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- Veterinarians
Brady Pratt, DVM
Practice Owner & Lead Veterinarian
Born and raised in the charming town of Crystal River, Florida, Dr. Brady Pratt has always had a knack for science and a soft spot for animals. After graduating with honors from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science (and a minor in Chemistry, just for fun), he headed to Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine to turn his lifelong dream into reality.
Dr. Pratt’s journey in veterinary medicine has been nothing short of exciting. After gaining invaluable experience in general practice and emergency medicine, he spent nine successful years running his own small animal practice in North Florida. But his heart called him back to Citrus County, where he now brings his expertise in orthopedic and advanced soft tissue surgery to our team.
When he’s not in the operating room, Dr. Pratt can be found enjoying life with his wife, Brittany, their four energetic kids, and their two beloved pets: Penny, a playful Labrador retriever, and Applebottom, the sassy family cat. An avid outdoorsman, he’s happiest when he’s fishing, boating, or simply soaking up the Florida sunshine.
Robin Dearden, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
With a warm heart and a sharp mind, Dr. Robin Dearden has been a trusted member of the Midway Animal Hospital family since 2002. Her love for animals started long before vet school—she worked as a veterinary technician and nurtured her natural gift for patient care. Since earning her DVM from the University of Florida, she’s developed a special talent for internal medicine and ultrasonography, offering pets and their owners the exceptional care they deserve. After 13 years of owning the practice, she remains an important part of the Midway Animal Hospital and will continue to work with us
For 13 years, Dr. Dearden proudly owned and led Midway Animal Hospital, fostering a community built on compassion and quality care. Though she has recently passed the torch, she remains an essential part of the practice and will continue to provide the same dedication and expertise that clients have come to know and trust.
Dr. Dearden’s clients often describe her as kind, patient, and incredibly dedicated—qualities that shine through in every interaction. Her passion for animals doesn’t end at the clinic doors; at home, she’s surrounded by her own pack of big, lovable dogs who fill her days with joy and a little chaos.
In addition to her four-legged family members, Dr. Dearden shares her life with her husband and their son, who inspire her daily to approach life with kindness and curiosity.
Laura Gerhart, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Laura Gerhart is a proud double Gator, earning both her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science (2015) and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (2019) from the University of Florida.
Her passion for veterinary medicine began early, growing up in a veterinary hospital alongside her veterinarian parents. From hosting countless birthday parties for her cat to baking homemade dog cookies, animals have always been a central part of her life. As she grew, her love for caring for dogs, cats, and horses only deepened.
As a veterinarian, Dr. Gerhart is dedicated to helping animals feel their best and building strong bonds with their owners. She values client education and is always curious to learn more, thriving on the variety of cases she sees each day.
At home, Dr. Gerhart shares her life with her husband, three Doodles, one cat, two horses, and eight chickens. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys gardening, kayaking, hiking, and camping in her RV with her husband and their dog.
Erica James, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Erica James grew up as a Crystal River native. Here is where a deep appreciation for animals and nature first sparked a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine. She pursued her undergraduate education at Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish, before continuing her veterinary journey at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. She completed her clinical training at the University of Florida, where she gained extensive hands-on experience and further developed her special interests in emergency medicine and soft tissue surgery.
Dedicated to being a strong advocate for animal health and well-being, Dr. James combines compassion with a commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care. Her professional focus includes managing urgent and emergent cases and performing a variety of surgical procedures, always with the goal of improving quality of life for her patients.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. James enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved rescue dog, Samson. She also finds joy in exploring Florida’s natural beauty—whether on the water or observing the rich wildlife that inspired her path in veterinary medicine.
Morgan Shields, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Shields is a proud Penn State alumna and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career in a busy emergency and critical care hospital in Michigan, where she developed a strong foundation in critical care and surgery.
Now based in Florida to be closer to family, Dr. Shields is excited to bring her skills in soft tissue surgery, emergency care, and anesthesia to Midway. She especially enjoys connecting with pet owners and values the opportunity to build relationships while guiding them through their pets’ healthcare journey.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Shields enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and young child. They are avid outdoor enthusiasts who spend their free time riding horses, paddle-boarding, rollerblading, and exploring nature. A particularly special part of their family life includes flying together—her husband is a general aviation pilot, and they love taking to the skies as a family with their toddler.
Amie
Client Services
If you’ve ever walked through our doors and been greeted with a warm smile, chances are it was Amie. Since joining the Midway family in April 2012, Amie has been the friendly face at our front desk, ensuring every client and pet feels welcomed and cared for. Her favorite part of her role? Seeing clients leave with happy hearts, knowing their beloved pets received top-notch care.
Amie treasures the camaraderie of the Midway team, saying, “We all take pride in what we do, and the staff treats you like family.” When she’s not brightening our reception area, Amie loves spending time outdoors with her adorable daughter. You’ll often find her boating, fishing, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun at the beach. She’s a firm believer in living life to the fullest and brings 100% to everything she does—both at work and in life.
Brianna
Veterinary Technician
Brianna is a passionate and adventurous Veterinary Assistant with a deep love for animals and a strong commitment to their care. A certified veterinary assistant, Brianna has found her calling in a field that has truly transformed her life. She currently lives with her two beloved pitbull mixes and is always ready to open her heart and home to rescued animals in need.
With hands-on experience that ranges far beyond the typical clinic, Brianna has worked with an impressive variety of animals, including monkeys, stingrays, foxes, alligators, and sharks. Her diverse background reflects her growing interest in exotic animal care—a path she is excited to pursue more formally as she prepares to earn her Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credentials.
Brianna is known for her calm presence, strong work ethic, and genuine connection with both animals and their caregivers. She thrives in dynamic environments and brings enthusiasm and empathy to every case she handles.
Outside of her professional life, Brianna is deeply connected to nature. She enjoys surfing, swimming, creating art, and spending time outdoors. Her adventurous spirit and dedication to animal care make her a standout in the veterinary field, with a bright future ahead working with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Brittany
Practice Owner & Hospital Management
Brittany is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse who keeps our practice running smoothly. A Steinhatchee native, she’s no stranger to the Gulf Coast’s charm and warmth. As our financial manager and all-around jack of all trades, Brittany brings dedication and expertise to every aspect of her role.
When she’s not crunching numbers or lending a helping hand at the clinic, Brittany loves spending quality time with her family. She and her husband are the proud parents of four energetic kids, a sweet Labrador named Penny, and a clever cat named Applebottom. Whether she’s boating on the water or curling up with a good book, Brittany always finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her favorite pastime? Cherished moments with her loved ones.
Cheryl
Veterinary Technician
Cheryl has been a calming, familiar presence for many of our longtime patients since joining Midway in 2014. Originally from Delaware, she moved to sunny Florida with her husband to embrace outdoor adventures and beautiful weather.
Her love for animals and their people shines through in everything she does. As Cheryl puts it, “I’m one of those lucky people who get to do what they love every day. Working with animals and the people who love them—there’s nothing better.” Cheryl’s dedication and compassion make her an invaluable part of our team, beloved by pets and their families alike.
Courtney
Veterinary Technician / Client Services
A 2019 graduate of the Veterinary Nursing Program at St. Petersburg College, Courtney brings her passion for helping both animals and people to everything she does. She’s an animal lover through and through, with a special fondness for big dogs and exotic pets.
Courtney dreams of visiting every National Park and appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors. Her team values her deeply, and it’s easy to see why—she carries a genuine desire to make a difference every single day. With her compassion and expertise, Courtney is truly one of a kind.
Dale
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician – Dale is a Veterinary Technician with two years of experience in animal care and a lifelong connection to animals. Growing up around rescues and living on a ranch helped shape Dale’s deep respect and compassion for animals of all kinds.
A graduate of Crystal River High School, Dale completed advanced coursework through gifted programs and maintained a strong academic record, bringing both dedication and work ethic into daily patient care. What Dale values most in veterinary medicine is knowing that each day is spent giving 100% effort and genuine care to every animal that comes through the clinic.
At home, Dale shares life with Roxanne, a two-year-old American Bully who is equal parts goofy and cuddly.
Outside of work, Dale enjoys roller skating, playing video games, and playing the flute, bringing creativity and balance into life beyond the clinic.
Danielle
Hospital Management
Danielle has been part of the Midway family for decades, joining the team in 1994 and stepping into her management role in 2017. With a deep love for animals and years of experience as a talented veterinary technician, Danielle is a guiding force for our team. Her knack for leadership and passion for senior pet rescue make her a true gem in our practice.
Before dedicating her career to veterinary medicine, Danielle served as a firefighter, bringing a first responder’s calm and resilience to everything she does. Whether she’s managing a hectic clinic day or mentoring her fellow technicians, Danielle handles every situation with grace and poise.
At home, Danielle enjoys life with her amazing husband and their two beautiful children. She finds joy in camping adventures, bike rides, and connecting with nature. Her compassion, expertise, and unwavering support make Danielle an integral part of our Midway family.
Doreen
Veterinary Technician
Doreen is our resident lab guru, ensuring everything runs smoothly and accurately behind the scenes. She began her career at just 18 years old in Washington State and has since brought her talents to Georgia, California, Hawaii, and finally Midway in 2002. With decades of experience, Doreen plays a vital role in our team, from overseeing lab operations to mentoring aspiring veterinary technicians.
Outside of work, Doreen loves spending time with her three grown children and three grandchildren. You’ll often find her camping, boating, playing cornhole, or hitting the bowling lanes. Known for her quick wit, she keeps us all entertained with her clever riddles and jokes. Her expertise and humor make her an irreplaceable part of the Midway family.
Marissa
Surgery Technician
Surgery Technician – Marissa is an experienced Veterinary Technician and member of the Surgery Team with nine years of experience in veterinary medicine. She has always had a deep love for animals and a strong desire to help those in need, which led her to pursue a hands-on career dedicated to patient care and advocacy.
Marissa received her training through extensive clinical, hands-on experience in veterinary hospitals, where she worked closely with veterinarians and technicians to develop strong technical and patient-care skills. She is most passionate about surgery and anesthesia, with a focus on ensuring patient comfort, safety, and high-quality care before, during, and after procedures.
Her expertise includes surgical assisting, anesthesia monitoring, and working efficiently as part of a surgery team. Marissa values teamwork and client trust, believing that clear communication and compassionate care are just as important as technical skill.
At home, Marissa is a proud cat mom to two rescued cats, Oliver (orange tabby) and Rupert (white and gray), both former strays who now enjoy spoiled indoor lives.
Outside of work, Marissa’s life revolves around her three daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to church, cheering on her kids at their games, and—when time allows—doing a little shopping.
Renee
Veterinary Assistant
Renée is a Veterinary Technician Assistant with three years of experience in animal care. Her love for animals has been lifelong, and she’s always been driven by a desire to learn more about them and help them live healthier, happier lives.
Renée began her journey in veterinary medicine by volunteering with Hernando County Animal Services at age 16. She later worked as a kennel technician and in boarding and grooming facilities, gaining hands-on experience before joining a veterinary hospital team. These experiences helped shape her strong foundation in patient care and animal handling.
She is especially passionate about watching patients recover and thrive, from seeing sick pets regain their energy to helping support preventative care for animals at every stage of life. Renée enjoys learning about different medical conditions and how to best care for pets with varying needs.
Renée has a natural ability to read animal behavior, particularly with cats, and takes pride in helping nervous or difficult patients feel more comfortable. She also values strong client relationships and continues to grow her skills in communication and patient advocacy.
At home, Renée is a devoted dog mom. She grew up loving dogs and eventually rescued Jax from HCAS—a sweet pup who loves to sneak into bed for cuddles and has been her constant companion for the past three years.
When she’s not at the clinic, Renée enjoys going to the beach—and if she’s not there, she’s probably spoiling her dog.
Jessica
Surgery Technician
Jessica is a driven and dedicated technician who balances work, school, and continual education with grace and determination. Always eager to expand her skills, she’s working toward more certifications in veterinary medicine.
Jessica’s talents extend beyond the clinic—she’s also an incredible baker and culinary artist! At work, she goes above and beyond for both her team and the pets in her care. At home, her world revolves around her young daughter, who inspires her every day. We can’t wait to see where Jessica’s bright future takes her!
Jessica
Veterinary Technician
Jessica brings over 20 years of diverse experience in veterinary medicine, blending deep technical knowledge with a passion for client education and surgical care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut (1996) and a Master of Science in Biology from Mount Allison University (2021).
Originally from Connecticut, Jessica recently returned to the U.S. after living in Canada, where she served as a member—and later president—of York Search and Rescue. Her leadership and dedication in that role reflect the same qualities she brings to her veterinary work: commitment, compassion, and a steady, problem-solving mindset.
Partial to dogs, Jessica shares her home with two beloved companions—a 13-year-old Border Collie mix and a spirited 2-year-old Miniature Australian Shepherd. She takes great pride in her three grown children, who are her greatest joy.
When she’s not in the clinic, Jessica enjoys kayaking, walking her dogs, and spending time outdoors. Her wealth of experience, approachable nature, and dedication to educating clients make her a valued resource for both pet owners and her veterinary team.
Keira
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Keira is a Certified Veterinary Assistant who brings compassion, curiosity, and dedication to every patient she cares for. With one year of hands-on experience in veterinary medicine, Keira is passionate about supporting both pets and their people through thoughtful, attentive care.
Her love for animals has been lifelong, growing from childhood into a deep interest in animal health and science. Keira completed her training through the Crystal River High School Health Academy and a Veterinary Assisting Program, where she built a strong foundation in patient care.
Keira is especially interested in holistic medicine and preventative care, and she enjoys continuing to learn new ways to support animals’ overall well-being—including exotic pets.
At home, Keira is kept busy by her German Shepherd, Kyker, who is sweet, stubborn, and always ready to chase a ball or head out for a long walk.
Outside of the clinic, Keira is a competitive dancer, performing across a wide range of styles from ballet to hip hop—a passion that reflects her discipline, creativity, and energy.
Maria
Veterinary Receptionist
Maria is a Veterinary Receptionist with five years of experience in veterinary medicine and over 15 years in customer service. A U.S. Army Veteran, Maria brings professionalism, reliability, and compassion to every interaction, helping clients feel welcomed and supported from the moment they walk through the door.
After working in resort service, Maria decided to make a meaningful career change and pursue work with animals rather than humans—a decision driven by her lifelong love for pets. She received her veterinary training through on-the-job experience, building strong skills in client communication, scheduling, and front-desk operations.
Maria is especially passionate about senior pets and rescue animals, and her heart for fostering reflects that dedication. At home, she shares her life with four cats and one Chihuahua, all foster fails adopted from local rescues. Her pets—including Misha (Ragdoll), Tovi (Bombay), Sammi (Siamese/Lynx Point), Gizmo, Ginger, and Maxx—are her safe space and constant joy.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys arrowhead hunting and has an impressive collection of Native American artifacts, many of which she’s found while digging on historic land in Kentucky.
Stacie
Hospital Management
Since joining the Midway family in 2002, Stacie has become an indispensable part of our team. Known for her “can-do” attitude and boundless enthusiasm, she’s our go-to expert for all creatures great and small—be it fur, feathers, or scales. Stacie’s natural leadership and mentorship elevate everyone around her, and she’s always ready to dive into any challenge with grace and determination.
Away from the clinic, Stacie is a true outdoorswoman. She thrives on ranch life with her horses and farm animals, and her adventurous spirit takes her from equestrian sports to boating, RVing, and even aviation. Whether she’s creating stunning artwork or exploring nature on her onewheel, Stacie’s zest for life is contagious. Above all, she treasures time spent with family, friends, and the great outdoors.
Shaina
Veterinary Technician
With five years of experience as a veterinary technician, Shaina’s favorite part of her work is witnessing the transformative power of good medicine. She treats every patient as if they were her own, pouring her heart into their care.
A proud Florida native, Shaina has been happily married for 17 years and is the mom of two wonderful kids. Her household is a lively mix of love and animals, with a dog, three cats, a bearded dragon, and a bustling chicken coop. In her downtime, Shaina and her family enjoy connecting with nature and all things animal-related, making her passion for her work truly shine.
Shania
Certified Veterinary Technician/ Surgery Technician
Shania is on an exciting journey toward earning her Certified Veterinary Technician license, and her passion for surgery, dentistry, and anesthesia is evident in everything she does. Growing up in a military family gave her the unique experience of living everywhere from Colorado to South Korea, shaping her adaptable and adventurous spirit.
Recently engaged and a proud new mom to a beautiful son, Shania also finds time to express her creative side through her amazing vocal talent. Though her heart belongs to her German shepherd, her love for animals knows no bounds—she truly can’t pick a favorite species!
Stacey
Client Services
Stacey brings a unique and adventurous background to the Midway Animal Hospital team. She has past experience in the veterinary field and is also a Master Captain with a passion for photography, specializing in wildlife. Before joining Midway, she worked with boats and manatees, combining her love of the water with her deep appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty.
Born and raised in Florida, Stacey enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors, and cherishing life with her two furbabies, Xena and Piper. She and her husband are proud parents of three grown children—two daughters and one son. Known for her sense of humor and caring nature, Stacey loves making people laugh and helping others feel better. She is grateful to be part of the Midway team and looks forward to caring for both clients and their beloved pets.