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
Karie-Jo
Receptionist
Brittany
Veterinarian Technician
Penelope
Receptionist
