Your Love, Our Passion

Dr. Steven Groves is a native of Charlotte County and has had a lifelong love for animals. Dr. Groves attended the University of Florida and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences with an Animal Biology Specialization, graduating with honors in 2002. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2005.

A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Groves also serves as the President of the Charlotte County Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Groves has had extensive experience in a variety of clinical settings, including emergency hospitals, private veterinary practice and community animal shelter programs. He is particularly charismatic about orthopedic surgery. In fact, Dr. Groves is the only veterinarian in Charlotte County licensed to perform the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, a surgical procedure to correct torn cranial cruciate ligaments in dogs. He has completed courses in advanced techniques in small animal fracture management through AO North America, an organization at the forefront of trauma and musculoskeletal surgery in both human and animal medicine.

During college and throughout his career, Dr. Groves has made community involvement a priority. Dr. Groves promotes and attends several community service functions including events to support Englewood Animal Rescue and The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. Dr. Groves played an integral role in the establishment of the first spay and neuter program now available at The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. He works closely with local rescue organizations, offering care to foster animals that may otherwise go untreated.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Groves enjoys scuba diving, golfing and boating. He is owned by two American Staffordshire Terriers named Rogan and Bevan.

Bio Coming Soon!

Tara grew up in Wisconsin and has had an interest in animal care from a young age. After majoring in biology at The University of Wisconsin, she went on to St. Petersburg College earning a BAS in Advanced Clinical Veterinary Technology. Tara obtained her Veterinary Technician Certification by completing national and state board examinations. Her interest in animal care and strength in the study of science stimulated her to advance her career by becoming Certified in Veterinary Dentistry in 1999 and achieving Veterinary Nutritional Advisor status in 2010. In addition to 18 years in veterinary emergency and critical care facilities, Tara has completed an intense internship in holistic veterinary medicine. When she isn’t studying medical advances or spending time caring for patients, Tara enjoys sharing her time with her 11 year old twin daughters, as well as her Jack Russel mix Raleigh and Guinea Pigs Manly and Chewie.

Bio Coming Soon!

Name : Jordan Dick
Number of years in field : 2 years
Previous positions held within this field : None
Education or professional training : Student at St. Petersburg College for the Veterinary Technician Program. In school to become a CVT.

Volunteer work : Volunteer work at St. Francis Animal Rescue

Pets – Breed and names: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Nala; Rottweiler, Storm; Siberian Huskies, Akira and Bella; Chihuahua’s, Belle and Jose Cuervo

Hobbies : Hanging with friends and spending quality time with my family, going to a country bar for line dancing and having fun, and finally spending time outside in the sun

Favorite part of your job : Working with animals is my passion and I love to be around them, and it is a big plus to work with such amazing people who make my day brighter and make me laugh all the time

Who do you share your life with outside of work : Outside of work I share my life with my mom, dad, brother, and of course my pets; I also share my life with my best friend Autumn and my boyfriend Thomas.

Cheryl, although originally from South Carolina, considers herself a Florida native having lived in Port Charlotte since the age of seven. Cheryl is a Registered Dental Hygienist with the State of Florida and has been practicing dental hygiene locally for seven years. Although her career path led her to human dental hygiene, her interest has evolved to veterinary medicine after meeting and observing Dr. Groves. Witnessing his passion for his field and quality medical care provided for his patients motivated Cheryl to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Cheryl strongly believes in Dr. Groves philosophy of giving back to the community and those pets less fortunate, she frequently assists Dr. Groves during his community service events. Cheryl coordinated “Pet Fest,” an annual event sponsored by Groves Veterinary Clinic for pets, about pets and to support local not for profit pet organizations. She currently assists Dr. Groves as the Secretary of the Charlotte County Veterinary Medical Association. In the office, Cheryl’s focus is to ensure each client and patient is treated with the highest standard of care. If a client has a concern or suggestion, Cheryl is always interested in listening. Every client and patient has a special place in our veterinary family and she values each bond that has been formed. Aside from veterinary medicine, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her two American Staffordshire Terriers.

Ashley is an asset to her team because she is capable of working in any area of the practice from reception to providing medical care.

Name : Ashley Cade
Number of years in field : 5 years
Previous positions held within this field : Reception
Education or professional training : Associates in science

Pets – breed and names : Elsa- chiwennie, Boo-DSH, way too many reptiles to name

Hobbies : Searching for reptiles, fishing, spending time with Matt and the animals

Favorite part of your job : Getting to help clients and their pets!

Volunteer work – Ashley has given presentations on reptiles for elementary school aged children. During these presentations she brings reptiles with her that the children can touch and observe.

Who do you share your life with outside of work: Matt my husband and all of our pets!

Cathy has been welcoming clilents and their pets to our practice since December of 2010. You will have the opportunity to interact with Cathy during appointment reservations and checking in upon arrival to the practice. With over eight years of veterinary experience, Cathy is quite knowledgeable in veterinary nutrition and preventative medications, she is always happy answer your questions. A Florida native, Cathy has two dogs, two geckos and a ferret. Outside of veterinary medicine Cathy loves cooking, scrap booking and going to the beach. Cathy is also an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Incorporated.

Maki is known for her gentle touch and kindness towards all animals. SHe puts pets at ease during their grooming appointments.

Name : Maki Witherill
Number of years in field : 12 years
Previous positions held within this field : Pet Groomer
Education or professional training : Yugar dog grooming school, 1 year in Okinawa. Japan

Awards or continuing education certificates: 
Certified Pet Groomer October 30th. 2009
Voted Best Groomer by Charlotte Sun Readers for 2020

Pets – breed and names : 5 dogs; Cavapoo Chico, yorkychon Mimi, Chico and Mimi mix Sammy and Gabby, Shitsui Loki. 2 cats Kitty and Boots

Hobbies : Planting, Gardening

Favorite part of your job : I like to make friends with dogs and cats.

Who do you share your life with outside of work : My handsome fiancé and his two children

Name : Susan Iafelice
Position : Pet Groomer
Number of years in field : 15 Years
Previous positions held within this field : Owner of Pet Salon in NJ + Daycare
Education or professional training:  School for Grooming – California
Classes for Grooming – Pennsylvania
Penn Foster – Dog Grooming Certificate
Penn Foster – Certificate In Animal Science

Awards or continuing education certificates :
Sanitation In Barbicide Certification
Dental Assistance Certification

Professional memberships : ASPCA

Volunteer work : Worked Rescue in NJ (All paws)

Pets – breed and names : George (Pug); Cole, Caoha, Mocha (Poms);
Momma Mia (Cocker Spaniel); Coco (Poodle); Zoey (Cairan Terrier); Rosie and Kaiser (German Shephards); Bubha, Bella, Trouble(Carian poodle/Pom mixes)

Hobbies: Fishing, Yoga, Arts & Crafts

Favorite part of your job : Working on different breeds & getting to know clients. Working with coworkers.