VETNETWORK - Key Persons


Bryan Baxter

Job Titles:
  • Dental Technician
Bryan joined our team in 2022 and brings 12 years of experience in the animal care field. As a dental technician, he is responsible for taking x-rays, scaling and probing teeth, and monitoring pets under anesthesia. Bryan also assists during cleanings and oral surgery. When not at work, he enjoys bike riding, reading, and spending time with his wife and 3 cats.

Connie Woodings

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist
Connie is a full-time receptionist at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital. Some of Connie's responsibilities include answering phones, making appointments, checking clients in/out and prescription requests. Her friendly and caring personality loves meeting new clients and forming relationships with their pets. Connie describes the hospital as a "wonderful environment to work in." She is proud to be a part of a team that goes above and beyond. At home, Connie cares for her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Mindy. "M" for Michigan and "Indy" for her previous home in Indiana. Connie moved to Florida with her husband to begin a new life together. They enjoy the beach, weather, settling into their new home and exploring the area.

Dr. Kurt Winter

Dr. Kurt Winter is another one of our incredible Veterinarians here at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital for many reasons. He is a compassionate veterinary care provider who strongly considers the best interests of our patients and clients. Dr. Winter works remarkably hard to make sure the people and animals that come to our hospital leave better off than they came in. He attended Michigan State University for both undergraduate education and veterinary school. Dr. Winter has been on 2 volunteer trips to the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona and to Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota. During his trips he volunteered his time to provide medical care to the animals on the reservations. Dr. Winter also volunteers his time at the local animal shelter helping with spays and neuters. He takes a professional interest in ultrasonography. Dr. Winter likes to stay active in his spare time. He enjoys going hiking and kayaking whenever he has the chance. He also practices agility training with his dog, an Australian Shepherd named Ryker. Dr. winter is also happy to spend some quality time with his loving family.

Dr. Shelley Kingsbury

Job Titles:
  • Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Growing up in Punta Gorda, Florida, Dr. Shelley Kingsbury received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Maryville College in 1983. She then went on to graduate from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Specializing in dentistry and internal medicine, Dr. Kingsbury is also a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. She has had a fulfilling career with Punta Gorda Animal Hospital since January of 1990. Dr. Kingsbury has a Chihuahua named Tia, a domestic short hair cat named Malibu, and three American Paint horses named Josie, Gus, and Tommy. In her free time, she loves horse showing, hiking, and biking. Married to our own Dr. Kurt Winter, her daughter Megan is a registered nurse, and her son Matt is currently attending veterinary school at the University of Florida.

Erika Mercer

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist
Receptionist, Erika, has been working with Punta Gorda Animal Hospital since March of 2018. Each day Erika brings with her a cheeriness that echoes through our halls, as well as an outgoing and upbeat approach to interacting with our outstanding clients and their pets. She offers a wealth of knowledge and experience and is always willing to help out. Erika has been working in the animal related field for over 12 years, having worked for several animal clinics and hospitals prior. "I enjoy working here because it is very personable," Erika says. "Everyone is very pleasant and hard working. Everyone works as a team, I've never been happier. Best place I have ever worked at!" In her spare time Erika likes going fishing & rescuing animals. She also works at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic, and loves helping animals in need however she can. Erika owns 3 dogs, a Chihuahua P-Nuts, a Cockapoo named Roxiee, and a Doberman named Matrix.

Hannah Duckett

Job Titles:
  • Certified Veterinary Assistant
With four years of prior experience in animal-related fields, Hannah has a strong ability to multi-task and work under stressful situations. She enjoys working with the doctors and staff to ensure our patients' health and well-being! As a veterinary assistant, her daily duties include handling patients, running blood work, filling medications, preparing patients for surgery, reading cytologies, taking x-rays, and preparing exam rooms for the doctors. Hannah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Florida Gulf Coast University. "My favorite part of working here is the friendly atmosphere and the learning opportunities. I feel I have gained more knowledge and added to my skill sets since starting here." Hannah has one 14-year-old Dachshund named Daisy. During her free time, she loves the outdoors, especially gardening and growing a variety of plants around her house.

Heather Stevens

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Technician
As a fantastic member of our team since August of 2020, Heather uses her ten years of experience in animal-related fields to form strong client relationships and fosters a family-oriented environment at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital. Her responsibilities include assisting with surgery, recovering anesthesia patients and reading cytologies. Heather has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently enrolled in the vet technician program at St. Petersburg College. She has two Pitbulls named Dory and Indigo, and 4 cats named Sir, Rajah, Scrappy, Irma and Winston. She also has a rabbit named Jelly, a chinchilla named Opie, and a turtle named Squirt. In her free time, Heather volunteers at the local animal shelter and pet sits. She also loves yard sales, fishing, puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Jane Gingerich

Job Titles:
  • Hospital Administrator
Jane manages the finances, HR and client services. She loves meeting all of our clients' pets. She is working in her spare time to spearhead a project called "Unconditional Love," a fund to help offer veterinary care to abandoned and pets in need. Candle sales are part of this effort. At home she loves walking, reading, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jessica Malasics

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Technician
As one of our phenomenal Veterinary Technicians here at Punta Gorda Animal Hospital Jessica works hard to enforce the highest standards of veterinary medicine and care available. She has been working in the animal related field for over 9 years and possesses a wealth of expertise and knowledge in numerous areas of veterinary and client care. Since joining the Punta Gorda Animal Hospital team in March of 2014, Jessica has been providing assistance as a surgical technician and aiding the veterinarians and fellow staff members with treatments and medicines. Jessica also helps to administer x-ray diagnostics, restrain patients as needed, place IV catheters, running bloodwork, and much more. Each day Jessica loves coming to our facility and being able to practice her passions by interacting with the wonderful animals and caregivers that enter our doors. Away from the hospital Jessica enjoys spending her free time binge watching tv shows and movies, but also loves being outdoors and going for hikes or fishing. She owns an Australian Shepherd named Phi, an Am Staff mix named Lily, two DSH cats named Kovu and Kiara, and a rabbit named Ty.

Joan Sessions

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist
Known for her friendliness and responsibility and joining us in June of 2022, Joan is our lovely receptionist who enjoys interacting with people and their pets as she answers phones, makes appointments, inputs information for clients/patients, and processes prescriptions from websites. She has over 20 years of experience in animal-related fields as a veterinary assistant and providing in-home pet care. "I enjoy working with a professional, friendly staff! Everyone is treated with kindness." Joan has two mixed-breed dogs named Gigi and Toki, and an African Grey parrot named Goomba. In her free time, she loves fishing, boating, the dog beach, native plant gardening, Charlotte County Coastal Cleanup, walking, and environmental concerns.

Jocelyn Northup

Job Titles:
  • Certified Veterinary Assistant
  • Member of Our Team
Jocelyn has been a valued member of our team since June of 2020. With kindness towards all clients and patients and incredible attention to detail, her duties include surgery prep, restraint, getting patient history, x-rays, maintaining the lab area, and filling medications. "I love being able to help patients, as well as clients, feel comfortable while under our care. I love working here because all staff members are like family. We work together to make sure everything is done to the highest standards for our patients." Jocelyn has three dogs: a Shar Pei/pit mix named Athena, a Lab named Pepper, and a Pug named Alvin. She also has one cat named Ricky Bobby. When she's not working, she loves gardening, swimming, taking her pets out, shopping, cooking and baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Misty Bennie

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Team Member
Misty has been a Punta Gorda Animal Hospital team member since July of 2021. With experience in animal-related fields since 1994 and a special interest in feline behavior, Misty is talented at helping us with our spicy kitties. Her job responsibilities as a veterinary technician include taking patient histories, assisting in exam rooms, drawing blood, taking x-rays, assisting in surgery, placing IV catheters, giving injections, autoclave maintenance, filling prescriptions, and client education! She is currently enrolled in Penn Foster for Veterinary Technology.

Susan Skates

Job Titles:
  • Certified Veterinary Technician
Susan helps with setting up the exam rooms, managing the staff and inventory. She has an associate degree of Science and is currently enrolled at Saint Petersburg Jr. College to obtain her B.A.S. in Veterinary Practice Management. She has been involved in animal-related fields for over twenty years! She loves the family-oriented environment and how accomplished all of the veterinarians are. At home, Susan cares for her chihuahua, Ivy.