Meet Our Staff
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Courtney Carroll
Dr. Carroll has never wanted to be anything other than a veterinarian. She has such a passion for animals and helping them. Dr. Carroll graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, after earning a bachelors in biology at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a member of AAHA AVMA and FVMA. In her spare time, Dr. Carroll enjoys spending time with her dog Hazel, and cat, Delilah. She also enjoys reading, snow skiing, and frequenting the beach.
Dr. Frieda Hottenstine
Veterinarian
Dr. Hottenstine received her doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and has been honing her veterinary skills for over 30 years. She worked in private practice as an associate veterinarian for 10 years. In the year 2000, Dr. Hottenstine opened her own practice, All Creatures Veterinary Hospital in Coventry, Connecticut, which she operated for 17 years prior to relocating to Florida. Dr. Hottenstine worked as a relief veterinarian for several years prior to finding her new home at Animal Medical Center.
Dr. Hottenstine has earned praise for her commitment to compassionate and high-quality veterinary care. Her dedication to helping animals and her ability to build strong connections with both pets and their owners have made her an esteemed member of the veterinary community.
Dr. Hottenstine has wanted to be a vet, or as she told her parents, an “animal doctor” since she was 4 years old. She received her Veterinary Medical Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Our Staff
Jim Antunano, Jr.
Practice Manager
For Jim, veterinary medicine has always been a family affair—he’s Dr. Antunano’s son! He had a pet at home ever since the day he was born, and he truly can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to do everything in his power to help all of the animals he possibly could. Jim gets to live his dream every day as the Practice Manager here at the Animal Medical Center.
Jim grew up in Westchester County, New York and worked in the state for nearly 10 years in a different career field. He started to realize he wasn’t truly happy with his work, and started to look for a new opportunity after he and his wife had their first baby. The pair moved to Florida, and Jim enrolled in college at the University of South Florida to receive his Bachelor’s degree. He relocated to the Valrico area in August of 2000 and joined his father here at the Animal Medical Center. Jim has been serving the area’s pets and animal owners ever since!
Jim and his wife, Lynda of nearly 30 years have two terrific grown sons, and they share their home with two young Dobermans: Sampson, who is just over a year old, and Sampson’s biological sister, Eva. When he isn’t spending quality time with his family and pets or helping things run smoothly here at the clinic, Jim loves to cheer on his beloved New York Yankees and Giants. Every World Series or Super Bowl win is a cherished memory!
Ashley Zimmie, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
Ashley has always loved the idea of getting to work with animals and learning how to treat them accordingly. At Animal Medical Center, she loves getting to learn different procedures/techniques that she didn't get to learn in school. In Ashley's spare time, she enjoys photography, cooking and swimming.
Tammy Hadlock
Veterinary Technician
Since she was a child, Tammy has had an interest in animal anatomy and caring for animals health. Her favorite part of her job is trying to figure out what is going on with any specific pet so they can start their healing. In Tammy's spare time, she likes swimming and going for walks with her dogs. She is also passionate about drawing.
Jenna Beilstein
Certified Veterinary Assistant/Veterinary Technician
Jenna has loved animals since she was a little kid, and has always had a passion for caring for them. Her favorite part of her job is getting to experience each dog's individual personalities. In her spare time, Jenna loves to read, paint, and care for plants and flowers.
Shelby Brown
Client Service Specialist
Shelby has always had a passion for animals. Working with them has been her only dream in life and she finally got there when she started working at Animal Medical Center! Her favorite part of her job is spending time with all the patients and seeing each and every one of their different personalities shine. In Shelby's free time, she enjoys swimming, playing with her dogs, and cooking dinner with her family.
Whitney Parsley
Client Service Specialist
Addison Higgins
Kennel Technician
Melissa DeJesus
Kennel Technician
Carlos Mitchell
Groomer
Our Founder
Dr. Jim Antunano, DVM
Our Founder, Dr. Antunano, “Dr. A” as he is known by both clients and the AMC team alike, started the clinic in a small storefront in 1988. His vision was to create a state-of-the-art practice that would incorporate the most up to date technology to compliment his vast veterinary knowledge and experience and make that available to all of our clients and their pets. His vision was realized when he relocated to a larger, modern facility where he was able to incorporate such things as Laser Surgery, Ultrasonography, Digital Radiography and more. The clinic has since relocated to a modern, 4000 square-foot location which has enabled us to continue in the tradition on which his vision was founded.
Originally from New York City, he began his collegiate career at Herbert Lehman College before attending veterinary school. Upon graduating, he worked as an Associate Veterinarian for several years in high-volume practices, as well as serving as the Medical Director and lead veterinarian for an Emergency and Critical Care facility in New York. Dr. A eventually decided to open his own veterinary hospital in the Brandon-Valrico area.
Dr. A was a pioneer in laser surgery and was president of the Veterinary Laser Surgical Society in 2007. He was also a member of several veterinary associations including the AVMA, AAHA and the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society. Dr A. has always had a strong passion wildlife care and has even treated lions, tigers, and bears!
Dr. A passed away in 2023, but his presence will forever be felt here as we strive to continue with the tradition of providing the highest quality of care to our clients and their pets. His caring and dedication to the veterinary profession has made a lasting impression on our clients, pets and especially our staff.