Healthy Pets Are Happy Pets

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Dr. Heather J Linen, DVM recently joined Pet Paradise as the Regional Veterinary Director of the Carolinas.  She earned her doctoral degree from Cornell University in 2004 and has over 15 years experience in both private and not-for-profit practices in Central Florida and Northern Virginia.  Her special interests include preventative medicine, dentistry, and behavior.  She is excited for the opportunity that Pet Paradise affords to combine veterinary medical care with the physical and mental stimulation the resorts provide to address the comprehensive health of her patients. 

In her spare time, Dr. Linen enjoys playing piano, reading, spending time with her husband outdoors, and cheering on her son’s Little League team.  They currently have one sweet, and goofy, rescue dog named Kodi.

Dr. Carla Rodrigues graduated from Montclair State University in her home state of NJ with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in the field of Biology with a minor in English Literature. She graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013, in St. Kitts, West Indies. Working as a dedicated assistant for 8 years prior to attending veterinary school brings a great deal of depth to Dr. Rodrigues' appreciation of the human-animal bond. In addition to the studies in St. Kitts, Dr. Rodrigues has pursued veterinary medical studies at the University of Minnesota, Manhattan, Switzerland, Lake Tahoe, Vancouver, and South Africa. Dr. Rodrigues believes in expanding her capability in practice as much as she can, allowing her to offer her patients more options when possible, especially when it comes to seniors, comfort, and quality of life. Dr. Rodrigues earned her specialization as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner from the University of Tennessee in 2015, along with her certification in Acupuncture from the Chi Institute in 2017.

Dr. Brandon Bassett received his veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University in 2015. At OSU, he was the recipient of the Gentle Doctor Award, voted on by his veterinary school peers. Raised in Oklahoma, he has also lived and worked in Virginia, where he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Biology at George Mason University; Brazil, where he served a church mission for two years; and central Florida, where he has practiced as a veterinarian. Dr. Bassett and his wife, Megan, have their hands full with three kids, and two wonderful pets! One goofy and fun Golden Retriever named Oakley, and a three-legged black cat, Boca. A priority in his work with animals is strengthening the human-animal bond. He has a great passion for educating pet owners on how to best care for their furry family members. He is also professionally interested in diagnostic imaging, soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, and client communication. His hobbies are time with family, especially at Florida beaches, disc golf, and ultimate frisbee!

Dr. Parker is from upstate NY where she earned her BS and DVM degrees at Cornell University. After graduation she worked at a large 24 hour practice outside of Chicago before moving to FL to be closer to her family. Outside of work she enjoys time with her dogs (Lynah, an older Lab mix, and Jarrah, a younger Border Collie) and family, playing tennis, and traveling.

Dr. Mandy Kulbel joined the Pet Paradise team as the Full Time Veterinarian at our Jacksonville Airport Resort. Born in South Dakota and raised in Iowa, she served for 7 years in the United States Navy as an Engineman 2nd Class before separating to attend college after the birth of her oldest daughter. Dr. Kulbel earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville University in 2004 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2008. Her special interests include canine and feline internal medicine & preventative care. Dr. Kulbel has called Northeast Florida her home for most of her adult life and in her off-time enjoys kayaking with her daughters, gardening, cheering for the Jags, and caring for her small farm of chickens, fish, cats and 2 Great Danes, Gertie and Cullen.