Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Yelmarie grew up near the beach surrounded by animals, including horses. Her childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist eventually evolved into a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine.
Yelmarie has worked in the veterinary field since 2010, with more than 16 years of experience in veterinary hospitals, emergency and critical care, specialty medicine, rescue, and triage across Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina. She began her career as a receptionist and advanced through kennel technician and veterinary assistant roles before specializing in ICU and triage nursing. Her experience includes working at Cove Center of Veterinary Expertise in Virginia and Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital in North Carolina, along with veterinary education at Valencia Community College and Westside Technical College.
What Yelmarie loves most about veterinary medicine is being an animal’s voice and advocating for patients who cannot speak for themselves. Emergency and critical care is her greatest passion, allowing her to support both patients and their families during some of their most challenging moments.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Yelmarie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and is an ordained minister. She enjoys serving her community, including visiting women in jail to provide encouragement and support.
At home, she has a fluffy orange Siberian cat and a very vocal Miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix. Whether caring for animals or supporting people, her passion is simply being there for others when they need it most.
