Meet Our Team

Dr. Retamozo was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. He returned to New Jersey at age 14 and finished high school there. At age 17, he signed up to serve in the U.S. Navy for 4 years as an Electronic Warfare Technician. After completing his years of service, Dr. Retamozo set out to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. He graduated with dual degrees in Biology and Microbiology & Molecular Biology from the University of Central Florida. He was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) the following year. He was an associate at McAbee Veterinary Hospital in Winter Park, FL, for 6 years prior to purchasing Eau Gallie Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Retamozo is fluent in Spanish and enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Retamozo enjoys spending time with his family and pets. He also loves to travel, hike, and play guitar. Dr. Retamozo, his wife, Marina, and son Gabriel share their home with 3 dogs, Honey (Chihuahua mix), Pixie (miniature dachshund), and Nicolas (Golden Retriever puppy), 2 cats, Mama Cat and Sweety, and 2 Sulcata Tortoises, Lola and Franchesco!

Dr. Valerie Marino graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Her undergraduate degree in life science was received from Nova Southeastern University. Completing the DVM program was a lifelong goal for Dr. Marino. After graduation from vet school, she elected to participate in a large animal internship in Knoxville, Tennessee. After a year, Dr. Marino decided that she had more love for the smaller species, specifically dogs and cats. She has been working at a general practice in Orlando, Florida, for the last 16 years. At work, she prides herself on forming bonds with her patients and their families. She enjoys learning about animal behavior and applying it to each individual animal. When not at work, Dr. Marino loves scrapbooking and movies. Her family includes her mother, sister, 2 nieces, 1 nephew, 2 dogs, and 5 cats.

Hello, my name is Gemma, and I’m the Hospital Director and Veterinary Nurse at EGVH. I am happy to have made animals not only my passion, but my career! I moved to America from England when I was a child. Melbourne has been home since 1993. I started working in the veterinary field in 1996. I am currently studying for my CVPM. Another passion of mine is equine sports. I have a Sphynx named Krusty, an American Bully named Legend, and a Frenchie named Chaos. I love coming to work at EGVH, where I learn something new every day and can pass on my knowledge to my team. I look forward to meeting you and your pets!

Hey! I am Kristen. Born and raised here in good Ol’ Melbourne. I started out volunteering at a local clinic in 2002, and there I was offered my first job as a technician. I was accepted to the Veterinary Technology program at Eastern Florida State College in 2006 and graduated in 2009 with my degree in Animal Technology. I have been working as a technician/surgical tech and have assisted in many surgeries over the years. In my spare time, I love relaxing at the beach, going on the boat, camping, and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and all your fur babies!

I have always loved animals and knew since I was a little girl that I wanted to work in this field. I graduated high school with my associate degree, and straight from graduating, I enrolled in the veterinary technician program in eastern Florida. I have been a vet tech since early 2022, though recently had my beautiful baby boy, so I had to put a pause in my career for him. I missed working and came back as soon as I could, and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful team.

I’ve always loved animals. I have an educational background in Animal Sciences, but moved away from the industry while working for the local Sheriff’s office. I decided recently to get back into the industry and am enjoying my encounters here at EGVH.

Hey there, I’m Susan! I was born and raised in Council Grove, Kansas, home to the oldest continuously running restaurant west of the Mississippi River. After graduating from Kansas State University in Hospitality Management, I moved to Florida, where I met my husband, Kevin. We started a successful lawn company, and in 2000, I took a job at a veterinary hospital. We have two boys, 21 and 17, our youngest is still in high school, and the oldest attends Furman University in Greenville, SC. We have 2 dogs, Nickelodeon and Ritzy. I am also a sucker for telescope-eyed butterfly-finned goldfish (actively seeking one or two). While I am not welcoming you and your animal family at the hospital, I enjoy cooking, buying and selling classic cars, and watching sports.

Hi! My name is Daphne, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I recently relocated to Florida with my family and Black Labrador, Apollo, to step away from the fast life. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for Veterinary Medicine. Growing up, I’ve had small dogs to big dogs my whole life. For that, I can’t be more grateful to my parents for allowing me to experience the love of a furry companion. On the weekends, I love to spend quality family time with my husband and two littles. I believe spreading love and kindness goes a long way, and I hope to implement that in my everyday work life, working with your furry babies!