Veterinary Team

Meet Our Veterinary Team

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Palms West Veterinary Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

Debbey
Client Service Representative

Way back in 1986, I was trained as an equine tech! Little did I know, this would evolve into working with every farm animal and four-legged furry pet known to mankind. Today I am part of the CSR team I love helping not only the cute critters, but their humans too. I absolutely love what I do, making you and your four-legged family members feel welcome, comfortable and at ease.

My personal quote is “I Got Ya!” “No matter what is going on with your family pet, you know I will do everything in my power to answer your questions and help resolve any issues or concerns.”

When I’m not working, I spend my free time coaching Baton Twirling- Including AAU Jr. Olympic Team and taking care of my own critters, three rescued donkeys named Cinderella, Isabella, and Eeyore and lots of kitties.

Get to know our team!

We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.

Dr. Kayla Glassburner
Dr. Alex Emerson
Alex Emerson is a happy go lucky nerd. After 15 years as a dedicated performance horse veterinarian, he fell asleep one day and drove into a small animal clinic, where he felt like a kid in a candy shop. Lots of neat toys and opportunities to learn something new every day. Since that day Alex has been regularly moved by his new career, helping families in such a meaningful  way. In 2021 he bought a practice in Orlando and moved there. Never a fan of The Mouse and missing friends and family, Alex found a business partner for his Orlando practice and has recently moved back to South Florida to help out around here. He is honored to carry on the Palms West tradition of practical straight- shooter hometown vet started by Dr Smith and Dr Grossman, that has earned the trust of the community for over 40 years. 

Dr. Alex Emerson

Managing Veterinarian

 

Dr. Richard Kelleher
Dr. Richard Kelleher

FL License # 8155

USDA Accredited

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, Dr. Richard Kelleher earned his doctorate degree from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Having grown up in South Jersey, he has called South Florida home since graduating from vet school. His interests range from internal medicine cases to dermatology and has performed many challenging surgeries as well. As a cat lover, “Dr. K” has 3 cats of his own: Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Annie. In his spare time, he enjoys visiting Disney parks and Universal often.

Dr. Kelleher performs most of our surgeries, as well as sees regular appointments and emergencies.

Dr. Richard Kelleher

USDA Accredited

Dr. Dym
Dr. Michael Dym

Veterinarian

Dr. Michael Dym did he undergraduate training with a BS in animal science at Cornell University, graduating in 1986, and received his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. Over the past 32 years Dr Dym has developed a passion for internal medicine cases, especially gastroenterology and dermatology cases. Dr Dym also has an additional deep passion incorporating more natural therapies, including homeopathic, nutritional and herbal therapies in his animal case management. In his spare time Dr Dym enjoys spending time by the ocean and doing other beach recreational activities. He is the proud feline guardian of the most affectionate kitty named Grayson.

Dr. Michael Dym

Veterinarian

 

Dr. Richard Kelleher
Dr. Justine Swaress
Dr. Justine Swaress is a South Florida native who earned her veterinary degree at The University of Sydney in Australia. After her 4-year tour boxing kangaroos, fending off huntsmen spiders, and escaping koalas with chlamydia, Dr. Swaress decided to come back home to South Florida where the only real threat is mosquitoes. Raised with German Shepherds, Dr. Swaress has a special love for large-breed dogs. She is especially passionate about client communication, education, and teaching, and has a strong interest in cytology. Dr. Swaress loves to learn and is open to treating any species that comes her way. In her spare time, Dr. Swaress enjoys crocheting and spending time with her 2 Australian kitties, Bella and Corn.

Dr. Justine Swaress

Veterinarian

Dr. Justine Swaress

Michael
Michael
Michael joined Palms West Veterinary Hospital in March 2025 and brings more than a decade of experience in veterinary practice management. He began his career in 2015, overseeing a five-doctor practice in Northwestern Pennsylvania that offered a diverse range of services, including exotics, orthopedics, internal medicine, and preventative care.

In 2019, Michael relocated to Weston, FL, where he continued to lead a busy veterinary practice until early 2024. He later moved to Port St. Lucie to be closer to family before joining the Palms West team.

Michael is especially passionate about preventative medicine, believing that routine exams and annual bloodwork play a vital role in early detection and long-term pet health.

A lifelong dachshund enthusiast, Michael cherished 14 years with his beloved Lilly and now enjoys life with Leonard, who keeps him busy outside of work. In his free time, he loves spending time outdoors and being with his family.

Michael

Practice Manager

Sheana
Sheana
Veterinary Technician/CSR

Sheana joined Palms West Veterinary Hospital 5.5 years ago, transitioning from human medicine to veterinary medicine and quickly discovering her passion for animal healthcare. She takes pride in being part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Her love for animals began early in life, spending much of her childhood surrounded by animals. Her mother’s work rehabilitating raccoons at home played a key role in shaping Sheana’s commitment to animal care.

Outside of work, Sheana enjoys cooking, organizing family gatherings, and caring for her 12 pets.

Sheana

Veterinary Technician/CSR

Avita
Avita
Veterinary Technician

I have always been an animal lover. Helping pets feel better and supporting the people who love them is the most rewarding part of my job. I believe in compassion, great care, and sharing and plenty of laughter along the way.

I have a special interest in laboratory diagnostics and radiology. I take pride in being able to safely pull blood and place catheters.

“Fur on my scrubs, coffee in my veins” is my personal quote

When I’m not at work, I enjoy gaming, painting, wine tasting, and spending time with my 2 dogs, 4 cats, 10 fish, 2 turtles, and of course friends and family.

Avita

Veterinary Technician

Robin
Robin
Veterinary Technician

Robin has been a part of the Palms West team for over 14 years. Robin is passionate about surgery and dentistry. Robin shares her knowledge and wisdom of them both with the staff by training new hire employees like Jalen and Stephanie. Robin is usually assisting the doctors while they are in surgery and when she's not, she's taking care of your pet's oral health. Robin is an expert when it comes to dentistry. She teaches new technicians how to take x-rays with our new digital radiograph equipment, properly scale and polish the teeth and how to chart. Robin also helps with keeping our clients informed She will meet with you when you drop your pet off for a procedure and she will meet with you pick up for discharge. When Robin isn't at work you may see her running around training for her next 5K!!

Robin

Veterinary Technician

Eva
Eva

Veterinary Technician

Eva has been a veterinary technician for over 10 years and brings a strong passion for patient care to her role. She has special interests in surgery and equine medicine, and she takes pride in supporting both pets and their families with compassion and skill.

Outside of work, Eva enjoys paddle boarding, going to the beach, and spending time with her family—including her son, Eric, and Joseph. She shares her home with a diverse group of pets: a dog named Nala, a snake named Ivy, and an iguana named Izzy.

Her personal motto reflects her outlook on life: “Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart is in it, and live the phrase: Sky’s the Limit.”

Eva

Veterinary Technician

Stephanie
Stephanie
Veterinary Assistant

Stephanie is a lifelong resident of West Palm Beach, Florida. She earned her Associate Degree in Biotechnology and Laboratory Specialist certification from Palm Beach State College, then went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/Biology from the University of Central Florida.

She enjoys working hands-on as a room technician, helping care for sick and injured pets, and assisting with dental procedures and surgeries, including spay and neuter procedures, mass removals, and amputations.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys reading fantasy novels, solving puzzles, and spending time with her family and pets—two dogs and ten cats. Her personal quote reflects her love for animals: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than yourself.”

Stephanie

Veterinary Assistant

Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn
Veterinary Assistant

Kaitlyn joined the Palms West Veterinary Hospital team in 2025 and has had a lifelong love for animals, having grown up around many different species. She enjoys building relationships with clients and providing compassionate care for their pets.

Kaitlyn especially loves puppy and kitten visits and has a growing interest in laceration repairs. She also values the opportunity to work and learn alongside different doctors to broaden her experience and skills.

Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, attending concerts and festivals, and spending time with her dogs—two Catahoulas, Roxie and Tecova, and a Boykin Spaniel named Cleetus. Her personal quote adds a touch of humor to her day-to-day approach: “I was definitely a personality hire.”

Kaitlyn

Veterinary Assistant

Vanessa
Vanessa
Veterinary Assistant

I was born and raised in South Florida and recently joined the team at Palms West when I relocated to West Palm Beach. I’ve enjoyed becoming part of the local community while continuing to do what I love. Working with animals has always been a passion of mine, I’ve been involved in vet med since I was young. Helping pets and their families is the most rewarding part of what I do.

When I’m not at work I enjoy listening to music, taking trips to the dog park and spending time at the beach swimming or watching the moon. Above all, I cherish hanging out with my family my three dogs and being the best aunt to my twin nephews.

Vanessa

Veterinary Assistant

Jalen
Jalen
Veterinary Assistant

Jalen joined the team at Palms West in September of 2025. Jalen has always wanted to work with animals from a young age. Jalen wants to advance his career in Veterinary medicine by expanding his skill set and become a technician so that he can continue to help as many pets as possible.

“If you love what you do, is it really a job?’ is his personal quote.

When Jalen isn’t working, he enjoys spending time playing video games and spending time with his three dogs, four cats, and one pig named Bacon.

Jalen

Veterinary Assistant

Chelsea
Chelsea
Client Service Representative

Chelsea has been a part of the Palm West Veterinary team since 2011 and has a lifelong love of animals.

At the clinic you can find her loving on a Dachshund or creating something for the clinic social media. But her dedication to animals doesn’t stop when she leaves the clinic; at home she cares for a mini zoo that includes dogs, cats, fish, chickens, leopard geckos, ball pythons, a bearded dragon, a blue tongue skink and even jumping spiders. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her husband.

Chelsea

Client Service Representative

Palms West Veterinary Hospital photo coming soon placeholder
Brittney
Client Service Representative

I have a love for animals! Since I was a little girl, I have always had dogs. I started veterinary medicine in 2015 as a kennel tech. Since then, I have worked as an assistant and after joining the Palms West team in May of 2023 I currently am part of the CSR team.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and playing “Call of Duty.”

Brittney

Client Service Representative

Debbey
Client Service Representative

Debbey brings decades of animal care experience to the Palms West Veterinary Hospital team. She began her career in 1986 as an equine technician, a foundation that led her to work with a wide variety of farm animals and companion pets throughout the years.

Today, Debbey is a dedicated member of the Client Service Representative team, where she takes pride in helping both pets and their people feel welcome, comfortable, and supported. She truly enjoys connecting with clients and being a dependable resource during every visit.

Her personal motto reflects her commitment to client care: “I got ya!” — no matter what is going on, Debbey is always ready to answer questions and help address concerns.

Outside of work, Debbey coaches Baton Twirling, including involvement with the AAU Junior Olympic Team, and cares for her own rescued animals—three donkeys named Cinderella, Isabella, and Eeyore, along with lots of kitties.

Debbey

Client Service Representative

Lisa
Lisa
Client Service Representative

Customer Service Representative who enjoys connecting with clients and building lasting relationships as their pets grow—especially the ones that meow! Having been part of this clinic since the age of 5 , when my mother (Debbey) began working here, I’ve truly grown up alongside this clinic. Some of my earliest memories include riding horses out back, building forts and spending time around the clinic.

As part of a Navy family, I come and go depending on where we’re stationed, but this clinic will always feel like home—and whenever I’m in the area, you’ll find me here.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, relaxing at the beach or exploring the mountains. I’m also a proud cat mom to Freddy, a Siamese, and Chucky, a Balinese—both of whom inspire my passion for providing the best care possible.

Lisa

Customer Service Representative