Our Staff

Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital is happy to give you get a little peek into who are staff member are.  We are very proud of each and every one of them and could not be who we are with the special qualities they bring each day. They complete the circle of life and family at Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital.

Andrew M. Weiss, DVM & Sonja R. Friedbauer, DVM

Andrew M. Weiss Title: DVM A native Long Islander, Dr Andrew Weiss grew up in a close family of one sister, one brother. With his dad in the human medical field, he knew he wanted to help heal. He practiced on their family dog and realized right away his future. Dr. Weiss majored in Biology at Boston University and after graduation attended Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr Weiss carried out two terms as president before graduating in 1990. After seven years in a busy Long Island practice Dr Weiss was hired to manage a south Florida corporate veterinary practice as the medical director. He moved his family and settled in Coral Springs. The passage to own and operate his own practice included many obstacles but devotion carried him through. His dream was founded in 2002 with the birth of Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital. Support from wife and partner Sonja R. Friedbauer continued to fuel the desire to provide the highest quality of medicine to all animals in need. When not at the practice, Dr. Weiss loves watching and playing ice hockey, listening to music and enjoying family time with wife and children.

Sonja R. Friedbauer Title: DVM Dr. Sonja R. Friedbauer grew up in south Florida in a family of 4 children, numerous pets, and a mother who constantly fed any starving or injured creature. After learning that a career existed nurturing sick animals and preventing illness, there was never any doubt about her career goal. Dr Friedbauer obtained a microbiology degree from the University of Florida and then in 1991, graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr Friedbuaer worked in several animal hospitals until an opportunity arose to work in one of the first Feline Exclusive Hospitals in the United States. Forest Hills Cat Hospital became home for the next five years. With three children to raise and a love for the warmth of south Florida, moving back to Florida was inevitable. The dream she shared with husband and partner Dr Andrew Weiss to have their own hospital was finally realized in 2002 with support from friends and family. When not at work caring for animals, Dr Friedbauer is home busy raising and caring for her three young children.

Jodi Harkavy Title: DVM Dr Jodi Harkavy joined our staff in 2007 but is not new to the veterinary field. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate studies, majoring in Animal Science and then graduated from Ross University Veterinary School with honors in 1991. Aspiring to become a veterinarian was always a lifelong dream . Dr. Jodi L Harkavy is a South Florida native and enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, waterskiing and scuba diving. Dr. Harkavy is married with two children and spends her free time enjoying the arts, music, friends and family. Her compassionate nature and warm personality make her a wonderful addition to our team and we consider ourselves fortunate to have her.

Dee Eichler Title: Hospital Administrator DEE EICHLER is our hospital administrator and heart of our hospital. She has been with us from the beginning, helping to shape and become the animal hospital we have anticipated it to be. Born is Wallingford Connecticut, Dee a recent cancer survivor, comes to us with over 30 years of management experience with 10 of those years in veterinary hospital management. Her family outside the hospital includes husband Brian, two sons Michael and wife Stacee, David and wife Chaney, and to date, four grandchildren Madison, Michael, Devin and Luke . Unfortunatley Dee has had to say goodbye this year to both her 12year old Bearded Collies, Allie and Hattie. Dee’s duties are so numerous all we can say is we are fortunate to have Dee with us and at the top or our team

Linda Bua Title: Client Service Representive Linda Bua joined our hospital in 2006 as a client service representative. Her client service qualities are seen everyday in her patience and concerns for every client and their pet which makes her a treasured part of our team. Linda is from New York but moved to Florida with her husband, John, 36 years ago. Mother of two boys Jason entering Paramedic Training and Keith joining the Army. Linda resides with her husband, father and two dogs, Jackson and Chappy. Jackson is a special story as he was adopted as a rescue. Jackson and Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital are lucky to have Linda in our family.

Fern Green-Lowe Title: Client Service Representive Fern Green Lowe joined our team in 2007 as a client service representative with experience and passion not only for the animals, but the clients as well. Fern prides herself on doing only the most excellent job possible. We can agree she certainly exceeds her expectations. A native Floridian from North Miami Beach Fern resides with her husband, two cats, Oliver and Sneakers and enjoys sharing her two son’s wonderful accomplishments while away at college. In here quiet time Fern enjoys the beach, reading and the daily crossword puzzle. Fern is a valued addition to our hospital.

Kelly Winters Title: Veterinarian Nurse KELLY WINTERS is our youngest team member and a native of Florida, born in Plantation. Kelly has a natural love for animals and her softness and compassion make her a wonderful addition to our team. As a nurse, receptionist and all over floater, her work is never done. When not at work, Kelly is balancing attending the Registered Nurse program at BCC and being a mom to 18th month old Tyson. Kelly’s goal is to work in the Emergency Room. Kelly has 2 dogs, Rocky and Duncan and 2 cats, Malcolm and Pixie. We are happy and feel lucky to have Kelly as an integral part of our team.

Stephanie Flores Title: Veterinary Surgical Nurse Stephanie Flores, a veterinary surgical nurse, has been with us since 2006 and we have enjoyed watching her grow. Born in California Stephanie came to Florida 17 years ago with her family. Stephanie came to us with little experience but a huge love for animals. With the love and commitment Stephanie easily became a leader in her department. As surgical nurse she provides the care, compassion and trust needed for the animals and their families. When Stephanie is not at work she is attending FAU and PBCC to become a Marine Veterinarian and move to Australia. At home she resides with family and her poodle Oreo and cat Brezel. Stephanie is a true committed part of our team.

Jennifer Reaves Title: Veterinary Nurse Jennifer Reaves came to Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital in 2006 as a genuine lover of animals and music. What a wonderful combination. Born in North Carolina her plans are to be a Music Teacher. Jennifer is responsible for all boarding pets and does an outstanding job. She has grown with us and is now Nurse training which is a natural for her. Her connection to animals makes her a special addition to our family. She is a true floater in our hospital working any and all areas where needed. When Jennifer is not at work she is busy attending FAU. She also pet sits, plays the Viola and enjoys going to the movies.

Allison Clark Title: Veterinarian Surgical Nurse ALLISON CLARK, a veterinary nurse came to Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital in March of 2007. A native Floridian Allison was born in Plantation and came to us with little experience in the veterinary field but a true desire to learn and a love for animals. Allison is now a Surgical Nurse with the desire to continue her veterinary education to get licensed and certified. When not at work, Allison is busy being a mom and taking care of her 18 month old son Jasiah and 4 year old cat Wiggles.What a great addition to our team.

Kristine Cannizzo Title: Pet Care Assistant Kristine Cannizzo came to Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital with a yearning to work with animals. From Staten Island, New York, Kristine now resides in Florida. Kristine’s work is never done but always appreciated. Kristine does everything for our boarder pets from feeding, bathing cleaning and exercising to giving them love and companionship when they are missing their home. Her smile can brighten up any room. Her future plans to continue school and perhaps continue in the veterinary field. At home she has a dog Muffin and a cat Gus. What a wonderful addition to our team.

Suzette Mock Yen Title: Veterinary Nurse Suzette Mock Yen, a veterinary nurse came to Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital in 2008. Born in Jamaica, Suzette resides in Coral Springs with her husband Dominic, her two daughters and Jeanette the Quaker Parrot. Suzette plans to become certified in the Veterinary Technician field as caring for pets is what she loves most about her career. When not at work and if she has any spare time Suzette enjoys playing the piano, taking long walks, and watching her daughters figure skate. We enjoy her softness with the animals and her pleasant personality. Thanks for coming aboard.