Our Veterinarians
Dr. Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal
Owner/CEO
As a kid growing up in Connecticut, Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal loved hiking through the woods with her family to the edge of the horse farm that bordered their property. She also fondly remembers learning to ride horses in New Zealand. These events demonstrated the power of the human-animal bond to a young Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal, and her interest in veterinary medicine was ignited.
Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from the University of Florida. In 2001, she began at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After attending Virginia Tech for her clinical studies, she started working in Rochester, NY before moving to Port St. Lucie. In 2009, with her husband Dr. Nathan Gimbal, she purchased Animal Planet and Morningside Animal Hospital which were then merged together. In 2013 they purchased Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital, and in 2015 they purchased Hobe Sound Veterinary Clinic.
As a veterinarian, Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal likes treating geriatrics because she truly believes that age is not a disease and older patients shouldn’t be written off without hope. She has a special place in her heart for animals with no one to advocate for them, like feral and homeless cats. She also enjoys treating small mammals like rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
In her spare time, Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal enjoys running, spinning, reading, yoga, and organic/natural living.
Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from the University of Florida. In 2001, she began at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After attending Virginia Tech for her clinical studies, she started working in Rochester, NY before moving to Port St. Lucie. In 2009, with her husband Dr. Nathan Gimbal, she purchased Animal Planet and Morningside Animal Hospital which were then merged together. In 2013 they purchased Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital, and in 2015 they purchased Hobe Sound Veterinary Clinic.
As a veterinarian, Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal likes treating geriatrics because she truly believes that age is not a disease and older patients shouldn’t be written off without hope. She has a special place in her heart for animals with no one to advocate for them, like feral and homeless cats. She also enjoys treating small mammals like rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
In her spare time, Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal enjoys running, spinning, reading, yoga, and organic/natural living.
Dr. Nathan Gimbal
Owner/CFO
Dr. Nathan Gimbal is the business CFO and managing partner. While his most time consuming job duties may be to his family, Dr. DiTrapani, and their three children, he also enjoys running, exercising, spending time at the beach, and enjoying Star Wars and Marvel.
Our entire Team of Veterinarians highly respects and values our clients, and strives to educate as well as be attentive to your needs and the needs of your treasured pets.
Our entire Team of Veterinarians highly respects and values our clients, and strives to educate as well as be attentive to your needs and the needs of your treasured pets.
Dr. Kari Lyon Kelly
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Kari Lyon Kelly is a 2006 graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (PennVet). Her path towards becoming a veterinarian began while growing up and working on horse farms in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She eventually received her Associate’s Degree in veterinary technology from Harcum College, followed by her B.S. in biology from West Chester University. After college, Dr. Kelly worked as a veterinary nurse at the University of Pennsylvania’s world-renowned large animal hospital, the New Bolton Center, before pursuing her veterinary degree from PennVet in 2002.
Following graduation, Dr. Kelly interned at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center in New Jersey. In 2008, in support of her husband’s successful pursuit towards receiving his PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Maryland, Dr. Kelly moved to Easton, Maryland. As an Associate Veterinarian at a mixed animal veterinary practice in Easton, Dr. Kelly both refined her surgical skills and began to concentrate on small animals. After 5 wonderful years there, she and her husband decided to move to Florida to further pursue their professions.
On a personal level, Dr. Kelly strongly believes in creating and maintaining an open, honest, and relaxed relationship with her clients. She states, “Being able to socialize with my clients allows me to educate them in a relaxed manner about their pets’ healthcare.”
Dr. Kelly lives in Port St. Lucie with her husband, Chris, and two small daughters, Paige and Charlotte. They also share their home with a very cute, but very loud snorer, Torin the French Bulldog.
Following graduation, Dr. Kelly interned at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center in New Jersey. In 2008, in support of her husband’s successful pursuit towards receiving his PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Maryland, Dr. Kelly moved to Easton, Maryland. As an Associate Veterinarian at a mixed animal veterinary practice in Easton, Dr. Kelly both refined her surgical skills and began to concentrate on small animals. After 5 wonderful years there, she and her husband decided to move to Florida to further pursue their professions.
On a personal level, Dr. Kelly strongly believes in creating and maintaining an open, honest, and relaxed relationship with her clients. She states, “Being able to socialize with my clients allows me to educate them in a relaxed manner about their pets’ healthcare.”
Dr. Kelly lives in Port St. Lucie with her husband, Chris, and two small daughters, Paige and Charlotte. They also share their home with a very cute, but very loud snorer, Torin the French Bulldog.
Dr. Kellie Lindahl
Veterinarian
Dr. Kellie Lindahl grew up in South Carolina and moved to Florida in 2021. She received her Bachelor's degree in Biology with pre-veterinary emphasis from Lander University in 2014. She then attended St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in the beautiful island of Grenada, graduating in 2018. This is where she met her husband, Dr. Andrés Pacheco (also a veterinarian). Her clinical study was completed at the University of Florida. Her special interests are Dermatology and Dentistry.
She has a house full of fur babies which include a husky mix (Obi Wan Kenobi), 4 cats (Jerome, Baby Gurl, Ace, and Satine), and 4 guinea pigs (Cavy-ar, Escargot, Champagne, and Creme Brulee).
In her spare time her and her husband love to travel, go to the beach, collect sea shells, and see Broadway musicals (Moulin Rouge! The Musical is her favorite).
She is so excited to be part of the Morningside Animal Hospital family and to be able to care for all your fur babies as if they were her own.
She has a house full of fur babies which include a husky mix (Obi Wan Kenobi), 4 cats (Jerome, Baby Gurl, Ace, and Satine), and 4 guinea pigs (Cavy-ar, Escargot, Champagne, and Creme Brulee).
In her spare time her and her husband love to travel, go to the beach, collect sea shells, and see Broadway musicals (Moulin Rouge! The Musical is her favorite).
She is so excited to be part of the Morningside Animal Hospital family and to be able to care for all your fur babies as if they were her own.
Dr. Michael Wasserman
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Mike is a passionate and skilled veterinarian whose journey to the profession is almost as unique as it is inspiring. Starting his career as a veterinary technician, he discovered his true calling while assisting with surgeries at a 24/7 specialty hospital. Witnessing the joy and relief of families at discharge, he knew he wanted to be the one performing life-changing surgeries. Today, surgery remains his greatest passion, driving his dedication to providing the highest standard of care in every procedure, from routine spays to complex emergency operations.
Originally on track to pursue law, Dr. Mike’s plans took a turn after he landed a summer job as a maintenance technician at a specialty hospital. He quickly transitioned into veterinary nursing, working overnight shifts and assisting in surgeries. This hands-on experience solidified his decision to pivot careers, leading him to complete his prerequisites and earn his DVM from the University of Florida in 2023. Along the way, his mother, Dr. Cindy Wasserman served as his greatest mentor, offering invaluable guidance and support every step of the way.
Dr. Mike was introduced to Morningside Animal Hospital when he completed his externship here during his clinical year at veterinary school. He also did a few stints as a relief vet before officially joining the team as an associate veterinarian. Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr. Mike thrives on building strong relationships with clients. He believes in empowering families with knowledge, ensuring they can make the best decisions for their pets.
When he's not in the clinic, you’ll likely find Dr. Mike advancing his skills through continuing education, or dreaming of ways to give back through high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter programs. At home, Dr. Mike enjoys time with his loyal dog Jack, a mixed breed who’s been by his side through veterinary school, and his aloof yet lovable cat Tobey. Whether he's playing drums, snowboarding, or refining his surgical techniques, Dr. Mike is all about bringing his A-game—both in and out of the clinic.
Originally on track to pursue law, Dr. Mike’s plans took a turn after he landed a summer job as a maintenance technician at a specialty hospital. He quickly transitioned into veterinary nursing, working overnight shifts and assisting in surgeries. This hands-on experience solidified his decision to pivot careers, leading him to complete his prerequisites and earn his DVM from the University of Florida in 2023. Along the way, his mother, Dr. Cindy Wasserman served as his greatest mentor, offering invaluable guidance and support every step of the way.
Dr. Mike was introduced to Morningside Animal Hospital when he completed his externship here during his clinical year at veterinary school. He also did a few stints as a relief vet before officially joining the team as an associate veterinarian. Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr. Mike thrives on building strong relationships with clients. He believes in empowering families with knowledge, ensuring they can make the best decisions for their pets.
When he's not in the clinic, you’ll likely find Dr. Mike advancing his skills through continuing education, or dreaming of ways to give back through high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter programs. At home, Dr. Mike enjoys time with his loyal dog Jack, a mixed breed who’s been by his side through veterinary school, and his aloof yet lovable cat Tobey. Whether he's playing drums, snowboarding, or refining his surgical techniques, Dr. Mike is all about bringing his A-game—both in and out of the clinic.
