Meet Our Hilltop Family Vet Team

Dr. Amanda Hill

Associate Veterinarian

I graduated a Florida Gator with a Bachelor of Science in 2005. I then moved to the beautiful Caribbean to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I completed my clinical year back in Gainesville, Florida, at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Since then, I have been a small animal veterinarian with a special interest in Soft Tissue Surgery and Dentistry. I also taught as an Associate Adjunct Professor at the local Santa Fe College in the Health Sciences Department. In 2021, I joined Hilltop Family Vet as Chief of Staff. My passions include teaching, elevating hospital systems, reducing stress for pets, and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and serving as a volunteer minister in my community.

Dr. Sara Vanderbilt

Associate Veterinarian

I’m originally from the St. Pete/Clearwater area, and I moved up to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida. I majored in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with a minor in Entomology. While working on my Bachelor’s degree, I started volunteering with Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, and that’s what sparked my love for veterinary medicine! In 2023, I completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Go Gators!! While in vet school, I also completed a certificate in Shelter Medicine. My special interests include exotic mammals and reptiles, nutrition, dermatology, and ophthalmology. At home, I have a sweet rabbit named Poppy and two lazy senior cats, Leon and Cloud. In my free time, I enjoy going to craft breweries with my husband, finding new additions for my bug collection, volunteering for Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

Dr. Marnie Thomas, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

I grew up riding and loving horses, but my passion evolved into a love for wildlife and exotic animals. I Graduated in 1996 from Auburn with a Bachelor in Wildlife Science and then in 2000 with a DVM from Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine. This is what I was born to do. At the age of 3, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. God instilled a passion for Veterinary Medicine in me. I am a MOM to a delightful 5-year-old boy and the wife to a gifted husband. I have recently become a beekeeper and am learning this new art. Taking care of our farm and its critters, as well as the land, absorb the remaining time. I have been practicing Exotic and Avian Medicine for almost 20 years and continue to be challenged every single day.

Dr. Michelle Floyd

Associate Veterinarian

While I entered into the veterinary field with a special interest in shelter medicine and helping those without families, I have found what I truly enjoy about clinical practice is the bond I develop with pets and their humans. I love meeting families and watching their pets grow over the years with them, and I will always work to keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible. My special interests include internal medicine, solving the puzzles of different complex conditions, as well as dentistry and dermatology. I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 2014. Prior to that, I majored in both Biology and Chemistry at Western Kentucky University, received my Bachelor’s in 2009, and graduated from the Honors program. Since childhood, I’ve always been drawn to aiding the small and sick. I am passionate about supporting animals when they’re scared or hurt and guiding families in the care of their furry friends. I started in the animal field as a receptionist and kennel tech, working up to a technician in a small and exotics hospital. I’ve found my groove in taking a proactive role in the management and treatment of diseases as a veterinarian, and I wouldn’t change it! Any spare time is usually spent corralling two toddlers, but I also enjoy cooking, reading, and playing various sports (volleyball, pickleball, Spikeball). My true passion is playing Ultimate Frisbee, and I compete on a traveling women’s team at a national level as well as play in a city league in the Gainesville area.

Felicity S.

Lead Veterinary Technician

Felicity is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Penn Foster and is set to graduate at the end of 2025 with an Associate of Science degree. She plans to take the NVTE in early 2026.

She chose this career due to her love of animals and the opportunity it provides to help them live long, happy, and healthy lives. She enjoys the continuous learning and educational opportunities that veterinary medicine offers as the field evolves.

In her free time, Felicity enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, swimming, and visiting family. Occasionally, she becomes deeply focused on a new art project.

Rebekah F.

Head Technician

I have always loved animals, and I have always wanted to be a voice for them. I have spent the past 5 years as a technician in a small animal practice, and I am looking forward to continuing that role. I obtained my Bachelor of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida, and I am now currently at St. Petersburg College, enrolled in the Veterinary Nurse Technology program. I chose to work in this field as it gives me the opportunity to be a voice for the animals. I am a very outdoor type of person and enjoy riding my horses, traveling, and hiking to new places, along with spending quality time with my family. Spending time on the river in a kayak is one of my favorite things to do around Alachua.

Jasmine Brown

Veterinary Technician

I’ve worked in the animal care field for 5 years and even through the most stressful of times, I have loved this career. Being able to provide care and comfort to animals, even if it is just offering a treat, will always be my biggest joy and my reason for doing this. I graduated from University of Central Florida in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and have hopes of attending Vet School in the future. I have a little black cat, Nakia, that keeps me on my toes. In my free time I like to make art, try new recipes, relax and take naps.

Alissa W.

Receptionist & Social Media Coordinator

I have worked in this industry for almost 9 years now. I started off in a private practice back in my hometown, where I worked for a little over 4 years. I then ventured into the Shelter atmosphere. Now I am a Small animal and Avian/Exotic Technician here at Hilltop. Throughout my childhood, I would nurse any and every creature I found injured. I decided animals are where my heart is truly at. I wanted to do my part in helping them where I could and making a difference. In my free time, I enjoy Kayaking, fishing, exploring the local springs and beaches, hunting, and spending time with family.

Garrett B.

Kennel Assistant

I had been an animal lover for my whole life, specifically dogs and cats, and now I finally get to work with them every day. My whole life, I had been an animal lover and had always wanted to work with them. Now that I am with Hilltop, I am finally able to do that. Outside work, my hobbies consist of reading, playing the guitar, and exercising (muscular exercises).

Justin Y.

Kennel Assistant

I have always had a big passion for animals! Ever since I was a kid and got my first pet, I have fallen in love with giving animals the care and love they deserve. I chose to work in the veterinary industry because I enjoy providing care for animals and find it brings me a sense of accomplishment and happiness coming into work every day. Outside of the office, I like to play sports and video games and spend time with friends and family. I also like to spend time swimming at the springs in town at High Springs, Florida.

Shannon Beach

Practice Manager

Shannon has been in the veterinary field for 20 years. Originally from Maryland, she has had the opportunity to work in clinics across the country, including Hawaii. Her journey in veterinary medicine began in 2001 as a part-time receptionist—a “fun” job that quickly became her passion. Dedicated to making the world a better place for animals, Shannon strives to educate clients on best practices, provide comfort through belly rubs and treats, and support both pets and their owners through difficult moments. In her free time, she spends time at home with her 3 dogs, 3 cats, and two grandchildren When she can, she loves to travel to different music festivals all over the world.

BriAnn

Receptionist

I have always known in my heart since I was a kid I always wanted to work in the veterinary field; I’ve always had such a passion for animals. I volunteered back in Miami at the Humane Society of Greater Miami for 4 yrs during my high school days, then eventually worked for the humane society for 5 years. I knew being in this field,  I am doing the right thing and would do anything to grow within the Veterinary field. Since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to work with animals and be in the veterinary field.

Melanie D.

Veterinary Technician

My love for animals started when I was just a little girl running around the vet office my mom worked for. My love grew from there as my first job was as a kennel technician, and knew from there where I wanted to start my career. I have a passion for small and large animals. In my free time, I like to ride my horses and play with my pups.