Meet Our Team
Meet the team
Our Veterinarians
Meet the incredible humans behind the compassionate, advanced veterinary care that keeps your furry, feathered, and scaly companions on the path to lifelong wellness. Our veterinarians bring serious medical knowledge and a not-so-serious love for belly rubs, feathers, and the occasional dramatic reptile stare-down. They’re proud to be the voice for pets who can’t speak for themselves, guiding families with honesty, clarity, and plenty of heart.
Veterinarian
Dr. Leigh Samanowitz
Dr. Leigh Samanowitz, known to many of her clients as Dr. Sam, is the owner and Chief of Staff at University Animal Clinic. She earned…
Veterinarian
Dr. Sara Velic
Hi, I'm Dr. Sara Velic! I've always had a deep-rooted passion for helping animals. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, I moved to Sarasota, FL as a…
Veterinarian
Dr. Alexis Schweiberger
Hi! My name is Dr. Alexis Schweiberger but you can call me Dr. Lexi! I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where my love for animals…
Veterinarian
Dr. Molly Cohen
Dr. Molly Cohen has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was three years old. Originally from New Jersey, she began working with animals at…
Meet the team
Our Technicians
Our technicians are the steady hands behind the scenes — monitoring anesthesia, running diagnostics, drawing blood, and offering quiet reassurance to pets… and sometimes to their people, too. They’re masters of multitasking and proud advocates for patients who rely on them for comfort, safety, and a well-timed treat.
CVT, Veterinary Technician
Rayshaud Holloway
Rayshaud joined UAC in August 2025 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. A graduate of BRCC’s Veterinary Technology Program in 2018, he earned his LVT credentials…
Veterinary Technician
Zoe Baker
Zoe has been a veterinary technician for four years, starting her career as a kennel tech. Originally from San Diego, she’s lived all over the…
Veterinary Technician
Susan
I have been with University Animal Clinic for 9 years. I enjoy taking care of animals, all kinds, 2 legs, 4 legs and no legs!…
Meet the team
Our Support Team
Our support team is often the first friendly voice you hear and the last reassuring face you see. They keep the schedule moving, answer your questions, help you navigate your next steps, translate medical language into real life, and make sure you and your pet feel welcomed from start to finish.
Owner
Sam Samanowitz
Sam grew up in New York and moved to Florida to attend the University of Florida, where he earned his degree in business. He spent…
Practice Manager
Stephanie Cox
Stephanie brings over 10 years of veterinary management experience and more than two decades of dedicated service in animal rescue and volunteer work. With a…
Receptionist
Suzanne
Suzanne is originally from Long Island, New York where she began her career in the veterinary industry. She moved to San Diego where she spent…
Receptionist
Brooke Cavanaugh
I'm a veterinary receptionist who loves helping people and their pets feel welcome and cared for. When I'm not at the clinic, you'll usually find…