Staff

Cheree Rawls - Client Relations When you meet Cheree at the front desk, you will no doubt notice her lovely southern accent. Cheree was born in Jacksonville, FL and lived there until she was 7 and her father was transferred to Florence, SC. Right out of High School she starting working for an after hours animal clinic as a receptionist. After working with small animals for several years she decided to work with the large animals. The practice she worked for saw a lot of horses, goats and even alpacas. In 1985, Cheree moved to Sarasota and continued to work in the veterinary field. After working at a few local clinics, Cheree took a job with the Humane Society of Sarasota County. She worked as an Adoption Counselor for 5 years. Cheree has done a lot of wildlife rehabilitation as well. From baby squirrels to baby raccoons she would rehabilitate and then release them to the wild. No matter how small she would welcome and care for them all. Cheree spends her down time shopping and dining with her daughter Tesla. She also enjoys lounging by the pool with her 3 dogs and 1 cat. Cheree says she feels "honored and blessed to be a part of the CCVSS team. It's amazing to work with such intelligent and very compassionate doctors who truly care for their patients. Everyday is a constant learning experience and I am very happy," which you can easily tell by the southern sunshine in her voice.
Denise Warner - CVT, Staff surpervisor Denise was born and raised on a farm in northwest Indiana (GO IRISH!). Taking care of the horses, dogs, cats, and other critters' boo-boos made her realize animal medicine was her love. She graduated from Purdue (GO BOILERS!!) and headed into general practice with a great interest in surgery. Gaining more anesthetic knowledge working for the Bayer Corporation, Denise moved to Florida and into specialty surgical practice. Here at CCVSS, Denise is our primary surgery technician and staff supervisor, and loves honing her skills in the O.R. Denise has 3 grown children: One in Indiana and two in Florida. She also has two grandchildren, Kharina and Triston. Denise lives in Venice and loves being so close to the beach.
Joyce Arnold - Veterinary Technician Joyce Arnold was born and raised on a 40 acre farm in Ft. Wayne Indiana. She grew up around sheep, cattle, and chickens. She started riding horses at the age of 12 for fun and in competition. Her main focus was hunter/jumpers. Joyce attended the International Business college in Fort Wayne, where she was a member of the inaugural class of the college's veterinary technology program. Upon graduation in 2007, Joyce came down to Sarasota to visit her brother and his family for a 2 week vacation, and has never left. Joyce loves working in the field of emergency and critical care. She has worked in other specialties but always seems to be drawn back to the CCU. Joyce shares her home with two dogs. Her black lab Ginger is 12 years old (but thinks she's only 3) and her Old English Mastiff Mufasa, 8, loves to get into trouble and blame his older sister.
Brendan Watterson - Veterinary Technician Brendan was born and raised in Rhode Island, and moved to Sarasota January 2011. He has been working as a veterinary technician for 5 years. Brendan has special interest in wound care and bandaging. Here at CCVSS, Brendan is Dr. Tim Schneider's right hand man. He assists in surgery, manages the surgical patients post-operatively, and is very hands on when it comes to caring for all of our patients. At home, Brendan has two beautiful cats, a snake, and Velma, the smallest dog you'll ever see. Outside of work he spends his time playing guitar and writing his own music. He is happy to be in Sarasota where the weather is beautiful and the beaches are close.
Tracy Cervantes - Veterinary Technician Tracy was born and raised in New Jersey and has had a passion for animals all her life. She started working with animals by interning as a dolphin trainer in Hawaii, which sparked her interest in animal medicine. She began her tech career in a general practice in NJ. She absolutely loves working in critical care and emergency now. After living in Scotland, Spain and France, Tracy and her French husband have finally settled down in Bradenton. They enjoy their new Florida lifestyle surrounded by crazy critters. Their lives are enhanced by a yellow lab, named Toutoune (pronounced Too-toon), a spirited frenchie named Jack-Jack, a kitty named Cubby and their two Nigerian dwarf goats, Kenya and Malindi. When not caring for her animals, and yours, Tracy enjoys traveling, photography, swimming and going out on her boat or Jet-ski.
Jaime Garza - Veterinary Assistant Jaime Garza (pronounced Hi-me) was born and raised in the small town of Mattoon, Illinois. Jaime has always had animals around, and in particular horses and dogs. After visiting Sarasota in 2009 and 2010, Jaime decided 29 years in Illinois were enough. For 13 years back in Illinois, Jaime was a gymnast and gymnastics coach. CCVSS is Jaime's first job in the veterinary field, but he is already adept at surgical prep and clean up. Jaime makes sure that all the OR supplies are ready whenever they are needed. He loves reading and any outdoor activities. Jaime lives in Sarasota with his partner Jimmy. They have a fluffy kitty named Chase, and recently adopted a little puppy named Piper.
Josi Hixenbaugh - Inventory Control and Pharmacy Josi was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She grew up on her grandparents' old farm. She has a twin brother and an older sister. An animal lover early on, Josi was active in 4-H, raising goats. As she grew older she became involved in gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, traveling the United States. In 2003, Josi came to Florida on vacation and decided to stay. She moved to Venice in 2006, the year she gave birth to her daughter, Kharina. Josi loves the outdoors and the Florida sunshine. She enjoys camping, fishing, and hanging at the beach with friends and family. Here at CCVSS, Josi keeps track of inventory and pharmacy supplies. She dispenses medications ordered by the doctors and makes sure we always have enough of everything on hand. She also does her best to keep the clinic looking neat and tidy, and helps with reception when needed.
Nick Mayer - Practice Manager Nick is the Practice Manager here at CCVSS. He does whatever it takes to keep our clinic running like a well-oiled machine. He joined the team in June of 2004 as a client relations specialist, and became the Practice Manager in November of 2006. Nick loves all animals and is so glad to have the opportunity to help ones in need. Nick has 3 cats Jiblet, Jenny and Jesse and a bearded dragon, Joondalup. Nick's pride and joy is his French Bulldog, Olivia. Olivia came to see Dr. Chauvet in summer of 2004 with seizures. Her owners could no longer care for her, so she was surrendered to the clinic. Nick's attempt to resist Olivia's charms proved futile, and he ended up adopting her. Her seizures are now well controlled. If you're lucky enough to meet her at the clinic, Olivia will win your heart, too. In August of 2010 Nick married Katie, who he met through the clinic. They fell in love after discovering their mutual love of french bulldogs. Nick and his beasts now live in Englewood with Katie and her dogs: Thurston, Aphasia, and Weasley.
Dr. Julius No - Feline Executive Julius seized control of day to day operations of the clinic in June, 2004, after he tricked the VNS staff into springing him from the Humane Society of Sarasota County. His intentions became clear when, immediately following his arrival at the clinic Julius began pushing ceramic planters off the counter. He has ruled with an iron paw ever since. Joking aside, Julius is a very opinionated kitty, but can be such a sweetheart too. Julius turned 7 in September, 2010. His hobbies and interests include sharpening his claws on Dr. Chauvet's chairs, watching birds and lizards from the window, licking patient records, being a cranky-puss, sunning himself, catching paper balls, and napping on the conference room chairs, or in his bed on Nick's desk. In September, 2011, Julius retired as Feline Executive. He now spends his days and nights with Nick and his family in lovely Englewood. Could you think of a better place for him to retire? He still makes himself available as a consultant, whenever his services are needed.