Dr. Brooke Certa
DVM, Practice Owner
With a passion for integrative medicine and personalized care, Dr. Brooke creates a veterinary experience that puts pets and their families first. She earned her degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and with a growing interest in holistic medicine, she explores therapies such as myofascial manipulation, nutrition, and other complementary approaches alongside traditional veterinary care. Her approach centers on whole-patient wellness while keeping quality care accessible to the families and community she serves.Â
Dr. Michael Certa
DVM, Practice Owner
Combining his love of animals with a passion for science, Dr. Mike  is dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives while building lasting relationships with their families. He graduated from the University of Florida College  of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and has been providing quality care ever since. As co-owner of Coastal Animal Clinic since 2015. He enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine, with special interests in preventive care, advanced dentistry, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and solving complex medical cases. Known for his approachable style, he believes in educating pet owners and partnering with them to create personalized treatment plans for every patient.
Dr. Joyce Carter
DVM, Lead Clinician
With over 24 years experience in small animal medicine, Dr. Carter has special focus on shelter medicine and preventive care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University and is committed to evidence-based, compassionate care. She is passionate about improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, especially animals in need of safe, healthy environments.Â
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Dr. Brooke Certa
DVM, Practice Owner
With a passion for integrative medicine and personalized care, Dr. Brooke creates a veterinary experience that puts pets and their families first. She earned her degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary
Medicine, and with a growing interest in holistic medicine, she explores therapies such as myofascial manipulation, nutrition, and other complementary approaches alongside traditional veterinary care. Her approach centers on whole-patient wellness while keeping quality care accessible to the families and community she serves.Â
Dr. Brooke Certa
DVM, Practice Owner
Specializing in integrative medicine and advanced surgical precision, Dr. Brooke is dedicated to blending Western diagnostics with holistic wellness. Her approach centers on creating a fear-free environment for every patient.
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Dr. Joyce Carter
DVM, Lead Clinician
With over 24 years experience in small animal medicine, Dr. Joyce has special focus on shelter medicine and preventive care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University and
is committed to evidence-based, compassionate care. She is passionate about improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, especially animals in need of safe, healthy environments.Â
With over 24 years experience in small animal medicine, Dr. Carter has special focus on shelter medicine and preventive care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University and is committed to evidence-based, compassionate care. She is passionate about improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, especially animals in need of safe, healthy environments.Â
Our Leadership team works across both locations, keeping our care connected and consistent.
Pack Leaders
Dr. Michael Certa
DVM, Practice Owner
Combining his love of animals with a passion for science, Dr. Mike  is dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives while building lasting relationships with their families. He graduated from the University of Florida CollegeÂ
of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and has been providing quality care ever since. As co-owner of Coastal Animal Clinic since 2015. He enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine, with special interests in preventive care, advanced dentistry, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and solving complex medical cases. Known for his approachable style, he believes in educating pet owners and partnering with them to create personalized treatment plans for every patient.
Combining his love of animals with a passion for science, Dr. Mike  is dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives while building lasting relationships with their families. He graduated from the University of Florida College  of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and has been providing quality care ever since. As co-owner of Coastal Animal Clinic since 2015. He enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine, with special interests in preventive care, advanced dentistry, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and solving complex medical cases. Known for his approachable style, he believes in educating pet owners and partnering with them to create personalized treatment plans for every patient.
Amber Mixon
Amber started in general veterinary practice when she was very young with hopes to become a veterinarian until she decided to pursue her passion for shelter medicine and animal cruelty    investigations.     SheÂ
Practice Manager
became a Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator in 2015 and was able to pursue her dream. In 2020 Amber decided to leave shelter medicine and pursue a career in Veterinary Practice Management as that is where a large part of her heart has always been. She is passionate about staff advocacy, especially concerning mental health and the challenges those in the veterinary field face every day.
Amber started in general veterinary practice when she was very young with hopes to become a veterinarian until she decided to pursue her passion for shelter medicine and animal cruelty    investigations.     She  became a Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator in 2015 and was able to pursue her dream. In 2020 Amber decided to leave shelter medicine and pursue a career in Veterinary Practice Management as that is where a large part of her heart has always been. She is passionate about staff advocacy, especially concerning mental health and the challenges those in the veterinary field face every day.
Amber Mixon
Practice Manager
Amber started in general veterinary practice when she was very young with hopes to become a veterinarian until she decided to pursue her passion for shelter medicine and animal cruelty investigations. She  became a Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator in 2015 and was able to pursue her dream. In 2020 Amber decided to leave shelter medicine and pursue a career in Veterinary Practice Management as that is where a large part of her heart has always been. She is passionate about staff advocacy, especially concerning mental health and the challenges those in the veterinary field face every day.
Pack Mates
From reception to recovery, we give the care and compassion every pet deserves.
Marselina has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. Her journey into veterinary medicine began in high school, where she attended a veterinary academy and earned her certified veterinary assistant certification. She later attended the University of South Florida, graduating with a double bachelor's degree in 2023. In addition to providing compassionate care to owners and their pets here at the clinic, she also works as a neuroscience researcher at USF.
Impressive, indeed!
Karlie
José
Mariellen
John
Autumn
Karlie has been at Coastal for 5 years. She is currently in the veterinary technician program to continue her education for patient health. She loves animals, big and small, and chose vet medicine because she feels as though our pets should be taken care of since they are part of our family too. Karlie grew up in Pasco county with horses and moved to Pinellas County in 2014. Outside of work she enjoys paddle boarding and going to the beach.
Vet Technician
Josè brings over 26 years of surgical nursing experience to the clinic. Earned a MVZ degree from Universidad Veracruzana in Mexico. He loves the fast paced environment of dentals and surgical procedures while also educating clients on at-home post operative care. Outside the clinic, Jose is a dedicated father of three daughters and enjoys riding his road bike.
vet technician
Customer Care Coordinator
Mariellen has been working with animals since 1999, gaining experience in veterinary hospitals, shelters, boarding facilities, in-home care, and mobile clinics. As a Fear Free Certified Professional, she loves helping pets feel comfortable and cared for. Outside of work, She enjoys volunteering and keeping her dogs busy with agility, therapy work, and other activities. At home, she has two cats and two Australian Cattle Dogs to keep her company.
Andrea has been with Coastal since 2016. As a Certified Vet Technician, she is passionate about providing high-quality care to every patient. Being bilingual in English and Spanish allows her to build meaningful relationships with a diverse community of pet families. Andrea takes pride in treating every pet as if they were her own and is committed to making each visit a positive experience for both pets and their owners.
 A true gem in our pack!
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Vet assistant
John has been part of the team for four years while working toward his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership. He enjoys getting hands-on experience with different areas of veterinary medicine and learning more about caring for animals. Outside of work, John enjoys fishing and gaming. At home, he has two Chihuahuas, Nikki and Chevy, and a cat named Tommy.
Vet Technician
Autumn joined the team in 2020 and earned her Veterinary Technician certification in 2022. She loves caring for patients and helping their families feel supported throughout their veterinary experience. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her training and competing in equine show jumping. She also shares her home with her beloved cats, dogs, and horses.