Meet Our Veterinary Team

Jennifer Hew, DVM

Dr. Hew earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture (Animal and Poultry Science) at the University of Guelph in 1984 and her DVM at Ontario Veterinary College and the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada in 1989. She also received her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture at The Chi Institute in Reddick, FL in 2008.

She started with Hammocks Veterinary Hospital as a relief veterinarian in 1997, before she purchased the practice in 2002. Her own pets include two dogs, Missy a 10-year-old terrier mix, and Krissy a 12-year rat terrier, she also has Japanese Koi. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and traveling.

Jillian Wray, DVM

Dr. Jillian Wray earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. She has worked in two small animal general practices and gained early experience volunteering at zoos, interning with elephants, and caring for laboratory animals. She is Fear Free™ certified, with training in low-stress handling techniques, and is a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV).

Dr. Wray’s dedication to veterinary medicine began in childhood, shaped by a passion for animals and a home filled with various species. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, hiking, kayaking, pottery, playing piano, and exploring new restaurants. She shares her home with her golden Retriever, Woobie, and Domestic Shorthair cat, Joan.

Cyrena Rose, DVM

Dr. Rose was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Science and Biology at Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida. She met and married her husband in Jacksonville while finishing her degree. They moved to Tampa for her to attain her master’s degree in Zoology studying brittle stars in Tampa Bay.

Their first dog, Testarosa, a red-headed golden retriever, prompted her to establish a relationship with a Tampa veterinarian’s office. She was soon employed at the vet and over several years, she progressed from receptionist to technician to assistant office manager.

With the encouragement of her husband and family, she then pursued her veterinary degree. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with High Honors in 2002. Upon graduation, she returned home to her husband in Tampa and worked at a small animal hospital in Tampa for several years as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Rose currently works as a relief veterinarian in Florida spanning from Key Largo all the way to Jacksonville and Tampa.

She has been working with Dr. Hew, and all the wonderful staff at Hammocks Veterinary Hospital since 2005.

Catalina Kesseru, DVM

Dr. Kesserü was originally born in Berlin, Germany. She later moved to South America and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Buenos Aires, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Three years later, Dr. Kesserü moved to Miami, Florida with her husband and two children where she successfully completed the ECFVG (Educational Commission for Foreign Graduates) in 2008. As of 2009, Dr. Kesserü has been a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Kesserü was an associate veterinarian in Miami, Florida for many years and is now currently working as a relief veterinarian for Miami Dade and Broward County.

Dr. Kesserü is happy to communicate in English, Spanish, German, and Hungarian. In her spare time, she enjoys fencing, running, and learning Italian.

Karin, Practice Manager

Karin Szust has over 30 years of experience in the field of Small Animal Veterinary Medicine. She earned her degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1985. She moved to Miami in 1986 and worked in general small animal practice as a veterinary technician, clinical supervisor, and Practice Manager. She is a member of the American Boxer Club and the Southeast Florida Boxer Club. She spends her free time baking, reading, and attending conformation dog shows. Karin’s interest in small animals carries over into her home, which she shares with her husband and two Frenchie’s, Cha-Cha, and Gracie.

Kiara, Customer Service Representative

Kiara has always had a passion for working with animals. She has 3 years of CSR experience within the Veterinary industry. She is currently enrolled in MDC to obtain her AA degree in The Veterinary Technology Program.

Kiara enjoys spending time with her family and her partner, creating memories alongside their 4 fur babies. She joined our team in October 2023 and she is another one of the friendly faces you will see ready to greet you and your pets.

Maria, Customer Service Representative

Maria has been with our Hammocks team since 2017. She is one of the first people you see when you visit us, greeting you and your fur baby by name. She graduated from Robert Morgan High School in early childhood education. When she is not making clients feel welcome at Hammocks, Maria enjoys watching her toddler grow, spending time with Snoopy her 6-year-old Dachshund mix, and cooking up new recipes for her husband to enjoy.

Amy, Veterinary Technician

Amy graduated from the Medical Institute of Minnesota with a certificate in Veterinary Technology in 1995. She has more than 25 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and has been with Hammocks Veterinary Hospital since 2016.

Amy enjoys spending her free time with her three children doing outdoor activities. She also has a Chihuahua named Pablo and two cats, Lilly and Neyteri.

Tess, Veterinary Technician

Tess is originally from Miami but lived most of her life in Nicaragua. She graduated from UNAN-Leon in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. She moved back to Miami in 2018 and began her career as a veterinary technician. Tess’s 14-year-old son rocks her world!

Chris, Veterinary Assistant

Chris joined Hammocks Veterinary Hospital in 2021, shortly after graduating from Felix Varela Senior High School. He received his CVA certification through Varela’s Veterinary Magnet program. Chris has two pets at home, an American Bulldog mix (Buster) and a Shepherd mix (Lulu). In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing basketball, and working on his car.

Gina, Veterinary Assistant

Gina has been serving furry friends as a Veterinary Assistant for over 5 years. As the resident cat lady, she is always ready to share pictures of her little ones and give advice to owners looking to help their pets live healthy lives.