Meet our Five Star Staff

Dr. Christopher A. Melgey
Dr. Melgey was raised on a farm where his love for animals began at a young age.  He got a BS at The University of Connecticut and a DVM from Oklahoma State University and currently has over 28 years of experience. Dr. Melgey worked in Connecticut where he owned his own successful practice for many years before moving to south Florida with his family.  He purchased Crystal Lake Animal Hospital from Dr. Peter Fleming in August 2012, who established the hospital 38 years before.  Dr. Melgey’s main concern is the well being of his patients.  His expertise in patient care, surgical skills and intuition are his greatest attributes.  He strives to communicate with his clients regarding their pet’s condition so they can make informed decisions about their pet’s medical care.  Dr. Melgey always has a soft spot for rescue animals and enjoys helping them get healthy and find their forever home.  He has 3 beautiful daughters and 3 grandchildren.  At home he is surrounded by dogs, cats and horses.  


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Dr. Barry Landau
Dr. Landau was born in New York and moved to south Florida in his early teens.  He did his undergraduate studies at The University of Tennessee and The University of Florida in Animal Sciences.  He got his doctorate with high honors at Auburn University.  He then completed a 15 month internship at Angel Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston Massachusetts. He returned to south Florida to practice, eventually opening his own practice in Sunrise, and then one later in Plantation.  He managed both of the practices for many years before selling them.  He has continued to work in the Boca Raton and Coral Springs area for the last several years.  He officially joined Crystal Lake Animal Hospital in March 2015 as a part time associate doctor with over 33 years of experience.  Dr. Landau practices medicine in a very similar fashion to Dr. Melgey.  He emphasizes on communication with his clients in regards to his patients care.  He enjoys internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery and planning vacations....even though they never seem to really happen.  He also enjoys fishing and diving with his children in his spare time.

Rachel P.
Rachel is our Technician.  She has been with the practice since 2005.  She began her career in the veterinary field with Dr. Peter Fleming, the previous owner of Crystal Lake, as a receptionist.  She continued to be promoted until she reached her current title.  She was asked to stay on and continue to work with Dr. Melgey when he took over the practice in August 2012.  She loves working with animals and clients and plans on making this her lifelong career.  She is a wonderful asset to the Crystal Lake team with her hard work and dedication.  In her off time she spends time with her 6 wonderful kitties, and watches football and baseball, Go Dolphins and Marlins!  She also enjoys a nice evening at restaurants and movies or a weekend getaway to Disneyworld.

 






Mia R.
Mia is one of our Receptionists/ Vet Tech Assistants.  She has been with the practice since February of 2018.  Mia has loved all animals since she can remember so she decided to dedicate her career to working with them.  Before working at Crystal Lake, during high school, she volunteered at Sawgrass Animal Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.  There she was involved with the day to day care of the exotic animals and their rehabilitation back into the wild.  Then she was a Pet-Care Specialist at PetSmart for three years.  She has also been very active in assisting rescues with donations, returning pets to their homes, as well as locating foster families and occasionally being a foster herself in urgent circumstances.  Mia currently attends college, studying to become a Certified Veterinary Technician, she is specifically interested in ophthalmology.  Mia has 3 dogs; 2 Longhaired Dachshunds and a Pit-Mix who thinks she is a Dachshund, and is the sweetest one of all.  Mia loves nature and being outdoors with her dogs.  She enjoys going to the gym, and being spontaneous while hanging out with her family.  She will ensure tons of love and attention to your pets while they are here!

​Lauren A. 
​Lauren began working for Crystal Lake Animal Hospital as a Kennel Assistant in 2018 and has since been promoted to Receptionist.  Her passion for animals and nature really began to grow in 2015 where she began to do her research about veganism and really finding out what was morally and ethically correct in her opinion. Her passion for animals and all life on Earth began to grow rapidly. She will be going back to school in August to finish her Associates and then pursue her Bachelors of Science. As the Kennel Assistant, her sole duty is to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for all animals. She will always make sure your loved one is properly cared for and feels loved throughout the weekend. Sometimes it can be a hard transition being away from you, but she guarantees that your fur baby gets that little piece of home while at Crystal Lake. She loves working here at Crystal Lake and says “it is very rewarding and I really appreciate you as the client for choosing us and our services.”



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Obi Wan 
Obi is our beloved house cat.  He is adored by all and spoiled beyond belief.  You may see him roaming the halls once in a while.  But for the most part he hangs out in Dr. Melgey's office on his favorite couch.