Meet The Team

Our Approach to Veterinary Care in Riverview, FL
About Our Practice
As the first veterinary hospital in Riverview, opened in the 1970s, our story has always been one of family, trust, and community. For decades, pets have grown up within these walls, and so have the people who love them. Some of our earliest clients are now walking through our doors with their own children and their children’s pets. Being part of those generations is a privilege we hold close.
We remain a privately owned practice, just as we were in the beginning. That means every decision we make is personal and rooted in what is best for our patients, our clients, and our Riverview community.
Experts Of Pet Wellness
Our medical team holds itself to a high standard of excellence, and we never stop learning. We grew up in this community, and many of us were raised in this very hospital, from kennel assistants to veterinary technicians to doctors. That continuity means we do not just know medicine, we know Riverview families, their stories, and their pets’ unique needs.
Behind every treatment plan is a conversation. Behind every diagnosis is compassion. We are here to help you understand what is going on with your pet and to guide you with honesty, clarity, and respect.
Education and Partnership
We believe informed pet parents make empowered decisions. During every exam, we take time to explain what we see, why it matters, and what options you have moving forward. We do not rush appointments. We do not gloss over concerns. We do not recommend and run.
Our goal is to teach, support, and partner with you so you never feel alone in caring for your pet.
Our Commitment
For over 50 years, our team has honored the veterinary oath with pride, compassion, and integrity. We practice medicine with the same dedication today as the day our doors first opened, guided by ethics, scientific knowledge, and an unwavering love for animals.
But our commitment goes beyond medical expertise.
It is the way our staff remembers your pet’s favorite treat.
The way we celebrate new puppies and kittens like they are our own.
The way we hug families through heartbreaking goodbyes.
The way we see a familiar name on the schedule and smile because it feels like a friend coming home.
Every exam, every tail wag, every purr, every tear, we show up for all of it. And we always will.
A Positive Experience
Now is a perfect time to come see us. Early detection opens the door to more options, more comfort, and more healthy years with your pet. We also offer Pet Care Plans designed to make full preventative care affordable with a simple monthly payment. These plans help ensure your pet receives the care they deserve by including discounted exams, vaccines, preventatives, bloodwork, and routine procedures. Our goal is to make complete wellness care easier, more predictable, and accessible for every family in our community.
After five decades of caring for Riverview’s animals, we would be honored to care for yours too.
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Dr. Eimiel Garriga
Dr. Garriga completed his undergraduate work at the University of Florida, then attended Ross University for veterinary school. He graduated from Ross University in 2004. His interests in veterinary medicine include internal medicine, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery and therapeutic laser therapy. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.


Dr. Morgan Vargo
Dr. Morgan Vargo has been an associate veterinarian at our practice since her graduation from veterinary school in 2011. She attended University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology, then attended University of Florida for Veterinary School. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Vargo served as a veterinary assistant with our practice beginning in 2003, but always planned to attend veterinary school, as being a veterinarian has been a lifelong passion.
Dr. Morgan Vargo has been an associate veterinarian at our practice since her graduation from veterinary school in 2011. She attended University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology, then attended University of Florida for Veterinary School. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Vargo served as a veterinary assistant with our practice beginning in 2003, but always planned to attend veterinary school, as being a veterinarian has been a lifelong passion.


Dr. Greg Heaton
Originally from Ohio, Dr. Greg Heaton graduated from Valparaiso University in 1999 and Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, where he also conducted research through the Center for the Human–Animal Bond. He moved to the Tampa Bay area after graduation and has been caring for pets and their families here ever since.
With a strong passion for feline medicine, Dr. Heaton joined the Cat Thyroid Center in 2012, where he trained under founder Dr. Hal Ott. He later became Medical Director and Radiation Safety Officer, personally treating over 1,200 hyperthyroid cats with a 98.8% success rate.In 2025, Dr. Heaton joined the RVH team to continue his passion for small animal practice.
His calm, compassionate approach with cats is shaped by years of experience and by living with his own opinionated senior cat, Foxxy Love.
Outside of work, Dr. Heaton enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and watching the Bengals and the Lightning with a good craft beer. He is a member of the AVMA, FVMA, and FelineVMA.


Dr. Nicole Desbiens
Dr. Desbiens has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 11 years, caring for both small animals and a wide range of exotics, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and pocket pets. She earned her Biology degree from the University of South Florida and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
At home, she enjoys life with her basset hound, Ollivander, her doodle, Molly, and her tortoise, Diggory. Outside the hospital, Dr. Desbiens loves traveling and spending Disney weekends with her husband and daughter.
Clinically, she focuses on commonly owned exotic species and does not see poisonous or venomous animals, primates, large exotic cats, wolves/wolf hybrids, or farm animals (with the exception of poultry and waterfowl).
Dr. Charles Holley
Relief Vet every Thursday
Dr. Pamela Boyer
Relief Vet every Saturday
Meet Our Dedicated Team


Patricia
Patricia was born and raised in New Jersey. This city girl knew she had a love for animals and began working with animals in 2012. She moved to Washington, D.C. to continue her education in Veterinary Technology. In 2017, she moved to Tampa, FL and joined our team. Her and her husband are accompanied by Forrest (Berner), Chloe (St. Bernard), and Kevin (DSH). In 2019, she made a horrible mistake and left our team while she traveled and continued to experience life, she rejoined our team 3 years later as our practice manager.


Gaby
Hi, I’m Gaby! I’ve been with Riverview Veterinary Hospital since 2016 and bring a strong background in client service. I help keep the hospital running smoothly by supporting both the administrative and clinical teams, staying calm under pressure, and creating a positive experience for clients and staff. Even without pets of my own, I love being part of a compassionate, dedicated team that works every day to care for animals and their families.


Claudia
Claudia has been working in veterinary medicine for eight years, bringing a passion for both science and animal care to every shift. She earned her A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology from HCC and has a special interest in surgery as well as alternative therapies like laser treatments. Claudia enjoys helping pets through preventive medicine like vaccines, spays, and neuters and admits that playing with cute puppies and kittens is an added bonus. At home, she shares her life with her spirited dogs, Salchicha, whose bark can be heard from the mailbox, and Elmer, who makes sure breakfast is never missed. Claudia has a fascination with capybaras, the chillest of animals, and would love to spend a day as a beaver, marveling at their ability to shape ecosystems while swimming effortlessly. Her dedication, warmth, and love for animals shine through in everything she does at Riverview Veterinary Hospital.


Haley
Haley rejoined our team in 2023 after being away for 8 years. Moving back to Tampa, Haley has gained so much experience in the veterinary field all along the east coast. She loves being able to care for animals through veterinary medicine and the everyday challenges it brings. Haley owns 2 fur babies, a husky (Nala) and DMH (Tyson). In her free time she enjoys going to the beach, hiking through trails, reading and catching up on Netflix.


Rica
I’m a recent graduate from FSV, where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. I chose this field because of the diverse opportunities it offers and because I truly believe our pets are family. By helping animals, we’re also supporting the well-being of their human companions. As an aspiring veterinarian, my ultimate goal is to one day run my own practice. I have two dogs, Moby and Whiskey, who might not be big fans of exercise, but they more than make up for it with their love for cuddles. In my free time, I enjoy knitting and finding moments of creativity and relaxation.


Scianna
Scianna began her veterinary journey in 2021, briefly explored other paths in 2022, and happily returned to the field in 2024. She shares her home with Taina, her loving 9-year-old chihuahua, and has always had a soft spot for elephants, they never fail to brighten her day. Scianna’s caring nature and dedication to animal health make her a valued member of the RVH team.


Heather
Heather has been working in veterinary medicine for nine years, including nearly three years at Riverview Veterinary Hospital. Her lifelong love for animals inspired her to join the field, and she’s particularly interested in exotics. She’d love the opportunity to work with a rabbit someday. Heather enjoys helping make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners, providing information, care, and comfort while seeing so many different breeds along the way. At home, she shares her life with her dog, Booka, who loves sleeping under the covers, and her playful cat, River. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with family and exploring the beautiful beaches of Florida. Some of her most memorable veterinary moments include getting her first jugular blood draw, a milestone she still fondly remembers.


Raul
Raul brings 25 years of veterinary experience, including two years with Riverview Veterinary Hospital, continuing a proud family tradition as the fourth of five veterinarians dedicated to pet health. Trained at Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado in Venezuela. Raul loves small animal general practice and surgery. He loves providing pets with quality of life and health through a combination of scientific knowledge and compassion, and he deeply values the teamwork and professionalism he sees every day at RVH. At home, Raul enjoys life with his lively dog, Paco, and delights in cooking for his wife, two children, and occasionally close friends. A beach lover and motorcycle enthusiast, he also has a knack for fixing things—cars, motorcycles, you name it. Outside work, Raul is fascinated by fish, particularly African cichlids, and dreams of soaring like a bird to see the world from a new perspective. Some of his lighter hospital memories include the day he arrived at work wearing mismatched shoes!


Grisel
Grisel was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Chicago when she was at 10 years of age. She started working in the veterinary field in 2003 when her first puppy got sick with parvo virus. She gained so much knowledge from that experience. Her favorite hobbies are reading, going to the beach and spending time with her husband, 2 sons and her daughter in-law.


Anthony
Anthony has been part of the veterinary world for four years, including two years at Riverview Veterinary Hospital. His passion for helping both people and animals drew him to veterinary medicine, and he’s especially interested in avian and exotic pets. Anthony loves being part of every pet’s story, from routine visits to emergencies, and enjoys building meaningful connections with families and their furry (and feathery!) companions. He appreciates the family-like atmosphere at RVH, where teamwork and compassion go hand in hand. At home, Anthony shares his life with his pets: Chance, a hound mix; Aria, a terrier mix; and two adorable domestic shorthairs, Boots and Raven, each with their own quirky personalities. Outside of work, he enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and trying new things on the grill. Some of his most memorable hospital moments include assisting with C-sections and even helping figure out what to do with a pelican!


Cassidy
Cassidy has spent five years in veterinary medicine, driven by a desire to make a difference for pets and their people. She gained experience through the vet tech program at HCC, as well as working in various hospitals and vaccine clinics, and hopes to continue growing her skills, especially with exotics. Cassidy loves helping clients and solving problems with a smile. At home, she has a small farm, with her horse Paloma as her favorite. A former showjumping competitor, Cassidy still enjoys riding and loves the joy that comes from seeing pets well cared for.


Juanita
Juani joined veterinary medicine through her lifelong passion for rescuing animals. After seeing how veterinary care transformed the lives of her own rescued pets, she knew she wanted to help other families the same way. She loves working with dogs and cats, and has a growing interest in exotics and marine life. Juani shares her home with four rescues—Luna, Sol, Smokey, and her kitten Aurora Borealis, the self-proclaimed queen of the house. Her favorite animal is the dolphin, and her personal motto is, “It can’t be that bad.” If she could be any animal for a day, she’d choose a dolphin to enjoy the peace of open water.
Contact Us For Availability!
We’re Here When You Need Us
Phone
(813) 677-3100Text Us
Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 12pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed For
Lunch Monday to Friday: 12pm - 2pm (tech appointments only)
To ensure we can provide timely and consistent care for all of our patients, we kindly require a deposit to reserve your appointment time. This allows us to set aside dedicated time for your pet and helps us reduce missed appointments so that other pets in need can be seen promptly. The deposit is applied to your visit and is fully refundable with 24hr cancellation notice.
We understand that schedules change and unexpected things happen, we kindly require a deposit to reserve your appointment time. This allows us to set aside dedicated time for your pet and helps us reduce missed appointments so that other pets in need can be seen promptly. The deposit is applied to your visit and is fully refundable with proper cancellation notice.




