Get to Know Our Pawsitively Awesome Team
Meet the Team: Friendly Faces, Exceptional Care
At Ox Bottom Animal Hospital, our team is more than just animal lovers—we’re your pet’s biggest cheerleaders, caretakers, and comfort providers. With warm smiles, gentle hands, and a whole lot of heart, we’re here to make every visit feel like a treat. Get to know the fun, friendly folks who make our clinic a place where tails wag and pets feel right at home!
Our Doctors
Lauren DiMartino-Combs
DVM
A proud Tallahassee native, Dr. Lauren DiMartino-Combs has called the north side of town home since childhood. Her lifelong love for animals began with horseback riding and caring for pets, and her journey into veterinary medicine started as a kennel technician at Buck Lake Animal Hospital during college. After graduating from Maclay High School, she pursued her degree in Animal Science at the University of Florida, later earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from UF as well.
Dr. Combs gained valuable experience working at a feline-exclusive practice, which shaped her gentle, patient-centered approach—especially for cats. She is both Fear Free and Feline Friendly certified, committed to making vet visits as calm and stress-free as possible for all pets.
After vet school, she returned to Tallahassee with her husband, David, and began her career at Oakwood Animal Hospital, where she later became Medical Director in 2016. She now leads the team at Ox Bottom Animal Hospital. Her professional interests include dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, and behavioral medicine. Outside the clinic, Dr. Combs enjoys spending time with David and their two children, Raylan and Lyndon, as well as relaxing with their three cats—Abel, Zinnia, and Cain—watching movies, and reading.
Andrew Simmons IV
DVM
From a young age, Andrew Simmons IV has had a profound connection with animals, nurtured during his childhood on his grandfather’s farm. This early passion blossomed into a lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine, leading him to pursue a career that began at the age of 14. After graduating from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2008, Andrew dedicated himself to improving the lives of pets and their owners.
In August 2018, Andrew co-founded a veterinary practice with Dr. Wanous and Dr. Combs, building the hospital from the ground up. Their collaborative vision allowed them to design every aspect of the facility, ensuring it could adapt and expand as their practice grows. Andrew’s interests lie particularly in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and dermatology, where he strives to provide top-notch care.
A key aspect of Andrew’s philosophy is accessibility. He understands the frustration that pet owners feel when they cannot find timely care for their sick pets. His practice has built a reputation for being able to see pets in distress quickly, offering the best medicine while accommodating varying budgets. Andrew emphasizes communication, believing that clear dialogue with clients is essential for successful treatment outcomes. He listens attentively to their concerns, using their histories to arrive at accurate diagnoses swiftly.
Outside of his professional life, Andrew is a devoted family man. He enjoys spending time with his wife Brandy and their two children, Andrew and Auburn. He has a passion for golf and yard work. At home, he shares his life with a 3-year-old male, neutered border collie named Blue, a 5-year-old female, spayed border collie named Ginny, and three goats named Wesson, Thelma, and Louise.
Through his practice, Ox Bottom, Andrew is proud to provide veterinary care for the Leon County Humane Society, further demonstrating his commitment to animal welfare and community service.
Matthew Wanous
DVM
Bio coming soon!
Jacklyn Rind
DVM
Dr. Jacklyn Rind was born in Chicago and raised in the Northeast, spending much of her childhood in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Veterinary Sciences with a minor in Biology from the University of Delaware. While working as a veterinary technician during her undergraduate years, she discovered a passion for small animal general practice.
She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Her professional interests include dentistry/surgery, internal medicine, and preventative care. Her favorite part of the job is developing lifelong relationships with her patients and the people who love them.
At home, Dr. Rind has her hands full with three dogs—a Lab/Pit Bull mix, a Chihuahua, and a Dachshund mix—and three cats. On weekends, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her pups or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Our Staff
Halley Williams
Halley has over 15 years of experience in veterinary care and has been with Ox Bottom Animal Hospital since its opening in 2018. Certified in dog training and Fear Free practices, she’s passionate about building trust with anxious pets and creating a calm, welcoming environment for every patient. Known for her empathy and patience, Halley believes animals have feelings just like people, and that listening closely to pet parents is key to great care. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, off-roading in her Jeep, going to concerts, and spending time with her rescue pets: Gypsy Danger, Lolly, and Lady. She’s also supported hurricane relief and lived in Alaska for 12 years.
Amber
Amber joined Ox Bottom Animal Hospital after years of experience at another clinic, where she began her career as a kennel technician in high school. With a deep passion for animals and client care, she now brings her skills and dedication to our team. Amber shares her home with two cats, Katty and Eliza, and a spirited Dachshund mix named Ruby. In her free time, she loves exploring local restaurants, biking around town, and taking trips to the beach.
Katie
Katie became part of the Ox Bottom team in 2020 after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Florida State University. She has a background in wildlife rescue, having volunteered with Nature World Wildlife Rescue in Homosassa, FL. Katie lives with her cat, Zora, and enjoys true crime documentaries and discovering new hiking trails around Tallahassee. A fun fact: she grew up in a home with nine cats!
Tammy
Tammy joined Ox Bottom in 2020 as a receptionist and quickly became a vital part of the front desk team. She holds an Associate’s degree in Computer Technology from Marshall University and brings both warmth and efficiency to her role. Tammy lives with her husband, Jim, and their golden retriever, Buster. She enjoys beach trips and spending time with her three sons—Colton, Bryce, and Garrett. A fun fact: Tammy works alongside her daughter-in-law, Kaylin, here at Ox Bottom!
Heather
Heather joined Ox Bottom Animal Hospital in 2021 and brings a passion for animal care to her role. She holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University and has found great joy in working with animals for the first time. She lives with her husband, Stephen, their three children, and three cats. In her spare time, Heather enjoys gardening, family time, and rescuing strays in need of love and care.
Kendra
Kendra joined the Ox Bottom team in 2019 as a kennel technician. A graduate of Central High School in 2018, she has always been drawn to animal care, having interned at an animal clinic and volunteered at her local humane society throughout high school. She currently lives with two dogs, Hazel and Ruby-Doo, and her cat, Ella. Kendra enjoys drawing, painting, and creating art in her spare time. Fun fact: she’s originally from South Dakota!
Bianca Toombs
Bianca has been with Ox Bottom for 3 years and has always been interested in helping and working with animals since a very early age. Bianca approaches working with pets and their parents with patience and understanding. In her spare time, Bianca enjoys reading and going to the movies. Bianca has two pets, Coconut and Princess.
Sydney Schoen
Sydney has been part of the Ox Bottom Animal Hospital team for two years, where she supports both the medical and front desk teams. With a biology degree from Florida State University and a passion for science, she’s especially interested in exotic animals and loves building relationships with clients and patients alike. She believes in making sure expectations are met with every visit and lives by the motto: “No bad pets, just spunky!” What she values most at Ox Bottom is the team’s dedication—everyone gives their all, every day. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys reading and is scuba certified. She also volunteers at a nonprofit wildlife center, where she works hands-on with exotic species.
Samiah Washington
Samiah joined Ox Bottom Animal Hospital in June 2024, bringing her passion for animals and her first hands-on experience in the veterinary field. Inspired by the pets she’s owned and her father’s work with animals, she’s excited to grow in her role and is especially interested in Fear-Free care. Known for her patience and positive attitude, Samiah believes in giving 110% and values the supportive, caring environment at Ox Bottom. She loves working with both clients and patients and strives to make each visit a calm and welcoming experience. Outside of work, Samiah enjoys sleeping, playing sports, and spending time with her family. She’s a proud pet parent to a Rottweiler named Apollo. Samiah is very involved in her community, volunteering for local parades, school clean-ups, and rec concessions.
Destiny Segal
Destiny has wanted to be a veterinarian since Kindergarten and started volunteering with animals since a teen. Destiny’s approach to animal care is calm, focused, and observant. She believes the most important thing when working with pets and their parents is making sure to be calm and informed. Destiny has 3 dogs, Butter Toast, Uhtred, and Oliver. She has 9 cats, Olive, Oblivion, Ricardo, Charlie, Sasha, Thumper, Bambino, Apollo, and Maya. While not at Ox Bottom, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, and swimming with her child.
Amelia Rumsey
Amelia Rumsey is a dedicated Kennel Technician at Ox Bottom Animal Hospital with a strong passion for animal care and rescue. Currently a student at Florida State University, she’s pursuing her education while gaining hands-on experience in the veterinary field. Amelia’s love for animals began early—she was raised rescuing a variety of animals including dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and reptiles. That lifelong commitment to animal welfare led her to explore veterinary medicine as a career, with a special interest in exotic animals and zoo medicine. She joined the veterinary field within the past year, building on prior shadowing experiences, and has been with Ox Bottom Animal Hospital for the past seven months. Her favorite part of the job is forming bonds with the animals who board at the hospital and assisting in their treatment. What sets Ox Bottom apart for Amelia is the genuine care and strong support system provided by the team—not just for pets, but for one another as well. Amelia approaches patient care with patience and attentiveness, believing that every animal is unique and requires close observation. She values trust-building with pet parents, explaining each step with clarity and reassurance. Her personal motto reflects her compassionate outlook: “Be patient, be kind, and don’t let mistakes define you.” At home, Amelia is a proud pet parent to a senior pit bull named Smokey and two chinchillas, Dexter and Bella. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing and creating art, especially pieces inspired by animals. A fun fact about Amelia? She once volunteered at a wildlife center where she gained experience handling a wide range of exotic species. She’s also an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. Through this organization, she participates in projects like installing little libraries, stocking food pantries, and cleaning public spaces—showing that her compassion extends far beyond the clinic.
Jennifer Gardner
Jen Gardner brings over 14 years of veterinary experience to Ox Bottom Animal Hospital, where she joined the team in early 2025. She holds her training from St. Petersburg College and has continued to grow her skills through hands-on experience and on-site development. Her clinical interests include dentistry, surgery, and Fear-Free handling techniques. Jen is passionate about patient advocacy and approaches care with the philosophy: We are their voice. She emphasizes communication and education when working with pet parents, helping build trust and ensuring every patient receives respectful, informed care. She values Ox Bottom’s calm, accommodating atmosphere, where both pets and team members are supported every step of the way. Outside of work, Jen enjoys reading, traveling, gaming, and spending time with her family and friends. She shares her home with a Rhodesian Ridgeback, three cats, a goldfish. Jen is a collector of interesting items, such as skulls, wet specimens, and rocks.
Stephanie Butler
Stephanie has been in the veterinary field since 2012 and recently earned her BAS in Veterinary Technology. She’s certified in Fear-Free and Recovery, with special interests in internal medicine, dermatology, exotic pets, and client education. Known for her empathetic, Fear-Free approach, Stephanie believes that strong connections with both pets and their owners are key to quality care. She joined Ox Bottom Animal Hospital in 2025 and values the high standards and supportive team environment. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, gardening, and sci-fi. She shares her home with two retired racing dogs and two goats, and she’s working toward her Florida Master Naturalist certification. Stephanie volunteers with TMH Animal Therapy and is passionate about wildlife conservation.
Kevin Pham
Kevin joined Ox Bottom Animal Hospital in early 2024, bringing with him a passion for urgent and emergency veterinary care. A graduate of Florida A&M University with experience at an allied emergency hospital, Kevin is especially interested in specializing in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery. He follows the Five Freedoms approach to animal care and believes in clear communication and empathy when working with pet parents. His attention to detail and commitment to high standards make him a reliable and compassionate presence on the team. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys traveling, attending concerts and festivals, playing video games, and making music. He plays piano, clarinet, and synth, and has a strong interest in technology and building computers. At home, he shares life with three cats—Nylah, Yuumi, and a second orange tabby. Kevin can land a front flip on a trampoline.
Stacey Williams
Stacey has been part of the Ox Bottom Animal Hospital team since October 2024, bringing years of hands-on experience and a lifelong passion for animal care. Growing up on a farm, she started volunteering with a large animal vet at 13 and worked her way up to veterinary technician through on-the-job training across Florida. Her special interests include geriatric care, Fear-Free techniques, client education, and hospitalized patient support. Stacey tailors care plans based on each patient’s behavior and demeanor, always aiming for comfort, clarity, and compassion. At home, Stacey stays busy with a full household of pets—including dogs, cats, chickens, fish, and even a turtle named Myrtle. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, fishing, reading, and training dogs with her husband. Stacey is the proud owner of a green thumb.
Taylor Cornell
Taylor has been part of the Ox Bottom Animal Hospital team for three years and counting. Drawn to the natural connection they share with dogs, Taylor found their calling in animal care and received hands-on training right at the clinic. They bring a calm confidence to their work, always adapting to each patient’s unique needs while staying grounded in honesty, integrity, and compassion. Whether it’s holding small fluffy dogs or supporting pet parents with knowledge and care, Taylor values the trust built on both sides of the exam table. At home, Taylor is a proud dog parent to Evie, Chacha, and Monet. Outside of work, they enjoy baking, reading, and taking part in events at their church. Taylor has half a tongue – that said, they have a great sense of humor about it!
Kayla Frameli
Kayla has been with Ox Bottom since 2024. Kayla is a large advocate for listening to the patient and paying close attention to the mood in an effort to provide the lowest stress environment. A large part of Kayla joining Ox Bottom was due to the fear-free certification and cat friendly environment of the clinic. Kayla is currently studying cell and molecular neuroscience at FSU. Kayla was inspired to work with animals after experiencing the important benefits of human-animal connection for mental health. Kayla has interest in working with small and large animals, and surgery. In her time outside of the clinic, Kayla enjoys watching reality TV and reading from her personal collection of 500 books with her black cat, Gatsby. Kayla volunteers her time with local and school related organizations.
Asher Tahor
Bio coming soon!
Mirqueena Etienne
She was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary medicine from her father. He would take her to the flea market to see all the small animals. They built cages in their backyard for her to help maintain for their chickens, pigeons and rabbits. She has been working in the veterinary field off and on since high school the last few years. Currently she is a student at Florida A&M university working on her way to veterinary school to pursue working with large animals. Since joining our team in June of 2025 she has enjoyed staying busy and learning from her fellow senior teammates. She feels that this team is very refreshing and supportive to work with. Her approach to taking care of patients and boarders is centered around compassion. Communicating with the owners to help build understanding and trust. It is important to her to be clear and honest while treating each one as it was her own pet. She has her own dog named Snoopy who is a terrier/bulldog mix. Some of her hobbies and interests are spending time with friends, binge watching her favorite shows, experimenting with cooking and playing with various hairstyles. One fun fact about her, she was very fond of Tinkerbell as her favorite Disney character when she was younger. In her free time, she volunteers at the local shelter, Champs Chance (Dog Rescue) and with Animal Science Club at FAMU.