Meet the Team at Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital

After graduating from the Agrarian University of Havana (UNAH) in 2000, Dr. Samuel Vasallo Suarez began his veterinary profession with enthusiasm and passion. He immigrated to the United States and validated his diploma in 2011, expanding his career. Since then, he has worked with various colleagues in several practices including general practice, emergency and Critical care/Specialty hospitals, holding particular interest in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology, as well as Emergency and critical care. Throughout these years he has been able to examine, diagnose and treat multiple cases, providing his patients the best care possible while establishing a good patient-owner and doctor relationship, based on professionalism and transparency.

Although the veterinary career exceeds the boundaries of household animals, Dr. Vasallo holds profound zeal for dogs and cats. They are considered like family members.

Dr. Vasallo also loves spending time with his wife, two sons, and his two dogs: Pancho and Rocky, as well as his extended family and friends. Going to the beach has always been one of his favorite vacation activities, and listening to music is his favorite hobby.

Dr. Laura Lantigua was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where early on in her life discovered a passion for animals and their wellbeing. Upon arriving in the United States, Dr Lantigua attended Saint Thomas University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree. She later attended the University of Minnesota where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine with a focus on Small Animal Medicine.

Dr. Lantigua has been working in veterinary hospitals for over eight years, including urgent care and emergency setting. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Minnesota Medical Association (MVMA), and she is Fear Free certified. 

She is committed to educating owners and helping improve the quality of life of their pets. Her professional interests include surgery, geriatric care, and nutrition. In her free time, Dr. Lantigua enjoys spending time with her children and husband.

Dr. Woodby’s earliest memories were from assisting his father with the birthing of farm animals, and by the time he was six years old, he made up his mind to become a Veterinarian. Dr. Woodby grew up on a large farm in East Tennessee, graduating from Meigs County High School in 1972. He began college nearby at Tennessee Wesleyan College and after two years transferred to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he later graduated with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry and went on to the University of Tennessee’s Veterinary School, graduating in 1981. Dr. Woodby spent his first years in practice in Athens, Tennessee doing both large and small animal medicine and surgery. He moved to South Florida in 1983 to continue in small animal practice. He opened Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital in 1988 and has grown the practice through treating our client’s veterinary needs with enthusiasm, candor, and common sense. Dr. Woodby has been a member of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association for many years, serving as President in 2003. He is currently on the Florida Veterinary Association acting as Chairperson of the Outreach Committee and is a long-time member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is excited about the expertise and patience that Dr. Ashby has brought to the practice over the years and looks forward to the future in our new location. Among several outside interests, Dr. Woodby enjoys golfing, restoring old properties, and being a father.

Dr. Paul Shaffer is an Ohio State University graduate and has been practicing medicine in South Florida since 1976. He enjoys all areas of veterinary medicine but particularly ophthalmology and surgery (specifically orthopedics)!! Dr. Shaffer is the proud parent of a cockatoo, two pups, and five cats!

Dr. Tim earned his B.S in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Tampa, and his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University. Since graduation, Dr. Tim has practiced high-quality medicine and has worked in mixed general practices and emergency medicine. His professional interests include preventative medicine, assisting families with their geriatric patients, and the variety that veterinary medicine brings.

In his free time, Dr. Tim enjoys traveling, attending Comic-Cons or renaissance fairs, playing various video games, snorkeling, and swimming.

Dr. Nicole Leventhal was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Miami, and her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University. Her professional interests include preventative medicine, surgery, and pathology.

In her free time, Dr. Leventhal enjoys spending time with her family, friends, orange cat (Kyo), and rescue dog (Rocky). She has a passion for the outdoors and science fiction. She also loves running, tennis, and pickleball.

2. Where did you go to school?
I currently attend Miami Dade College. Majoring in criminal justice and plan to transfer to FIU.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I like to ensure that the clients who come in through the doors leave with the correct information and get to receive best customer service for themselves and their furry babies.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
On my free time I like to go to the gym, hangout with my friends, and spend quality time with my family.

1. How long have you been practicing?
I have been involved with animals and animal rescues since 2016. I started working in a clinic setting in August of 2023.

2. Where did you go to school?
I attended the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus.

3. What do you pride yourself in as a Vet professional?
I take pride in ensuring that every client and patient gets the best customer service, listen, and respond in a timely manner.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love crafting and spending time with my family.

2. Where did you go to school?
I attended college at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale where I got my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I feel confident when greeting the owner and pet and being able to quickly read their body language. I pride myself on caring for the safety of everyone involved during the exam and ensuring that the owner leaves with questions answered and is satisfied/more at peace after visiting.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to cuddle with my cats, travel, and do outdoor activities like scuba diving, hiking, and camping. I also enjoy drawing and painting.

2. Where did you go to school?
I am currently still a student at Miami Dade College and I wish to transfer to FIU for my Bachelor’s Degree.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on taking care of clients’ wishes and needs in the most efficient way I can. Making sure clients feel safe and secure with their choices and options.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to ice skate, read, learn how to play guitar and hang out with my friends and family.

2. Where did you go to school?
I attended the University of Florida and received my Bachelors in Animal Science.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I really pride myself in remembering that there’s a family at home counting on me to heal their pet who they love and miss.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons, write creatively, and create learning games and tools.

2. Where did you go to school?
I am currently enrolled in Miami Dade College in the Pre-Veterinary Sciences track. In pursuit of a future professional career as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on providing patient care as if the patient were my own pet. I will tailor and cater to the needs of each individual pet as they are all so unique in their own way. I aim to ensure my patients are happy and comfortable while in the hospital. I also pride myself in ensuring Pet Parents are comfortable and knowledgeable with treatment plans.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, you’ll catch me training my dog Taz, cuddling with my two cats Finn and Dutch, or Studying!

1. How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing since 2022.

2. Where did you go to school?
I graduated high school from Westwood Christian School and am now enrolled in FIU.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself in giving patients the best experience every time they walk into the clinic.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to read, play with my dog River, and hang out with friends.

2. Where did you go to school?
I am currently enrolled at Miami Dade College.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I take full pride in making sure all patients are happy, healthy, and loved.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending it with my pets and watching documentaries.

1. How long have you been practicing?
I’ve been practicing since the summer of 2021.

2. Where did you go to school?
I attended Felix Varela Senior High.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
When it comes to patients, I want every animal to feel at home. I want them to feel as if they can trust us completely.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to do artistic things such as singing, dancing, drawing, etc. When I’m not doing that, I’ll pick up a video game here and there.

1. How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing for ten years.

2. Where did you go to school?
I graduated with a BA in Biology from FIU.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on providing the best patient care regardless of the situation.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy working on old boats.

2. Where did you go to school?
I graduated high school at Robert Morgan Educational Center and attended FIU for college.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on my ability to communicate and educate clients on our medical procedures and medical decisions pertaining to their pets.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time obsessing over sports. Go Phins!!!

2. Where did you go to school?
I am currently enrolled at the University of Miami.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on providing quality care for patients and attention to client needs.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets as well as baking and gardening.

2. Where did you go to school?
I received my AA in Biology at Miami Dade College and currently working towards my BS at Florida International University.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself in clear communication with our pet parents to help educate them on treatment plans and make sure our patients can go home happy and healthy.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to be in the outdoors. Fishing, playing sports and spending time with my family.

2. Where did you go to school?
I’m currently finishing my senior year at Felix Varela Senior High School.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself in making sure there is clear communication with the clients, so they feel comfortable while their pets are being taken care of.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
Usually, in my free time, I make sure I’m caught up with my school work, read, and watch television shows.

2. Where did you go to school?
Ohio State University.

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I try to make sure everyone is taken care of to the best of my abilities. 

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and my pets. 

2. Where did you go to school?
University of Tennessee Chattanooga

3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I care for all pets as if they are my own.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my family, adventuring out in the ocean and volunteering with local animal rescues.