Meet Our Veterinary Team

Staff Veterinarian

Originally born in New Orleans, Dr. Ford developed her love of animals from a young age. She grew up riding horses and caring for every stray animal she found. Dr. Ford earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia(Go Dawgs!). After undergrad, she attended St. George’s University on the beautiful island of Grenada, West Indies, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and developed a passion for scuba diving and all things island life. She completed her clinical year at Auburn University and then moved to New York for a rotating internship. It was there she fell in love with the exciting, fast-paced life New York City offered. Dr. Ford continued to practice veterinary medicine in New York City and has a strong interest in the human–animal bond, fear-free practice, surgery, and medicine. After braving too many northeast winters, Dr. Ford is excited to be back in the tropical sunshine and ease into a more relaxed way of life. Her interests include scuba diving, free diving, boating, yoga, and spending time with her rescue bulldog, Bogie, and Chihuahua Romeo.

Staff Veterinarian

Dr. Marta Pawluk was born and raised in Poland. After graduating high school, she left her home country to study in the United States. She completed her undergraduate studies in Philadelphia, graduating Cum Laude from Temple University. From there, she headed off to veterinary school in Grenada, West Indies, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Georges University. After several years of island living in Grenada, she returned to the US to complete her clinical year at Cornell University, followed by an externship at the University of Pennsylvania.

While attending veterinary school, Dr. Marta particularly enjoyed emergency medicine cases. Owning and fostering shelter animals all her life, she has also been a proponent of rescued animals and volunteered at several spay/neuter clinics while studying veterinary medicine. Dr. Pawluk also donates her time to help our local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Away from work, Dr. Marta enjoys spending time outdoors. Her hobbies include hiking, running, and playing tennis. Now living in the Keys, she is thrilled to be back near the water, where she likes SCUBA diving, kayaking, and paddleboard. Dr. Marta resides in Key Largo with Meitschi, an island dog she adopted while in Grenada.

Michelle has been working in the veterinary industry since 2005. She started as a kennel technician and as her passion for caring for animals grew, so did her career. She has had many roles in the industry, each providing her with more knowledge and stronger relationships with clients and co-workers alike.

Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, she has always felt she is “tropical at heart.” Relocating to Key Largo was a dream come true for Michelle and her husband, Jason. They have three fur children: Sushi Roll, a Pug; Tootsie Roll, a Teacup Chihuahua; and Musa Saki, a Bengal.

In her spare time, Michelle loves SCUBA diving, kayaking, birding, or anything she can do to enjoy the beautiful nature that is Key Largo with Jason.

Anjuli has been in love with animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Antigua, she helped the local veterinarian on the weekends and holidays and has always had animals while growing up. She has been in the veterinary field for 20 years and loves every minute of it.

When Anjuli is not helping animals, she loves spending time with her daughter Aria, and anything that involves being in the ocean. She has a variety of animals at home from cats, dogs, chickens, a duck, and a red eared slider, who is 20 years old.

Anjuli is currently studying to be a Certified Veterinary Technician, to enable her to further help animals in need.

Born in Portchester, NY, Crystal moved to Key Largo, Florida, with her family back in 1987. Crystal has always been fascinated with working with animals, big or small. She was involved in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in 1992 and was very proud to be part of “The Pod Squad.” In 1997 Crystal started her family with her first bundle of joy, Michael, retiring from the stranding network. In the years to follow, Michael was joined by his two sisters, Sierra & Skylar. During this time, Crystal was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America and was rehabilitating squirrels with her children. Crystal is looking forward to her journey at Island Hammack Pet Hospital.

Crystal lives with her husband, David, her two dogs, Dinghy & Leo, as well as one kitty named Precious. During her downtime, Crystal enjoys gardening, being on the water or at the beach, watching football, and loves her Florida sunsets. Go, Pack, Go!!

Born in Texas and raised in Washington State, Zuzu has always found peace and joy in the company of her furry friends. Whether it was her family cats and poodles, or her off-the-track Thoroughbred Squeaky, Zuzu has always had animals in her life to love and learn from.

Zuzu recently moved to Key Largo with her fiancé, as well as her caravan of creatures; lizards, birds, fish, frog and dog in tow- Zuzu brings her diverse knowledge and adoration of the animal kingdom with her to Island Hammock. In her free time, Zuzu enjoys picking through bushes and palm fronds, searching for interesting creatures that call the Keys home. She also likes to spend time with her own animal babies, tending to her small zoo at home. Her dog Beau is her world and Zuzu understands the intense connection we share with our pets, making her a great addition to the Island Hammock team.

Amy first joined the team at Island hammock Pet Hospital in February of 2024. She moved to the Keys from Michigan in August of 2023 and LOVES it! She has a background in pharmacy which will be helpful in her current position. She does not have any pets at the time but sees a fur baby in her future! Amy has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren as well. In her spare time, she enjoys activities that get her outdoors and in the sun. Amy can’t wait to get to know our clients and patients!