Meet Our Ormond Beach Family Vet Team
We’re Ormond Beach’s most experienced veterinary team
Meet our Ormond Beach vets and hospital staff.
Click each photo to learn more about our team.
Dr. Kelley Eckert
Veterinarian
Jill S.
Kate
Debi H.
Dr. Kelley Eckert
Veterinarian
Dr. Kelley Eckert, a Florida native, was born and raised in Ormond Beach. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and her degree in veterinary medicine from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduation, she completed a small animal internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa. She was an emergency clinician for five years in Tampa before moving to Sarasota, where she practiced general medicine for five years. On the weekends, Dr. Eckert enjoys traveling, hiking, and swimming. She keeps busy with her husband, Jay, their two kids, Daniel and Grace, and Sailor, their yellow Labrador retriever.
Dr. Christopher Elder
Veterinarian
Dr. Elder is a native of Daytona Beach but has lived in Georgia for most of his life. Dr. Elder attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Elder owned his veterinary practice in Georgia for ten years before returning to Florida to enjoy the beach lifestyle. Dr. Elder strongly values client education and a preventative medicine-based approach to care to ensure clients’ pets live long and healthy lives. Dr. Elder enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has special interests in internal medicine, dermatology, neurology, behavior, and ultrasonography. When not working, Dr. Elder and his wife enjoy boating and spending time at the beach.
Jill S.
I’ve always loved animals and grew up all my life with many different ones, including squirrels, horses, ducks, cats, dogs, and fish. The only one I have now though is a spoiled rotten cat named Dominique who probably doesn’t know that’s his name because we call him boogie. After moving to Florida and getting settled I began job searching and a friend, now a co-worker said that their Vets office was hiring. Since I love animals I applied and started working here in June 2019 and I am enjoying it very much. I love to spend time with my husband and friends, boating, hiking, swimming, going to the beach, or just hanging out. I love going back home to Georgia to spend time with my kids and grandkids and other family. I also love photography, mostly nature, and animals. I enjoy going to local festivals and events.
Kate
Veterinary Technician
I have loved and cared for animals for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home filled with countless pets as well as eventually purchasing my very own horse after horseback riding for many years. I graduated from high school in Long Island, New York, and immediately began starting working at a veterinary clinic as an assistant. Upon beginning my move to Florida, I began my online studies to become a certified veterinary technician through Penn Foster College. My love for animals and interest in medicine is what drew me to the veterinary industry. I enjoy bringing my miniature Dachshund, Winslow, for walks on the beach as well as caring for my horse and going trail riding with my friends. Being that we are so close to the intracoastal, I also enjoy going out on the boat and fishing.
Debi H.
My passion for animals came when I was a little girl. I was always trying to help, keep, and save whatever animal I could, but what stands out the most for me is how an animal’s love is unconditional and they bring so much joy and happiness to so many people. I have 2 years of college and have been a stay-at-home Mom for 25 years, which is an education in itself. I chose to work in this field because it is what I love. It was the only choice in my life that made sense. I also love yoga, crafts, and going to the beach. I belong to a great church and love to volunteer and go on mission trips. I have 3 grown daughters who all have a passion for animals as well. One daughter became a veterinarian because of the passion we all shared.
Veterinary Philosophy
We work hard to be Ormond Beach’s leading animal care provider. That means outfitting our hospital with cutting-edge technology and hiring smart, caring people to bring the furry members of your family the best care possible. Our staff takes great pride in the amazing care we provide to your pets. We are well-versed in performing surgery, pet dental, and other common animal procedures in Ormond Beach. Our veterinarians are trained to handle the most stressful situations.
Local, loving care for your dog or cat in Ormond Beach.
“These people not only care about your pet but they care about you as well. I love Ormond Beach Family Vet so much!”
—Brandi L.
Dr. Kelley Eckert
Veterinarian
Dr. Kelley Eckert, a Florida native, was born and raised in Ormond Beach. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and her degree in veterinary medicine from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduation, she completed a small animal internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa. She was an emergency clinician for five years in Tampa before moving to Sarasota, where she practiced general medicine for five years. On the weekends, Dr. Eckert enjoys traveling, hiking, and swimming. She keeps busy with her husband, Jay, their two kids, Daniel and Grace, and Sailor, their yellow Labrador retriever.
Matthew
Veterinary Technician
Michelle
Receptionist
I’m a lifelong animal lover of all kinds. I’ve had the pleasure of owning horses, pygmy fainting goats, and many dogs & cats over my years. I love to do anything outdoors & on or near the water, including kayaking, hiking, camping, and biking.
Jill S.
Customer Service Representative
I’ve always loved animals and grew up all my life with many different ones, including squirrels, horses, ducks, cats, dogs, and fish. The only one I have now though is a spoiled rotten cat named Dominique who probably doesn’t know that’s his name because we call him boogie. After moving to Florida and getting settled I began job searching and a friend, now a co-worker said that their Vets office was hiring. Since I love animals I applied and started working here in June 2019 and I am enjoying it very much. I love to spend time with my husband and friends, boating, hiking, swimming, going to the beach, or just hanging out. I love going back home to Georgia to spend time with my kids and grandkids and other family. I also love photography, mostly nature, and animals. I enjoy going to local festivals and events.
Kate
Veterinary Technician
I have loved and cared for animals for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home filled with countless pets as well as eventually purchasing my very own horse after horseback riding for many years. I graduated from high school in Long Island, New York, and immediately began starting working at a veterinary clinic as an assistant. Upon beginning my move to Florida, I began my online studies to become a certified veterinary technician through Penn Foster College. My love for animals and interest in medicine is what drew me to the veterinary industry. I enjoy bringing my miniature Dachshund, Winslow, for walks on the beach as well as caring for my horse and going trail riding with my friends. Being that we are so close to the intracoastal, I also enjoy going out on the boat and fishing.
Debi H.
Veterinary Assistant
My passion for animals came when I was a little girl. I was always trying to help, keep, and save whatever animal I could, but what stands out the most for me is how an animal’s love is unconditional and they bring so much joy and happiness to so many people. I have 2 years of college and have been a stay-at-home Mom for 25 years, which is an education in itself. I chose to work in this field because it is what I love. It was the only choice in my life that made sense. I also love yoga, crafts, and going to the beach. I belong to a great church and love to volunteer and go on mission trips. I have 3 grown daughters who all have a passion for animals as well. One daughter became a veterinarian because of the passion we all shared.
Josh K.
Veterinary Assistant
Animals have always played a large part in my life and there are so many things we can learn from them from radical love to empathy to mindfulness. I wanted a job that I was fully passionate about that would allow me to push myself every day to do the best I can do for my patients, clients, and team. I aim to help provide the best client education and resources possible to owners to aid them in making educated decisions for their pets’ well-being. In my free time, I enjoy live music, thrifting, camping, and hiking. I am the proud parent of a 6-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix named Squirrel (who sometimes you can meet at the front desk!)
Debi H.
Veterinary Assistant
My passion for animals came when I was a little girl. I was always trying to help, keep, save whatever animal I could, but what stands out the most for me is how an animal’s love is unconditional and they bring so much joy and happiness to so many people. I have 2 years of college and have been a stay-at-home Mom for 25 years, which is an education in itself. I chose to work in this field because it is what I love. It was the only choice in my life that made sense. I also love yoga, crafts, and going to the beach. I belong to a great church and love to volunteer and go on mission trips. I have 3 grown daughters who all have a passion for animals as well. One daughter became a veterinarian because of the passion we all shared.
Chrystal M.
Registered Veterinary Technician
I love cats, especially the spicy ones. My goal is to improve the lives of animals and strengthen their bond with their owners In my free time, I enjoy playing D&D, crochet, and reading. I also enjoy tubing the river with my friends.