Our Team

Dr. Finkelstein

Practice Owner

Dr. Ariana Finkelstein was born and raised in the Tri-state area. She grew up in Hightstown, NJ, a small suburb an hour from New York City and Philadelphia. She completed her undergraduate education at Cook College, Rutgers University graduating as a George H. Cook Scholar with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1992. She completed her education at The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.

After working 5 years in private practice – including companion animals and exotics – she returned to academia from June of 2001-2002 to pursue an internship in avian, exotic and zoo animal medicine through Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, The Tulsa Zoo and Oklahoma City Zoo. Upon completion of the internship she moved to San Antonio, Texas to work full time at the San Antonio Zoo. She continued to practice small animal medicine on a relief basis.

After two years at the zoo she returned to small animal practice at an emergency hospital ( I 10 Pet Emergency which eventually became Mission Pet Emergency) where she treated mostly dogs and cats on an emergency basis. She was also open and willing to see exotics on emergency. One day a week she held non emergency office hours . She started working part time at the Southeast Animal Hospital in 2006 and transitioned to full time. She continued to work at the emergency hospital on a part time basis. She also took part in high volume spay neuter in San Antonio, Texas. She volunteered at the Big Fix (all volunteer spay/neuter clinic in San Antonio), Reno Rabbit Rescue (spay/neuter rabbits Reno Nevada temporarily), Operation Pot Cakes ( spay/neuter, Nassau Bahamas). She moved to Florida in 2015 and started working at Florida Veterinary League.

In April 2021 she purchased Sebastian Animal Hospital and Bird Clinic. She has since changed the name to Sebastian Animal and Bird Hospital. Currently the clinic is growing in size. She has doubled the staff. She is willing to take emergencies for pets in need. Having plenty of experience with exotic species she is always happy to see any type of pet – from aardvarks to zebras. And she has!

Meet The Team

Rhonda

Certified Veterinarian Technician

In May 1987, Rhonda graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College with an A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology. That same month she was hired to work at Sebastian Animal Hospital. She  has been here ever since, enjoying every day at her job. She has a grown daughter and one very demanding Biewer Yorkshire terrier. Life is great and She looks forward to what each day’s adventure brings.

Rebecca

Veterinarian Technician

Rebecca is a fourth-generation Floridian. She was born and raised in Vero Beach. She  has been in the veterinary field for 15 years. She has a  Blue Pitbull named Jimbo and 2 cats,  Artemis and Sushi. She is in this field to speak for the silent, help the helpless, and keep our loyal companions healthy.

Anna

Veterinarian Technician

Anna was raised in Toledo, Ohio before going to boarding school in Melbourne. She spends her time outside of work either at HALO, a no-kill rescue, where she fosters animals in need or with her personal animals. She’s owned by her 3 dogs, 4 cats, and a crew of small exotic critters. She owns 2 special needs cats and has a history of fostering dogs with spinal injuries. She has a special love for animals with special needs. She also loves the exotics.

Karie-Jo

Receptionist

Karie-Jo is originally from Long Island, New York, she has lived in Florida for the past 11 years. She lives in Sebastian. She has three dogs, Bella, Harlee & Disney, three children, Breanna, Emily & Liam & one grandson, Asher. She has worked at Sebastian Animal Hospital and Bird Hospital for 6 years. She enjoys going to the beach and taking walks daily.

Brittany

Veterinarian Technician

Brittany was born and raised in Satellite Beach. She moved to Sebastian in 2019. She was a behavioral therapist working with special needs children before becoming a Veterinariary technician. She is currently enrolled at PennFoster to become a CVT. She has a dog ( pit bull terrier mix) named Charlie who loves to go on adventures with her and her husband. In her free time She enjoys being outdoors: hiking, kayaking or fishing.

Penelope

Receptionist

Penelope is a born and raised Floridian. She grew up in Sebastian with her father and grandparents. In her free time, she spends time with her dachshund Rusty and her rats. She has always been very fond of small rodents. She has homed and cared for them since a young age. Penelope has also been around and cared for a variety of small farm animals such as chickens, turkeys, rabbits and more. She is new to the veterinary field but is loving it.

We're Here to Help!

Our compassionate and well-trained staff is always here to help you and your pet! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your pet stay healthy!