Our People

The Humans Behind
the Healing

8 professionals. 96 combined years of experience. One shared obsession: your pet's health.

Meet the team

Dr. Lena Okafor, Medical Director and Founder

Dr. Lena Okafor, DVM, DACVIM

Medical Director & Founder
Cornell University CVM (DVM, 2009) · Board-certified in Internal Medicine (ACVIM, 2014)

Special interests: endocrinology, immune-mediated disease, feline medicine. Dr. Okafor founded Pawprint & Co. in 2017 with a vision for relationship-centered veterinary care.

"I chose internal medicine because I love solving puzzles. Every complex case is a mystery, and the patient can't tell you what's wrong — you have to figure it out. That challenge is what gets me out of bed at 5am."
Has two rescue cats named Watson and Crick (yes, after the scientists)
Dr. Anil Patel, Associate Veterinarian and Surgical Lead

Dr. Anil Patel, DVM

Associate Veterinarian & Surgical Lead
University of Florida CVM (DVM, 2015) · Orthopedic surgery externship, University of Georgia

Special interests: orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, dental surgery. Dr. Patel brings precision and meticulous preparation to every procedure.

"Surgery is where preparation meets precision. I spend more time planning a procedure than performing it. That's how you get great outcomes."
Competitive rock climber who says surgery and climbing require the same hand steadiness
Dr. Maria Santos, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Maria Santos, DVM

Associate Veterinarian
Tuskegee University CVM (DVM, 2018) · Fear Free Certified Professional

Special interests: dermatology, behavior, puppy/kitten wellness. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese — proudly serves many multilingual pet families.

"I became a vet because of a hamster named Señor Fluffington who had a skin condition when I was 12. My family vet saved him and I was hooked."
Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese — serves many multilingual pet families in our community
Jamie Crawford, Lead Veterinary Technician

Jamie Crawford, CVT

Lead Veterinary Technician
Valencia College (CVT, 2014) · VTS candidate (Emergency & Critical Care) · 10 years experience, 6 at Pawprint & Co.

Jamie is the backbone of our clinical team — placing catheters, monitoring anesthesia, and comforting scared animals with unmatched skill and compassion.

"Technicians are the nurses of veterinary medicine. We're in the trenches — placing catheters, monitoring anesthesia, comforting scared animals. It's exhausting and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Fosters kittens year-round. Current count: 47 foster kittens placed in loving homes
Olivia Tran, Veterinary Technician

Olivia Tran, CVT

Veterinary Technician
Brevard Community College (CVT, 2019)

Olivia specializes in dental radiography and anesthesia monitoring. Her attention to detail during procedures ensures every patient's safety and comfort.

Taught her border collie to sort laundry by color — we're not sure who's more impressive, Olivia or the dog
Marcus Johnson, Veterinary Assistant and Client Care

Marcus Johnson

Veterinary Assistant & Client Care
Working toward CVT certification

Marcus is the first face you see when you walk in — and he makes sure that first impression is a warm one. His dedication to every patient and family sets the tone for every visit.

Knows every patient's name and keeps treat preferences in a notebook — yes, a physical notebook
Dr. Sarah Kim, Part-Time Associate

Dr. Sarah Kim, DVM

Part-Time Associate (Weekends)
UC Davis CVM (DVM, 2012) · 12 years emergency medicine experience

After a decade in emergency medicine, Dr. Kim transitioned to general practice to build lasting relationships with patients over time. She brings deep emergency expertise to our weekend team.

"After a decade in emergency, I wanted to build relationships with patients over time instead of meeting them on their worst day."
Makes custom pet bandanas and gives them to post-surgery patients as a recovery gift
Rebecca Ayala, Practice Manager

Rebecca Ayala

Practice Manager
CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) · 15 years veterinary practice management

Rebecca keeps everything running smoothly so our doctors can focus entirely on medicine. Billing question? Scheduling issue? Just need someone to listen? She's your person.

"I make sure the trains run on time so the doctors can focus on medicine. If you have a billing question, scheduling issue, or just need someone to listen — I'm your person."
Has a 22-year-old cockatiel named Gerald who outlived two dogs and a marriage
The Pawprint & Co. veterinary team together in the clinic

The Pawprint & Co. team, minus our most important members — our patients.

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