Dr. Kirk Teschke

Veterinarian

Dr. Kirk Teschke grew up in Jacksonville before attending the University of Florida for his undergraduate and graduate studies and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. With the help of his business partner, Dr. Larry Scrabis, they opened Estero Animal Hospital along with their first employee, Barbara, who ran the front desk. Their first day they had five appointments, despite not having advertised yet, and the success has only grown from there.

Dr. Teschke chose veterinary medicine because he really felt that it fit his personality; he loved the science of medicine and, of course, working with animals. He has a passion for surgical procedures as each one is different, provides a learning experience, and he never knows what kind of challenge he will have to face.

Dr. Teschke is a fan of the band U2 and the UF Gators. He has eight pets: one dog, three cats, and four chickens.

Dr. Jennifer Dewe-Matthews

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Dewe-Mathews grew up in New City, a suburb of New York City, before moving to Ithaca, NY to earn her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University. She then spent two years in Washington D.C. obtaining her Master of Arts in Developmental Biology from American University, before moving back to the tundra of Ithaca. She completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University, and then followed up with a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ.

Dr. Dewe-Mathews reluctantly moved to Florida, one week before Hurricane Charlie welcomed her to the south, and it took seven years for her to adapt; however, has no regrets about moving away from the snow.

Dr. Dewe-Mathews joined Estero Animal Hospital just prior to the practice’s move to its bigger, current location. For two months, she worked in the clinic located at Albertson’s Plaza, and she remembers the clinic being so small that the largest cage could only accommodate an 80-pound dog. She remembers one day opening the bathroom door and a St. Bernard came running out as the bathroom was the only place large enough to house the dog that had been dropped off for radiographs.

Dr. Dewe-Mathews enjoys internal medicine, mainly chronic kidney disease, immune mediated diseases, and thyroid disease, and the challenges of case work up and management. She also has a strong interest in feline medicine, managing the obesity epidemic in our pets, and helping owners handle behavior concerns such as separation anxiety, storm anxiety, and nervous urination.

Dr. Dewe-Mathews is a big supporter of animal adoption and shelters, and she hopes that one day all the dogs and cats in shelters will find their forever homes.

Dr. David Cray

Veterinarian

Dr. David Cray grew up in Mount Laurel, NJ. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame before attending veterinary school at Tufts University. He chose veterinary medicine because taking care of animals is the most fulfilling career he could imagine, and the science of medicine appeals to his nerdy side.

Dr. Cray enjoys the focus of surgery and the challenges of exotic patients. He enjoys client education as he believes that informed owners are the best defense against illness or injury in pets.

Dr. Cray moved to Florida five years ago with his wife, and together they have a beagle, Maddie, and a golden retriever, Neeko. Their dogs compete passively, but continuously, to see who can be the neediest.

Dr. Amelia Foster

Veterinarian & Acupuncturist

Dr. Amelia Foster grew up mostly in New England, MA with a splash of Florida and Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree at Boston University, attended veterinary school at Tufts University, and then joined the school of hard knocks, enlisting in the US Army. Hooaahh!

Dr. Foster is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and has interests in internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. She enjoys the challenge of figuring out what is wrong with an animal when they cannot speak for themselves. It is rewarding to her to be a part of her patients’ families and keep their pets healthy through every stage of life.

Dr. Foster moved to Florida from Maine with her husband so that they could be closer to his family in Naples; arriving just after Hurricane Wilma! Together, they have two boxers, two goats, one cat, and one cycloptic atopic, epileptic, and very pretty pit bull.

Dr. Jenna Maddox

Veterinarian

Originally from Alabama, Dr. Maddox and her husband lived in several states before finally making it to Florida. From the time she was 5 years old, Dr. Maddox knew she wanted to be a veterinarian, and she still thinks it is the best job in the world.  Dr. Maddox graduated from Auburn University. Her special interests include dentistry and soft tissue surgery, but her favorite part of being a veterinarian is getting to know the clients and patients. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and hanging out with her two favorite boys – her staffies Norman and Otis (the loves of her life!). Dr. Maddox is excited to be in the Sunshine state!!

Dr. Daryon Smith

Veterinarian

Dr. Daryon was born in Oregon but raised in Florida. She discovered her passion for veterinary medicine early through volunteering at animal shelters and participating in her high school’s veterinary assistant program. She earned a degree in Animal Science from Berry College in Georgia, gaining hands-on experience at the Dairy Unit and as a veterinary assistant at a local clinic. 

After earning her veterinary degree from the University of Florida, Dr. Daryon began her career at a mixed-animal practice in Northern California, where she cared for a wide range of species and refined her clinical skills. After a few years out west, the pull of home and loved ones brought her back to Southwest Florida, where she’s eager to continue her veterinary journey. Her professional interests include dermatology, sparked by caring for her allergy-prone family dog, Sundance Kid, as well as preventive and internal medicine. 

Outside the clinic, Dr. Daryon enjoys Pilates, pottery, reading, and spending time with her cats: Purkinje, a playful brown tabby, and Basket, a unique Dwelf cat with a big personality.