Our Staff

• Dr. Lee B Stuart , DVM

  
  

  Safe Haven Veterinary Hospital was started out of a lifelong ambition by Dr. Stuart in September, 1997 to operate his own veterinary facility. Dr. Stuart was born and raised in the suburbia of Miami, Florida, then moved to Miramar in his mid teens. After attending local colleges in Miami and Boca Raton, he moved to Gainesville, where he finished his Bachelor in Science degree, and then attended the College of Veterinary Medicine from 1982 - 1986. After graduation with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Stuart moved to Ormond Beach (where he still resides) to take his first job as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Stuart has been keeping busy beyond imagination getting our new freestanding facility at 30 Lupi Court built and successfully opened in May, 2007!  He is also busy as the current president of the Volusia County Veterinary Association. When away from the office, Dr. Stuart enjoys reading, biking, playing with his dogs, traveling, and the rare opprtunity to go hang gliding. Dr. Stuart sends his heartfelt thanks to the clientele of Safe Haven Veterinary Hospital for their friendship, warmth, love, and support during his years with you in Flagler county.

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• Dr. Terri W Rosado , DVM

  
  

  Dr. Rosado received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California at Davis in 2005, then completed a one year internship in medicine, emergency medicine, and surgery at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine in June, 2006.   Dr. Rosado has completed a course in animal acupuncture at the Chi Institute in Gainesville, and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Other special professional interests include geriatric medicine, wellness care, behavior, and traditional chinese veterinary medicine.   When not at the office, Dr. Rosado enjoys spending time outdoors with her 12 year old dog "L.T.".

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• Dr. Shondra Becker , DVM

  
  

  Introducing the newest professional member of our team, Dr. Shondra Becker.  Dr. Becker joined us in June, 2008, after graduating from the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine.  Additionally, Dr. Becker has a Masters Degree in Forensic Toxicology.  We're thankful she chose a career in veterinary medicine instead.  Dr. Becker has been married 5 years to her college sweetheart, with no children (yet).  She has 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 very old, very large iguana.  She considers reptile medicine as an area of special interest.  For this reason she completed an externship in Marathon, FL treating reptiles and sea turtles.  Dr. Becker is a Gators fan.  She and her husband follow the team to games.  She has lived in Florida since 1991, finishing high school in Melbourne.  Prior to that, she was a military brat, even living in Japan long enough to become fluent in the language.  We are very pleased to have her as a member of our professional staff.

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• Dr. John T Glidewell , DVM

  
  

  Joining our team in June, 2009, Dr. Glidewell graduated from the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2009 with honors. Additionally, Dr. Glidewell also has a Bachelors of Science degree in cellular biology from UGA and spent several years working in immunology research at Emory University as part of a research team that specialized in evaluating long term immunity. A "Hoosier," he was born in Indianapolis, IN but was raised in Fayetteville, GA. Dr. Glidewell has been married 4 years to his wonderful wife Amy with whom he enjoys watching football games (although he is a Bulldog and she is a Gator.) They have one dog, Emma, two "kitty-boys", Buster and Elliot, and one frog, Kermit. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, movies, reading, television and enjoying the outdoors. Professionally, his interest include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, opthamology, oncology and internal medicine. Dr. Glidewell is very excited about starting his veterinary career as part of the Safe Haven Veterinary Hospital team!

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• Lynn Williams

  
  

  Lynn Williams, our Hospital Administrator, joined our staff in March, 2007.  She brought with her a Bachelor's Degree in Health Services Administration and over 20 years experience in medical management.  Lynn has been married 36 years (since the beginning of time) and has 3 grown sons.  Lynn and her husband adopted their precocious granddaughter, Sierra.  They have a busy household with 3 dogs and 3 cats.  Lynn teaches Sunday School and has been an active mental health advocate in our community.  Lynn is here to insure that we are providing the very best of care for your pets.

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• Joann Forgette

  
  

  Joann is now our longest ranking employee, having joined our hospital early 2000. First serving as our head receptionist, Jo now performs the many duties of Business Office Coordinator. Prior experience in the field includes 14 years experience in the Orlando area, spending 9 years as a surgical technician, then spending 5 years as a receptionist.   Jo has been a resident of Florida for 35 years, moving to Orlando prior to Disney World (do you really want to say that Jo!), and then moving to Flagler Beach in 1998.   Jo has twin sons, and 8 grandchildren. When not at the office, Jo enjoys visiting with family, fishing, boating, the beach, and creating stained glass artwork. A very special interest is raising birds, having owned an aviary where she bred and raised parrots for many years, but is equally content to have only one Eclectus parrot at present.

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• Carla Abreu

  
  

  Carla joined Safe Haven in 2004 as our Head Technician.  She moved here from Yonkers, New York as a graduate of a 4 year technician program.  She brought with her a Bachelors degree, and 4 years of experience in a multi doctor specialty practice.  Wow!  Her compassionate attitude and determination to provide the best care for our client pets are a tremendous asset.  Son Ean joined her family June 5, 2008.  With a new baby and 6 pets of her own, Carla  doesn't remember what she used to like to do in her "free time."

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• Brian Walinski

  
  

  Brian joined us as a technician in August, 2007.  Brian grew up in Bronx, New York.  He trained in a top neurology, orthopedic, dermatology group there, and moved to Palm Coast with his sweetheart, Carla.  Brian is also an ASE Certified mechanic, a handy guy to have around.  In his spare time Brian is currently remodeling his entire house - floors, tiles, bathrooms, painting, everything.  He's busy creating a home for precious new son, Ean.

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• Rhonda Wheeler

  
  

  Rhonda has been a technician at Safe Haven since February, 2008.  She grew up in California, but is a veteran traveler, having been to Asia, Europe and South America.  Rhonda once took a 9 month tour of the United States and made it through 45 continental states.  Along the way she practiced a few of her passions, hiking, bird watching, wildlife photography.  Rhonda enjoys learning and challenging herself.  She earned a Bachelors degree in Biology, with an emphasis in zoology and a minor in chemistry.  She is a certified scuba diver and is teaching herself Russian in her spare time.  Rhonda has 4 cats and 2 dogs.  Rhonda is currently training here in surgical assisting, and is quite an asset to our surgical suite.

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• Debbie Liuzunie

  
  

  Debbie joined Safe Haven in July, 2008.  She came to us from California, where she graduated with an AS degree in 1992.  She is also a certified dental technician and is certified in avian disease control in food and egg producing birds.  Debbie is a gemologist, specializing in diamonds, and does resale jewelry and watches with husband Vic on the weekends.  Definitely a lady of many talents, Debbie has long done obedience training and trials with protection training and narcotic detection dogs.  Debbie has 2 adult children remaining in California.  She says "no grandchildren yet, thank God."

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• Eric Newsom

  
  

  Eric was born in New Jersey, moved to Maryland as a child, and spent his teen years here in Palm Coast.  He has been a technician at Safe Haven since 2006, and is currently a sophomore in pre-veterinary studies at Stetson University in Deland.  Eric had planned to become a pilot, but has changed his goal, and hopes to someday come back to Safe Haven as Dr. Newsom.  Eric has 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 younger brothers.  On the weekends he enjoys auto cross with the SCCA, Sports Car Club of America.  He describes the sport as "time trials through a cone course."  Eric is an example of the finest of the next generation, always ready to help and always learning.

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• Jessi Ruselowski

  
  

  Joining our team in January 2009, Jessi graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at Michigan State University and is currently studying for national and state boards for licensure.  She has a German Shepherd Mix named Charlie.  When she is not working she enjoys movies, computer/video games, being creative and sculpting/painting.  Additionally, she likes the color green, rain, Starbuck’s caramel frappes, naps and of course … animals.

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• Belinda Hall

  
  

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• Roxanne Dimitriev

  
  

  Roxanne joined our staff in 2004, after relocating from Hastings, New York with husband Serge and beautiful daughter Rhys. Roxanne's pet family includes three dogs and one cat. Fun times when not at the office includes jet skiing, reading, cooking, and spending time with family. As Client Care Coordinator, look to Roxanne for help with any questions you may have about the services we are able to provide for you and your pets.

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• Nadine Oros

  
  

  Nadine, our resident computer wizard, has been with us since 2006 after moving to sunny Florida from frigid New Hampshire. Nadine has one very loved dog, Boo!, adopted from the Flagler County Humane Society. As an avid traveler, Nadine has toured Romania, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Canada, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary and France. She enjoyed the ancient ruins and warm ocean water of Greece but holds fond memories of her trips to South America. She recently graduated from Daytona State College in Spring 2009 earning an Associate of Arts with Honors and is continuining her studies with Spanish this summer. An entertainment fanatic, she loves foreign films, independent films and is always up for a good round of Guitar Hero. Nadine recently completed a seminar for nutritional counseling and is on her way to becoming a Veterinary Nutrition Advocate.

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• Cathy Young

  
  

  Cathy joined us early in 2008.  Cathy was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and moved to the U.S. in 1979.  She worked for the British Embassy in Washington D.C. in the press office until moving to Palm Coast in 2006.  Husband Stan is now a retired Vice Consul from the Embassy. Cathy has 2 furry children, Charlie and Kate.  Cathy loves to entertain friends and family from around the world.  In her spare time Cathy enjoys books, movies, and travel.  Her friendly attitude and warm Scottish brogue help our clients immediately feel at home. Welcome, Cathy!

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• Heather Emens

  
  

  A warm welcome to our newest receptionist, Heather.  While born in New York, Heather grew up in Palm Coast, where she says "nothing happens."  Heather has been married 8 years, with 4 children and 3 dogs.  Heather has been interested in veterinary medicine since the age of 9, and studied vet tech courses on-line until baby #2.  She has a special interest in saltwater aquariums, with a 250 gallon tank occupying one wall in her home.  Her family are beach combers, with children collecting starfish and learning to boogie board on the weekends.  We're glad to have her on board at Safe Haven.

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• Kati M Meckert

  
  

  Kati joined our staff in April 2007, she has always been passionate about animals and has worked in the veterinary field for several years. Since having a beautiful baby girl, Samantha Rose, Kati has been a full time mom. We surely do miss her here on a daily basis, but she finds it in her heart to come in and help out when needed. When the baby is sleeping, Kati is a scrapbook enthusiast, enjoys scary movies, and Mystery Science Theater 3000

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