Dr. Michael Matthews was born in Flint, Michigan in 1960 and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology with honors in 1982 at Auburn. He attained Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with high honors from Auburn in 1986. His special interests are Orthopedics, reconstruction and general surgery as well as Oncology. He just completed specialized training courses in Tibial Tuberosity Advancement for cruciate deficit knees. He made Lake Wales his home in 1986 and is married and raising two daughters. When not at work he enjoys growing orchids and palms and being a soccer dad as well as deep sea fishing.      

Dr. A. Fleet Ryland grew up in Sarasota, FL.  He spent 7 years in the Navy after high schooland moved to Gainesville where he finished his education at the University of Florida.  He graduated from Veterinary school in 1981.  He and his wife Theresa and two daughters then moved to Lake Wales and have been here ever since.  Dr. Ryland enjoys golf, fishing and spending time with his family (which now includes three grandchildren) at their home on Crooked Lake.   

Dr. Thomas Schotman was born in the Netherlands.  The family immigrated to America in 1960 and made Florida their home.  The childhood experiences of camping, scouting, fishing, sailing and an interest in herpetology resulted in an early decision to become a veterinarian.  After graduation from Satellite High School, the trek to the University of Florida resulted in a Bachelors degree in Animal Science and a Masters degree in Virology. This perseverance finally paid off in a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1981.   After a year working for a mixed (mostly large animal and dairy) practice in north Florida, he moved to Lake Wales and joined the Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital.  The practice included large and small animals and soon added exotics and wildlife.  The initial experience at Circus World evolved into helping a multitude of species from elephants to mice.  Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and even insects are on the list.     While elephants are his favorite, he enjoys the daily experience of helping clients with their pets and helping wildlife.  He enjoys time with his children Hannah and Wyatt, and his old Giant Schnauzer Max.  Fishing, boating and outdoor activities take up any free time.  

Dr. Jennifer Folda was born in Delaware and raised in Germany for 8 years.  She then moved to Tennessee where she realized early on that she wanted to be a Veterinarian.  After graduating with honors from the University of Tennessee, she completed her studies at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.  Having lived in Gainesville for a year, she now calls Florida home.  She resides in Winter Haven with her cat Reba and her mixed breed dog, Heartbeat.

 Dr. Darcy Forber was born and raised in Boardman, Ohio.  She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1991 and earned a BSBA in International Business.  After moving to Florida in 1993, she spent the next 12 years working for various large banks in the financial and estate planning division prior to entering veterinary school.  After experiencing much volatility within the financial industry, Darcy decided to pursue her passion for animals, and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada.  Her special interests include alternative modalities, including acupuncture and rehabilitation, as well as dermatology, ophthalmology, and internal medicine.  She enjoys time with her fiance Jim and their cat, Tigger. In her spare time, Darcy enjoys aerobics, running, yoga, horseback riding, and spending time with her family.