Dr. Nunez grew up in Miami, Florida and discovered his passion for the healing arts at a young age. He spent several years volunteering as a medical assistant in the Yucatan Peninsula, working with the local indigenous population. Dr. Al completed his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University in 1986, and graduated with honors from Ross University in 1991, with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

His travels took him to Wakeman, Ohio where he practiced mixed animal medicine in a rural setting attending to creatures large and small. Dr. Al relocated to South Florida, and practiced small animal and exotic medicine in Coral Springs for the next few years. The opportunity arose in 1995 to purchase a small animal hospital in Orlando, and Dr. Al continued his career growing and developing Herndon Veterinary Center. The clinic took a holistic approach in order to better serve pets and their families, and in 2001 Dr. Al furthered his holistic options by becoming certified in Veterinary Acupuncture while attending the Chi Institute of Veterinary Medicine. The year 2001 also became the birth date of Animal Hospital of Lake Mary, increasing his opportunity to reach out to the community and work with like-minded veterinary colleagues.

Herndon Veterinary Center found a new home at Baldwin Park in 2006. Dr. Al now practices out of the “little red house,” as it is often referred to, on Lake Baldwin Lane. The new facility allows Dr. Al to expand his veterinary family, thus continuing to enhance his ability to further serve the community. Dr. Al is furthering his education adding ultrasound and endoscopic diagnostics to enhance the clinics’ medical capabilities. He introduced energy medicine at both practices becoming certified in Quantum Touch. Dr. Al currently uses laparoscopic technologies to perform certain surgical procedures, thus minimizing patient recovery time and discomfort.

He enjoys writing and has been published in several local periodicals. Dr. Al is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, and enjoys playing and recording music in his spare time. His first CD, “Earth School Now,’’ explores provocative social issues as it takes you on a spiritual journey. His interests include shamanism, energy healing and sharing the human experience.

     Dr. Beth Carson grew up in New Jersey and moved to south Florida in 1980. She completed her undergraduate education at Florida Atlantic University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in biology; and received her Doctorate of Veterinary medicine from the University of Florida. Upon completion of veterinary school, Dr. Carson continued her education by completing an internship in acupuncture at the University of Florida. This internship was started in 2005 at the University of Florida, and is the first American Veterinary Medical Association recognized acupuncture internship in the world. She is proud to be the third student to complete this innovative and renowned program. During the internship program Dr. Carson was guided by the distinguished acupuncture expert Dr. Huisheng Xie. Throughout this time, she treated a wide variety of clinical cases, conducted research, and taught veterinary students at the University of Florida Medical Center.

Dr. Carson has had extensive training in all areas of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and is certified in both acupuncture and tui-na (Chinese medical manipulation). She has completed both small animal and equine acupuncture training in basic and advanced therapeutic techniques. She has also completed training in tui-na, food therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine therapies. Dr. Carson teaches these techniques to other veterinarians from all over the country and the world at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida.

Dr. Carson enjoys practicing integrative medicine, combining the best of both Western and Eastern medical modalities, to benefit the patient. Her areas of interest include arthritis and chronic pain management in geriatric patients, skin problems, allergies, behavioral issues, as well as cancer therapy.

Dr. Carson has lectured both locally and internationally on TCVM techniques, and has published articles on the subject. She is on the advisory committee for the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Her future plans include completing a Masters in TCVM and continuing acupuncture research.

     My full name is Nicole Dominique Eggleston.  I resided from Aurora Colorado which is the home of the Rocky Mountains.  Since the age of seven, I had a passion to work with and care for animals.  As the youngest of four children, I started my college education in Texas at PrairieView A&M University.  There I graduated with honors in 2001 with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture and Human Sciences.  I continued furthering my education at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in Tuskegee, Alabama.  After completing my veterinary education in 2006, I moved to Naples, Florida where I joined a mixed animal practice.  I felt a desire to narrow my expertise to practice medicine only with small animals and pocket pets, after spending a year of practice with large, small, and exotic medicine.  I proceeded to get hired as Lead Doctor for Banfield the Pet Hospital, in Fort Myers, Florida.  I obtained valuable experience in leading a veterinary hospital and training fellow associate doctors in hospital protocols, surgery, and general medicine.  In addition, I was a mentor for veterinary students by mentoring them through clinical medicine and surgery.  I spent two years with Banfield and was recognized as one of the top producing veterinarians in South West Florida.  In addition, I gained qualifications to become a Coach Doctor while in the process of completing my certification for chief of staff.  Currently, I have interest in holistic medicine and plan on obtaining my certification for acupuncture. 

      My name is Renee and I have been working at the Animal Hospital of Lake Mary since 2003. I have a 21 year old daughter named Michelle, and a 3yr old granddaughter named Anjoulese. I share a home with my fiancé Ken, Cydney my 12 year old daughter, and Conrad my 15 year old son.   We enjoy baking together, watching movies and vacationing in St Thomas.

 I was born in Denver, Colorado in an “Air Force” family and often moved all over the United States, Germany and Denmark.  I settled down in Florida several years ago and worked as a stock broker and insurance agent.  I realized there was something amiss regarding my occupation and I decided to venture into the veterinary field.  I currently am the office administrator at the hospital and I work with a wonderful group of people. .

 I have had many pets in the past- pheasants, quail, iguanas, squirrels, cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, and fish.  You name it! As a result, I really appreciate coming to work everyday and witnessing our clinic help so many animals and educate people. I have a family here and I feel at home. I love what I do!

     My name is Dianne Shears and I was born and raised in Deland, Florida. I have been with the Animal Hospital of Lake Mary since 2002. I have been in the veterinary field since 2000 and I’ve always loved working with animals.   It’s been my dream to help people care for their animals since I was very young.  Animal Hospital of Lake Mary is a great place for me to be.  Everyone here is like family. The doctors really care and love all of the animals that come to our hospital, and that makes it a great place to work.

I have 4 dogs in my family.  Wiser is an 8 year old Jack Russell that I adopted when he was 6 weeks old. He is my baby. Bud is my 7 year old American Bulldog, and Bubbie is a female Jack Russell.  Last but not least is Speck, who is a 2 yr old Catahoula Cattle dog.  Bubbie and Speck belong to my 14 and 15 year old sons.  All of our dogs get along and love each other, but Wiser is the boss! I also have 2 bearded dragons, 2 snakes, 3 fish tanks and a cat named Oreo who found me after the hurricanes. I will continue working with animals for the rest of my life!

      Hey! My name is Carly, and I have spent my 23 years here in Central Florida. I am a simple girl who enjoys anything outdoors, especially deep sea fishing with my dad, but of course I love to go shopping whenever possible. Ever since I was little I have always known I would grow up to care for animals. I can’t think of anything I am truly more passionate about. I enjoy being a vet tech and in my free time I like to foster/re-home animals in need of a forever home. I don’t have any children, but I currently have three four-legged, furry friends of my own. My oldest is a four year old male schnauzer named Figment, which I have had since he was ten weeks old. I then got Cadence, a three and a half year old female schnauzer, so Figment could have a playmate to grow up with. My most recent addition is a Rott/Pitt mix that was found tied up behind a local grocery store. A co-worker of mine went to pick him up and brought him back to the clinic before he ended up at the pound. Once again, I proceeded to take him home to foster him, but immediately fell in love and decided to add him to the gang! His name is now Diesel and he is a very sweet and gentle puppy who loves to play and go to the dog park. I love my family and every weekend we spend time with the Dogs at the beach, well when the weather is right I should say.

  Animals are a part of the family, they are eager to please and they make great companions. I love to give back to them because no matter what, they are always there for you. And that is why I do what I do, and I am where I am, and I couldn’t be happier.

     Hi, I’m Gina and I’m originally from Toms River, New Jersey.  I moved to Florida in 1987 and I’ve always had a deep spiritual connection with animals. Since the age of 5 all I’ve ever wanted to do was to find a job that involved helping them. In my spare time I like to read, spend time outside, and work on my home.  I currently reside in Orange City with Matthew, and my husband of 6 years. Our pride and joy is Lucy; a furry Jack Russell Terrier.

         Hi my name is Tasha Tindel. I enjoy all animals and working with them. I have been in this field for 10 years and I really enjoy working with the doctors and staff. I have 2 dogs at home named Taz and Brady.

       Hi my name is Kimberly Smith. I am originally from Macon, Georgia but have been living in Sanford, FL for a bout a year. I moved here to be part of a ministry team that is currently based in Sanford. I love life and animals and am so excited for all GOD has in store. After coming to Florida GOD blessed me with a job doing what I love…being around dogs!

        My name is Sheryl I am 24 years old. After 2 years working as a flight attendant I came to work for Animal Hospital of Lake Mary. I love animals and have always wanted to care for them. Here I have found the perfect place.