Meet Our Team
Dr. Steve Drum
Veterinarian
Dr. Steve Drum was born and raised in Remsen, Iowa. He attended Iowas State University for both undergraduate and veterinary school. Dr. Drum graduated for ISU in 1985 and practiced in general practice for many years in Iowa before moving to Fort Myers FL. Later he moved to the Fort the Fort Lauderdale area and practiced in Fort Lauderdale before moving to The Villages.
Dr. Drum is married and has 2 children. His son Ryan graduated from University of Florida College of Law this past December and his Daughter Laura will graduate from the University of Florida College of Physical Therapy in April. Dr. Drum’s wife Karen is a registered nurse and works at a medical practice in the area.
Dr. Carley Distasio
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Carley Distasio was born and raised in Orlando, FL. She attended St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL for her undergraduate studies. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 2019. War Eagle! She strives to provide quality care for her patients and to develop long lasting relationships with her clients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending church, and exploring Central Florida. She values spending quality time with her husband (who is also a veterinarian), three year old son, and two dogs.
Dr. Laura Shafer
Seasonal Veterinarian
Dr. Laura Shafer was a veterinarian for over 30 years. She owned her own practice with her husband and daughter called Vestal Animal Hospital in New York. She is now seasonal and is with the practice for a few months out of the year before returning to her summer house in Maine. She has two dogs Figment and Dory.
Dr. Max Smith (Dr. Max)
Seasonal Veterinarian
Dr. Max was born in Kankakee Illinois. He attended The University of Illinois in Champaign Illinois from 1972-1979 completing undergraduate and DVM degrees. Upon graduation he moved to Evansville Indiana and practiced there for 43 years until relocating to The Villages, FL. He is married to his wife Julie of 44 years. His daughter Katie is also a DVM and son Kevin that is an MD (internal medicine). He is seen here with his pet Annie. They love the Florida sunshine but are only here seasonally.
Dr. Jon Smith
Relief Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!
Lisa Wilson
Technician & Office Manager
Lisa’s loves animals. At work, or at home she is always doing something to improve the lives of pet patients and pet owners alike. She has been in the field since 1998. Graduating from high school and college (yes… at the same time!) for veterinary assisting. She obtained an AS in Health sciences (Human related) before returning to her much-loved veterinary field. She gained her skills after working hands on, with exotic animals, companion animals, working in animal emergency and specialty practices mostly in central Florida area. She feels truly blessed to be a part of such a great team animal care team. She is a mom of one son Emory. She has a few rescued pets that include two small yorkies, a German pincher, an Australian Kelpie mix, along with coonhound/shepherd mix. She also has three cats.
Stacy Warax
Veterinary Technician
Stacy started out in this field in 1995 and has always had a passion to be in the animal health field. She is a Florida native, but loved her time in Houston Texas. There she received veterinary ASS Degree in I & II where she became specialized in high volume spay, neuter, and surgical assisting. She also holds a diploma in accounting. She is happily married with 1 daughter and bonus son. She has 3 cats named biscuits, Omelet, and Strudel. Her hobbies include attending concerts, crocheting, reading and enjoying time with family.
Barbara Hutter
Client Service Representative
Most people will notice Barbra is a true New yorker. She moved to Florida to escape the snow and be near family. She has one dog named Bella. She loves working hard as a veterinary receptionist.
Jane Horton
Veterinary Receptionist
Jane has been working on and off in veterinary medicine since she was 16. She started out as a kennel assistant, then was promoted to veterinary assistant early in her career. Now she is a receptionist at Colony Plaza Animal Hospital and she loves it! She has been passionate about animals and their well-being from a very early age. She is now a very loving pet mama to her three cats Sammy, Tracer, and Mercy and dog, Oliver. In her spare time, she enjoys making trips to Disney, spending time with her fur babies, playing pool, and studying up on astrology.
Morgan Donis
Kennel
Morgan wanted to be part of the veterinary field and assist with animal health, since she was very young. She is currently helping our hospital as a Kennel Tech and assistant for our techntians. Her passion and dedication to loving our boarding pets is well shown on a daily basis. She is currently going to college for computer animation. Her hobbies include playing video games and creating art.
