Meet your pet's care team.

Open 24 hours, every dayOne standard of care

Dr. James E. Nave

DVM · Founder

Dr. Nave graduated in 1968 from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. He joined the US Army after graduation from veterinary school and served as a Captain in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his military service. He was discharged in 1971, and shortly after settled in Las Vegas, NV.

Dr. Nave has mentored hundreds of veterinarians throughout his career, and continues the mentoring process to this day for veterinarians ranging from veterinary students to new graduates and seasoned veterans. He truly believes leadership is the key to success and strives to promote that throughout his colleagues.

Dr. James E. Nave, veterinarian at Tropicana Animal Hospital

Hometown:: Protem, Missouri
Undergraduate Studies:: University of Missouri
Veterinary School:: University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Christian Lay
Medical Director
DVM · Surgery, internal medicine & cardiology
Hometown:
Slidell, LA
Undergraduate Studies:
Louisiana State University
Veterinary School:
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lay graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. He moved to Las Vegas to join Tropicana after graduation. Dr. Lay's professional interests include surgery, internal medicine, ultrasonography, and cardiology. Outside of the office, Dr. Lay enjoys boating, fishing, and marksmanship. Dr. Lay also enjoys spending time with his Golden Retriever named Gatsby, and his cat Luna.
Dr. Alex Ralston
DVM · Surgery & preventive medicine
Hometown:
Kansas
Undergraduate Studies:
Oklahoma State University
Veterinary School:
Oklahoma State University
Dr. Alex Ralston grew up in Shawnee, KS, a suburb of Kansas City, where she worked in a rural veterinary clinic during school breaks. She attended both undergrad and veterinary school at Oklahoma State University. While there, she made some great memories and learned a lot. While she is a bit sad to leave the Midwest behind, she is excited for all the new experiences Las Vegas and Tropicana Animal Hospital will bring.
When Dr. Ralston is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and entertaining her dogs (Royal and Cash), as well as traveling, reading, and binge watching her favorite shows. She has a special interest in surgery, preventative medicine, and nutrition. Dr. Ralston can't wait to improve the health and livelihood of her patients and their families with each visit.
Dr. Matthew McCollum
DVM · Internal medicine & surgery
Hometown:
Lafayette, Louisiana
Undergraduate Studies:
Louisiana State University
Veterinary School:
Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Matthew McCollum is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. He completed his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University with a bachelor of science in Animal Sciences and then continued his education and graduated from Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. While completing his undergraduate degree he worked as a veterinary technician at his hometown clinic. His interest in veterinary medicine includes internal medicine, ultrasonography, and surgery.
Dr. McCollum enjoys spending time with his fur family, Luna a Catahoula/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, Tonks an orange tabby cat, Zoom Zoom a black cat, and two Fancy rats Basil and Professor Ratigan, on his time off. He loves spending time hiking, fishing, and being outdoors, and is a true Louisiana Cajun that loves to cook.
Dr. Sandra Gomez
DVM · General practice, bilingual
Hometown:
Born in Lima, Peru & raised in Delaware/New Jersey
Undergraduate Studies:
Delaware State University
Veterinary School:
Tuskegee University
Dr. Gomez was born in Lima, Peru and soon after moved to the United States. She graduated with a BA in biology and minored in chemistry from Delaware State University. Without skipping a beat, she completed her veterinary program and received her DVM from Tuskegee University. Dr. Gomez is bilingual in Spanish and is a great asset to our veterinary community. During her down time, Dr. Gomez enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with her family including 7 furbabies, and traveling the world.
Dr. Babette SanMartin
DVM · Surgery, dentistry & endoscopy
Hometown:
Gaithersburg, MD
Undergraduate Studies:
Saint Vincent College
Veterinary School:
Louisiana State University
Dr. Babette SanMartin grew up in Gaithersburg, MD, close to Washington D.C. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Saint Vincent College, where she also played four years of NCAA women's basketball. She then went on to receive her doctorate from Louisiana State University. Her professional interests include surgery, dentistry, and endoscopy.
Dr. SanMartin is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and German. She has a rescued mutt named Paco, and knows more pets are in her future. In her free time, she likes to cook, crochet, and ride horses.
Dr. Indigo Maybee
DVM · Soft-tissue surgery & exotics
Hometown:
Seattle, Washington
Undergraduate Studies:
Seattle University
Veterinary School:
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Maybee grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and for many years thought she wanted to be a human doctor, but could never find the area of healthcare she felt fit best with her interests. It wasn't until undergrad, while she was completing pre-med courses and volunteering at a local animal shelter, that she realized she could combine her interest in science and love of animals in veterinary medicine - and the rest is history.
Dr. Maybee's professional interests include soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, and exotics. Outside of work, she likes to spend time reading, doing yoga, traveling, and seeing her friends and family. She currently has four pets at home: Bolognese (mutt), Marinara (cat), Rasputin (cat), and Tortellini (leopard tortoise).
Dr. Amethyst Southern
DVM · Internal medicine & exotics
Hometown:
Houston, Texas
Veterinary School:
Texas A&M University
Dr. Amethyst Southern grew up in Houston, Texas. Dr. Southern always had an interest in science and medicine, and for some time thought she would become a human doctor. Becoming a veterinarian gave her the ability to include her growing passion for animals and is now in the unique position to not only help animals, but to also help their human companions strengthen the human-animal bond.
Dr. Southern went to Texas A&M University where she received her undergraduate degree in Zoology and continued to excel in her veterinary program where she graduated with a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Her special interests include internal medicine, neurology, public health, and exotics.
Dr. Southern has two dogs, a Dachshund named Remi, and a Chi/Yorkie mix named Penny. She also has an orange cat that always keeps her on her toes named Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. In her spare time, Dr. Southern loves to travel and scuba dive. Although she is new to Las Vegas, she cannot wait to get out to Red Rock or Mount Charleston for some hiking.
Dr. Samantha Lee
DVM · Dentistry & surgery
Hometown:
San Francisco, California
Veterinary School:
Ross University
Dr. Samantha Lee hails from San Francisco and is the eldest of three girls. She is familiar with Las Vegas as she attended high school here!
Dr. Lee moved back to San Francisco and graduated with a BS in Zoology from San Francisco State University. In her younger years, Dr. Lee watched the show 'Emergency Vets' on Animal Planet. After a few episodes, she knew she wanted to be just like those doctors. Dr. Lee received her doctorate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her interests include dentistry and surgery.
Dr. Lee has two cats named Cooper and Max, and when she is not at work, enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, and being outdoors.
Dr. Leigh Malanga
DVM · Soft-tissue surgery & imaging
Hometown:
Milan, TN
Undergraduate Studies:
University of Tennessee at Martin
Veterinary School:
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Leigh Malanga grew up in Milan, Tennessee. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian ever since she was young, and her passion for animals and medicine only grew with age. She completed her undergraduate studies and received two bachelor's degrees of agriculture in both Pre-Veterinary Health and Technology from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She then attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and adored living in the Caribbean.
Dr. Malanga has a German shepherd named Maddie, and two pets she adopted from the island: a cat called Mittens and a dog named Hobbes (featured). Dr. Malanga loves to read, travel, and be near the ocean. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging.
Dr. Cameron Lorica
DVM · Soft-tissue surgery & imaging
Hometown:
West Palm Beach, Florida
Undergraduate Studies:
University of Central Florida
Veterinary School:
St. George's University
Dr. Cameron Lorica originally grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has a passion for enhancing animal health through advanced medical care. Dr. Lorica completed a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University. After graduating he moved to Las Vegas to continue his veterinary career.
With a special interest in soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Lorica remains committed to delivering compassionate and effective care. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Lorica enjoys fishing, hiking, and watching sports. He is also an avid cook, finding joy in preparing meals as a way to unwind.
Dr. Alastair Fraser
DVM · Surgery & neurology
Hometown:
New Zealand
Undergraduate Studies:
University of Nevada, Reno
Veterinary School:
Western University
Dr. Fraser was born in New Zealand and grew up in Australia. He moved to Las Vegas in high school and moved to Reno for his undergraduate degree. Dr. Fraser moved back to Las Vegas to work as a veterinary technician until he moved to California to attend veterinary school at Western University. Dr. Fraser has a special interest in surgery and neurology. He has four rescue dogs (3 chihuahuas and a terrier) and two cats. His favorite dog breed is a Labrador Retriever. When not working, Dr. Fraser likes to run, watch the NFL, and play golf.
Dr. Fiona Deng
DVM · General practice
Hometown:
South San Francisco, California
Undergraduate Studies:
UC San Diego
Veterinary School:
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Deng grew up in the Bay Area of California and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2025. After graduation, she moved to Las Vegas to join the team at Tropicana Animal Hospital. Outside of work, Dr. Deng enjoys traveling, reading, and photography.
Dr. Sisina Macchiarelli
DVM · Surgery & cardiology
Hometown:
New York
Veterinary School:
St. George's University
Dr. Macchiarelli graduated from St. George's University of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. She originally started her first year in upstate New York, practicing general medicine. Her passion to further her career in surgery and cardiology brought her to Tropicana Animal Hospital. Dr. Macchiarelli loves outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the nearby national parks. She enjoys playing soccer and riding her motorcycle in her free time.
Dr. Victor Ciaramitaro
DVM · Internal medicine
Hometown:
Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate Studies:
University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Veterinary School:
St. George's University
Dr. Victor Ciaramitaro grew up in Los Angeles, California, where his love for animals and science first developed. He earned his undergraduate degree in Marine Science from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo before pursuing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies. Dr. Ciaramitaro completed his clinical year at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, where he gained extensive hands-on training in small animal medicine and surgery before beginning his veterinary career in Las Vegas.
Dr. Ciaramitaro has a special interest in internal medicine and enjoys working through complex medical cases to help pets feel their best. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, fishing and hiking with his dog, Ollie, a German Shepherd mix. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys watching soccer, with a particular interest in the Italian Serie A league.
Dr. Logan Luzenski
DVM · General practice
Hometown:
Zionsville, Pennsylvania
Veterinary School:
St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Luzenski grew up in Zionsville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2025. He moved to Las Vegas to join the Tropicana Animal Hospital team after graduation. Outside of work, Dr. Luzenski enjoys being outdoors, watching sports, and hanging out with his pets.
Dr. Mikka Muramatsu
DVM · Emergency & shelter medicine
Hometown:
Las Vegas
Undergraduate Studies:
University of Nevada, Reno
Veterinary School:
St. George's University
Dr. Mikka Muramatsu was born in Southern California and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada as a proud local. She earned her bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Nevada, Reno, before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University. She completed her clinical training at the University of Pennsylvania and returned home to Las Vegas with her two pets, Boo (Siamese cat) and Suki (Grenadian island dog), to continue her veterinary career.
Dr. Mikka developed a special interest in emergency and shelter medicine during veterinary school and is dedicated to providing compassionate care while continuing to grow as a veterinarian and serve her community.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys baking, rock climbing, hiking, yoga, indoor cycling, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.
Dr. Stephen Williams
DVM · Internal medicine, dermatology & surgery
Hometown:
Birmingham, Alabama
Undergraduate Studies:
Auburn University
Veterinary School:
University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Williams is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, where he developed an early interest in veterinary medicine while working with local veterinary clinics. He attended Auburn University and earned bachelor's degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Microbiology. He then continued his education at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2026. Following graduation, Dr. Williams moved to Las Vegas to begin the next chapter of his veterinary career.
Dr. Williams has a special interest in internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys spending time outdoors, including kayaking, hiking, and fly-fishing in the mountains.