Meet Our Team
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. 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.
Dr. Rebecca Crouch
DVM
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.
Tori
Veterinary Technician
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
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Jacob
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Sherri
Lead Receptionist
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.
Dawn
Receptionist
Dawn Beck, a dedicated receptionist at Nease Animal Hospital, has been a valuable member of the veterinary practice team for over a year. Prior to joining the animal care industry, Dawn spent more than a decade working in hospitality, including 12 years as a cake decorator. Seeking a career change and a new lifestyle, Dawn moved to Florida from up north, where she has always been involved in animal rescues and care.
Dawn’s love for animals and her passion for helping clients with difficult situations inspired her to begin working in the veterinary industry. She finds great satisfaction in making things slightly easier for both clients and their furry friends. Dawn’s dedication and strong work ethic have earned her a reputation as a knowledgeable and compassionate receptionist, known for going above and beyond to ensure clients receive the best possible care.
Outside of work, Dawn is a devoted mom to her two older school-aged children and two fur babies. She enjoys being outdoors, staying active, exploring new places, and spending time with loved ones!
Taylor
Receptionist, Veterinary Assistant
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.
