Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Atria graduated from Brandeis University in Massachusetts. He then earned his DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.
Dr. Atria had most recently been an associate veterinarian at our sister hospital, Seiler Animal Hospital, for four years. Prior to that, Dr. Atria has worked at Royal Palm Veterinary Hospital in Coral Springs and Miami Seaquarium, among other experiences in the animal field. Dr. Atria is particularly interested in Surgery and Dentistry, having completed several continuing education courses in Dentistry and oral surgery.
Dr. Atria also treats Exotic pets, like rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, turtles, iguanas and snakes.
Dr. Atria is an active member in many local and nationwide organizations, including the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association.
In his spare time, he enjoys SCUBA diving, fishing. He enjoys spending quality time with his new wife, Daphne, and his dogs Panda and Kona.
Dr. Laurie Phillips is a native Floridian from the central part of the Sunshine State. She attended the University of Florida for undergraduate training and continued at the University of Florida to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1989. Dr. Phillips is proud to be a Florida Gator!
Dr. Phillips was an associate veterinarian at Acacia Animal Hospital from 1997-2012 and is happy to have returned "home" in 2018. She enjoys many aspects of general practice including complex medical cases and soft tissue surgery.
In her free time, Dr. Phillips spends as much time as possible with her children, Carter and Mallory. She enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and working out. Her fur babies include 3 dogs and 4 cats.
Dr. Phillips is a member of BVMA, FVMA, and AVMA.
Joined Acacia: 1976
Dr. Ted Leif has been practicing veterinary medicine for 49 years. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, and then earned his Veterinary Doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Leif was the practice owner of Acacia Animal Hospital from 1976 and 2001. Dr. Leif particularly enjoys dermatology and internal medicine.
Dr. Leif, a native Floridian, lives in Boca Raton with his wife, Marjorie. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. He is also a proud dad to a Boston terrier named Patty.
Dr. Marie-Andree Fecteau is an Associate Veterinarian at Acacia Animal Hospital. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Florida in 2003, and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University in 2007. Dr. Fecteau also attended Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and the ASPCA for a rotating internship. She also attended New York Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center for her surgical internship. Her areas of professional interest include internal medicine and surgery.
Originally from Canada, Dr. Fecteau grew up in South Florida and currently lives there with her husband. When she is not providing veterinary care, Dr. Fecteau enjoys spending time with family and friends, and maintaining her reef tank. Dr. Fecteau says her inspiration for working in veterinary medicine is that she can advocate for patients that cannot advocate for themselves.
We are very excited to announce that Dr. Exene Lemesurier is joining the Acacia Animal Hospital team! Dr. Lemesurier received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands. She completed her clinical training at the University of Minnesota and earned her certification in Fear-Free and MARVET.
Dr. Lemesurier has always known that veterinary medicine was her calling, as her love for animals goes back as far as she can remember! She enjoys internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology, surgery, dentistry, as well as both emergency and wellness/preventive medicine.
Dr. Lemesurier was raised in Montreal, Quebec, and now resides in Boca Raton with her one-eyed cat named Pi! She rescued Pi eight years ago when she found him roaming alone outside in the snow. When she is not practicing medicine, she enjoys the beach, snorkeling, traveling, spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and interior decorating! Please help us to welcome Dr. Lemesurier to our practice!
Michelle grew up in Rochester, NY and earned her undergraduate degree at University of Buffalo. After that she spent 10 years in Manhattan working for a top Wall Street firm in their corporate Human Resources department. Michelle then moved to South Florida where she held other corporate HR positions and transitioned to veterinary management in 2007.
Michelle previously managed Acacia Animal Hospital from 2013-2019 and returned "home" in 2021. She enjoys the "family" culture at Acacia, which both staff and clients appreciate as well. Deep respect for the doctors and staff at Acacia - and the important work they do every day - is what inspires Michelle. She is proud to be part of such a great hospital.
Michelle is also a proud Mom of a Florida Gator, Class of 2023! Go Gators! She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family, friends and two rescue dogs, Mimi and Betty Boop!
Born and raised in Coral Springs, Amber pursued an associate’s degree in hospitality from Broward College before joining Acacia in July 2013. Growing up with a household of pets, Amber has always been an animal lover. Now, she is a proud mom to her 4-year-old son, four cats and two pitbulls. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, painting and spending time with her family.
Joined Acacia: May 1980
Originally from Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, Tim grew up in the outskirts of Philadelphia were he attended St. James Catholic High School. After receiving on-the-job training from Cloverleaf Animal Hospital, Tim joined the Acacia family shortly after moving to south Florida over 40 years ago.
Tim is also a member of the North American Veterinary Tech Association and the Florida Veterinary Tech Association.
In addition to his love for animals, he enjoys gardening and cooking. He is the proud dad to two dogs: Mike, a beagle, and Rascal, a westie.
Nicole is proud to work in client services at Acacia Animal Hospital. She loves meeting new animals every day and providing them and their caretakers with excellent service. She has worked in the veterinary industry since leaving the field of finance and accounting in 2014.
Ever since she was born in Charleston, South Carolina she has loved dogs, and she currently lives in Lighthouse Point, Florida with her five chihuahua rescues - Teddy, Daisy, Bentley, Bruiser, and Mia. She loves spending time with friends, going to concerts, reading, and relaxing at home with her dogs.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Joined Acacia: August 2020
From her hometown of Tamarac, Michele attended Broward College before joining the Acacia team working at the front desk. In her spare time, Michele enjoys reading, cake and cookie decorating and spending time with her husband and three children. She also loves to spend time with her dog, Rocco, and her four cats, Sammy, Skye, Cole and Suki. She’s always had a love for animals, and even hopes to someday start a cat rescue.
Bio coming soon!
Jackson always wanted to enter the veterinary field because of his love for animals and the possibility of furthering a career in the industry. He has 2 dogs named Jelly and Tuna and 3 cats name Flsh, Goose and Harriet. Jackson is from Pompano Beach, FL and enjoys going to the beach, being with friends and family, and traveling. Pronouns: He/Him.
Moby has always had a passion for animals and medicine. Moby wants to show Pembroke Welsh Corgis and run a senior home for Corgis one day! Moby is also interested in Agility and Dog Training. Moby is originally from Coral Springs and lives with his boyfriend Alex, his 3 dogs named Maple, Moose, Marmalade, and his hamster McChicken. Pronouns: He/Him.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Joined Acacia: June 2019
A south Florida native, Gissel graduated from Deerfield Beach High School before joining the Acacia kennel team. With a passion for animals, Gissel hopes to one day become a veterinary technician and sonographer. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her chihuahua mix and drawing.
Education: Florida Atlantic University
Teresa recently graduated with a biology degree from Florida Atlantic University. She’s wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 3, and she’s gaining her hands-on experience as a technician before she applies to veterinary school.
Teresa is a native Floridian, and is a proud mom to Reggie (a pomeranian), Chloe and Max (kitties), Sunny the bird and Remy the rat!
Joined Acacia: January 2009
Born and raised in Pompano Beach, Michelle graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in pre-law. While she went to school to study law, Michelle has always had a passion for animals and she is the proud mom of two dogs, Rusty and Emma, and four cats, Trout, Orca, Bait and Pilchard. She hopes to one day own a potbelly pig named Pork Chop that she can walk around the neighborhood with her dogs.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Alessandra joined Acacia in February 2022 and has been consistently proving her exceptional grooming skills! She was professionally trained and certified, and has over 5 years of professional grooming experience. She is gentle and compassionate, and truly loves and takes pride in her work. Alessandra grew up in Brazil and now lives in South Florida with her husband and two Pomeranians, Chanel and Teddy
Sally has been our sweet house cat for a couple of years. Sally was brought to us by one of our clients who used to see her roaming through her neighborhood. You’ll often catch a glimpse of her in our office, just snoozing in a warm place!
Located between NE 48th St and NE 47th St on N Federal Hwy (Route 1).
Phone: 954-942-5955
