Our Staff

Veterinarian & Owner
Dr Kimberly Tyson, DVM, CVA
Dr Kimberly Tyson, CVA grew up in Brandon, FL with her parents, Joe & Theresa Wehinger and brother, Joe. Dr Tyson developed an early interest in medicine and a deep love for animals as a child. She graduated from Brandon High School in 1985 and started her studies at the University of South Florida. After 2 years, she transferred to the University of Florida where she received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Microbiology in 1989 and later her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993. Dr Tyson now has more than 25 years of experience working as a veterinarian and enjoying the wonderful relationships developed throughout the years with clients and their pets. She serves and lives in the Riverview area and enjoys spending time with her twin daughters when they are home from college. Dr Tyson has additional certification in Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi Institute. Dr Tyson was Business Person finalist for the Riverview Chamber of Commerce for 2009 and 2010, as well as Business of the Year Finalist in 2010. In 2011, Four Paws Veterinary Hospital won Business of the Year. In 2017, Dr Tyson was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and is a very active participant in her local FishHawk Riverview Rotary Club.

Associate Veterinarian
Dr Heather Smithson, DVM
I was born in Florida and grew up in Tampa. My mother will tell you that I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was four. I graduated from the Academy of the Holy Names High School in Tampa in 1991 and started my undergraduate studies at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama the same year. I continued my education at Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine after three years of undergraduate work in zoology. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1995 and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1998. During veterinary school I had the pleasure of carrying out internships at both Sea World of San Antonio and the Navy base in San Diego working with marine mammals. Although I have a great love for marine animals, I realized my heart is really in helping people and their pets. After graduating from Auburn, I practiced for a few years in Alabama before getting married and dragging my Alabama born husband back to Florida. I practiced full time in Englewood, Florida and then finally back home in Tampa before having our first child. After Emma was born, I decided to work outside the home only part-time and began working as a relief veterinarian. I currently live in Tampa with my husband Chris, who is also a veterinarian, and my three daughters, Emma, Aubrey and Charlee. Practicing with the staff and clientele here in Riverview has been a pleasure. Dr Tyson has a great practice, excellent staff and I am grateful to have found such an enjoyable place to work! (Even if she is a Gator) War Eagle!

Client Relations Manager, Ultrasound Tech/LVT/CVT
Stefanie
I am originally from a small town in Western Michigan but have lived in Hawaii, Washington state and Upstate New York before relocating to Florida in 2012. During my time in Washington, I attended the Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College and obtained my Associates in Veterinary Technology in 2001. After graduation, I worked in an Internal Medicine referral clinic for about a year before moving to Upstate NY, where I spent nine and a half years at a busy small animal practice and was part of it's growth from a four to a nine doctor practice. I am happy to be a part of the Four Paws family and look forward to continue furthering my training in Ultrasound technology as well as other areas of Veterinary Technology.

Personnel Manager & Veterinary Nurse
Desiree
I was born and raised in California. I moved to Florida in March of 2014 with my family and our pets. Ever since I was a young child I have had a deep love for animals. I lived every moment I could in the equestrian world showing horses and competing in all the different categories, my favorite being Eventing! I was able to pursue this all the way into adulthood. During my life, I have had many opportunities to engage and learn about animals. When my husband and I got married we got a once in a lifetime chance to live and raise our girls on a 50,000 acre cattle ranch. It was amazing to be able to guide and watch my children share the same love for animals that I have. In the last 10 years, I have been working in veterinary hospitals. I have been thriving and pushing to learn and gain knowledge on a daily basis so that in return I can guide and educate with compassion and knowledge. I always look for the oppontunities to continue to obtain knowledge so that I am always able to give the most to everyone around me. One of the many rewards from this job is observing the love that is shared between people and their furry family members. To be able to see the light in their eyes when witnessing life-changing experiences.

Training Manager, Inventory Coordinator, CVT
Christina
I grew up in Colorado and relocated to Florida in 2014. I attended Bel-Rea Institute in Denver, CO and graduated with an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2010. I started working in my first practice as a kennel technician and eventually moved up to the technical supervisor. I joined Four Paws after relocating from the Pahhandle of Florida. It has been a pleasure working with staff and getting to know the clients and help with their furry family members!

Veterinary Nurse
Holly
A true Floridian, I started my Veterinary career at Cypress Creek in Lutz, FL where I met Dr Tyson. Afterwards, I spent 3 years with Hillsborough County Animal Services and further continued at Santa Cruz Animal Clinic in Brandon, FL. In April of 2012, I was offered a part-time position here at Four Paws and that's my story and I am stickin' to it.

Certified Veterinary Technician
Rhonda
I have lived in Florida all of my life, born and raised. In high school, I met one of my best friends, Mark, who is now my wonderful, loving husband. I've always loved animals and growing up, always had a furry friend in the household. Currently, we don't have a four-legged family member, but I hope to add one soon to share my love of animals with our two boys. In August of 2012, I started the Veterinary Technology program at Hillsborough Community College in Plant City. With lots of hard work and dedication, help from great friends and family, I graduated in May 2014 and received by A.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology. In July 2014, I passed the Veterinary Technology National Exam and officially became a Certified Veterinary Technician. While still in school, I started my career at Sierra Animal Hospital in October 2013. I was there for a little over a year before transitioning to Four Paws in January 2015. The doctors, staff, clients and patients are wonderful and I'm excited to further my journey here with them.

Veterinary Nurse
Sierra
Growing up in a military family, change was a constant for me; new houses, new friends and new places. The only consistent thing in my life was my family - which of course, included my dogs. Having pets as a child developed my love, passion - and most importantly - respect for animals. I am currently studying Animal Biology at USF Tampa. After obtaining a few more years of experience in various areas of the veterinary field, I hope to attend the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine and earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinary Nurse
Leah
Bio coming soon.....

Veterinary Nurse
Denise
Born in Long Island, NY, I then transplanted with my family to Florida at age 6. My career started in human medicine as a Certified Phlebotomist, followed by 18 years as a Neurosurgical Technician and Office Manager. In 2010, I decided to switch careers and started as a Receptionist at a veterinary clinic. With on-the-job training, I worked my way up to become a Veterinary Nurse at that clinic. I joined the Four Paws family in September of 2021 and look forward to continuing my journey in Veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Nurse
Gabby
I was born in Florida and raised in many of her cities, with the exception of a few brief years in Tennessee. With the constant relocation, only one thing remained a constant: family. A value my father instilled at a young age, which continues to be a priority, is that your animals are family. I've always had furry brothers and sisters that my parents entrusted me to be responsible for. Growing up, caring for animals made me a more empathetic, caring and responsible person. When I graduated high school in 2017, I had so many hobbies and interests, it seemed impossible to limit myself to one career. I immediately was hired at a pet store and quickly became the "go to" person for care of the little hamsters and reptiles waiting for homes. I thought I found a loophole in "the system", that I was being paid to care for animals and teach people how to care for them. As an innately inquisitive person, I wanted to learn more and wanted to help. I walked into an animal clinic in St. Petersburg, desperate to learn and was hired as a kennel assistant. After a year of caring for ill boarded animals, assisting the doctors and technicians, observing, asking questions and showing initiative, I started basic assistant training. During my time at that hospital, my hunger for knowledge seemed insatiable and drove me to start my journey towards completing my Associates in Veterinary Technology. Due to continued relocating, I've yet to receive my certification, but I'm looking forward to accomplishing that goal soon and learning all I can from Dr Tyson and the amazing staff here at Four Paws.

Veterinary Assistant
Miranda
I am currently in my Senior year of Undergrad to receive my Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. I am in the process of applying to Veterinary school, with hopes of specializing in bovine medicine! Cows are one of my favorite animals. I am extremely grateful for all of the amazing learning experiences I have had at Four Paws, and can't wait to apply them in Vet school!

Veterinary Assistant
McKayla
Bio coming soon...

Resident Feline
Hailey
Hailey was surrendered to us in June 2017 due to some behavioral issues at her home. After a diet change and getting to know our staff, Hailey has become a permanent part of our team. Hailey loves to lounge around our back offices, enjoy the occassional bit of cat nip and watch the birds and squirrels outside.

Guardian Angel
Sparks
Sparks was abandoned in a retirement community in Dade City at around 9 months of age. She was being fed by several ladies in the park, but unfortunately, no one was able to take responsibility for her. She was in need of medical care and came to us via the parents of one of our employees. She was in need of a home and we were looking for a "Hospital kitty". Our only criteria was that she was friendly and given that she kept trying to get into everyone's house... that didn't seem to be an issue. We got her medical needs taken care of and grew to love her as she became an integral part of our hospital - to clients and staff alike. We enjoyed many years with Sparks here at Four Paws. We had to say our final "goodbye" in June 2021, as Sparks lost her battle with renal failure. She will be in our hearts forever and the clinic will never be the same without her.