Our Veterinarians
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Richard Wigelsworth
DVM Dr. Wigelsworth was born in Georgia and began his career in veterinary medicine as a technician while completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 1996. With extensive experience in showing, breeding, and field training Standard Poodles, Dr. Wigelsworth has earned numerous AKC titles over the years. After practicing veterinary medicine for more than a decade, he relocated from Deltona to Melbourne in January 2008. Dr. Wigelsworth values client education and takes pride in making sure questions and concerns are thoroughly addressed. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on his boat, fishing, being outdoors, and relaxing with his family and friends. |
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Beth Ferris
DVM Dr. Ferris knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. Originally from Massachusetts, her path led her to Barry University in Miami for undergraduate studies, followed by service with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves during Operation Desert Storm, and ultimately to veterinary school at the University of Florida, where she graduated in 1997. After completing a 14-month internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital, Dr. Ferris returned to Brevard County and has been practicing locally ever since, joining South Patrick Animal Hospital in April 2024. She also spent ten years teaching in the Veterinary Technology program at Eastern Florida State College while continuing to work full time. Her professional interests expanded into integrative medicine, including chiropractic care and acupuncture, with advanced training through Options for Animals and the Chi Institute. Dr. Ferris has a strong passion for rabbit medicine and surgery, dentistry, nutrition, and client education rooted in understanding rather than judgment. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, attending Renaissance fairs with her family, and figure skating. She shares her home with her husband, one child, three cats, and two rabbits. |
Our Team
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Tiffany
Practice Manager / Veterinary Technician Tiffany was born in Florida’s panhandle and grew up moving around the world as part of a military family. She returned to Florida in 2014 and began her veterinary career later that year as a kennel technician. She transitioned into a veterinary technician role in 2017 and joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in February 2020. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys crafting, taking her German Shepherd, Astra, on local adventures, and relaxing at home with her cats. |
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Emily
Hospital Manager / Veterinary Technician Emily was born in Mississippi and raised in Georgia, with the unique opportunity to live in Dubai during her early teen years. She moved to Brevard County in 2017 and began working with animals shortly after graduating high school. Her early experience at a boarding facility sparked her interest in animal care, and she transitioned into veterinary medicine as a technician in 2021. Emily joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in September 2022. She is currently exploring long-term career goals, including pursuing entering nursing school. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her dogs, hiking, traveling, and being with friends. |
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Jo
Production Manager / Veterinary Technician Jolynda, who goes by Jo, began her veterinary career in 2016 as a kennel technician and worked her way through reception and assisting before becoming a veterinary technician, joining South Patrick Animal Hospital in September 2024. She is currently in her senior year of college pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a pre-veterinary medicine focus and plans to continue her education toward becoming a veterinarian. Jo grew up in Alaska and is a mother of three. She is deeply passionate about advocating for animals who cannot speak for themselves and values lifelong learning. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her favorite animals are okapi and stingrays. |
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Destany
Client Service Representative / Public Relation Representative Destany was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania and moved to Melbourne in 2025 in search of a change of pace. She began working with animals in 2016 and has experience in dog daycare, animal shelter work, and running her own pet sitting and dog walking business. She joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in June 2025. Destany shares her home with five rescue cats and two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys adventuring with her husband and dogs, as well as crocheting and knitting. |
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Mercedes
Veterinary Technician Mercedes is a Florida native who joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in May 2025. Before entering veterinary medicine, she worked as a barista and discovered her interest in animal care through hands-on learning and a strong curiosity for medicine. Outside of work, Mercedes enjoys cooking, attending concerts, playing video games, and creative self-expression. She shares her home with a bird named Kirby and two orange cats, Anchovy and Crouton. |
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Saraa
Veterinary Technician Saraa was born and raised in Florida and previously worked in food service management before transitioning into veterinary medicine. She joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in May 2024, inspired by a lifelong connection to animals and caring for her senior dog, Keylow. She enjoys learning about different breeds and building strong relationships with clients to help provide thoughtful, individualized care. Outside of work, Saraa enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, fishing, and being with her dog, Lula Girl. |
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Amanda
Veterinary Technician Amanda was born and raised in Florida and has worked exclusively in veterinary medicine throughout her career, joining South Patrick Animal Hospital in December 2025. Amanda grew up on a farm where her family bred and raced Quarter Horses, which helped foster her lifelong passion for animals. She has been working in veterinary medicine for five years and brings a calm, laid-back presence to the team, helping pets feel at ease during their visits. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys fishing, attending rodeo events, riding ATVs, and relaxing in her downtime. |
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Melissa
Veterinary Receptionist Melissa was born and raised in northern New York near the Canadian border and moved to Florida in 2017 to escape the extreme winters. Since relocating, she has worked in animal care and joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in April 2023. She has three rescue dogs and two cats. In her free time, Melissa enjoys motorcycle rides, beach days, fishing, and spending time with her family. |
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Lacey
Veterinary Receptionist Lacey moved from New York to Melbourne, Florida when she was younger, and brings more than 23 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She began her career at age 16 in kennel work and later became a veterinary technician. She has been with South Patrick Animal Hospital since November 2024. Her background includes emergency medicine, general practice, and working with small mammals and exotics. When she’s not at work, Lacey enjoys quiet evenings at home watching movies with her significant other and continues to have a special interest in exotic and unusual pets. |
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Rebecca
Kennel Manager Rebecca was born and raised in Brevard County and has been part of the South Patrick Animal Hospital team since 2005. She values forming lasting bonds with both clients and their pets and takes pride in caring for boarding patients. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with family and friends and is passionate about raising awareness for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a condition her mother was diagnosed with in 2019. She also enjoys spending time with her cats at home. |
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Cassidy
Kennel Technician Cassidy is originally from Sherwood, Arkansas, and worked as a kennel technician at a boarding facility for nearly two years before joining our practice. After moving to Florida in February 2025, she saw the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary hospital setting, starting at South Patrick Animal Hospital in March 2025. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys walking her dogs, spending time at the beach, shopping, reading, anime, and video games. She has two dogs, Sadie and Rocky. |
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Maia
Kennel Technician Maia is originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and this is her first role in the animal care field. She joined the practice in October 2025 after working in customer service and is excited to begin building a long-term career working with animals. Outside of work, Maia enjoys swimming, traveling, shopping, and spending time with friends, family, and her pets. She also enjoys visiting family in Mexico. |
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Troy
Groomer Troy is a professional groomer who trained at the Florida Institute of Animal Arts and has been grooming since 2006. He joined South Patrick Animal Hospital in 2010 and is known for his calm, patient approach with animals of all temperaments. When he’s not grooming, Troy enjoys relaxing at his beachside home with his dogs and cat, often soaking up Florida’s sunshine under a palm tree. |