Silverthorn Animal Clinic
Meet Our Team
We strive to develop outstanding relationships with the patients in our care by providing personalized treatment for your pet.
Our Team
We are proud of our highly educated and competent staff, who treat you and your dogs like family! Learn a little more about each of our technicians and doctors by reading about them down below.
Dr. Sotomayor, DVM
Dr. Carlos Garcia, DVM
On occasion, we may call in Dr. Garcia to perform surgeries for our patients. He provides our clients with an additional option for those who are unable to pursue specialized care. We are able to offer, with his assistance, advanced procedures such as TPLOs, patella luxation repairs, fracture repairs, and a wide variety of soft tissue surgeries at a reduced cost.
Dr. Carlos Garcia has a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he studied Cellular and Molecular biology, and is a 2015 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He worked as a general practitioner in Miami and Tampa Bay for three years. He then completed a Small Animal Surgery specialty internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists.
In his free time, he enjoys the beach life, working with cars, cooking, weight lifting, and — most importantly — spending time with his wife and family.
Dr. Donna Trent-Heite (Dr. Dee), VMD
Dr. Dee was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, at the age of 11. While raising two children, she earned an Associate of Science in Laboratory Animal Science from Harcum College, a Bachelor of Science in Large Animal Science from Delaware Valley College, and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (VMD) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. In 2025, she continued her education at Chi University in Reddick, Florida, and is currently pursuing certification in Veterinary Acupuncture.
After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Dee moved to Silver City, New Mexico, where she practiced small animal medicine and met her husband, Dr. Bill Heite. Together, they cared for pets and their families for 25 years until Dr. Bill Heite’s retirement in January 2026.
Dr. Dee and her husband share their home with three Dachshunds—Yuengling, Peter, and Chester—their cat, Winston, and Lewis, their mule. They are excited to make Florida their permanent home and become part of the local community.
One of Dr. Dee’s greatest passions is educating pet owners so they can make informed decisions about their pets’ health. In addition to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care, she is excited to offer Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) acupuncture as a treatment option and looks forward to expanding her TCVM training to provide even more integrative care options for her patients.
Michele, Practice Manager
Michele is an experienced Practice Manager at Silverthorn Animal Clinic, where she oversees operations, staff coordination, and client relations to ensure top-tier veterinary care. With a deep passion for animal welfare, she previously founded and served as president of a 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization, demonstrating her commitment to rescuing and rehoming animals in need.
Bringing a wealth of management experience from both office and retail environments, Michele excels in team leadership, operational efficiency, and customer service. Her ability to streamline processes and foster a positive work culture has made her a valuable asset in every role she’s held.
Outside of her professional life, Michele loves traveling and experiencing other countries, embracing new cultures and perspectives. She cherishes spending time with her family and grandchildren and enjoys the companionship of her four beloved dogs. Her passion for animals extends beyond work, making her an advocate for quality veterinary care and animal welfare in the community.
Jenifer, Lead Reproduction Specialist
Jen is a dedicated mom, farmer and seasoned veterinary professional with over 25 years of experience in the veterinary industry, As a proud mother of three children, Jen balances family life with running a bustling farm of 20 goats, 7 horses, 4 dogs and 30 chickens. Her passion for animals extends to competitive rodeos, Boer goat shows and breeding French Bulldogs, gardening and maintaining a small family-owned apiary. Jen attended Lake Erie College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Reproduction.
Jen has a deep-rooted connection to the community and currently serves as the Goat Superintendent for the Citrus County Fair. She is known for her commitment to excellence and mentorship, both in her personal and professional life. Jen’s expertise in the veterinary field led her to Silverthorn Animal Clinic, where she thrives in an environment that values exceptional medicine and collaborative learning.
With a strong background in equine veterinary medicine and a love for all things animal, Jen’s dedication to the veterinary industry and her family farm continues to inspire those around her.
Brittany, Veterinary Technician
Brittany has been a dedicated Veterinary Technician for over 15 years and brings a deep passion for patient care to every aspect of her work. She takes great pride in mentoring and teaching others while continuously improving her own skills and expanding her knowledge within the veterinary field. Brittany is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients, with a strong focus on improving their overall quality of life.
Outside of the clinic, Brittany enjoys hiking, baking and cooking, and spending quality time with her three children.
Maria, Veterinary Technician
Bringing ten years of experience to the team, Maria takes great pride in the well-being, health, and happiness of every animal she cares for. A devoted cat lover, she has a special place in her heart for feline patients. Outside of work, Maria enjoys relaxing at the beach, diving into a good book, and spending time with her son and her beloved cat, Meow Meow.
Kaity, Veterinary Technician
I believe every pet deserves patience, comfort, and support during their veterinary visits. My goal is to help each patient feel as safe and stress-free as possible while building trust with both pets and their families.
Aysia, Veterinary Assistant
In her free time, Asyia enjoys traveling, hiking and running, reading, shopping, photography, and gardening.
Izzy, Client Service Representative
In her free time, Izzy likes to read, spend time with her pets, friends and family. Sometimes she likes to go shopping, watch TV or scroll on TikTok.
Rebecca, Client Service Representative
In her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and walking in the woods. She also appreciates a cozy day at home lounging on the couch with a good book.
