Our Veterinary Team
At Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic, our team provides personalized care you can trust. Our approach combines medical expertise with a compassionate, relationship-based focus. We focus on making every visit comfortable, clear, and supportive for both you and your pet.
A Team You Can Trust with Your Pet’s Care
Great veterinary care starts with strong relationships. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your pet’s care.
By focusing on clear communication and thoughtful attention, we help you feel confident in every decision you make for your pet’s health. Because great care starts with understanding both pets and the people who love them.
Our Experienced Veterinarians
Dr. Manny Morales, DVM
Dr. Manny Morales earned his veterinary medicine degree from the School of Veterinary Medicine at La Salle University in 1988. After graduation, he practiced emergency medicine and surgery for 4 years in a busy, 4-doctor, 24-hour practice. In 1992, he joined the prestigious Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Virginia, where he was responsible for providing intensive care to hospitalized patients from all the specialists in the center. These years of practice allowed Dr. Morales to continue his training by working side by side with board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, and Radiology.
In 1996, Dr. Morales decided to continue his formal training and attended the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri for one year of evaluated clinical experience in Medicine and Surgery. After completing this program, he moved to Miami, where he joined the well-respected Knowles Animal Clinics. There, he practiced general and emergency medicine for 10 years.
Since December of 2005, Dr. Morales has been the chief of staff of Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic. He enjoys working with a team of highly qualified and motivated individuals to provide the highest standards in veterinary prevention, diagnostic, medical, and surgical care to pets. Dr. Morales is a member of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Maria Silva, DVM
Dr. Maria Silva is originally from Puerto Rico, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology (2012) and a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology (2014). Although Dr. Silva has a background in research and she loves it, her true love for animals made her change her career path. While in Puerto Rico, she volunteered at El Faro de Animales, Conservation of the National Bird Endangered Species, and in different rescue groups around the Island.
In 2016, she moved to St. Kitts, in the Caribbean, to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. After completing her theoretical years in St. Kitts, she moved to Tennessee to complete her clinical year at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (2018 – 2019). Dr. Silva earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts in 2019.
Along with her husband and their cat Garfield, they moved to Miami Lakes in 2019, looking for the hometown feel and the perfect job to share her love and passion for veterinary medicine. She is very happy to join the Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic family, and she is excited to meet her future lovely patients.
Leadership and Support
Cynthia Colina, Office Manager
Cynthia Colina graduated with her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Medical Arts Training Center in Margate, Florida, in 1989. She did her internship at The Broward Animal Control, Tradewinds Park, and Hollywood Animal Hospital.
Cynthia says she can’t remember a time when she was ever afraid of animals. She remembers always bringing strays home, caring for them, and trying to find them homes. During her high school years, she received the opportunity to get a job with Dr. James Drawdy at Palm Springs Animal Hospital in Hialeah. She worked there for eleven years until Dr. Drawdy retired. She was then hired by Dr. Stephen Huber in 1999, and for the past nine years, she has worked at what is now Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic. Because of her years of dedication to the clinic and this profession, Dr. Manny Morales has given Cynthia the job of Office Manager for the Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic. During her time as the office manager, Cynthia has attended various veterinary seminars, where she has come back and helped Dr. Morales implement the most advanced techniques in veterinary medicine. Home life includes her son Joshua, 2 dogs, Scarlett, Macy, and sometimes, you can see her around the neighborhood with Fred the cat following her. In her spare time, she loves to read, enjoys the beach, and is learning to cook.
We are fortunate to have Cynthia’s caring personality. She is very passionate about getting the best for your pet and treating them and their owners as if they were part of her own family.
Meet Our Care Team
Our care team is an essential part of your pet’s experience at every visit. They assist with treatments, provide comfort, and help every visit run smoothly.
Veterinary Technicians
Xoschill, Veterinary Technician
Growing up, Xoschill always dreamed of working with small animals and wildlife. In the summer of 2017, she began her career at Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic as a veterinary technician, turning her lifelong passion into reality. She earned her Associate Degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from Miami Dade College and later completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Florida International University. Xoschill is the proud parent of her French Bulldog, Xena, and her rescued black cat, Mystic. When she’s not at work, she enjoys volunteering at animal shelters and wildlife conservation centers. At Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic, she is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to every client and their beloved fur babies.
Sydney, Veterinary Technician
Sydney Garcia is a veterinary technician at Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic and is thrilled to be working where her veterinary journey first began. She is a recent graduate of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada and is currently working as a technician while preparing to take her veterinary board examinations. Sydney has a passion for caring for all animals, including dogs, cats, equine patients, and exotic species, and she is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling, going to the movies, and spending time outdoors. At home, Sydney shares her life with her black cat, Salem, and her newly rescued dog Chompers.
Bryan, Veterinary Technician
Bryan has been a technician with Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic since 2023. Driven by a deep love for animals and a passion for helping those in need, he finds a special sense of purpose in helping patients feel at ease and building meaningful connections with them. Outside the clinic, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors and volunteers with beach clean-ups. At home, he is the proud parent of a husky named Escha, cats Mimi and Yuka, and a turtle, Brutus.
Lixandra, Veterinary Technician
Lixandra has been part of the Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic team for the past three years and has been working with animals for over seven years. She has a special love for cats and is often the go-to team member when it comes to handling the spicier feline personalities—with patience, confidence, and care. Outside of work, Lixandra enjoys crocheting and spending time with her four rescue cats and her energetic Australian Shepherd. Her passion for animals shines through in everything she does, both in and out of the clinic.
Samantha, Veterinary Technician
Samantha has spent the last few years in the veterinary field. When it comes to our more reactive patients, she is the expert in handling the pet with patience and confidence. She’s a huge animal lover with a soft spot for all creatures. When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find her listening to rock music, enjoying car life, or hanging out with her pets, 14-year-old Ares, a Shih-Tzu, and her newly adopted Princess, an 8-year-old cat. Samantha is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her passion in veterinary medicine.
Josh, Veterinary Technician
Josh has been part of the Miami Lakes Veterinary family since his high school days, continuing through university. While he now works full-time in the IT field, we’re lucky to still see him around the clinic on select Saturdays, helping out. Josh’s genuine love for pets, combined with his calm, quick-thinking attitude under pressure, has made him a valued and trusted member of our team over the years—and one we’re always happy to have back in the clinic.
Veterinary Assistants
Roxanna, Veterinary Assistant
Roxanna has been a member of the Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic team since 2025. She has a deep passion for animal care and enjoys working with a wide variety of patients from dogs and cats to exotic pets, though she has a special soft spot for her feline friends. At home, Roxanna shares her life with her rescued black cat, Onyx. Watching Onyx grow from fearful and withdrawn to confident and affectionate has been especially meaningful to her and reflects the patience, empathy, and dedication she brings to every patient she cares for.
Claudia, Veterinary Assistant
Claudia is a new member of the Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic team. She has a genuine love for animals and enjoys building meaningful connections with both clients and pets. Outside of work, Claudia loves reading and traveling, always curious to learn and explore new places. She shares her life with her Labrador Retrievers, Cupid and Luna, who keep her smiling and inspired every day.
Client Service Representatives
Katie, Customer Service Representative
Katie has worked for Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic on and off for over 10 years. To say Katie has a passion for animals is an understatement. Katie works to rescue, nurse, foster, and rehabilitate all animals, no matter the challenge. Aside from her love for animals, Katie loves to interact with people. While working as a receptionist, she brings a smile to everyone’s face. In her off time, Katie loves to bake cakes for all her coworkers. She is currently going back to school to get her degree in psychology.
A Team That Treats Your Pet Like Family
Our team works together to provide thoughtful, consistent care at every stage of your pet’s life. From routine visits to more advanced treatment, we focus on comfort, trust, and communication.
You can feel confident knowing your pet is in capable, caring hands—supported by a team that truly values your relationship with them.