Welcome to Coastal Animal Medical Center!
Conveniently located in Lakewood Ranch, we are a family-owned and operated veterinary clinic serving all of Lakewood Ranch and the Bradenton area. Our team believes in doing everything possible to ensure the best outcomes for our patients, and we strive to treat everyone — human and animal — who enters the facility like a member of our family.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Wally Dabasinskas
Chief of Staff/Owner
If you made it to my bio page, welcome to Coastal Animal Medical Center! We are a family-owned and oriented practice with some of the most dedicated and caring doctors and staff that I have had the privilege to work with.
As for me, I am the cliché of “wanting to be a veterinarian since I was a kid”. I attended the University of Tennessee for undergraduate school then the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating at the ripe old age of 24. It was in Tennessee where I met my best friend, Rene, and convinced her to marry me. At the age of 27 we purchased our first veterinary hospital in Virginia, and my future veterinarian daughter, Kristin, was born. Over the next several years we added several vaccination clinics to the fold and became one of the first hospitals in the area to perform and teach CO2 laser use for surgeries.
As for me, I am the cliché of “wanting to be a veterinarian since I was a kid”. I attended the University of Tennessee for undergraduate school then the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating at the ripe old age of 24. It was in Tennessee where I met my best friend, Rene, and convinced her to marry me. At the age of 27 we purchased our first veterinary hospital in Virginia, and my future veterinarian daughter, Kristin, was born. Over the next several years we added several vaccination clinics to the fold and became one of the first hospitals in the area to perform and teach CO2 laser use for surgeries.
After a few more years and wanting a change of pace, I sold those practices and became Chief of Staff for several corporate veterinary hospitals including one mixed animal practice in Cody, Wyoming. That is where my incorrigible friend, Sage, came into my life. She was a German Wire-Haired Pointer who accompanied me for the next 15 years in veterinary practice. Sage went to work with me each day, and I believe she touched many people’s and pets’ lives along the way.
After several years in Wyoming, Rene and I missed our families in Virginia and decided to return to Virginia to open 3 hospitals in the Richmond area with Banfield. At these hospitals we were among the first to perform in-hospital cardiac ultrasounds and transmit these results to cardiologists via telemedicine for interpretation. We also were among the first practices in the area to start using radiosurgery versus CO2 laser for soft tissue surgery.
When Rene’s dad retired to Florida, we sold the Banfield hospitals, and I accepted a position as Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital in Sarasota while we were building CAMC. In May of 2012, we opened CAMC and tried to incorporate all our previous veterinary successes and added 2 complete dental suites with dental radiograph capability. My favorite areas of interest among these would include soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
Although I tend to get much of the credit for the success of our practice, it would not be possible without the best doctors and staff to work with me, the best wife to stand along-side me managing the hospitals and supporting me, the daughter who watched me as a child and then became a wonderful veterinarian in her own right, and a dog named Sage that kept everything in perspective.
When I am not working at the clinic, I may be fishing, boating, camping or golfing. You may even see me riding my motorcycle around the neighborhood. Feel free to stop me and chat, or better yet, stop by the clinic and see what we are all about. And for folks who are already our clients, thanks for trusting us to care for your loved family members!
After several years in Wyoming, Rene and I missed our families in Virginia and decided to return to Virginia to open 3 hospitals in the Richmond area with Banfield. At these hospitals we were among the first to perform in-hospital cardiac ultrasounds and transmit these results to cardiologists via telemedicine for interpretation. We also were among the first practices in the area to start using radiosurgery versus CO2 laser for soft tissue surgery.
When Rene’s dad retired to Florida, we sold the Banfield hospitals, and I accepted a position as Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital in Sarasota while we were building CAMC. In May of 2012, we opened CAMC and tried to incorporate all our previous veterinary successes and added 2 complete dental suites with dental radiograph capability. My favorite areas of interest among these would include soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
Although I tend to get much of the credit for the success of our practice, it would not be possible without the best doctors and staff to work with me, the best wife to stand along-side me managing the hospitals and supporting me, the daughter who watched me as a child and then became a wonderful veterinarian in her own right, and a dog named Sage that kept everything in perspective.
When I am not working at the clinic, I may be fishing, boating, camping or golfing. You may even see me riding my motorcycle around the neighborhood. Feel free to stop me and chat, or better yet, stop by the clinic and see what we are all about. And for folks who are already our clients, thanks for trusting us to care for your loved family members!
Dr. Kristin Dabasinskas
Veterinarian/Veterinarian Manager
Dr. Kristin moved to Florida to attend the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013, after finishing her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Virginia Tech. She has a Giant Schnauzer named Alli (short for Alli-gator), and a cat, who is more like a mini-dog, named Emmy. Being the daughter of Dr. Wally and Rene, she was practically raised in a veterinary clinic. Her favorite part of general practice is forming long-term relationships with patients and clients. On her days off, you can catch her camping, playing board games, baking, or writing. She is also an avid Harry Potter fan and a proud Hufflepuff!
Dr. Mariko Agena
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Agena is a 2015 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She credits her love of animals to her first dog, Momo. She is a Colorado native who enjoys her time with her husband and her young daughter. Her professional interests include cardiology and dentistry. She enjoys cooking, pottery, and yoga.
Dr. Scott Allen
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Allen graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and immediately joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. He became a Florida resident the following year while at his first Duty Station —Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. Later, he served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Rotation 1 in 2001. After leaving the Army, he pursued a career as a small animal veterinarian here in Florida.
In his free time, Dr. Allen enjoys spending time with his wife and his son, whom he affectionately calls “The Boy.” Together, they enjoy activities such as food forest gardening, hiking, camping, scuba diving, and the occasional indoor video gaming episode.
In his free time, Dr. Allen enjoys spending time with his wife and his son, whom he affectionately calls “The Boy.” Together, they enjoy activities such as food forest gardening, hiking, camping, scuba diving, and the occasional indoor video gaming episode.
Dr. Sarah Chapman
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Chapman received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Florida Atlantic University in 2019. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Certificate of Business Management from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. While attending veterinary school, she gained invaluable practical experience during her clinical rotations and has a particular interest in clinical pathology, soft-tissue surgery, and holistic medicine including acupuncture. She has worked at several Veterinary Hospitals in Florida as well as a local Animal Shelter in the treatment of small companion animals. Dr. Chapman loves to travel but is happy to have settled down where she grew up in Bradenton, Florida. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys herping, paddleboarding, and tending to her many houseplants.
She looks forward to meeting many fur children in the clinic!
She looks forward to meeting many fur children in the clinic!
Dr. Taryn Paquet
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taryn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida. Followed by obtaining her Doctorate degree from St. George’s University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. She spent her first 3 years of Veterinary School abroad studying in Grenada, West Indies and her final clinical year at Virginia Tech. She has two black and white cats named Mako and Milo, and two dogs named Mickey and Mooch that are inseparable. She has a strong commitment to collaborative teamwork and continuous growth in our practice. Dr. Taryn was inspired by the time she spent abroad where she got to explore all aspects of veterinary medicine's diversity of species. She is dedicated to delivering optimal care with a special interest in preventative care, pain-management, and aquatic animal medicine.
Outside of veterinary medicine she enjoys working on craft projects, finding new hiking/biking trails, and spending time on the water especially scuba diving and snorkeling.
Outside of veterinary medicine she enjoys working on craft projects, finding new hiking/biking trails, and spending time on the water especially scuba diving and snorkeling.
Meet Our Managers
Rene
Practice Manager/Owner
Growing up on several small farms, Rene fell in love with animals. She tells childhood stories of piglets being born during a bitter cold winter and rushing them to the gas oven since that was the only source of heat to be had. She also had a lamb named Susie whose mother didn’t make it through the birth. She took the orphaned lamb into her bedroom and Suzie slept in a box by her bed between bottle feedings until she was old enough to join the herd. As Susie grew, she would watch for the school bus so she could greet Rene at the pasture gate.
Through the years, Rene has had lots of other animal friends including a blue and gold macaw, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, several breeds of horses, and of course dogs and cats. In addition to loving them as pets, Rene also tried her hand at breeding, training and showing alpacas, Wire-Haired Fox Terriers, Great Danes, Giant Schnauzers and Friesian horses.
Rene earned her BS degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee where she met and married Dr. Wally. After graduation, Rene worked for an advertising agency for several years and then helped her father start up his ethanol technology consulting firm. Rene and Dr. Wally purchased their first veterinary practice in Virginia in 1992, just after the birth of their daughter, Dr. Kristin. CAMC is the fifth veterinary practice that Rene and Dr. Wally have owned and operated. While Rene used to have time to work as a receptionist full-time while managing the practice, she now spends most of her time in her office dealing with paperwork, HR issues, IT and accounting. She still loves to pop up front so she can say hi to our clients and patients when she has a few minutes between tasks.
Rene spends her free time having fun with her husband and her daughter. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, enjoying the Florida sunshine and traveling. Her favorite thing to do is get out of town on a cruise!
Rene earned her BS degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee where she met and married Dr. Wally. After graduation, Rene worked for an advertising agency for several years and then helped her father start up his ethanol technology consulting firm. Rene and Dr. Wally purchased their first veterinary practice in Virginia in 1992, just after the birth of their daughter, Dr. Kristin. CAMC is the fifth veterinary practice that Rene and Dr. Wally have owned and operated. While Rene used to have time to work as a receptionist full-time while managing the practice, she now spends most of her time in her office dealing with paperwork, HR issues, IT and accounting. She still loves to pop up front so she can say hi to our clients and patients when she has a few minutes between tasks.
Rene spends her free time having fun with her husband and her daughter. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, enjoying the Florida sunshine and traveling. Her favorite thing to do is get out of town on a cruise!
Ashley
Assistant Practice Manager
Ashley was raised in Bradenton, Florida, and has been working in the veterinary field for 10 years. Having only fish as pets growing up, she developed her love of animals through watching emergency veterinary shows and wildlife rehabilitation documentaries on TV. She now has three dogs: Odin, Rags, and Buster. Ashley is passionate about greyhound adoption and loves sighthounds. Her dog, Rags, is a retired racing greyhound that she adopted in 2016. In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, going to concerts, hiking, and relaxing at home with her boyfriend and pets.
Kelly
CVT/Nurse Manager
Kelly is a Florida native and has been in the veterinary field for the past 12 years. Despite working in other fields, she knew working with animals was always a passion of hers. After completing her Veterinary Assistant certification, Kelly began working at a local veterinary clinic, where she learned most of her skills. Before joining Coastal 6 years ago, she decided to go back to school and finish her degree. She is a recent graduate of Penn Foster College, earning her Associate degree in Veterinary Technology. She is eager to learn and expand her knowledge in this field. Kelly enjoys her free time going to the movies, camping, and being active in scouting with her husband, Matt, her two boys, Tyler and Daniel, and friends.
Samantha Heikkila
Customer Service Manager
Samantha has had a passion for animals since she was a child. Birds, snakes, sharks, you name it! Summers were spent in Michigan with her grandmother and younger brother volunteering at animal shelters. Once she was older, and after spending some time in college for nursing and patient care at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, she decided to finally pursue a field where she could work full-time with animals. With a passion for working in customer service, she joined the Coastal team in 2021.
In her free time, she enjoys staying home with her adorable Pomeranian Daisy, watching movies and shows, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with her friends. Her favorite thing is spending time at aquariums with her boyfriend and feeding birds at sanctuaries!
In her free time, she enjoys staying home with her adorable Pomeranian Daisy, watching movies and shows, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with her friends. Her favorite thing is spending time at aquariums with her boyfriend and feeding birds at sanctuaries!
Anya
Inventory/Lab Manager
Anya started at Coastal Animal Medical Center as a receptionist six years ago. At that time, she was brand-new to the veterinary world. Her degree in business management steered her toward the hospitality industry after graduating from college. She managed several restaurants in Wisconsin, where she is originally from, and grew up gardening, boating, fishing, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
She has a five-year-old little boy and spends most of her time with him when she isn’t working. They enjoy being outdoors, camping, kayaking, hiking, and spending time at the beach or pool. She has a seven-year-old Retriever-Border Collie mix named Kaiya, who she rescued six years ago. She has grown to love the veterinary industry and is happy to have made the transition.
She has a five-year-old little boy and spends most of her time with him when she isn’t working. They enjoy being outdoors, camping, kayaking, hiking, and spending time at the beach or pool. She has a seven-year-old Retriever-Border Collie mix named Kaiya, who she rescued six years ago. She has grown to love the veterinary industry and is happy to have made the transition.
Beth Ciemniecki
Kennel Manager
Beth is a Florida native that has been around animals her entire life. She was a member of 4-H and FFA where she showed horses, cows and pigs for 6 years. She now has 2 cats and 2 horses that she cares for: Dali, Prince Charming, Petra and Honey. She has worked at Coastal for over 5 years and has continued to develop her love for all of god’s creatures. Beth attended the University of Florida where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a specialization in equine. She worked in the large animal industry before moving over to small animals where she has continue to develop her passion for animals.
Veterinarian in Lakewood Ranch
Whether you’re new to the area, a first-time pet parent, or just looking for a new vet, we’d be honored to be entrusted with your furry friend’s care. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s appointment with a caring and experienced veterinarian in Lakewood Ranch.
Coastal Animal Medical Center provides wellness exams, diagnostic imaging, in-house laboratory testing, surgery, high-frequency radiosurgery, spay and neuter, dentistry, dog and cat boarding, and more for pets in Lakewood Ranch and throughout the Bradenton area.
