MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Kelly Phillips has been a cornerstone of the Boca Raton veterinary community for over three decades. After earning his Bachelor’s in Microbiology from the University of South Florida and his DVM from the University of Florida in 1989, Dr. Phillips joined Cole Animal Clinic, working closely with its founders to build a practice rooted in empathy and clinical excellence. Today, as the owner and operator, he continues the legacy of his late colleague and friend, Dr. Michael Cole, ensuring that every patient receives nothing less than our signature “Cole Standard” of care.
With a wealth of experience ranging from routine wellness to advanced soft-tissue surgeries, Dr. Phillips is a firm believer that preventative medicine is the key to a long, happy life. His approach combines cutting-edge medical expertise with a “small-town” feel; he doesn’t just treat pets—he builds lasting bonds with the families who love them. Whether he’s performing a life-saving procedure or offering tailored advice during a check-up, Dr. Phillips’ warmth and attentive ear have made him a trusted friend to generations of Boca Raton residents.
Off-Duty: When he isn’t at the clinic, Dr. Phillips enjoys the vibrant Florida lifestyle he’s been a part of for so long. He is a proud father and mentor—most notably to his daughter, Dr. Mallory Kermouche, who has followed in his footsteps to join the practice! Whether he’s enjoying local community events or spending time with his own family, Dr. Phillips remains deeply committed to the community that he and his pets call home.
A native Floridian and a veteran of the veterinary field, Daniel brings over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience to his role as Practice Manager. After earning his CVT from the Sanford-Brown Institute, Daniel spent two decades as a Lead Nurse, falling in love with the dynamic science of veterinary medicine. Today, he utilizes that deep clinical knowledge to oversee the daily operations of Cole Animal Clinic, upholding the standard of excellence our clients have come to expect.
Daniel is truly the heartbeat of the clinic—he does it all. Whether he is mentoring the nursing team, streamlining hospital operations, or stepping in as our resident “Anesthesia Guru” and master phlebotomist, his goal is to provide a seamless, high-quality experience for both pets and their owners. For Daniel, the ultimate reward is the “thank you” from a client, knowing that his team provided the exceptional care their pet deserves.
Off-Duty: When he’s not keeping the hospital running like a well-oiled machine, Daniel’s focus is entirely on his family. A dedicated husband and proud “Boy Dad,” he spends his free time chasing after his two sons and enjoying the South Florida sun. Though his house is currently full of human “zoomies,” he treats every patient at the clinic with the same care and dedication he’s given to the South Florida veterinary community for the last 20 years.
Alexandra’s journey with Cole Animal Clinic is a true success story. She began her career in our kennel, learning the heartbeat of the practice from the ground up, before advancing to become a skilled veterinary technician and, eventually, our Office Manager. Today, as our Off-Site Operations Manager, she works behind the scenes to keep the clinic’s engine running smoothly, ensuring our commitment to quality remains seamless.
Alexandra views our team as a family, and she is the architect of our harmonious environment. Even from off-site, she focuses on weaving together patient care, exceptional customer service, and staff well-being. She is the listening ear for our dedicated team and the steady hand that celebrates our victories and navigates our challenges, ensuring that every staff member is supported so they can provide their best to your pets.
Off-Duty: Alexandra finds her “peace” at home with a lively crew of four mini dachshunds—Marlin, Cobia, Finn, and Ripp—and her two cats, Clompy and FatBoy. A true Floridian at heart, she is most at home in or near the ocean. When she isn’t diving or skateboarding, you’ll find her walking the shoreline collecting shells and shark teeth to create unique artwork. She is also an enthusiastic gardener who finds joy in anything that grows.
Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Deborah found her home in Boca Raton in 1992 and has been a cornerstone of the Cole Animal Clinic team since 2012. With 15 years in the veterinary field—14 of those spent right here in this very building—Deborah is the heart of our front office. Affectionately known by our long-time clients as the “Cookie Lady,” she has spent over a decade ensuring that every person and pet who walks through our doors feels like part of the family.
Growing up with a wide variety of pets, Deborah has always had a nurturing spirit. Her favorite part of the job is the daily interaction with our clients; she truly loves meeting new people and building the lasting relationships that define our practice. As our Customer Service niche expert, she ensures that every visit is as smooth and welcoming as possible.
Off-Duty: Deborah has been married for over 35 years and is a devoted mother and a very proud grandmother. When she isn’t at the clinic, she stays busy with her “nurturing” hobbies: gardening, fishing, and enjoying sunny beach days. She is also an avid thrifter, always hunting for a unique find. At home, her heart is shared between her two beloved dogs, Roo and Biggie, who bring endless life and laughter to her home.
Originally from New York, Megan traded the snow for the sunny shores of Florida seven years ago. As one of the first friendly voices you’ll hear at Cole Animal Clinic, Megan brings five years of veterinary experience and a compassionate heart to our front desk. While she loves every patient that walks through our doors, she is our resident German Shepherd admirer—she has a special soft spot for the big, spirited breeds and loves making them feel right at home the moment they arrive.
For Megan, the highlight of the day is getting to see our puppy patients and helping pet parents navigate their visits with ease. She takes great pride in being part of the team, ensuring that every client feels supported and every furry friend gets a warm welcome.
Off-Duty: When she hangs up the headset, Megan is usually outdoors exploring Florida’s natural beauty. She is joined on every adventure by her loyal companion, Layla, a German Shepherd who has mastered the very specific Florida art of jumping into the river to fetch coconuts! When they aren’t riverside, you’ll find Megan lost in a good book or cheering on the Florida Panthers at a home game—Go Cats!
Stacey is the warm, welcoming presence at our front desk, bringing over six years of experience and a lifelong love for animals to the Cole Animal Clinic team. Having bonded with animals since her early childhood, she truly values the opportunity to spend her day surrounded by pets and a close-knit team that feels like family.
Stacey has a natural gift for creating a calm and reassuring atmosphere for our clients. She understands that a visit to the vet can sometimes be stressful, and she takes great pride in being a steady, empathetic resource for every pet parent who walks through our doors. Whether she’s helping you navigate an appointment or offering a kind word, Stacey ensures the highest level of service starts the moment you arrive.
Off-Duty: Though she was born in Missouri, Stacey spent her formative years growing up in Hawaii, and she brings that signature island warmth to everything she does. When she isn’t at the clinic, you’ll likely find her enjoying a beach day, tucked away in a local coffee shop, or curled up with a good book. At home, she stays busy with her own duo: Beans, the cat, and Kash, the dog.
Estevan’s journey into the veterinary field is a perfect example of finding your true calling where you least expect it. While initially setting his sights on LPN classes, he took a detour into a CVA program at South Tech High—and realized almost immediately that he had found his passion. Nine years later, Estevan has evolved from a dedicated assistant into a highly skilled Veterinary Nurse, bringing a wealth of clinical expertise to Cole Animal Clinic.
Estevan is a vital part of our medical team, particularly when it comes to surgery and anesthesia monitoring. He has a keen eye for detail and a special interest in orthopedics—the advanced work of repairing bones and joints to restore mobility. For Estevan, there is no better feeling than watching a patient who came in hurting leave the clinic healthy, happy, and fully recovered. His work is a blend of sharp medical focus and deep compassion, making him an invaluable advocate for every pet in our care.
Off-Duty: When he isn’t at the clinic, Estevan is constantly expanding his horizons. He is currently pursuing his RN degree, balancing his medical studies with an active Florida lifestyle. Whether he is paddleboarding, fishing, or strumming songs on his guitar, he is always on the move. And if you’re looking for a fun fact? Estevan is a certified thrill-seeker—he’s even gone skydiving in the Keys! At home, his crew includes two dogs, Benito and Suzie, and a cat named Juno.
Originally from Washington State and now a resident of Coral Springs, Laryssa is a dedicated force on our medical team. Her journey into veterinary medicine began with a childhood passion for helping wildlife, which eventually led her to Cole Animal Clinic. Over the last three years, she has advanced from an assistant to a Veterinary Nurse, continuing to grow within our practice while keeping her sights set on a future as a veterinarian specializing in orthopedic surgery.
Laryssa is fueled by a love for the “puzzle” of medicine. Whether she’s assisting with intricate cases or treating a challenging abscess, she approaches every patient with the same resilience and care. She’s often the one remembered for the “little things”—an extra treat or a comforting word—that make a pet feel secure during their stay.
Off-Duty: Laryssa’s commitment to animals doesn’t end when the clinic doors close; she is a dedicated pet sitter and a self-proclaimed “foster fail” extraordinaire. She currently manages an ever-changing army of cats (usually numbering around six plus a few fosters!). When she manages to find a quiet moment for herself, you’ll find her at a local Korean BBQ spot, listening to K-pop, or catching up on her favorite anime.
Ian brings five years of clinical experience and a deep-rooted passion for animal care to the Cole Animal Clinic team. His journey began at a family-owned practice where he started as a kennel assistant, a role that sparked a lifelong commitment to the veterinary field.
Currently an undergraduate at Florida Atlantic University, Ian balances his studies with his role as a Veterinary Nurse, where he upholds our medical standards through his specialized interests in Radiology and Ophthalmology. For Ian, nothing beats the sense of fulfillment that comes from navigating a busy day of healing and knowing he’s made a difference for our patients.
Off-Duty: When he’s not at the clinic, Ian is likely out enjoying the Florida sun—whether he’s surfing, paddleboarding, or hitting the local skate park. He shares his home with his two cats, Stella and Salem. Always eager for his next adventure, Ian also recently returned from a two-week backpacking trek through Europe, where he traded his surfboard for a hiking pack to explore entirely new landscapes and cultures.
With eight years of experience in the veterinary field, Madison brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and a deeply compassionate heart to Cole Animal Clinic. She is uniquely driven by a love for both animal and human medicine; when she isn’t caring for our four-legged patients, she is busy pursuing her nursing degree for humans. This dual-focus gives her a specialized perspective on patient care and a high level of medical expertise that complements the care we provide here.
Madison’s commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her daily work, where she combines clinical precision with a gentle touch. Whether she is assisting in treatment or educating pet parents, her goal is always to ensure the best possible outcome for every member of the family.
Off-Duty: When she manages to find a break from her studies and the hospital, Madison focuses on recharging with her own beloved pets. You’ll usually find her spending quality time with her loyal dachshund, Phoebe, and her playful cat, Bean. Her dedication to the world of medicine—both veterinary and beyond—makes her an invaluable asset to our team and our community.
A Florida native through and through, Mia was born in Orlando and raised in Boynton Beach, where she grew up with a deep love for the sun and the sea. After starting her journey at Cole Animal Clinic at the front desk, Mia’s passion for hands-on care led her to transition into her current role as a Nurse Assistant. With two years of experience in the field, she thrives in the fast-paced energy of the clinic and loves being in the heart of the action.
Mia’s favorite part of the day is assisting with patient treatments and witnessing the visible improvement in a pet’s health. She has a particular talent for the essential wellness tasks that keep pets comfortable—she is our go-to expert for ear plucking and expressing anal glands. Whether she’s assisting in a medical procedure or humming a tune while she works, Mia’s compassionate heart and “can-do” spirit are essential to the team.
Off-Duty: When she hangs up her scrubs, Mia is almost always seeking out a new adventure. You can find her soaking up the sun with friends at the beach, browsing the local farmers markets, or exploring new travel destinations. At home, she manages a bustling haven of four dogs and three cats, and you can usually hear her singing long before you see her!
Camille brings four years of experience and a strong scientific curiosity to the Cole Animal Clinic team. Currently a Biology student at Florida Atlantic University, she combines her academic background with a deep, hands-on commitment to animal health.
Camille’s favorite part of being a Nurse Assistant is being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. She takes great pride in maintaining a high standard of patient comfort—even the “un-glamorous” parts! In fact, she has a particular specialty: she loves cleaning those really “gross” ears, knowing that the instant relief it brings to the pet is worth every second. Her compassion and clinical drive make her an indispensable part of our treatment team.
Off-Duty: When she isn’t in the clinic or hitting the books at FAU, Camille is a true fan of the natural world and can often be found unwinding with nature documentaries. A Boca local at heart, she loves beach days, thrifting, reading, and heading out with friends. At home, Camille is the proud leader of a four-cat household: Roman, Violet, Juniper, and Azula.