Our neurologists are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, which ensures the highest level of training, experience, and expertise. They are dedicated to using their distinct set of talents to serve pets, families, and referring veterinarians with compassionate care and humble expertise.
What does it mean to be a humble expert? By definition, a pet neurologist is an expert in the field of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery. However, our neurologists are hired, trained, and rewarded not only for their expertise in treating complex health conditions, but also for their ability to connect with pets and their people. It is not uncommon to find our neurologists writing records with patients in their laps or sitting on the floor with patients during examinations. Afterall, our pet neurologists are pet parents, too.
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Michael Wong, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
CEO | Veterinary Neurologist
Dr. Michael Wong is one of fewer than 300 board-certified veterinary neurologists practicing in North America. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine and while there, founded the UF Veterinary Business Management Association. He also went on to complete a medical and surgical internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Dr. Wong subsequently received his neurology and neurosurgery training at North Florida Neurology.
After completing his residency, Dr. Wong successfully passed his neurology certifying examination and became board-certified in veterinary neurology in the same year. He was one of the first veterinary neurologists to complete the Advanced Neurosurgical Certification, and founded Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN) in 2010.
Dr. Wong has lectured at the local, state, and national levels and has instructed veterinary students at UF. He has also published articles on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and new treatments for encephalitis and brain tumors. He enjoys all aspects of neurology, but his passions include spinal surgery, seizure management, management of encephalitis, and MRI in the diagnosis of neurological disease.
In 2014, Dr. Wong was featured on several local news stations in Miami for helping a paralyzed Dachshund with a free surgery. You can learn more about this “Christmas Gift” to a wonderful family here and here. In his free time, Dr. Wong enjoys spending time with his wife and family, mountain biking, surfing, and playing the bass guitar and ukulele.
Nicholas DePompa, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Medical Director | Veterinary Neurologist
Nicholas DePompa, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist and the Medical Director at Southeast Veterinary Neurology.
Dr. Nicholas DePompa is a native of South Florida and a lifelong animal lover. In his youth, he founded a rescue for small dogs & has continued to be involved with animal-based charities for the last 20 years.
Dr. DePompa went on to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama. Dr. DePompa then completed a one year neurology and neurosurgery internship, followed by a three year neurology and neurosurgery residency. Post residency, Dr. DePompa successfully passed the ACVIM Neurology certifying examination and became board certified that same year. He also earned a master’s degree in biomedical science with an emphasis on neuropathic pain identification and management. Dr. DePompa has been with SEVN since 2015. Dr. DePompa’s professional interests include all aspects of neurology and neurosurgery, with a particular interest in pain management, brain and spinal cord surgery, and encephalitis management.
When he is not at work Dr. DePompa enjoys being active, participating in outdoor activities, boating, and spending time with his partner and their three furchildren Lola (Standard Poodle), Kirby (Daschund) and Luigi (Chiweenie).
Michael Reese, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Veterinary Neurologist
Michael J. Reese, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist with Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Boynton Beach, Florida. An expert in veterinary neurology, neurosurgery and management of brain disease, he is one of fewer than 300 board-certified veterinary neurologists in North America.
Dr. Reese earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. He went on to complete a rotating Small Animal Medicine and Surgery internship from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts, and a neurology internship from Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, Texas. He later completed his neurology and neurosurgery residency, and a master’s of science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Dr. Reese is an author of numerous articles and case studies on animal neurological conditions and is published in various journals, including the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound. He has presented at various seminars and conferences, lectured at the local and national level and has instructed veterinary students at Purdue University. Dr. Reese is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
When not treating pets, Dr. Reese enjoys spending time with his wife, four-legged kiddos, and fishing.
Simon Kornberg, BVSc, DACVIM (Neurology)
Veterinary Neurologist
Simon T. Kornberg, BVSc, DACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist at Southeast Veterinary Neurology. Dr. Kornberg was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. The son of a Pediatric Neurologist and a Psycho-therapist, he was immersed in the world of neurology from a young age. His desire to become a veterinarian was born with his childhood beagles, Biscuit and Friskie, with their constant trips to the veterinarian’s office. He became enamored with the profession and spent his school holidays shadowing them in the clinics.
He studied veterinary science at the University of Melbourne and completed a rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists in Australia. This was followed by a Neurology and Neurosurgery residency at Mississippi State University. Immediately following his residency, Dr. Kornberg passed his exams and achieved board certification. Since then, he moved to New York to expand neurosurgery capabilities in a large multispecialty hospital and helped set up a neurology service in Connecticut. After his journey up north, Dr. Kornberg was delighted to bring his unique experience back to sunny South Florida and reunite with the team at SEVN in 2021.
Dr. Kornberg has provided practical instruction and presented both nationally and internationally at
various conferences and workshops. He has co- authored a journal article on ultrasound guided brain surgery and has a book chapter in a neurosurgery textbook due to be published 2023.He is a board member of the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include all aspects of neurology and neurosurgery, and he is particularly passionate about spinal surgery, ultrasound-guided brain surgery, neuro-oncology, Chiari-like malformation, and seizure management.
When not in the clinic Dr Kornberg spends time with his wife Samantha, their three dogs; Freddie,
Monterrey and Kimber, two horses; Deacon and Drover, and cat Thomas. In his spare time Dr. Kornberg plays competitive Australian Football for the Fort Lauderdale Fighting Squids in the USAFL, is an avid horse rider, enjoys cruising around on his One Wheel and watching his teams in baseball, hockey and Australian Football.
Christine Senneca, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Veterinary Neurologist
Christine Senneca, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist with Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Jupiter, Florida. Originally from Long Island, New York, Dr. Christine Senneca is excited to be in sunny Florida and on the SEVN team.
Since her early childhood years, Dr. Senneca had always known she wanted to be a veterinarian. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, Dr. Senneca went on to graduate with high honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and then completed a one year rotating internship with VCA Aurora and VCA Berwyn Hospitals in the Chicago suburbs. From 2010 - 2014, Dr. Senneca practiced as an emergency clinician at hospitals in New York and New Jersey, and then went on to pursue a three year neurology and neurosurgery residency at the University of Florida, which she completed in 2017.
Dr. Senneca achieved board certification in veterinary neurology and also obtained her advanced neurosurgery certificate from the American College of Veterinary Medicine that same year. Dr. Senneca spent the following three years establishing and building a thriving neurology service in Malvern, Pennsylvania and she made southeast Florida and Southeast Veterinary Neurology her home in 2020. Dr. Senneca enjoys all aspects of neurology, including a particular interest in neurosurgery and treating spinal cord injury.
When not treating patients, Dr. Senneca loves almost any outdoor activity, and particularly loves being at the Jupiter dog beach with her dog Nalu. Most of all Dr. Senneca enjoys being a mom to her new daughter, Amelia, and spending quality family time together along with her husband, Jeff.
Montana DiVita, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Veterinary Neurologist
Montana DiVita, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist with Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dr. DiVita was born and raised in New Jersey, where she attended Rutgers University and majored in Animal Science. After college, she attended Ross University on the island of St. Kitts. Dr. DiVita finished her clinical studies at North Carolina State University and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May 2017.
Following the completion of veterinary school, Dr. DiVita went on to do a rotating Medical and Surgical internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Winston-Salem. She then completed a Neurology internship at BluePearl in Sandy Springs, Georgia before beginning her Neurology residency at Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Miami. Dr. DiVita wrapped up her residency and achieved board certification in Veterinary Neurology in 2022. She then moved on to lead the Southeast Veterinary Neurology Virginia Beach hospital.
Dr. DiVita is passionate about all facets of neurology, but has a special interest in neurosurgery. Throughout her training, she participated in and performed numerous advanced surgical procedures.
When not treating pets, Dr. DiVita enjoys SCUBA diving, spending time at the beach and hiking with her dog, Frenchy.
Amanda Taylor, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Director of Education and Wellness | Veterinary Neurologist
Amanda R. Taylor, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist and the Director of Health and Wellness with Southeast Veterinary Neurology. Dr. Taylor received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. She completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Colorado State University and a residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at Texas A&M University.
Dr. Taylor is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). She is certified in Neurosurgery by the ACVIM, Acupuncture by the Chi Institute and Canine Rehabilitation by the University of Tennessee. Dr. Taylor is originally from Dallas, Texas and grew up in a family of theater artists, one of three children. Her passions growing up were playing soccer, theater, art, and animals.
Dr. Taylor’s professional career has been diverse with an initial brief stint in advertising, veterinary school, an academic internship and residency programs, faculty position, private practice neurologist, medical director, and regional medical director. In addition to veterinary training, she has designed courses focused on communication and mental wellbeing for veterinary students and house officers (resident doctors). Dr. Taylor’s research interests include MRI and neurosurgery.
When not treating pets, Dr. Taylor enjoys spending time with her family, running, cooking and gardening.
Amy Thibault, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Veterinary Neurologist
Amy Thibault, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) is a Veterinary Neurologist with Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Miami, Florida. Dr. Thibault was born and raised in South Florida. She attended the University of Florida, majoring in Biology with a minor in Business Administration. After her undergraduate studies, she stayed in Gainesville for veterinary school and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in May of 2018.
Following the completion of veterinary school, Dr. Thibault went on to complete a rotating Medical and Surgical internship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She stayed in Philadelphia to complete her residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery, achieving board certification in Veterinary Neurology in 2022. She then moved back home to South Florida to work at the Southeast Veterinary Neurology Miami hospital. Dr. Thibault is passionate about all aspects of neurology but has a special interest in seizure management and the management of inflammatory brain conditions. She also enjoys teaching and spent time delivering several lectures on neurology to veterinary students during he residency training.
In her free time, she most enjoys spending time with her husband and their Poodle/Maltese mix, Benjamin. She also loves traveling (especially visiting and hiking national parks), cooking, practicing piano, and running.
Sheena Sanil, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Veterinary Neurologist
Sheena Sanil, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida State University before earning her place on the Dean’s List and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. After graduating, she completed a rotating small animal medical and surgical internship at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, CO, followed by a neurology and neurosurgery specialty internship at MedVet Medical and Cancer Center for Pets in Worthington, OH. Dr. Sanil then continued on with MedVet for a neurology and neurosurgery residency training and became board certified in 2023.
Over the past three years, Dr. Sanil has treated more than 5,000 neurologic patients and completed more than 300 hours of neurosurgery. Dr. Sanil's professional interests include neurosurgery and immune- mediated diseases.
Originally from Boca Raton, FL, Dr. Sanil enjoys cooking, painting, playing tennis, and traveling in her free time. She has a two-year-old English Labrador named Leo who is her travel buddy.
Hospitalists
Eric Mize, DVM
Hospitalist
Dr. Eric Mize received his Bachelor of Science in animal science with a minor in chemistry at University of Findlay in Ohio. Dr. Mize then went on to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama. Since then, he has worked as a rotating intern at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center in California and a neurology specialty intern at BluePearl Pet Hospital in both Columbia and Sandy Springs, GA.
Dr. Mize has participated in several neurological presentations and publications throughout his career. He has been honored with many leadership awards, positions and scholarships throughout his education. Dr. Mize’s veterinary interests include treating seizures, inflammatory brain disease, and intervertebral disc disease. He enjoys spending time at home with his Beagle mix, Dakota, when not practicing his clinical skills.
Dr. Mize is excited to be a part of our Virginia Beach hospital and a trusted member of our care team.
Michelle Szalasny, DVM
Hospitalist
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Dr. Michelle Szalasny, DVM is a Veterinary Hospitalists at Southeast Veterinary Neurology Virginia Beach.
After receiving a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology degree from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY, Dr. Michelle Szalasny earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts, with clinical training at University of Missouri. While earning her degrees, she worked as a veterinary technician, and completed various externships caring for small, large, and marine animals in addition to teaching and volunteering. Following graduation, she has practiced in a neurology and neurosurgery internship at University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center and in a small animal rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA.
Dr. Szalasny’s future goals are to pursue residency training in neurology and neurosurgery, certification as a rehabilitation practitioner, and several interesting research paths. Other veterinary interests include emergency medicine and acupuncture.
When not treating animals, Dr. Szalasny loves spending time with her dog, Archie, a coconut retriever from St. Kitts, and we love to go bike riding and hiking together. She also enjoys listening to music, stretching, and figure skating.
Dr. Szalasny is excited to be a part of our Virginia Beach hospital and a trusted member of our care team.
Neurology Residents
Brandon Durr, DVM
Neurology Resident
Originally from South Florida, Dr. Brandon Durr, DVM is a Veterinary Neurology Resident at Southeast Veterinary Neurology Boynton Beach.
After majoring in Biology at University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Brandon Durr received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. He then headed back to Florida for a rotating internship at Southeast Veterinary Referral Center in Miami before completing a surgical internship at Mississippi State University’s Animal Health Center, followed by a neurology internship at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists and ECC back in Florida.
Early on, Dr. Durr learned the importance of mental health while coping with health issues of his own. He believes a positive attitude is the most beneficial trait a growing professional, or individual for that matter, can have. He is fascinated by the intricacies of the nervous system and has special interests in surgery, physical rehabilitation, education, and mental health in the veterinary field. He aspires to contribute to the research available in physical rehabilitation as it relates to neurological patients.
In his free time, Dr. Durr enjoys adventures at the beach, hiking, rock climbing, and escape rooms, as well as playing the ukulele, drums, and video games. He loves to spend time in the sun or on the water with his dogs.
Dr. Durr is excited to be a part of our Boynton Beach hospital and a trusted member of our care team.
Alyssa Flores, DVM
Neurology Resident
Dr. Alyssa Flores was born and raised in New Jersey and attended college at Northeastern University in Boston and majored in biology and psychology. During her undergraduate program, she spent time in Thailand working with elephant rescue sanctuaries and local animal shelters.
Following college, Dr. Flores attended Western University in Southern California and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May 2020. Following the completion of veterinary school, Dr. Flores returned to New Jersey and completed a rotating medical and surgical internship at Oradell Animal Hospital.
In her spare time, Dr. Flores enjoys hiking, rock climbing, baking and trying new recipes, and traveling.
Katharine Russell, DVM
Neurology Resident
Dr. Katie Russell was born and raised in a quiet beach community in San Diego, California. She completed her undergraduate degree at UC Davis where she majored in Animal Science with an emphasis in Companion Animals. She then traveled to Ireland to complete her veterinary education at University College Dublin in 2018.
Following that, Dr. Russell returned to California to complete a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital. She then completed two Neurology specialty internships at MissionVet Specialty Hospital in Texas and VCA Animal Specialty Group in California.
Dr. Russell went on to complete a Neurology research internship at North Carolina State University, studying the process of aging and ways to promote healthy aging in companion dogs, before beginning her Neurology residency at Southeast Veterinary Neurology.
In her spare time, Dr. Russell enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and relaxing with a good book.
Antonio Conte, DVM
Neurology Resident
Dr. Conte is from Cranston, Rhode Island, and ever since he adopted his first dog Max in 5th grade, he wanted to be a veterinarian.
Dr. Conte went to THE Pennsylvania State University, University Park Main Campus, where he graduated in 3.5 years of study with a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Science. He was thereafter accepted to Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where he declared the small animal medicine track and graduated in 2020 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Conte always had a strong interest in veterinary surgery, and to further his experience, he completed two surgical externships at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts as well as one surgical externship at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
Upon graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Conte was accepted to a rotating small animal and emergency internship at Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Annapolis, Maryland. It was during this internship that he found his passion for neurosurgery and seizure management. After the successful completion of his rotating internship, Dr. Conte completed a specialty internship in neurology and neurosurgery at Veterinary Neurology and Imaging of the Chesapeake, also in Annapolis Maryland, before beginning his residency at Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Miami, Florida.
Outside of work, Dr. Conte enjoys playing guitar, piano, and following Boston sports teams.
Paige Marocco, DVM
Neurology Resident
Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Paige Marocco, DVM is a Veterinary Neurology Resident at Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Miami.
Dr. Paige Marocco achieved honors with distinction while receiving her Bachelor of Science in Animal Health from the University of Alberta in Canada. She persisted to achieve honors with distinction as she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Calgary, Canada in 2022. Since then, she has been practicing in a rotating small animal internship at Arizona Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Center in Mesa, AZ.
Being drawn to a fast-paced work environment and passionate about both medicine and surgery, Dr. Marocco considers neurology the ideal specialty. Her experience thus far in emergency, critical care, high caseloads, and advanced procedures will allow her to excel in a challenging neurology residency. She has special interests in research, teaching, and mentorship and is eager to pursue opportunities in clinical research and didactic teaching as part of her residency training.
When not treating animals, Dr. Marocco enjoys skiing, kayaking, and checking out new restaurants with friends.
Dr. Marocco is excited to be a part of our Miami hospital and a trusted member of our care team.
Karlye Becker, DVM
Neurology Resident
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Karlye Becker, DVM is a Veterinary Neurology Resident at Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Miami.
Dr. Karlye Becker graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and was awarded the ACVIM Certificate of Clinical Excellence. While earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, she completed externships at Veterinary Emergency Group in Tampa and Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Clearwater. After graduation, she went on to train in a rotating internship at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine before obtaining a neurology and neurosurgery specialty internship at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
As someone who is passionate about learning and teaching, Dr. Becker's favorite parts of the job are treating complex cases and finding time to teach on a busy clinic day. While most of her teaching experience is in the clinical education of fourth-year veterinary students, Dr. Becker equally enjoys guiding clients through a new diagnosis or treatment plan for their pet. She is fascinated by all aspects of neurology with a special interest in infectious disease, neuro-oncology, and spinal surgery.
A few of Dr. Becker’s interests outside of work include promoting mental health and wellness in the veterinary field, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and baking. When she is not reading or listening to podcasts, Dr. Becker spends her free time with her little disaster mutt, Stitch. Stitch has two hemilaminectomies under her belt and has been expressly forbidden from attempting a hat-trick.
Dr. Becker is excited to be a part of our Miami hospital and a trusted member of our care team.
Rehabilitation Veterinarians
DR. Myri-Ann Melendez
Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Not currently taking patients
Dr. Melendez is originally from Puerto Rico and she completed her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University. She completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University and her clinical rotations at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Melendez worked at North Shore Animal League, one of the largest no-kill shelters in North America. She went on to obtain her certification in canine rehabilitation and became a certified canine rehabilitation therapist.
Dr. Melendez is passionate about rehabilitative medicine, shelter medicine, infectious disease control, and preventative medicine. When not concentrating on the physical rehabilitation of Southeast Veterinary Neurology patients, she enjoys growing orchids, doing interior design, and spending time with her two, three, and four-legged family members.
