Millhopper Veterinary Medical Center Staff - Gainesville Vets
| Doctors | Staff | Staff | Clinic Pets |
Dr. Richard A. Goldman, Medical Director, Owner
In 1977, after a year of post-graduate clinical experience in Miami and the Ft. Lauderdale area, Dr. Goldman returned to Gainesville with his wife Lynne and their newborn first son. There, he established Millhopper Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville. In 1991, three facilities and many years of experience later, Dr. Goldman and his staff now operate the current Millhopper Veterinary Medical Center.
Dr. Goldman has special interests in internal medicine, cardiology, endoscopy, diagnostic ultrasound, general surgery and laser surgery. He has been involved in many areas of service to organized veterinary medicine locally, statewide and nationally in a variety of elected, appointed and volunteer offices as well as volunteer roles for charitable organizations and the arts.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Ultrasound Society, Feline Practitioners Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, the American Heartworm Society, the Veterinary Information Network and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.
On a personal note, he is an avid Harley Davidson-riding and touring motorcyclist, white-water canoeist, flat-water kayaker, traveler, amateur writer, and private pilot. Lynne, his wife, best friend and life partner since 1969, is a University of Florida graduate with a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and works at the University of Florida. She also has degrees in Elementary Education and Graphic Design.
Their oldest son, Brian, a University of Florida graduate, works in Gainesville as a Mortgage Consultant and Originator. Mike, their youngest son, also a University of Florida graduate, completed the UNC/Chapel Hill's MBA/Finance Program. He currently works as an actuary at a risk management firm in Greensboro, NC. The family enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, many different sports, and spending quality time together. Ricky and Lucy are Dr. Goldman's newest family members. They are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and are delighting and entertaining Dr. and Mrs. Goldman as well as everyone at MVMC with their antics and playfulness.
Dr. Francesca Griffin, Associate
Dr. Griffin DVM, MS joined the MVMC staff in June 2003 after her graduation from the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. She returned to MVMC after doing an externship with us in 2002. We are excited about the addition of her skills, cheerful personality and talents to our medical staff. Dr. Griffin previously completed an MS in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Her areas of interest include internal medicine, neurology and behavioral medicine. Her husband, Chris, is a Network Engineer for NERDC on the University of Florida campus. They have 3 sons, Aidan, Andrew and Jacob, as well as a Labrador retriever and a cat. Dr. Griffin's hobbies include reading, running and photography.
Dr. Wendy Mandese, Associate
Dr. Mandese, a 2002 graduate of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, practiced for her first post-graduate year in Orlando at a busy multi-DVM practice. Relocating to Gainesville with her family, she joined the MVMC professional staff on a part-time basis. We welcome her to our group as a very capable and friendly associate veterinarian. Dr. Mandese and her husband, Joey, have two beautiful children, Ally and Tommy. She spends her spare time boating, wakeboarding, reading and playing bassoon.
Dr. Brian Harris, Associate
Brian Harris joined the MVMC practice in 2008 as a graduate of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. His interests include internal medicine, cardiology, and neurology. A long-term goal of his is to become board certified in canine and feline practice from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Dr. Harris's hobbies include playing the guitar, mountain bilking, and spending time with his cat DeeDee!
Robin Gilbert, Technician and Inventory Manager
Robin joined us as a member of our Veterinary Technical staff in 2003 and brought with her a wealth of experience, inclluding 16 years at the Houston Zoo as a zookeeper and 5 years on the nursing staff at Memorial 610 Hospital for Animals in Houston. She is our Technical Floor Manager and Inventory Manager. She is married and has a son, Will.
Amanda Francis, Technician
Amanda moved to Gainesville from Leesburg to finish her schooling. She obtained her AA from LSCC, and is achieved a B.S. in animal science at UF. Amanda came to us in 2005 with more than 2 years of experience at Northgate Animal Clinic and VEC of Central Florida. She lives with her three cats and her hobbies include billiards and soccer. Her responsibilities at MVMC include her technician role and her involvement in management of the practice.
Meghan Williams, Nursing and Client Services
Meghan is a student at the University of Florida, currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science and she plans to attend vet school. Meghan is recently married to Danny, and shares her home with her two Quarter horses, two bulldogs, and three cats. Meghan is thrilled to be able to work with animals everyday.
Emily Long, Technician
Emily and her fiancee, Ron, moved to Gainesville from the coast of North Carolina to continue her education. She is currently enrolled at SFC with plans to transfer to UF in 2011 with an A.A. in Zoology to pursue admission to veterinary school. She has 3 crazy dogs, 1 cat and 2 turtles. School & work keep her busy but in her free time she injoys boating and anything beach/ocean related.
Melissa Brass, Client Services
Melissa moved to Gainesville to attend UF. She is working full time in client services and as our office management assistant to Dr. Goldman. She is quite knowledgeable about the medical aspects of our practice and can provide advice and direction in the solution of your pet's needs or problems.
Michelle Huck, Technician
Michelle joined our staff in August, 2010 after her move to Gainesville from North Carolina. She has extensive experience as a veterinary assistant.
Bio coming soon ...
Billy Damon
Billy joined our medical team in june of 2009. He brings with him ten years of technical experience, five of which have been in emergency medicine. His long term goals include becoming a certified veterinary technician and is now the managing technician at our regional emergency clinic, Affiliated Pet Emergency Services. He enjoys golfing, playing hockey and spending time with his wife, Kim. Billy has 3 cats, an iguana and a ball python. Animals have always been a huge part of his life, which is why he has devoted his career to providing them with the quality, compassionate care they deserve.
Sabrina Castillo
Sabrina grew up in the Pyrenees Mountain area on the border of France and Spain. She has a passion for horseback riding since her parents got her involved with them when she was 5 years old to keep her out of trouble and away from bad influences. She used to compete in jumping competitions when a youngster, but her favorite thing was to go riding through the mountains for periods of days with friends and to sleep in old barns in sleeping bags throughout the countryside. At present, she loves to spend time with her family. She enjoys watching movies in her time off, and taking her dogs for walks with her husband and to play ball with them. She also has a small collection of cats living at her and her mother's homes. Sabrina is currently studying to one day have the joy of having a career that revolves around animals. Her major interests are animal behavior and nutrition.
Chloe van Santvoort
Claudine recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's in Political Science and International Relations. She grew up on a farm with cows, chicken and horses on the border of France and Spain. For those of you wondering, she is Sabrina’s sister. Claudine loves animals and currently lives with her five crazy kitties and her adorable black lab. Animals have always been a big part of her life. She misses her horses, but hopes to get the opportunity to have horses again in the future. She loves working at Millhopper Vet Med Center, as it gives her the chance to be around and help animals every day
Clinic Pets
"Katie"
Katie came to us in 2000, nearly naked after plucking out most of her feathers. Exasperated, her caretakers brought her to Millhopper desperate for a solution or to "put her down." We agreed the best solution for Katie was that we take over her care. After becoming a resident here at the clinic, and with much effort and attention by the doctors and staff, she slowly recovered and is nearly fully feathered today. The only evidence of her former feather plucking habit is her tail, or lack thereof. You may hear Katie greet you with a cheerful "Good Morning," (even if it's 5 pm), or "Peekaboo!" She also sings, laughs and quotes nursery rhymes.
"KC" (Kool Cat)
KC came to us needing a new home, just as we lost two of our beloved Clinic cats. He has filled our hearts with many laughs with his young mischievous personality. He is our official "taste testing" kitty. He would tell you that Science Diet is very yummy!!!
"Devin" Designated Diva
Devin the Diva came to live with us the summer of 2005. She can usually be found helping out our client services staff (she types, makes an occasional phone call, and keeps your chair warm--if you can get her out of it!) or charming guests at the front door. She's usually just as sweet as she looks, but watch out for her "cattitude!"
Millhopper Veterinary Medical Center, Inc.