Dr. Shonte Bishop-Mwakyanjala
Dr. Bishop purchased Coral Reef Animal Hospital in September 2024, after practicing in the Jacksonville area for 6 years. Dr. Bishop is originally from Miami, Florida where most of her family still resides. She attended Florida State University for her undergraduate studies and received a B.S in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. She went on to attend the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Upon graduation she moved to Jacksonville, FL.
Dr. Bishop has worked in the field of veterinary medicine since 2011, starting as a kennel assistant then veterinary assistant prior to veterinary school. Dr. Bishop hopes to create an animal hospital that is family oriented, a staple to the community, and has a great culture for its employees.
When Dr. Bishop is not working; she can be found spending time with her husband, daughter, and pets. She also enjoys baking, drawing, and sewing (when she has the time).
Fun Fact...
I once had a goldfish that lived to be nearly 10 years old and he lived in 4 different cities with me!
Thank you, Dr. Langford
Dr. Richard Langford founded Coral Reef Animal Hospital in 1994. Originally located in Jacksonville Beach, the hospital was moved to its current location in 2009. Dr. Langford, along with his wife Tatiana were a vital part to the Atlantic Beach community for many years. We hope to continue to grow the hospital that they built. Dr. Langford and Tatiana retired in November 2024.
Alyssa
Practice Manager
Alyssa has been practice manager at Coral Reef Animal Hospital since November 2024. She has been working in the field of veterinary medicine since 2015. Her long term goals include creating online content for veterinary professionals to reduce burnout and create better hospital cultures. She is most proud of finding a team of like minded individuals to practice medicine with, where pets always come first.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son and pets, painting, and playing League of Legends.
Fun Fact...
Who I am at the silent disco is not who I am anywhere else. Give me headphones and a good song, and I’ll become feral.
Catherine
Client Service Representative
Joining Coral Reef Animal Hospital in 2026, Catherine brings 8 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. She is passionate about continuing to learn and grow, with future goals of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography. One of her proudest accomplishments is earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Fun Fact...
Catherine has had some incredible underwater adventures, including diving with whale sharks off the west coast of Australia and even sharing the water with a tiger shark!
Charlene, CVT
Veterinary Technician
Charlene joined us in January 2025, bringing with her over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine. She began her journey in the field in 2013, the same year she graduated and officially launched her career.
Charlene is especially proud of completing her associate degree in Animal Science and earning her veterinary technician license by passing the VTNE exam. Her commitment to animal care and professional development continues as she works toward a future degree in graphic design and marketing—an exciting expansion of her creative and professional skills.
Fun Fact...
Charlene shares her home with a wonderfully unique collection of animals, including 3 axolotls, 4 sugar gliders, and 2 blind cats.
Christina
Client Service Representative
Christina joined Coral Reef Animal Hospital in 2026 and brings 4 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. She is passionate about continuing her education and has future goals of becoming a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Christina is especially proud of graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing.
Fun Fact...
Outside of the hospital, she’ll be heading back to school this spring to pursue a degree in Psychology, continuing her journey of learning and helping others.
Kaleena
Veterinary Technician
Kaleena joined Coral Reef Animal Hospital in 2026 and brings 4.5 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. She is passionate about continuing her education and has future goals of returning to school to earn her Bachelor’s Degree. One of the things she is most proud of is her daughter, who is a very special part of her life.
Fun Fact...
Outside of the hospital, Kaleena enjoys traveling and has had the incredible opportunity to visit Italy and explore the historic city of Pompeii!
Natt
Veterinary Technician
Natt has worked at Coral Reef Animal Hospital since June 2023, this her first position in veterinary medicine. She hopes to one day become a veterinary technician at a zoo.
Something she is proud of is having received an Associates degree and her Chemical Laboratory Specialist Certificate.
When she isn’t working she can be found watching horror movies.
Fun Fact...
I was once punched by a bonobo when I was an intern at the Jacksonville Zoo