Staff
Lori Emerson
A native of Florida, Lori Emerson, the Animal Emergency and Referral Center's Practice Manager, has been involved in the veterinary medical field since 1980. She held several positions at a local primary care veterinary practice prior to her arrival at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in 1984. Lori is a skilled veterinary technician and nurse as well as a competent hospital administrator and manager. She is exceptionally skilled at fielding questions and handling special concerns that clients and referring veterinarians may have.
"The doctors take the time to teach us about the many medical issues for which we treat our patients," she says of her work with the Center. "This gives us a much deeper understanding of how we can best support their care because all of us, no matter our daily tasks, participate in rounds and are truly part of the team."
Lori is also dedicated to promoting the veterinary technician profession as a rewarding career choice. She coordinates externship training rotations for students enrolled in Brevard Community College's Veterinary Technician Program; organizes "Tech Talk," an educational gathering of support staff from area hospitals; and has developed training presentations on The ABC's of CPR and The Art of Triage.
During her leisure time Lori enjoys golf, bicycling, nature photography, boating, camping, reading, and traveling. She loves spending time with her pet cows and her canine companions Nakona, an Australian Shepherd, and Marinero, a Greyhound.
Deena Lyman
Deena Lyman is a Patient Advocate and Vice President of the Animal Emergency and Referral Center. She has been with AERC since June of 2002 when she started as our Communication Coordinator. She has a Master's in Business Administration from Stetson University based in DeLand, Florida.
"I have always enjoyed working with animals, especially those in need of care," Deena says. "I enjoy making people happy and using my problem solving skills to improve the lives of others around me."
At home, Deena has a domestic shorthair cat named Mia and a Chihuahua named Bruiser. In her free time, she enjoys baking, scrapbooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Kip Lyman
Kip Lyman, who is also a certified paralegal, joined the AERC as a Patient Advocate in June of 2009.
"I love working at this hospital," she says of her work at the Center, "because the specialists are the very best at what they do—anywhere. This hospital also offers care not offered anywhere else in Florida. Everyone—the staff and doctors—are kind and they care, which makes my job as a Patient Advocate all that much easier."
Her animal family includes a yellow Tabby cat named Romeo and a Bearded Dragon named George-of-the-Jungle. Kip spends her free time playing piano, exercising, gardening, walking on the beach collecting sea glass, and dancing and dining with her husband.
Diane Jean Fischer
Head Veterinary Technician Diane Jean Fischer has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since December of 1998, but began her career in animal care in 1982 as a high school student. In 1986, she earned her degree as a veterinary technician and in that same year earned certification in North Carolina. Then in 1999 she received her certification in Florida and is still certified as a Veterinary Technician in both states.
"This is a great place to learn something new every day," Diane says of her work. "The cases are always complex and vary from week to week and even day by day, so there is always a new challenge to overcome."
At home, Diane has a Lab mix named Sadie, a Corgi mix named Phoebe; five cats named Tricycle, Baby Kitty, Caly, Gnoble, and Orio, as well as three turtles and an assortment of fish. She enjoys camping, music, pets, time with family, hiking, and boating.
Kelly Peyman
Veterinary Technician and Supervisor Kelly Pellman has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since August of 2006, but began her career in the animal care field in 2002.
"I have learned and experienced so many great things here and every day is a new and exciting adventure," she says. "We all come together for one common goal, which is to help our patients, and there is nothing I would rather do than to help animals."
Kelly's pets include a Poodle named Missy and five cats named Trouble, Mariah, Grayson, Nelson, and Luke. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, making improvements to her house, cross stitch and puzzles.
Juli Silverman
Veterinary Technician Juli Silverman has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since December of 2006 and has been working in the animal care field since 1995.
"I love helping animals and here we get to learn and do far more than we ever would working for a regular primary care practice," she says. "During rounds we get to hear all the different opinions from all the specialists and emergency doctors."
Her animal friends include two cats named One Eyed Willie and Jewel. When not working, Juli enjoys reading, watching movies, motorcycle riding, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Jessica M. Hawkins
Certified Veterinary Technician and Ordering Technician Jessica M. Hawkins has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since February of 2007 and has been working in the animal care field since 2005.
"I enjoy working with the complicated and critical cases because I know that I am making a difference in that animal's life," she says. "Specialty and emergency medicine really is very personally rewarding work for me."
At home Jessica has a Lab named Maverick and three cats named Sara, Kitters, and Mini. She also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Derek as well as her family and friends, playing Frisbee with Maverick in the backyard, watching the cats play throughout the house, and listening to music while cleaning the house after the animals destroy it.
Heather Pepera
Veterinary Technician Heather Pepera has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since March of 2008, but began her career in the animal care field in 2007.
"I enjoy my job here because every here is a new learning experience," she says. "I work with great doctors and a friendly staff."
Heather adds that, "All of my animals mean so much to me. My dogs are my best friends and they were all rescued from the local Humane Society." Her animal family includes, a Hound mix named Dually, American Bulldog named Brutus, Pit/Jack Russell Terrier mix named Roe, a gelding quarter horse named Rascal, and a Bull named Porter House (also a rescue).
During her free time, Heather says you can find her outside either being a cowgirl working cows or just simply laying on the beach. She also likes to run, play/watch football, and spending time with friends and fishing.
Rebecca Yetter
Veterinary Technician Rebecca Yetter began her career at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in July of 2008, but started working in the animal care field in 1998.
"I like working with any kind of animal," she says. "I am also able to see and learn so many different things working here at AERC."
At home, she has three cats named Blackie, 8-Ball and Little One as well as Snake, a Red Tail Boa. Her free time is spent with family, swimming or relaxing at the beach.
Nicole K. Locher
Veterinary Technician Nicole K. Locher has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since March of 2010 and has been in the animal care field since 2002. She has an Associate's in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Biology and is working toward a Master's of Science in Forensic Toxicology at the University of Florida.
"This hospital is fast-paced and very conducive to teaching and learning," she says. "Also, the doctors and technicians work together closely to ensure every patient receives excellent medical care."
At home, Nicole has three Maine Coon Cats named Zeke, Emma and Blaze as well as three domestic shorthair cats named Lola, Abby, and Zoe. When her busy schedule allows it, she enjoys running and reading for pleasure.
Chris Fitzgerald
Veterinary Technician Chris Fitzgerald has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since October of 2010. He began his career in the pet care field in 2005.
"I like the care options that we are able to provide our clients and their pets because I feel that primary care veterinary practices are somewhat limited in what they can do," he says. "I also like to work on the complex cases that come into a referral and emergency veterinary hospital."
At home, Chris has a Lab, Mastiff, Pomeranian, and three domestic shorthair cats. He likes to fish, bike, and participate in just about any outdoor sports and watersports.
Keith Allen Hower
Communication Coordinator Keith Allen Hower has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since July of 2005 and began his career in the animal care field in 2000. He is currently working toward a Veterinary Technician's degree.
"The AERC offers the best learning experience in the area," he says of his work with us. "It provides the greatest ability to expand beyond the normal and routine cases a regular practice would see."
Keith's animal family includes a Weimaraner named Bailey, Border Collie mix named Bandit, German Shepherd mix named Maverick, and four cats named Merlin, Patches, Pepper and Smokey. Asked about his free time, Keith says, "I take care of my child, therefore I have no free time!"
Shari Bartoe
Communication Coordinator Shari Bartoe started her career in the animal care field at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in April of 2006.
"Working here is a great learning experience," she says. "The cases are very interesting; it is great working with all of the doctors and staff; and I like being able to take part in the care of our wonderful patients."
At home, Shari has a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix named Bruiser, Black Lab named Dixie, Chocolate Lab named Gunner, and two Cocker Spaniels named Sandi and Daisy. She is also an avid reader, football fan, and enjoys spending time with her husband.
Jimmy McBride
Maintenance Technician Jimmy McBride has been with the Animal Emergency and Referral Center since December of 2006.
He says, "Working with the animals is very rewarding and educational."
Jimmy spends his free time golfing, playing jai alai and poker, listening to music and watching sports.