Meet our Veterinarians and Staff

Ron Tapper, DVM

Dr. Tapper is originally from Anamosa, a small town in Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984.

Upon graduation, Dr. Tapper accepted his first veterinary job at Hollywood Animal Hospital where he received excellent training and experience over the next 4 years.

In August of 1988, Dr. Tapper left HAH to open Emerald Hill Animal Hospital, which he has continued to nurture and grow in the same way he’s nurtured the pets and animals he’s served in the community for over thirty years.

Dr. Tapper married his wife Valli, a Hollywood native, just a year before the opening of EHAH, in 1987. Together, they have 3 children, 2 Dobermans, and 3 cats.

In his spare time, Dr. Tapper’s interests are traveling, skiing, boating, scuba diving, and maintaining his yard (along with palm trees and orchids), watching sports, and spending time with his wife and kids, both human and animal.

Mario Cabrera, DVM

Dr. Mario Cabrera is a second-generation Veterinarian and has been involved first-hand in every aspect of running a veterinary hospital since an early age. Dr. Cabrera was born in Ciego de Avila, Cuba and moved to Miami, FL at an early age… where he has continued to reside ever since.

Prior to attending veterinary school, he served as a veterinary assistant at his father’s practice in Miami. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Cabrera took over his father’s practice. He devoted much of his time to learning new procedures in endoscopy, laparoscopy, orthopedics and soft tissue surgery.

In 2005 he sold his practice and started his own mobile surgical practice.

Mia Brighi, DVM

Dr. Mia Brighi was born and raised in Naples, Florida and went to Florida Gulf Coast University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville and graduated in 2022.

Dr. Brighi has a special interest in senior pets, oncology, acupuncture/herbs, internal medicine, and surgery.

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her 4 dogs and 2 cats, snorkeling, advocating for the LGBTQI+ community, and collecting houseplants.

Kirsten Young, DVM

Born and raised in Virginia, Dr. Young graduated Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science and Secondary Education Teaching License. Afterwards, Dr. Young lived in England for four years and graduated from Royal Veterinary College.

Dr. Young has dedicated her career to being a General Practice Veterinarian with an interest in internal medicine, surgery, and research.

In her free time, Dr. Young enjoys traveling to different countries, scuba diving, and bungee jumping.

Office Manager:

Colleen

Veterinary Technicians:

Tia
Sabrina M.
Anastasiya
Isela
Joseph
Michael
Rebeca
Julieta
Cody
Claudia
Mackenzie

Receptionists:

Jeanette
Madison
Viselyn
Nadine

Kennel Attendant:

Kayla
Patricia
Myles
Sabrina A.
Carol

Groomer:

Ian