Medical Director, Primary Veterinarian

Dr. Arthur Greene was always fascinated by puzzles while growing up, and he adored the company of any animal he happened to come across. As he got older, his love of biology started to blossom. What better way to combine his passion for science and his love of pets, he thought, than by working in the veterinary field? Dr. Greene’s dream never wavered—now, he’s the owner and primary veterinarian here at Homestead Animal Hospital!

Originally from New York City, Dr. Greene obtained his DVM degree from a university in Italy before returning stateside to begin his career. He joined the Homestead Animal Hospital family in the summer of 2001 and has been caring for the area’s pets and animal parents here ever since. Dr. Greene is particularly fond of using the clinic’s therapeutic services—including the hyperbaric chamber and therapeutic laser—to change patients’ lives for the better. He’s especially proud when he’s able to help therapy animals who in turn provide services for special-needs children.

Dr. Greene is married and has two wonderful children. The family shares their home with Gracie, a miniature Schnauzer; a young Chihuahua named Abel who was born without front limbs; a Calico cat who goes by Cali; Tucker the Siamese mix; a pair of parakeets; and several tropical fish.

When he isn’t spending time with family or tending to pets’ needs here at the hospital, Dr. Greene enjoys skiing—he had some of his best runs in the Italian Alps during his time in veterinary school!—and also likes camping, quilting, and antiquing.

He attended University of Veracruz, where he earned his degree as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics in Mexico and received his D.V.M. in 1986. Dr. Toledo practiced small and large animal medicine in the central area of Mexico for 3 years. He then came to the United States where he received full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to practice Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He is married to Annette, and has two beautiful children, together with 5 dogs, named Batman, Felix, Trixie, Champ and May, all rescued. He enjoys running, mountain biking, racquetball and spending precious time with his kids and wife.

Veterinarian

Dr. Melanie Ortega earned her BSc in Biology from Florida International University before attending University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. As a firstgeneration doctor in her family, she very proud of her Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage. Dr. Melanie initially pursued equine sports medicine before transitioning to small animal medicine and still spends her days off working with her mentor on the farm because of her love for horses.

In her free time, Dr Melanie enjoys working out with my fiancé, whether it’s hitting the gym, going to the park, or riding bikes together. She is also a dedicated Miami Heat fan and never misses a game.

Dr. Melanie has a 10-year-old Maltese named Luke Skybarker whom she adopted in her late teens. She also has a 3-year-old German Shepherd mix named Sylvie and a 4-year-old tabby cat named Henry.

Practice Manager

Zach has quite literally grown up here at Homestead Animal Hospital. His mother started here as a technician when he was only 9 years old. Zach would always ask his mom to come help the animals on the weekends, and his passion grew from an early age. At the age of 16, Zach originally joined the team as a Kennel Assistant and that was the start of his adventure into Vet Med. Zach spent 10 years as a Vet Tech before discovering that he not only had a passion for helping animals but people as well. Zach finds great pride and passion in helping shape and mold the next generation of Veterinary professionals while giving back to a place that has been there for him the majority of his life. In his free time, Zach is an avid sports enthusiast and die hard Miami Dolphins fan. GO PHINS!!!

Cynthia grew up right here in Homestead, and her family always kept pets around the house. She spent hours alongside her beloved animal companions, but she never imagined that she would one day work hands-on with pets every day as a veterinary professional! But Cynthia gets to do just that—she’s a Veterinary Technician with the Homestead Animal Hospital family.

Cynthia first started here at the clinic as a Boarding Specialist in March of 2014. In 2018, she moved up to a Veterinary Technician position. She’s been helping pets and their owners in that capacity ever since! Cynthia’s favorite thing to do at the clinic is see clients and their pets one-on-one in the examination rooms, and she’s also fond of the constant learning experience her work provides.

Away from work, Cynthia likes spending her free time relaxing at the beach, swimming in the pool, and enjoying quality time with her family and pets. She has four cats at home named Simba, Dusty, Princess, and Omalley.

Viviana, a native of Homestead, Florida, has always possessed a deep affinity for animals. With eight years of experience in the veterinary industry, she has dedicated herself to the welfare and care of animals. Alongside her professional commitments, Viviana finds joy in various hobbies, including attending car events, engaging in bowling activities, watching movies, and cherishing quality time with her loved ones.

During her leisure moments, Viviana particularly enjoys the companionship of her two Belgian Malinois, Lola and Diesel, who have become an integral part of her life.

Anahi has a lifelong love for animals, particularly dogs. Dogs have held a special place in her heart since her childhood, and she cannot imagine a day without interacting with them. Whether she is at home, work, or visiting family and friends, Anahi always has a dog by her side. Currently, she owns five dogs named Max, Lilo, Opie, Loki, and Khalessi, as well as a hamster named Buddy.

With a year of experience in the industry, Anahi is actively pursuing a career as a Veterinarian. She is currently attending school to further her education in this field, aiming to achieve her professional goals in the near future.

In her free time, Anahi enjoys being outdoors, spending quality time with her loved ones, and engaging in the sport of volleyball.

Alanna grew up in Alaska, cultivating a profound passion and affection for animals. From an early age, her family always welcomed pets into their home, fostering her aspiration to care for animals every single day. Alanna embarked on her professional journey as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic in Texas. Over time, she made the transition to a veterinary technician role, and she has been actively working in that capacity for approximately a year.

One aspect of her job that Alanna finds particularly rewarding is the ever-changing nature of each day. No two days are alike, and this dynamic environment allows her to play a role in healing and comforting her clients’ cherished pets. She has always held veterinarians in high regard, considering them to be the epitome of exceptional doctors who possess the unique ability to diagnose and treat their patients without direct communication from them.

Beyond her professional life, Alanna finds solace and joy in spending quality time with her beloved dog, Zola. Additionally, she nurtures her love for reading and indulges in exploring the outdoors whenever she can.

Cristin always knew that she would love to work with animals, but she found herself in the foodservice industry by the time she became a member of the working world. She never forgot the innate passion she felt for animals and their well-being, though. When Cristin came across the opportunity to work in her dream field—veterinary medicine—she didn’t waste a moment! Now, she’s happy to serve pet owners and their loveable companions as a member of the hospital’s front-desk team.

Cristin is a native Floridian and first heard about an opening here at Homestead Animal Hospital through a friend of a friend. She joined the hospital family in early 2017 and has been a part of the team ever since. One of Cristin’s favorite aspects of her work is the opportunity she gets to meet all kinds of people and pets on a daily basis, and the most rewarding part of her job is seeing pets leave the clinic happier and healthier than when they arrived.

When she’s not here at the hospital, Cristin enjoys gardening and spending time with her family and pets at home. She and her husband share their lives with four cats—Leoncio, Simba, Porky, and Angus—as well as two dogs who go by Marlin and Terry.

Client Service Representative

From a young age, Amira has been surrounded by animals, fostering a deep and enduring love for them. This early connection sparked a lifelong passion that has only grown stronger over the years. Motivated by this love and a desire to make a meaningful impact, Amira chose to work in the animal care field right after finishing high school while still working towards her future career.

For Sam, working in veterinary medicine is a family affair. Members of her own family worked right here at Homestead Animal Hospital, and she always wanted to follow in their footsteps! Caring for as many animals as she possibly could is all that Sam has ever wanted to do, and she’s proud to now serve as a member of the hospital’s boarding staff.

Sam joined the Homestead Animal Hospital team shortly after graduating from high school, and she’s been here ever since. She loves to meet a wide variety of animal personalities every day, and she especially enjoys witnessing firsthand the special bonds between pets and their loving owners.

In her spare time, Sam can be found doting on her own dogs at home, playing video games, reading, or listening to music.

Kennel Technician

Alexis, originally from Cuba, holds a deep passion for animals. With over nine years of experience in the veterinary industry, they continue to expand their knowledge and expertise, learning something new each day. During their free time, Alexis finds delight in playing soccer and football, and eating Flan!

Patricia was born and raised in Colombia, and spent time around everything from dogs and cats to pigs and chickens while growing up. She’s adored animals ever since her earliest days! Now, Patricia is thrilled to work alongside animals and a team of pet-lovers just like herself every day.

After coming to the United States from Colombia, Patricia settled in West Virginia, getting her foot in the door of the animal-care world by pet-sitting whenever she could. After moving to Boston, Massachusetts and working in a plastics factory, the opportunity arose for her to relocate again. That’s when Patricia came to Florida and heard of an opening here at Homestead Animal Clinic through a friend of hers. She joined the clinic team in June of 2018 and hasn’t looked back since!

In her free time away from work, Patricia likes working on arts and crafts and spending time with her bird, Pacho, at home. Pacho is especially fond of singing at abnormal times—Patricia wakes up to his harmonies every single morning!