Our Veterinarians

Our doctors at Keys Animal ER at Cruz Animal Hospital bring extensive experience in general practice, emergency care and surgery. With expertise in dental care, acupuncture, integrative medicine, and the treatment of exotic animals, our veterinarians ensure that every pet receives the best possible care tailored to their unique needs.

Fayth Vanatti, DVM

Dr. Fayth Vanatti has been in the veterinary field since 1998 and practicing since 2011. She graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Biology and from Ross University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, with clinical rotations at Texas A & M. Dr. Vanatti's interests include emergency medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and ultrasound. She has worked in clinics and hospitals across central and south Florida. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, diving, and living in the beautiful Florida Keys.

Jason Carloni, DVM

Dr. Jason Carloni began his veterinary career as a technician in 1999. He earned a BA in Biology from Florida Gulf Coast University and a veterinary degree from St. George's University, with clinical rotations at The University of Georgia. Dr. Carloni has worked at several emergency clinics in Florida, specializing in emergency and critical care, surgery, and shelter medicine. In his free time, he enjoys free diving, sailing, playing stringed instruments, and takes pride in being part of the Florida Keys community.

Lisa Mikol-Doering, DVM

Dr. Lisa Mikol-Doering is the most recent addition to our team, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in dental procedures and surgeries. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care and ensuring the best outcomes for her patients. We are thrilled to have her as part of our practice.

“Callie” Cousins, DVM

Dr. Catherine “Callie” Cousins was born and raised in a small town in South Carolina. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of South Carolina, she went on to receive her veterinary degree from Lincoln Memorial University, in Tennessee. During the summer of 2017, she traveled to South Africa where she worked with various wildlife, including cheetahs, zebra, impala, and her favorite, the white rhinoceros. Dr. Cousins’ focus is emergency and critical care for dogs and cats. She is an avid Gamecock fan, loves the outdoors, enjoys antiquing, and spending time with her family and friends. She currently resides in Key West with her cat, Gallagher.

Ryan A. Navarro, DVM

Dr. Ryan Navarro, originally from Miami, Florida, earned his veterinary degree from St. George’s University with clinical training at the University of Florida. He has worked with a variety of wildlife and exotic animals at facilities like Island Dolphin Care, Zoo Miami, and Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. He volunteers at the Marathon Wild Bird Center and has professional interests in building client relationships, preventative care, surgery, and exotic and wildlife medicine. Outside of work, he enjoys SCUBA diving, playing board games, and caring for his African spurred tortoise named “Sully”.

Taylor Belusic, DVM

Dr. Taylor Belusic is a veterinarian with a special interest in exotic animal medicine, particularly reptiles, birds, and small mammals. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Arizona and completed a year-long internship at Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, gaining extensive experience caring for exotic species. Her passion for reptile medicine also led her to participate in clinical research involving blood transfusions in desert tortoises.

Originally from South Florida, Dr. Taylor is excited to return home and care for pets and their families throughout the Florida Keys. She enjoys working with animals of all shapes and sizes while continuing to grow her skills in canine and feline medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys classic movies, cooking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her own pets.

Client Relations

Our Client Relations team at Keys Animal ER at Cruz Animal Hospital ensures an exceptional experience for you and your pets. They handle inquiries with compassion and professionalism, from scheduling appointments to providing support. Dedicated to outstanding customer service, our team creates a welcoming environment for all clients and their pets.

Carrie Gravelle

Carrie was born and raised in Charleston, SC, and after working in Marketing and Admissions in healthcare, she became a stay-at-home mom to her sons: Ayden, Kai, and Dylan. In 2018, Carrie and her husband moved to the Keys and embraced the island community. She has a deep love for all animals, including her pets Bruno (Black Lab), Peapod (Chihuahua), Keiki (Sulcata Desert Tortoise), and her sons' 8 fish. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the water with family and friends and tending to her numerous plants. Carrie loves working at KAER at Cruz Animal Hospital, meeting the amazing pets in their little paradise.

Ronda Harling

Ronda moved to the Keys in 2021 and is a proud mom to two wonderful boys and a sweet golden retriever. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and practicing massage therapy.

Laney Beall

Laney Beall has been a valued member of our team since March 2022. She enjoys going to concerts and recently adopted a spirited dog named Winnie. Laney takes pride in providing exceptional service as our receptionist at KAER at Cruz Animal Hospital.

Melissa Maltese

Melissa moved to the Florida Keys from New England in 2005. With over 28 years of experience in the animal medical field, she is committed to finding new and innovative ways to strengthen the human–animal bond. Living and working in the Keys has given her extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of species, including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and a variety of exotic animals.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling, reading, boating, fishing, beach days, and exploring the outdoors. Her fur-family includes a dapper tuxedo cat named Boots.

Patient Relations

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Our Patient Relations team, comprising dedicated daytime technicians, overnight technicians, and vet assistants, plays a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and care of our patients. Their expertise and compassion make them invaluable in providing attentive, round-the-clock care, supporting our veterinarians, and ensuring that every pet receives the highest standard of medical attention.

Lauren Bacon

Lauren, originally from Missouri, holds a degree in animal science and starting working in the veterinary field in 2006. Her expertise spans from birds to small and large reptiles, among other creatures. Since moving to the Keys in 2014 with her husband and three cats, Lauren has embraced living in paradise. When she's not at work, she enjoys water activities and spending time at home with her beloved kitties.

Dylan Farr

Dylan has been a veterinary nurse since 2007, starting with small animals in general practice and transitioning to emergency medicine, where he became the Lead ER nurse at a busy mainland Florida practice. Since moving to the Keys in 2015, he has focused on exotic species, including alligators, parrots, wild birds, sea turtles, and even lions and tigers. At KAER, Dylan is known for surgical procedures and in our 24-hour emergency room. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and paddle boarding with his wife Jillian and their pup Ballyhoo.

Libby Peterson

Libby Peterson graduated with honors from Globe University in 2010 and was on the Dean's list with perfect attendance. She obtained her CVT in 2011 and has worked in general practice, internal medicine, ER, and neurology. Libby particularly enjoys anesthesia and patient care. She is excited to care for animals at Keys Animal ER. In her free time, she enjoys the company of her dog and cat and can usually be found swimming or gardening in her backyard.

Aymara Marino

Aymara moved to the Florida Keys in 2017 and has worked in veterinary medicine for the past six years, where she has developed a strong passion for helping animals and making a difference in their lives. She is currently pursuing her education in aerospace engineering with the goal of transitioning into the aerospace industry and contributing to the future of space exploration. Outside of work and school, Aymara enjoys spending time with her dog, Grace, traveling, and being out on the water!

Andrea Fricke

Andrea is a Florida Keys native, raised in Big Pine Key. She began working with Dr. Cruz at Cruz Animal Hospital in 2019. Andrea has a burning passion to work with big cats and has received her certification in Feline Behavior. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her two kitties, Archie and Azazel, and also works at No Name Pub.

Ashley Beckwith, CVT

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ashley began her career in veterinary medicine in 2002 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2014. She spent most of her adult life in Chicago and also worked at a practice in Los Angeles, where she had the chance to see some unique exotic animals. Ashley moved to the Keys three years ago and now enjoys island life with her small dog, Noodle, and her bearded dragon, Nilla.