Meet the Central Animal Hospital Team
Behind every visit to Central Animal Hospital is a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who treat every patient like their own. Get to know the doctors and caregivers who make our Boca Raton, FL animal hospital feel like family.
Our veterinary team combines advanced clinical training with a genuine love for animals, so your pet receives expert care from a face you’ll come to know and trust. Whether your pet is due for a wellness exam, needs dental care, or requires more advanced internal medicine or surgical treatment, you’ll be in capable hands from check-in to recovery.
DOCTORS
Cade Lavengco, DVM
Louisiana State University
Dr. Lavengco was born and raised in Louisiana. Staying true to the state, he attended Louisiana State University to get his Bachelor’s degree and Veterinary medicine degree. His interest in Veterinary Medicine started at age 12 when he chose to shadow a local veterinarian for a week. After that, he was hooked.
Starting in the kennels he worked his way up through the ranks to finally achieve his goal of caring for small animals. His hobbies include watching LSU football on the weekends and anything outdoors.
Cindy Kanis, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Kanis relocated to Florida in search of an excellent veterinary practice where she could focus on broadening her experience in small animal medicine. A graduate of the U.S Military Academy at West Point, she spent several years serving our country as a military officer and attended law school during her service. She became a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) program and served in that capacity for 2 years. After completing her service, her true passion for veterinary medicine emerged, so she enrolled in the veterinary school at the University of Georgia, and graduated in 2016. Dr. Kanis’s path to becoming a veterinarian began with her love of several budgies, hamsters, cats, and dogs as childhood pets. She is thrilled to be part of the Central Animal Hospital team and looks forward to helping clients work through the challenges of providing the best care for their pets.
Natalie Sastiel, DVM, MPH
Veterinarian
Dr. Natalie Sastiel is the Lead Urgent Care Veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital, bringing extensive expertise in emergency and critical care medicine. Dr. Sastiel earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 and a Masters of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in 2016. After completing a rigorous internship in Emergency and Critical Care at Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists and serving as an associate for an additional year, Dr. Sastiel has since gained extensive experience in emergency medicine through continuous part-time and relief positions at various emergency, specialty, and referral hospitals. Outside of work, she enjoys edible gardening and adventures with her two golden retrievers and her boys (husband and kids).
Shannon Leonard, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Shannon Leonard, raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024 and completed her clinical year at Oklahoma State University.
Proudly Fear Free certified, Dr. Leonard prioritizes creating stress-free experiences for beloved pets during their visits. Building enduring relationships with patients and their families lies at the core of her practice. She believes in merging compassionate care with cutting-edge medical knowledge to achieve optimal outcomes.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Leonard enjoys cheering on Arkansas basketball games, traveling, going to farmers markets and getting lost in a good book with her orange tabby cat, Chester.
Amanda Storms, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Amanda Storms has always had a passion for animals, growing up on a farm in Illinois where she cared for a wide variety of animals. After high school, Dr. Storms served in the U.S. Air Force for six years, including a memorable stint living in Germany. After her military service, she worked as a veterinary technician in San Antonio, Texas, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in animal care.
Dr. Storms pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian by earning both her bachelor’s and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees at Colorado State University, graduating in 2020. Shortly after, she moved to South Florida, where she completed the NERD program with Veterinary Emergency Group in Boynton Beach. With a strong foundation in both emergency and general practice, Dr. Storms has worked in ER and GP relief roles across South Florida before joining VCA Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists in 2023 as a full-time Emergency Doctor. She is thrilled to bring her expertise and compassionate care to the team at Central Animal Hospital Urgent Care.
OFFICE MANAGER
Danielle
Danielle has been passionate about working with animals since childhood and is dedicated to ensuring every client and patient feels comfortable during their visit. In her free time, she loves fishing, cooking, baking, and listening to country music. She shares her home with three cats, her dog Hazel, and her husband, Steve.
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS
Cal
Cal began his journey as a kennel tech and has since worked his way up to becoming a veterinary technician, proudly serving Central Animal Hospital for 4 years. He shares his home with 7 pets, including a Rottweiler, a Chihuahua, 3 black cats, and 2 snakes. Passionate about Florida’s ecosystem, Cal volunteers at a local wildlife sanctuary and museum.
Jordyn Burgos
Veterinary Assistant
Jordyn joined our team as a kennel technician and has recently been promoted to veterinary assistant. She is currently enrolled in school and is seeking a career as a veterinarian. Jordyn is passionate about all animals, especially her 2 bunnies at home.
Ethan
Ethan enjoys spending his free time fishing and being outdoors. Starting his career as a kennel tech, he has worked his way up to becoming a veterinary technician, reflecting his commitment to providing excellent care for animals.
Jaymie
Jaymie is a dedicated Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) with 8 years of experience in the veterinary field. Outside of work, Jaymie enjoys traveling, spending time with her friends and family, and embracing the outdoors.
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn began her journey as a kennel tech and has worked her way up to becoming a veterinary technician. She is currently studying at Florida Atlantic University, with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Kathy
Kathy joined our team when Central Animal Hospital acquired the building from Dr. Gobi. She has a compassionate nature and a huge heart for all the furry kids that come through our doors.
Megan
Megan brings 24 years of specialty veterinary experience, primarily in emergency care, but also in ICU, surgery, and internal medicine. A beach enthusiast, Megan loves paddle boarding when she can.
Taylor
Taylor’s lifelong love for animals started as a child and has continued to grow. Before becoming a vet tech, she worked on a horse farm, where her passion for animal care deepened.
Ana Rodriguez-Baz
Ana is passionate about the ocean and enjoys playing volleyball on the beach. She has been drawn to the veterinary field from a young age and is currently pursuing her biology studies at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), working towards her goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Ready to meet our team in person? Learn more about Central Animal Hospital or explore what to expect as a new client.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Veterinary Team
Who is the lead veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital?
Dr. Cade Lavengco leads our veterinary team, working alongside doctors Cindy Kanis, Natalie Sastiel, Shannon Leonard, and Amanda Storms.
Does Central Animal Hospital have a veterinarian who specializes in emergency care?
Yes. Dr. Natalie Sastiel serves as our Lead Urgent Care Veterinarian, and Dr. Amanda Storms also brings extensive emergency medicine experience to our team.
Are the veterinary technicians at Central Animal Hospital certified?
Our technician team includes Certified Veterinary Technicians along with staff who have progressed from kennel technician roles into hands-on clinical positions through years of training and experience.
Will I see the same veterinarian at each visit?
We do our best to help you build a relationship with a consistent doctor, though any of our qualified veterinarians can provide excellent continuity of care for your pet.
How experienced is the Central Animal Hospital staff?
Our team includes doctors and technicians with backgrounds ranging from military service to specialty emergency medicine, with decades of combined experience in small animal care.
Can I request a specific doctor for my pet’s appointment?
Yes, you’re welcome to request a specific veterinarian when scheduling. Call (561) 391-8787 and our front desk team will do their best to accommodate you.
Meet Our Team in Person
Come experience compassionate, expert veterinary care at Central Animal Hospital in Boca Raton, FL.