Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Karen Breitwieser, a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, has practiced in Venice for the past 16 years. She has a Tripawd Pomeranian, Peaches, who is the love of her life. Dr Karen strives to treat all her patients with the same love, devotion and compassion that Peaches receives. Her patients are her babies. Dr. Karen firmly believes that she and pet parents are a team working to ensure that every beloved pet enjoys a healthy and happy long life. Dr. Karen has a special interest and has pursued additional training and education in the field of small animal dentistry.
In addition to Peaches, Dr. Karen has adopted and has filled her home with two cats, two bunnies, three rats (two of whom are also Tripawd), and six parakeets. She is an avid flutist, mediocre gardener and dabbles in drawing and writing.
Dr. Martellini graduated from Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine. John owned a busy practice in Maryland for many years before relocating to Florida. He held office in the county Vet Med association and was active in continuing education programs. John enjoys Scuba diving, underwater photography, music, bicycling and Civil War reenacting. he is a member of AVMA, AAHA, and FVMA.
Dr. Frank Berrish is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. before coming to North Port, he worked at a small animal hospital in Fort Myers for seventeen years. His hobbies include computers and woodworking.
Dr. Erin Ramsdell, originally from Connecticut, is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut. For the past three years she has worked as a small animal emergency veterinarian. She is a member of the American and Florida Veterinary Medical Associations. Her special interests include internal medicine, an oncology, with hopes to work more with small mammals. In her spare time she enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with her cat and two dogs, a basset hound and a Puggle.
Dr. Katie Rivers is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in biology from The College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts and then worked full time as a veterinary technician for one year. After graduation from UF, Dr. Rivers spent three years practicing as an emergency veterinarian. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, cardiology and ultrasonography. She is a member of both the American and Florida Veterinary Medical Associations.
Meet Our Staff
Danielle
I am a life-long animal lover, with a wide range of experience of domestic and exotic animals. I graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at St. Petersburg College in May 2017, and hope to continue learning everything I can!
Lori
Born and raised in Connecticut, I Have been an animal lover since birth. Over my lifetime caring for various critters, as many as 58 on a “mini” farm. I moved to North Port 12 years ago to escape the harsh winters. Currently I reside with 4 dogs, 1 cat and a bird and of course her significant other, Jeff. My two grown children still live in CT.
Renee
Moved from Lancaster Co, PA in 1982. Graduated from MCC & SPJC Vet tech program in 1989. Worked in Vet. Med in Sarasota until 1999. Choose to raise family and became a Montessori director in Venice Florida until 2011. Returned to Vet med in 2011 and joined the team at North Port Animal Hospital in August 2017. I enjoyed boating, RV riding and camping with my family. Four legged family includes a black lab and three DSH kitties.
Lisa
I’ve been a Veterinarian Technician for 25 years. I started as a kennel worker and assistant. Eventually I worked my way up to becoming a technician. While growing up I always had an affinity for animals of all kinds such as reptiles, birds, and small animals. But my first love is cats and dogs. I’ve been fortunate to work in a profession I love. My hobbies include fishing, reading, football and old classics movies.