Meet Our Team

Dr. Olson earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She received several honors during her education there including the Toby Fastiggi Award for Excellence in Patient Care and the Kaytee Avian and Special Species Excellence Award for accomplishments in avian research, medicine and surgery. Dr Olson is an active UF CVM alum, representing the Class of 2002 on the Alumni Council and serving on the Admissions Committee.

She is a graduate of  Rollins College in Winter Park and received her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Environmental Studies in 1985. Dr Olson spent 11 years working in Central Florida as an Aquatic Biologist for various government agencies prior to beginning her journey into veterinary medicine.

Dr. Olson has worked as a veterinarian in the Central Florida area since graduating in 2002. Her career path has taken her from full-time positions at two local clinics to a variety of clinics seen as a traveling veterinarian. All these experiences have culminated in the opening of Varsity Veterinary Center. While the bulk of her experience is with typical companion animals like cats and dogs, Dr. Olson has seen many unusual patients as well. She has worked extensively with a variety of exotic species including many varieties of birds; a large variety of reptiles like iguanas, turtles and snakes; small mammals such as rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs and amphibian and aquatic pets as well. As a carryover from her days as a biologist, Dr Olson takes a special interests in the wildlife that share our Central Florida habitat. She has worked with a variety of these creatures including birds of prey such as Bald Eagles and various hawks, migrating birds such as Sand Hill Cranes and Florida Gopher Tortoises.

Additionally, Dr. Olson is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT). Her course work, exams, and case studies were done through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. This special training enables Dr. Olson to better diagnose and treat a variety of issues that range from post-surgical complications to arthritis and neurological diseases. Many aspects of her training allow her to give owners the ability to help their pets at home thus improving overall treatments, outcomes, and quality of life!

Dr. Olson's non-human companions include: Maybelline, a little terrier cross; Tater, a lab cross; Amelia the Great Explorer (a really inquisitive cat!!); I'Lean to the left, a three legged cat; Eli, a Blue and Gold McCaw; Emily, a physically challenged Quaker Parrot, Flapjack, a slightly irregular Sulcata Tortoise and two Florida box turtles, Geronimo and The Other One.

When Dr. Olson is not working or caring for her menagerie, she enjoys being outside, hopefully involved in some water activity, reading a huge variety of novels, cooking, gardening, photography, family outings, and anything involving the Gator Nation!

Kristin Mariash D.V.M. graduated suma cume laude from Tulane University with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. She was then accepted into the Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine, from which she graduated in 1999. Being very dedicated to her studies, she was a member of the honor societies Tau Beta Pi and Phi Zeta. 

Dr. Mariash is known for her gentle and caring nature, always seeking ways to help decrease fear, anxiety, and stress associated with veterinary visits. 

After being a relief veterinarian for us since 2017, Dr. Mariash joined Varsity Veterinary Center in 2025. 

Dr. Krampotich D.V.M. (Dr. K ) was Dr. Olson's classmate at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary medicine, earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She is a graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, receiving her Bachelor of Science with high honors in Biology and a minor in Mathematics in 1996.  Originally hailing from Tampa, Florida, Dr. K has a strong connection to water conservation and local fauna and flora. She is a member of a military family and although she didn't travel as much as others, she was fortunate to have had the wonderful opportunity to live in Spain. 

Dr. K has a strong belief that everyone should make a positive contribution to society and one of her contributions is practicing the very best medicine for her patients. 

Dr. K has been helping animals at Varsity Veterinary Center since 2022 and, when not at work, can be found in her backyard tending to bamboo (not native to Florida and planted by the previous owners of the home), at the Central Florida Zoo, the Orlando Science Center, or at Gatorland. 

Ali has been working in the veterinary field since June of 2021. She has always had a love for animals and saw that working as a receptionist would help her expand her horizons.  She is currently working toward her Bachelor's in the sciences at Valencia College and has a special interest in veterinary triage, surgery, and of course, puppies! When she's not at work, Ali enjoys going to the beach, cooking and watching Netflix. She also shares her home with an adorable 5-year-old Boxer named Gronk. 

Kathy is our facilities manager.  She recently 'officially' joined the Varsity team but is very familiar with the workings of our hospital as she has been behind the scenes since our opening in 2010.  

Karen has been working in the veterinary field for 37 years. She earned dual bachelor's degrees from St. Petersburg College: one in Veterinary Science Technology and the other in Veterinary Hospital Management. She brings us not only experience, but kindness, empathy, and compassion. Karen has a deep interest in internal medicine, behavior, and pain management. She also derives pleasure from educating clients on how best to care for their pets. 

In her free time, she enjoys attending the theater, concerts, reading, and yoga. Karen shares her home with three cats: Kirby, Kora, and Kammie. 

Alyssa has been working in the veterinary field for 28 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University. Having a deep passion for the comfort and care of animals, she came into veterinary medicine. 

In her free time, she enjoys rooting for FSU football, playing tennis, rollerblading, and supporting Orlando City Soccer. Alyssa shares her home with two cats: Kentucky and Chevy. 

Jess has been in the veterinary field for 5 years. Started as a volunteer at an animal shelter while in high school. She discovered that the veterinary field was a good fit for her love of animals and interest in medicine and teaching. Jess has a strong commitment to helping our clients understand their pets' health and improve their animals' well-being. 

In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, watching horror movies, and reading. Jess shares her home with three cats: Milo, Oreo, and Pretinha. 

Kristan is fairly new to the veterinary world.  She brings a unique blend of expertise from both human and animal medicine. Having spent 10 years working as a financial counselor in an emergency room, Kristan transitioned into the world of veterinary care after a rewarding 8-year tenure at an exotic animal sanctuary. This experience deepened her passion for exotic animals, and she is now working towards earning her CVT license with aspirations to specialize in exotic animal medicine.

Outside of work, Kristan dedicates time to her studies, along with reading, and spending quality time with her husband and 4-year-old son. She also loves kayaking in the springs, finding peace in nature. Kristan shares her home with 4 pets: two cats, a German Shepherd, and a Kelpie Shepherd mix.

Judy is a dedicated Certified Veterinary Technician with a passion for strengthening the bond between animals and the people who love them. With many years of hands‑on experience in clinical care, surgical assistance, and patient advocacy, she brings a calm, confident presence to every exam room.

Driven by a lifelong love of animals, Judy began working in veterinary medicine to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families. She is skilled in patient monitoring, laboratory diagnostics, anesthesia support, and client education—always striving to ensure that every patient receives compassionate, high‑quality care.

Outside the clinic, Judy enjoys nature and bird photography and spending time with her rescue pets: two cats, Vito and RC along with a senior boston terrier / chihuahua mix named Lady Rita.

 

Gianna has been with Varsity Vet for over 3 years.

She has had a profound love for animals and has rescued and re-homed dogs and cats since she was young. Gianna even rescued a one-eyed owl that was hit on the side of the road, later it ended up on the news and lived its remaining years at the Cleveland Zoo.  

Her compassion for animals combined with her education, various management and lead customer service positions has enabled her to generate a trusting relationship with our clients. Having pets her entire life and dealing with their own health problems, from special needs, senior care, to end of life, has helped Gianna to have her deep understanding of our clients' worries and needs with empathy to all situations. She has a special interest in pet nutrition and preventative care, coupled with the care plans of our doctors which always continues to educate and excite her. Gianna grew up in northeast Ohio and has one amazing daughter.  Her husband, Scott and Gianna together have 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Fitzi & Lucy, and 2 pugs, Killer & Daisy.  When they aren’t visiting their families in Ohio, they love to travel globally. When home, they spend time taking their dogs to many parks.  Gianna enjoys the beach, boating, anything on or by water. Dining out, cooking in, good wine, reading or binge watching a good series.  Most of these activities you can find them enjoying with their dogs!

Bio to follow 

Emily is completely new to the veterinary field but has always had a passion for helping animals and people. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the State University of New York at Fredonia, which is why she can frequently be heard singing behind the front desk. When she isn't at work, she enjoys reading and weightlifting. Emily recently moved back to land after working on a cruise ship, followed by performing in A Christmas Carol throughout the country. She has two cats, Apollo and Paris, living back in Pennsylvania with her family.