About Us

A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil; with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Garcia earned his veterinary degree from Sao Paulo State University. He then completed his internship, Master of Sciences degree, and rigorous veterinary anesthesia residency at Washington State University. His next post was at Michigan State University, where he was a professor and service Chief of Anesthesia. Finally trading snow for sunshine, Dr. Garcia served as a professor and service Chief of Anesthesia at the University of Florida. He recently relocated to Jacksonville to practice emergency medicine and is the owner/operator of PURE Pet Urgent Response and Emergency. Dr. Garcia is available at all times to consult on JVSO’s most challenging anesthesia and surgical cases.

Tmima Neihaus earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois and brings more than 20 years of dedicated experience to her role. Known for her gentle and compassionate approach, Tmima has earned the trust of countless pet families and fosters a positive environment for staff and patients. Her vision as Hospital Director includes expanding access to the hospital’s advanced diagnostic and treatment options, implementing personalized care plans, and ensuring every pet receives the highest-quality care. Outside of work, Tmima enjoys reading, family beach outings, and caring for her pets. She lives with her husband, Dr. Steven Neihaus, their three children, and the family’s three rescue dogs.

Tammi has extensive professional experience working in veterinary medicine at general practice, surgery, and emergency centers. Her passion for animals is reflected in everything she does. She also loves being an advocate for those around her, passing on knowledge and support to pet owners, and helping fellow animal care professionals in their journeys. Tammi spends her free time with her six rescue dogs, a pot-bellied pig and her husband. You’ll often find her at the beach with the pups, fostering and rescuing animals in need, showing her artsy side at local arts markets, and spending time with her family.

Emily has more than a decade of experience assisting in general and surgical veterinary procedures. As Dr. Neihaus’ most experienced technician during surgery, she works tirelessly alongside him to improve the lives of pets and families. Emily studied biology at the University of North Florida and began her veterinary career in general practice. Soon after, she became trained in anesthesia management of highly complex surgical procedures and became an in-demand anesthesia technician. Since 2017, she has worked closely with Dr. Neihaus to improve the lives of countless pets and the people who love them. A dedicated pet parent to two cats and one dog, Emily enjoys golf, fishing, snowboarding, and exercise.

Katie is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where she earned her B.S. in Integrative Animal Biology. She later became a Certified Veterinary Technician through St. Petersburg College. Katie enjoys making a difference in each pet’s life, while building a bond with them and their families. She also loves the opportunities that veterinary medicine provides to learn, and the skill required to offer the highest level of care to patients. In her free time, Katie enjoys continuing her education, practicing yoga, going on adventures with her dog Koda, spending time in nature, traveling, and attending concerts whenever possible.

Avery’s strong passion for helping animals stems from early childhood and her love of science. She began her career in Wisconsin in 2017 and has worked alongside Dr. Neihaus since January 2022. Avery took pre-vet courses at Kentucky Wesleyan College and is currently working to become a licensed technician and plans to specialize in anesthesia. Avery is a proud mom of four fur babies: a husky named Emery, a German shepherd mix named Maui, and two orange cats, Nemo and Groot. You can find her at the beach with her husband and two daughters in her free time. Avery says there is nothing more fulfilling to her than helping pets.

Araceli, a native of Germany, started working in the veterinary field when she moved to the United States. She has more than 20 years of veterinary experience and a true love of working with animals. She shares her home with her husband, five dogs, and four cats. Araceli constantly works to learn and grow so that she can provide the very best care for your furry family members.

Danielle has more than a decade of experience working in animal welfare. She started her career at the local humane society, where she discovered her passion for all animals.  As the first line of client communication at JVSO, Danielle is dedicated to helping pets and their parents feel comfortable and well cared for. Danielle is married and the mother of three children: three rescue dogs and two rescue cats. When she’s not working, Danielle enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Autumn is a Texas native who developed her love of animals growing up on a farm. Since childhood, she has been passionate about caring for and connecting with animals around her. In the veterinary industry, Autumn has discovered a career that suits her perfectly. Autumn loves being part of the JVSO team and is determined to improve pet lives and offer expert guidance to pet families every day. In her free time, you will find her exploring, hiking, and riding her horse, Clefspeare.