About Us & Meet Our Staff

Dr. Richard A. Goldman, Medical Director, Owner

In 1977, after a year of post-graduate clinical experience in Miami and the Ft. Lauderdale area, Dr. Goldman returned to Gainesville with his wife Lynne and their newborn first son. There, he established Millhopper Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville. In 1991, three facilities and many years of experience later, Dr. Goldman and his staff now operate the current Millhopper Veterinary Medical Center.

Dr. Goldman has special interests in internal medicine, cardiology, endoscopy, diagnostic ultrasound, general surgery and laser surgery. He has been involved in many areas of service to organized veterinary medicine locally, statewide and nationally in a variety of elected, appointed and volunteer offices as well as volunteer roles for charitable organizations and the arts.

He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Ultrasound Society, Feline Practitioners Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, the American Heartworm Society, the Veterinary Information Network and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.

On a personal note, he is an avid Harley Davidson-riding and touring motorcyclist, white-water canoeist, flat-water kayaker, traveler, amateur writer, and private pilot. Lynne, his wife, best friend and life partner since 1969, is a University of Florida graduate with a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and works at the University of Florida. She also has degrees in Elementary Education and Graphic Design.

Their oldest son, Brian, a University of Florida graduate, works in Gainesville as a Mortgage Consultant for Wachovia, and is involved in area soccer leagues. Mike, their youngest son, also a University of Florida graduate, worked as an actuary with an international risk-management corporation in Miami. He will attend UNC/Chapel Hill's MBA/Finance Program beginning in July 2006 after his marriage to Michelle Benitez on May 28. The family enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, many different sports, and spending quality time together. Ricky (at left) is Dr. Goldman's newest family member. He is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and was born on Jan. 31, 2007. He is delighting Dr. and Mrs. Goldman as well as everyone at MVMC.

Dr. Francesca Griffin, Senior Associate

Dr. Griffin DVM, MS joined the MVMC staff in June 2003 after her graduation from the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. She returned to MVMC after doing an externship with us in 2002. We are excited about the addition of her skills, cheerful personality and talents to our medical staff. Dr. Griffin previously completed an MS in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Her areas of interest include internal medicine, neurology and behavioral medicine. Her husband, Chris, is a Network Engineer for NERDC on the University of Florida campus. They have a son, Aidan as well as a Labrador retriever and a cat. Dr. Griffin's hobbies include reading, running and photography.

Dr. Wendy Mandese, Senior Associate

Dr. Mandese, a 2002 graduate of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, practiced for her first post-graduate year in Orlando at a busy multi-DVM practice. Relocating to Gainesville with her family, she joined the MVMC professional staff on a part-time basis. We welcome her to our group as a very capable and friendly associate veterinarian. Dr. Mandese and her husband, Joey, have two beautiful children, Ally and Tommy. She spends her spare time boating, wakeboarding, reading and playing bassoon.

Dr. Isis Sanchez, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Sanchez, DVM, MS, Dip. ACVS who was previously associated with our practice in the 1980's, has returned to the area and to our practice as a surgical consultant. She spent three years as a staff surgeon at the highly respected Animal Medical Center in New York's Manhattan. We are extremely pleased to have her fine surgical abilities again available to our patients. Dr. Sanchez is available for consultation or referral by appointment. 

Dr. Jennifer Morris-Roberts

Dr. Jennifer Morris-Roberts was on extended maternity leave but is now back on a regular basis since Stella is almost 2 years old. Her husband is also a veterinarian at the University of Florida.

Valerie Taylor, Practice Manager

Valerie has been with MVMC since 1996.  She is active with her church and holds office in several civic organizations.  She shares her "purple house in the pasture" in Alachua with two birds and nine cats:  MVMC Ambassador "P.J.", "Figaro," "Lumiere," "Puck," "Mewsetta," "Sterling," "Kismet," "Galliano," and "Katie O' Miracle."

Donna Beckett. Client Services

Donna moved to Gainesville from Ohio in 1980. She has been married for 29 years to her husband Brett. They have two sons; Brett Jr., 28 and Joshua, 23.  She used to own and operate "Tan This!" until closing for her health...and sanity!  In her spare time she enjoys boating and lounging in the sun with a good book.

Robin Gilbert, Technician 

Robin joined us as a member of our Veterinary Technical staff and brought with her a wealth of experience. Her experience includes 16 years at the Houston Zoo as a zookeeper and 5 years on the nursing staff at Memorial 610 Hospital for Animals in Houston. She is married and has a son, Will.

Ross comes to us from Tallahassee.  He is a recent UF graduate with a degree in Animal Sciences.  He plans to attend vet school.  He has 2 dogs, "Sampson & Lucy," and a bearded dragon "Esteban."  He enjoys outdoor activities which include camping, hiking, mountain biking and fishing.

Eryn Roberts, Technician

Eryn comes from Coral Springs Animal Hospital where she worked for about two years between school. She is working toward her Animal Science degree at the University of Florida. She is a member of the Pre-Vet Club and hopes to attend University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a cat named "Mia" and enjoys shopping, reading, and going to the beach in her spare time.

Jamie Myerow, Technician

Jamie moved to Gainesville in 2005 from Massachusetts. While attending Buccholz High School, she "job shadowed" at MVMC before becoming a permanent employee. She plans to attend  SantaFe Community College. She has two Maltese dogs, "Misty" and "Max."

Julia Whited, Nursing

Julia is a University of Florida student studying to attend the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine.

Megan is a student at the University of Florida and has already succumbed to one of the hazards of working at a vet clinic: she adopted the Gainesville Pet Rescue cat that we were fostering!

"Calvin," DVM (Designated Vestibule Monitor)

Calvin, our much-beloved larger than life mascot, has been with us since March, 2003. Previously, he resided in our lobby for a few weeks as part of Gainesville Pet Rescue's Adopt a Pet at your Vet program. These days, he enjoys greeting patients (especially the tiny, furry ones), getting belly rubs, and making sure Valerie's desk doesn't float away.  He does other things, too, that he doesn't enjoy quite as much--like acting as our live model for various demonstrations, and occasionally donating blood to save other kitty's lives. 

"Katie"

Katie came to us in 2000, nearly naked after plucking out most of her feathers.  Exasperated, her caretakers brought her to Millhopper desperate for a solution or to "put her down."  We agreed the best solution for Katie was that we take over her care.  After becoming a resident here at the clinic, and with much effort and attention by the doctors and staff, she slowly recovered and is nearly fully feathered today. The only evidence of her former feather plucking habit is her tail, or lack thereof.  You may hear Katie greet you with a cheerful "Good Morning," (even if it's 5 pm), or "Peekaboo!"  She also sings, laughs and quotes nursery rhymes. 

"KC" (Kool Cat)

KC came to us needing a new home, just as we lost two of our beloved Clinic cats.  He has filled our hearts with many laughs with his young mischievous personality.  He is our official "taste testing" kitty.  He would tell you that Science Diet is very yummy!!!

"Jolie"

Jolie came to us when her owner had to move across the country.  She is very cute and sings beautifully!

"Devin" Designated Diva

Devin the Diva came to live with us the summer of 2005.  She can usually be found helping out our client services staff (she types, makes an occasional phone call, and keeps your chair warm--if you can get her out of it!) or charming guests at the front door.  She's usually just as sweet as she looks, but watch out for her "cattitude!"