Our Team
At Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital, we are incredibly proud of the care we provide every day. Learn more about our talented team and why we love what we do!

The Smiling Faces of Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital

Dr. Steve Woodby
Veterinarian

Zach Finn
Practice Manager

Remi Rogers
Technician

Emily Capote
Technician

Angel (Javi) Padron
Technician

Manon Nicaise
Technician

Lisa Varela
Technician

Daniella Rodriguez
Client Care Representative

Lori Bryan
Client Care Representative

Jennifer Lecco
Client Care Representative / Receptionist
Dr. Steve Woodby – Veterinarian
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.
Zach Finn – Practice Manager
I have been working in the field since 2011, when I was a senior in high school.
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!!!
Lisa Varela – Technician
I have been in the veterinary field for about five years.
2. Where did you go to school?
I went to Miami Dade College for my AA. And am now finishing the requirements needed to apply to Vet school.
3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride in myself giving the love and care i would give my own pets. Give clients a safe, and informative learning environment.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to cook new recipes as well as making dermatology dog treats for my pets.
Emily Capote – Technician
1. How long have you been practicing?
I’ve been practicing with small animals since I was offered my first clinic job at 16 years of age.
2. Where did you go to school?
Currently enrolled in Miami Dade Community College.
3. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to veterinary medicine and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself in the comfort and health of my patients. I strive to ensure they receive the love and attention I would give my own pets.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy training my dog and studying further into veterinary medicine.
Manon Nicaise – Technician
I began interning in July 2020 and I was hired in June 2021.
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.
Javi Padron- Technician
I began as a volunteer at CCAH in Spring 2015. I was hired spring 2017 as an employee and working consistently ever since.
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.
Daniella Rodriguez – Client Care Representative
I have been working front desk since January of this year.
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.
Lori Bryan – Client Care Representative
I have been working reception at Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital since June 2008.
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.
Jennifer Lecco – Client Care Representative/ Receptionist
I’ve been in the veterinary field for 14 years.
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.