Meet the Saunders Veterinary Services Team
Our team provides the very highest quality, up-to-date veterinary medical care possible while building personalized relationships with clients and their pets.
Get to know our team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Dr. Jeff Saunders
Veterinarian
Dr. Saunders has been practicing veterinary medicine in the community since he graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 and has been at his current location since 1997.
Dr. Abbe DeGroat
Veterinarian
Dr. Abbe DeGroat was born and raised in the North East and moved to Central Florida in 1999. She is a Florida Gator, having graduated from University of Florida in 2003 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science, Masters of Science in Extension Education in 2006, and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. From there, she completed a large animal ambulatory internship at the University of Georgia in 2012. She worked at a primarily large animal practice in North Carolina, where she met her husband, Steve. They then relocated back to Florida, where Dr. DeGroat worked in shelter medicine and then private practice. Dr. DeGroat, her husband, and son, live in Lake Wales on a farm with numerous horses, a donkey, dogs, and a cat.
Meghann
Practice Manager
Meghann joined our team in 2019 in Client Relations and transitioned to tech assistant in 2020. In 2023, she got promoted to Practice Manager. She enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her family. She is the proud mother of a 9-year-old handsome little boy who keeps her busy. She has an Australian Shepherd named Harley, a Pitbull named Tater, two cats named Ronnie and Rona, and a horse named Reggie. She was born and raised in Highlands County and enjoys living in a small rural town. Her lifelong love of animals is what brought her into the veterinary field, but she has 13 years’ prior experience in the service industry. Meghann has a very outspoken, fun, and honest personality and genuinely enjoys helping others. One of her favorite quotes is “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” -Mark Twain
Jennifer
Certified Veterinary Technician – Lead Technician
When Jennifer was young, she wanted to be a veterinarian. Jennifer was raised with Golden Retrievers most of her young life in Pennsylvania, which fueled her passion for veterinary medicine. In high school, she found a love of cooking and the culinary arts and began to pursue a career in the food industry. When she moved to Florida in 1999, she continued her career in the food industry. In November 2004, Jennifer left the food industry and began working at Saunders Veterinary Services. After a few years, she pursued a degree in Veterinary Technology, graduating from St. Petersburg College with an Associates Degree in 2011 and is a member of the Florida Veterinary Technician Association. Jennifer is now a Certified Veterinary Technician and Lead Technician. She has a wonderful husband and three children, two boys and a girl, as well as one cat. Jennifer is currently enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree program in Veterinary Technology at St. Petersburg College with plans to graduate in 2022. Once graduating from the Bachelor’s program, she may pursue a specialty in Clinical Studies in Veterinary Medicine. Besides the love of animals, Jennifer’s favorite part of her career is teaching pet owners to allow them to make educated decisions in their pets’ care. When Jennifer is not working, she is either spending time with her family, baking or reading.
Amanda
Technician
Amanda, Technician, has been a valuable asset to our team since2014. She has adored animals all her life. Amanda worked as an Executive Director and was one of the Spay and Neuter program founders at the animal shelter in Highlands County. She is the Co-Founder of Saunders Second Chances and one of the driving forces that continue to make the program successful. She has also volunteered at several nonprofit animal rescue organizations. She continues to bring awareness to the community about the importance of spaying and neutering in many ways. She is also a valued team member at Just Like Home Pet Hotel. She is hard-working, driven, and compassionate. When she is not working or volunteering her time to help the animals within our community, she enjoys spending time at home with her family and fur babies. One of her favorite past times is snuggling up on the couch with her dogs, cats, and a good book.
Elizabeth
Technician
Elizabeth joined our team in 2023 as a veterinary technician. She started out in veterinary medicine as a kennel technician 4 years ago and moved her way up, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. She has a love for helping animals in need and has fostered that by helping her close-knit family with their equine rescue efforts. She lost her father in 2021 to cancer, but is still extremely close to her mother, brother, sister-in-law, and niece. She currently has 3 dogs, Jolene, Maybelle, and Sue, as well as Ace the Quarter Horse, and Lovebug the pony. Elizabeth enjoys spending her free time on the water, in the woods, or riding her horses with her boyfriend, as well as spending quality time with her family. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” –Nelson Mandela
Sienna
Technician
Sienna is a dedicated veterinary technician who joined the Saunders Veterinary team in 2024. She completed her Veterinary Assistant certification in 2023 and has since been passionate about helping animals stay healthy and safe. She has continued learning everything she can and moved into the veterinary technician role seamlessly. Sienna grew up in Colorado, where her love for animals first blossomed, but she moved to Florida five years ago with her family and has continued to pursue her career in veterinary medicine. At home, Sienna is the proud owner of three dogs: Gunner, a playful dachshund, Echo and King, her two loyal American bulldogs, as well as her bunny and rescue chicken. Her commitment to animal care and well-being is evident both in her professional life and her personal life. “Don’t worry, be happy.” -Meher Baba
Laura
Client Relations
Laura, Client Relations, has been a part of our team since 2000. She has lived in Highlands County her entire life and loves the small town she calls home. She attended South Florida State College, where she earned her AA degree. She is a loving and devoted wife and mother to two beautiful children who enjoy spending her time with. She also enjoys being outdoors, taking walks, hiking, traveling, cooking, and baking. She loves animals and has a fun, energetic boxer named Gilly. Her favorite quote is, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks”. If she won the lottery, she would travel the world. Laura is soft-spoken, kind-natured, and hard working. Laura has a charming and caring personality that her coworkers admire about her. Her best advice would be to be nice to everyone; you never know what they are going through.
Madison
Client Relations
Madison Bush, our vibrant and dedicated Customer Service Representative (CSR), became a vital part of our team in 2023. Her journey into the world of veterinary medicine may have begun recently, but her passion and commitment have propelled her to excel like a true rock star.
Madison’s love for the veterinary field is rooted in her fascination with the diverse personalities of animals. Every day, she looks forward to the unique interactions she shares with our four-legged patients and their loving owners. Her genuine care and warmth shine through in every encounter, making her a valuable asset to our practice.
Beyond her professional life, Madison finds solace and joy in the great outdoors. She relishes spending quality time on the lake and boating adventures, sharing these memorable experiences with her fiancé, Zach. Her passion for outdoor adventures is complemented by the company of her family.
Her mom, Joy, is a loving stay-at-home mother, providing a warm and nurturing environment for Madison and her younger sister. Her dad, Bruce, has dedicated nearly two decades to his successful lawn care business, showcasing the value of hard work and commitment.
At home, Madison’s heart belongs to her loyal basset hound, Hazel. Hazel brings joy and companionship to Madison’s life, underscoring her love for animals, both personally and professionally.
Madison Bush is not only an exceptional CSR but also a testament to the bright future of our veterinary practice. Her enthusiasm, love for animals, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable member of our team. We look forward to seeing her continue to shine and serve our clients and their beloved pets with her caring and compassionate nature.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” -Oscar Wilde
Angellina
Technician Assistant
Angellina Moore, our newest addition to the team, is a young and driven individual with a passion for animals and a heart full of compassion. Currently, she’s balancing her last year of high school with an exciting journey into the world of veterinary medicine as a Technician Assistant.
Although this marks her first foray into the field of veterinary care, Angellina’s love for animals has always been a guiding force in her life. She’s eagerly looking forward to channeling this affection into hands-on support and care for our furry and scaly patients.
In her personal life, Angellina shares her home with her loving family and a delightful menagerie of pets. Alongside her parents and two younger sisters, she enjoys the companionship of Roco the Bulldog, Oakley the Pomeranian, Pretzel the Ball Python, and several vibrant fish. Her household is a testament to her devotion to animals of all shapes and sizes.
Beyond her passion for animal care, Angellina finds joy in adventures with her family. Whether it’s gliding over the water on a wakeboard, being on the water boating, or simply relaxing on the beach, she cherishes every moment spent in the company of her loved ones.
With her enthusiasm, dedication, and love for animals, Angellina Moore is poised to make a valuable contribution to our veterinary practice and the well-being of our patients. We eagerly welcome her into our team and look forward to watching her skills and passion grow as she embarks on her career in veterinary medicine.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
