Tampa Palms

Why did you choose to become a veterinarian? Did anyone inspire you?

I decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian at a young age, having been surrounded by veterinary medicine my whole life. I grew up watching my father practice as a small animal veterinarian and began working with him at Tampa Palms Animal Hospital in middle school. I enjoyed the science and problem solving of medicine, but was most inspired by the opportunity to help both animals and the people who love them. 

What is your goal walking into every patient visit?

It is my goal to establish a sincere connection with each patient and their owner. I am passionate about educating owners so they can feel confident about the decisions we make together for the health of their pet.

Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

Who makes up your family (pets and/or people)?

My husband, Matthew, and our three dogs; Audrey, Margot, and Caroline.

We are expecting our first child in August.

Where is your hometown?

Lutz, Florida

What do your pets mean to you?

My pets are an integral part of our family that bring so much joy and emotional support. I cannot imagine a life for myself not surrounded by at least a few animal family members!

Dr. Garcia is from Valencia, Spain and attended the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University. He joined our practice in 2017 because he wanted to “work in a progressive practice”.  His goals are to continue learning and becoming a better veterinarian every day. His dream is to own his own practice someday. He lives with his wife and two children. Dr. Garcia’s hobbies include sports, movies, music, family, and food.

Se habla español

Dr. Borderieux grew up in Tampa (Leto H.S. class of ’93) and joined the Tampa Bay Vets Team in January 2007.  She has been part of the Tampa Palms family since April 2023. She received her B.S. in biology from Florida State University before acquiring her DVM (magna cum laude) from University of Florida in 2003. Dr. Borderieux practiced small animal and exotic medicine for 4 years in California before moving back home to be closer to her family. Her medical interests are in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and exotic mammal medicine and surgery. 

Dr. Borderieux has adopted rescue rabbits for over 15 years (starting as a foster with Gainesville Rabbit Rescue in vet school). She shares her home with her husband, Scott, her son, Jay, and her daughter, Phoebe. Her fuzzy family includes her beagle mix Burt, and her bunnies and guinea pigs.  During her free time she enjoys travel with as much hiking and bird watching as possible, yoga, reading, and crochet. 

Chelsea is the Practice Manager here at Tampa Palms Animal Hospital but has been a part of the Tampa Bay Vets Team since 2016. She obtained her CVT in 2020 and her CCFP in 2022.

In her free time, she likes to Travel and spend time with her Husband and their two dogs Alfred and Walter. They also share their home with five cats who reluctantly allow them to live there!

Nikki is a veterinary technician here at Tampa Palms Animal Hospital. She has been a part of the Tampa Bay Vets Team since 2022. Starting at Temple Terrace Animal Hospital as a Pet Resort Specialist. Currently an undergraduate at the University of South Florida, she plans to make her way to vet school. When she has time she enjoys going to concerts, volunteering, and trying new restaurants. Dogs, cats, chickens, and a duck make up the many family pets she has back home, including an orange-tabby cat named Sammy whom she brought with her to college.

Hi. I’m Sarah. One of the Client Care team members at Tampa Palms Animal Hospital. I joined the team because I wanted to learn more about animal medicine and to become an advocate for good pet care.

I have a bachelors degree in Elementary Education.

In my free time I read books, snorkel, and try to be outside in the sun.

My fiancé Dana and our soon to be baby Rena (coming in July!) share our home with our 3 dogs: Odysseus, Toof and Cleo; 3 cats: Achilles, Theseus and Nile; and 5 fish: Bento, Anchor, Apricot, Lure and Krill.

Fun facts about me: I’m from Minnesota but hate the cold.

Mackenzie is one of our Client Care Reps here at Tampa Palms Animal Hospital, in her free time she likes to travel, and spend time with friends and family, and shopping. She also likes to spend her free time with her cat Nala!

Mallorie is a Veterinary Technician here at Tampa Palms Animal Hospital. She has been in the Veterinary Field close to 5 years and has been a Technician for 2 1/2 years. She graduated High School at Tampa Bay Tech’s Veterinary Assistant program obtaining her CVA. She has two dogs, Luke and Yogi, whom she likes to spend her free time with!