
Joe Covino, DVM
Owner
Originally from Connecticut, Dr. Covino relocated to Naples, Florida, with his family in 1985. After graduating from St. John Neumann High School, he attended Iona College in New York State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Professional Biology. Dr. Covino earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. As part of his studies, Dr. Covino was the lead researcher in a retrospective study on canine acute infected pancreatitis justifying the use of antibiotics in acute pancreatitis in canine patients. He chose to compete to obtain post-doctoral training through a national internship program. He matched with Oradell Animal Hospital, a 36,000 square foot, multi-specialty, 24-hour referral and general practice in Paramus, New Jersey. It was at Oradell that Dr. Covino gained vast experience in a 13-month rotating medicine and surgery program. His direct guidance and communication with specialists in internal medicine, surgery, radiology, emergency and critical care, behavior, neurology, cardiology and nutrition helped hone his skills. Daily rounds ensured that all cases, not just Dr. Covino’s, were discussed and shared. After completing his internship, Dr. Covino relocated to Florida and has been practicing in the Naples area where he remained as an associate for more than 5 years. The experience that Dr. Covino gained triggered both the knowledge and competence to design and open a state-of-the-art hospital, Animal Wellness Center of Bonita.
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Besides the attraction to animals, he was very intrigued by medicine, surgery, and dentistry. Seeing the joy that animals bring their owners provides him with the desire to partner with his clients to provide exceptional care to strengthen the owner-pet bond and improve their quality and quantity of life.
Dr. Covino has always been attracted to animals. In high school, he met his mentor and as he learned more about breeds, animal behaviors, and observing the enthusiasm in which my mentor approached medical and surgical cases, I was hooked.
Dr. Covino’s passion is wellness care and oral health of his patients. He is a member for the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry (formerly the American Veterinary Dental Society) and received additional training in dentistry and oral surgery through dental-specific veterinary conferences, hands-on web-labs as well as working alongside a veterinary dental specialist for ~1 year. In addition, Dr. Covino is a member of the American Veterinary Medicinal Association (AVMA), Florida Veterinary Medicinal Association (FVMA) and Collier County Veterinary Society.
Dr. Covino lives in Naples with his wife and two children. Dr. Covino enjoys spending time with his family playing games, basketball with his son, tea-time with his daughter, bike riding as well as being a “weekend woodworker.”

Jonathan Greenfield, DVM, MS
Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Greenfield is a graduate of the University of Illinois where he earned his degree in Neurophysiology and Veterinary Medicine. Post-graduation, he started his career in New York, where he bought a practice and worked until moving to Florida in 2007. Dubbed our in house celebrity, he was the host and writer for the News 12 Long Island, “The Family Pet”, a weekly series about pets. After moving to Florida, Dr. Greenfield tried retirement for a few months only to realize he wasn’t cut out for that lifestyle. He started working relief at different hospitals around Southwest Florida until officially joining the AWCB team in January 2020. In his spare time, Dr. Greenfield enjoys spending time with his wife, scuba diving, and rowing.

Suzanne Brough, DVM
Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Brough is a New Orleans native who graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She has practiced in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Boston, and Connecticut before finally settling down in Naples. She finds the veterinary career an extremely rewarding and challenging career. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a sick or injured patient recover. Dr. Brough’s veterinary interests include geriatric care, client education, and surgery. She is a member of the FVMA and the AVMA.
Her family consists of her husband and daughter. They have three dogs (Jesse, Drew, and Brady), a guinea pig (Bob), and a rescue horse (Chloe). She enjoys horseback riding, learning to play tennis, and spending time with family.

John Zatko
Veterinary Technician
John is a Veterinary Technician at the Animal Wellness Center of Bonita, bringing a deep passion for animal care and practical experience to the team. Originally from Boca Raton, FL, he later moved to Naples in 2015, where he graduated from Barron Collier High School. John spent three years studying at Florida SouthWestern State College in Naples before pursuing his interest in veterinary care, inspired by his time shadowing Dr. Newman at Crossroads Veterinary Clinic. Growing up with five cats further fueled his desire to work with animals.
John’s career in the veterinary field began after volunteering and observing surgeries, like a canine cystotomy, which solidified his decision to pursue this path. At Animal Wellness Center, he loves the natural flow of his work and the strong relationships he’s built with both his coworkers and the clients. His long-term goal is to eventually become a veterinarian, but for now, he finds fulfillment in his current role and the daily opportunities to care for animals.
Outside of work, John enjoys a close-knit family life with his mother, grandmother, and three cats: Bella, Cheeto, and Tux. He also takes home the clinic cat, Mr. Dickens, on weekends to keep him company. In his spare time, John likes working on his car and going fishing, hobbies that provide a balance to his fulfilling career in animal care.

Brianna Paiva
Veterinary Technician

Marlene Ledesma
Veterinary Technician/Certified Veterinary Assistant
Marlene was born and raised in Naples, FL, with a proud heritage rooted in Mexico. She pursued her education at Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, where she was tri-enrolled at both Lorenzo Walker Technical College and Florida Southwestern State College.
From an early age, Marlene knew she wanted to work with animals. She began the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) program as a junior in high school, and her hands-on experience during that time reinforced her passion for veterinary care. Growing up with dogs and cats further deepened her love for animals. Her favorite aspect of working in the veterinary field is witnessing the healing process—both for animals and their owners—when a beloved pet recovers.
Marlene finds affirmation in her career when pet owners remember her name, recognizing the kindness, understanding, and compassion she brings to every interaction.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her parents, older sister, younger brother, and grandmother. She has a strong personal interest in reading and expanding her knowledge, as well as a passion for long-distance running, always striving to improve her mile times.

Emily Avalos
Veterinary Technician
Emily is a dedicated Veterinary Technician at the Animal Wellness Center of Bonita. Born and raised just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Emily always had a passion for animals. After graduating high school, she completed her Veterinary Assisting Certification and made the move to Florida in 2019. Since then, she’s been deeply involved in the veterinary field, turning her lifelong passion for animal care into a rewarding career.
Emily’s love for animals started early, growing up surrounded by a wide variety of pets. She often volunteered at shelters and rescues in her hometown, where her interest in reptiles and exotic animals blossomed. Today, she takes pride in being able to educate and advocate for creatures of all shapes and sizes, especially those that often go unnoticed. Her favorite part of the job is watching her patients progress, celebrating their successes, and being there for them through their ups and downs.
Outside of work, Emily resides in Naples with her long-term partner and their animal family, which includes two cats, Juniper and Ramona, and a Pitbull named Calliope. A self-proclaimed frog enthusiast, she also cares for two Australian white’s tree frogs. Emily’s commitment to animal care extends well beyond the clinic, making her an essential part of the Animal Wellness Center of Bonita team.

Kristina Wigglesworth
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!

John Goebel
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!

Melanie Mayer
Practice Manager
Melanie is the Practice Manager at the Animal Wellness Center of Bonita. Originally from Germany, Melanie moved to the U.S. in 1999, settling in the Bonita Springs area and graduating from Estero High School in 2000. With a deep-rooted passion for animals, she began her career in the veterinary field that same year. In 2009, Melanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida, further solidifying her commitment to animal care.
Melanie’s love for animals started at a young age. Growing up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, and even reptiles, she always felt a calling to work with animals. Her early experiences, including caring for her first guinea pig with a heart defect, helped her realize that being an advocate for animals was her true purpose. She cherishes the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and help people better understand their pets’ health and needs.
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time with her dogs and horse, as well as embracing the outdoors with activities like fishing and boating. Melanie’s husband shares her love of adventure, with his own passion for cars rounding out their dynamic life together.

Krysten Garrison
Customer Service Representative
Krysten, a Customer Service Representative, brings a deep-seated love for animals to her role. Born and raised in Naples, Florida, she grew up immersed in nature, exploring trails, beaches, and wildlife with her family. Surrounded by pets, including dogs, birds, and small animals, her passion for animals grew naturally from an early age. Krysten began her career in pet retail, later transitioning to General Management, which sparked her desire to work in the veterinary field, allowing her to stay close to animals daily. Her favorite aspect of the job is helping animals heal and thrive while building lasting relationships with clients.
Seeing the impact of veterinary care and the recovery of beloved pets has strengthened her commitment to this profession, especially as she witnesses the compassion and dedication of her fellow veterinarians. Outside of work, Krysten and her partner, Michael, cherish their time with her four-year-old daughter, Juliet, and eagerly await the arrival of their second daughter, Maisie, due on November 29th. Together with their two dogs, Leo, a Teacup Chihuahua, and Chloe, a red-nosed Pitbull, they enjoy the outdoors—whether fishing, hiking trails, beach outings, or shark tooth hunting.

Devon Clendenen
Customer Service Representative
Devon joined the team as a Customer Service Representative in August 2024. A lifelong resident of Fort Myers, Florida, she is currently a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University, pursuing a B.A. in philosophy with a focus on ethics and technology. Following graduation, Devon plans to apply to graduate school to work towards her Ph.D.
With a background in administrative work and a love for animals, Devon found herself drawn to the veterinary field despite having no prior experience. She quickly discovered a passion for the work, especially for Labrador Retrievers and Siamese cats. For Devon, the presence of animals makes even the toughest days rewarding, and she can’t imagine a better balance than working with clients while surrounded by furry companions.
Outside of work, Devon’s world revolves around philosophy, literature, and her two cats. She’s particularly interested in the philosophy of cognition and technology and aspires to consult on ethical practices in the tech industry to help shape the responsible development of new technologies.

Daniel Trujillo
Customer Service Representative
Bio coming soon!

Elizabeth Rea Snow
Customer Service Representative
Bio coming soon!