Compassion Meets Expertise
Meet the outstanding team members who form the heart of Nease Animal Hospital. Our close-knit family goes above and beyond to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both pets and their owners.
Our Doctors
Dr. Esra
DVM/Owner
Dr. Esra graduated in 1997 from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to being a licensed DVM, she is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) and a Certified Spinal Manual Therapist and has a special interest in Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Dr. Esra practiced in Bel Air, Maryland for 18 years. There she owned her own small Animal Hospital for 14 years. During one of her recent family vacations, her family fell in love with the Jacksonville area and decided to move to Florida. Dr Esra’s family includes her husband Gene, her son Zackary, 3 cats (Coco, Raven and Fearless) and her two dogs (Chloe and Luna).
Dr. Rebecca Crouch
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Rebecca Crouch was born and raised near St. Louis, Missouri and knew from a young age she wanted to be a veterinarian. She attended the University of Missouri – Columbia and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Special interests of Dr. Crouch’s include neurology and dermatology. Dr. Crouch takes great pride in providing quality medicine in a safe, caring environment.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, making people smile and snuggling her three dogs – Banjo, a Blue Heeler, Gracie, an Australian Shepherd and Hoagie, a French Bulldog. One fun fact about Dr. Crouch is that she loves telling corny jokes.
Dr. Michele Nelligan
Associate Veterinarian
Michele Nelligan is an Associate Veterinarian here at Nease Animal Hospital. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005 and completed a small animal internship in 2006.
Michele’s interest in medicine combined with her love for animals drew her to the veterinary industry. Her favorite thing about veterinary medicine is the variety it offers, making each day a new adventure. Michele’s professional interests include surgery and wellness. Outside of work, Michele enjoys spending time with her three teenagers, as well as relaxing at the beach and out on the water.
Our Staff
Sherri
Sherri grew up in Pensacola, FL, and moved to California, where she lived for 13 years before relocating to Saint Augustine in October of 2020. After working in the food industry for over 30 years, she was offered a job in the veterinary field in California and has been passionate about working with pets and their owners ever since. Sherri’s favorite thing about working in the veterinary industry is being able to help pets and watch them grow. She knew she was in the right profession when she realized how much she loved working with animals. Outside of work, Sherri enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, gardening, quilting, watching the San Diego Padres, rafting, and traveling with her husband, Ken. They have four children, eight grandchildren, and seven grand dogs, and Sherri loves being a nana.
Tori
Tori joined the team in December of 2022 and brings with her a passion for working with animals that began in her childhood. Originally from South Carolina, Tori moved to Florida with her family in 2021. Tori’s love for animals inspired her to pursue a career in the veterinary industry. Her favorite aspect of working with animals is helping them recover from their ailments and watching them come out of their shell. Tori finds great excitement in seeing recurring patients and assisting new patients during their recovery journey. For Tori, working in the veterinary industry has never felt like work. She firmly believes in the Confucius quote, “Choose a job that you like, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” When she’s not working, Tori enjoys spending time with her family and pets, going to the beach, and exploring new places.
Joe
Joe started at Nease Animal Hospital in 2019. With a high school diploma, she came to Florida for the final time in 2012 when her step-father, who was in the Navy, retired. She moved out in 2014 and, while her family relocated, she decided to stay in Florida. Joe knew she was in the right profession the day she started. Having always wanted to work in the animal field, she jumped at the opportunity when it came along. The constant learning and the fact that there’s never a dull moment confirm she’s in the right place. Outside of work, Joe enjoys being active, going out with friends, and visiting the beach. She has a 10-year-old dog, Zoey, who loves going for walks and car rides.
Jacob
Jacob joined Nease Animal Hospital in 2022. He is very passionate about petcare and has an exceptional ability to calm pets. Jacob has had a life surrounded by animals. He grew up surrounded by his family’s pets, which included dogs, cats, a cockatiel named Boo, two rats, and his mother’s horses. In his teenage years, his mom helped run a rescue agency where Jacob assisted in rehabilitating medical cases and shy pets that just needed love and attention. Attending Jacksonville University and graduating during the beginning of COVID enabled him to return to a field he never left, which has been an integral part of his life ever since. Glassblowing is also an important part of his life, and he merges these two worlds by creating memorial orbs: handmade glass orbs containing a small part of cherished pets that can continue on. He has two dogs, Willow and Zoey, a cat named Persephone, and two guinea pigs named Pancake and Waffle. When he isn’t at work taking care of his patients, he enjoys spending time at home with his wife, Rachel, watching movies or playing video games in his spare time.
Sammi
Sammi joined our team as a Veterinary Technician in February of 2024 and has quickly become our go-to expert when it comes to laboratory work. Whether it’s a test or a code, Sammi has the answer—or she’ll find it if she doesn’t. Her dedication and curiosity make her an invaluable part of the team. Originally, Sammi moved to the area when her husband, who serves in the Navy, was transferred here. Her passion for working with animals became clear early on, as she found immense fulfillment in helping creatures who can’t speak for themselves. When Sammi isn’t at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, whether they’re relaxing at the beach, hanging out with friends, or participating in paintball tournaments.
Jo
I’ve lived in Jacksonville for the past 9 year. Currently going to school to get my CVT after that will be continuing school to get my PhD for vet med. Prior to this I was exploring criminal psychology, but once I got my first job in kennels at an animal hospital I knew I had to switch and stick with animal heath. My fiancé is in school for vet med currently. We share a lovely rowdy basset hound named Rookie and 2 kitties named Ariel and Oscar.
Taylor
Taylor was born and raised in north Florida. Her journey in the veterinary industry began after graduating from high school in 2019, and she has since gained diverse experience, including working in a grooming facility, overnight at an animal ER, and currently in a general practice setting. Taylor’s passion for animals was cultivated through her upbringing with various types of pets. Her love for caring for animals inspired her to pursue a career in the veterinary field. She discovered her calling when she realized she could connect with clients over their shared love for animals. The unique and special bond that pet owners share resonated deeply with her, creating a sense of community among animal lovers. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending her free time on the Saint John’s River, either boating or fishing. She shares her life with her two Labrador retrievers, Lemon and Moose, and also cares for several farm animals, including alpacas, goats, and tortoises.
Jessie
I was born and raised in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. After college, I started my career in retail and fashion. I moved to Austin, TX for a while to work, but the beach was calling me home. After 10 years in retail and fashion management, my cousin whose a CVT thought I would be a good fit for vet med. With extensive customer service and management experience, I realized how rewarding it was to watch and help people on their journey as pet owners. Advocating to help clients give their pets the best life and care is what it’s all about. I was hooked. Plus’s There’s always something new you learn on a daily basis. I live by the beach with my husband and our two golden retrievers, Hanks and Duckie. In our spare time, we love to offshore fish, camp, cook and go on adventures with our fur kids. We love to travel to different places and go on road trips with the dogs. When we aren’t on our own adventure, we usually spend time with our extensive family located in NE Florida.
Austin
Austin Davis joined Nease Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Technician in September of 2024. A Jacksonville native, Austin spent a few semesters studying in South Florida before returning to his hometown to pursue his passion for animals and medicine. This natural combination of interests made veterinary care the perfect career choice for him. Outside of work, Austin enjoys spending time with his two pets—a Staffy mix named Jade, adopted from Jax Humane in 2018, and a blind cat named Toph. Austin’s love for animals extends beyond the clinic, as he enjoys caring for his own pets and making a difference in their lives.