Our Dedicated Veterinarians
We have a professional and dedicated staff of over 20 veterinarians available to help your family when you need it the most. A pet emergency is a scary situation, and our staff is dedicated to making sure this valued member of your family is safe and well-taken care of.
Tara Barron, DVM
Dr. Tara Barron has always had a deep passion for veterinary medicine and animal care. Her love for emergency medicine began long before veterinary school, as she gained years of hands-on experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2020, followed by a Master of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences from Lincoln Memorial University in 2021. She completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Lincoln Memorial University in 2025.
Dr. Barron is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA). She developed a passion for veterinary advocacy during her veterinary education, serving in multiple leadership roles. Most notably, she was elected as the 2024-2025 National Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) President. She represented veterinary students nationwide in this role, serving on the AVMA Board of Directors and the AVMA House of Delegates.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Barron enjoys spending time with her three dogs (Oreo, Rosie, and George), reading, exploring national parks, and spending time with her family. Her love for animals and people alike drives her to provide compassionate, high-quality care to every patient she treats.
Michelle Bellville, DVM
on a consistent basis. Michelle is an avid sports fan for football, soccer, and hockey.
Katie Benbassat, DVM
Celeste Brotherson, DVM
Brie Edmister, DVM
Marc Eisenson, DVM
After graduating from the University of Florida, Dr. Marc Eisenson transitioned to Ohio for veterinary school. He received his DVM from the Ohio State University in 2003 and returned back to Florida shortly after graduation to begin his professional career. He spent the beginning of his career as an associate in Fort Lauderdale before making the move to central Florida. Dr. Eisenson has progressed from associate to medical director, to owner while incorporating emergency work for the past 10 years. He joined the VEC team part time on the weekends 6 years ago. When not working, Dr. Einsenson is kept active and busy with his three teenage children. He competes in obstacle course races with his boys, coaches youth soccer, and attends as many sporting events as possible — GO GATORS!
Amanda German, DVM
Jennifer Hamilton, DVM
Dr. Jennifer Hamilton graduated from Purdue University in 2009. She joined VEC in 2011. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and enjoys Steelers football, horror movies, and studying at the Martial Arts Center for Health where she recently received her first degree black belt. She and her husband share their home with two dogs, five cats, several chickens, turkeys, geese, and one mini pig named Misery.
Alexandria McKemie-Foster, DVM
Dr. Alexandria McKemie-Foster Is a 1999 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been working in emergency medicine for 12 years. Although she finds all aspects of veterinary medicine intriguing, she is especially interested in surgery. Dr. McKemie-Foster Has two children, two reptile children, and a husband who keeps her busy at home. Her other interests include golfing, hiking, and knitting.
Taskeen Mirza, DVM, Diplomat ABVP, Medical Director
Dr. Taskeen Mirza has been with VEC for over 20 years. Working as an ER doctor has been a lifelong passion for her. She is a proud mom of two beautiful children, two precious dogs, and two birds. In her spare time she loves gardening. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
Steven Sheppard, DVM
Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at St.
George’s University. Dr. Sheppard is dedicated to providing quality medicine while creating a low-stress
environment for your pet. He values strong communication and approaches each case by partnering
with and educating pet owners each step of the way. His interests are in critical care, internal medicine,
and soft tissue surgery making him a well-rounded clinician to treat the wide variety of conditions seen
in the emergency setting. On his days off, Dr. Sheppard enjoys going to concerts, playing tennis, cooking,
and riding his favorite roller coasters at Orlando theme parks.
Lori Tilley, DVM
Dr. Lori Tilley graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2008 with a B.S. in Biology and received her D.V.M.in 2013 from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After working in general medicine for a short period of time, she joined the team at VEC in 2013. She excels at diagnosing and treating critical and complicated medicine and surgery cases, and was voted one of Orlando’s Veterinarians of the Year by Orlando Style Magazine in 2020. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). She lives in Apopka with her husband, Robert, and dog, Frankenstein.
Teaching has always been an interest of Dr. Tilley. It is a value instilled by both of her parents who were educators. In turn, she enjoys educating future generations of veterinarians as well as the public about animal care. Dr. Tilley is a returning guest lecturer for the University of Central Florida’s Pre-Veterinary Society and has also mentored multiple Society students well introducing them to emergency medicine. In addition, she has taught veterinary students from various universities while they completed their externships. In 2018, she presented on the topic of emergency veterinary care for the National Association of Guide Dog Users. Dr. Tilley also enjoys educating clients, and believes in taking the time to make sure they fully understand their pet’s diagnosis and treatment. One of her core values is treating patients as if they were her own, and she makes her recommendations based on this value. Please feel free to ask her all your questions about your pet’s diagnosis and treatment during your visit!
Ben Trewartha, DVM
We have over 180 dedicated member veterinarians.
We have over 160 dedicated member veterinarians.
