Our Team

Gaby Rowland, DVM

Dr. Gaby Rowland is a Brevard County native; she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2016 and her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University in 2021. After graduating, she left the arctic tundra of Iowa and returned to the always sunny Brevard County area and immediately joined Oakview Animal Hospital. She enjoys being in nature and exploring the outdoors, fishing, swimming and horseback riding. In her spare time she enjoys being with her fiancé Nick, riding her horse Acre and snuggling her 2 dogs: Beau and Jasper.

Michala Shurtliff, DVM

Dr. Michala Shurtliff joined Oakview Animal Hospital in December 2017, moving here from Knoxville, Tenn. She is a 2013 graduate of UT Knoxville College of Veterinary Medicine and while she enjoyed her time in the beautiful foothills of the Smokey Mountains, she is very excited to be making the move to be close to the beach and brings with her 3 dogs who can’t wait to play in the sand and waves! Her professional interests include small animal internal medicine and wound management. Outside of the clinic she enjoys watching Nebraska Huskers football, traveling, and exploring local restaurants and breweries. We are so excited to have her and know you and your pets will love her!

Erica – Receptionist

Hello, my name is Erica. I was born and raised in Brevard County, Melbourne-Palm Bay Area. I’m a receptionist and I have been working at Oakview for almost 2 years now. When I’m not answering the phone or scheduling your fur babies appointments, you can find me at the barn with my dog Buckeye. Any spare time I have is spent with my horses Ares, KC, and Doc. I volunteer for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse, I have been with BCSO for 12 years. My husband, George and I, have a beautiful daughter, Alexis.

Melissa – Receptionist

I am a proud mother of four wonderful young men and I am also a grandmother, which brings an immense amount of joy and excitement into my life. Family is everything to me, and on my days off, I cherish every moment spent with them. I often enjoy watching movies with my sons, painting, or lost in a good book whenever I can.

My professional journey has revolved around my passion for animals. For nearly 20 years, I have dedicated my career to working with various kinds of pets, and currently, I serve as the receptionist and technician at Oakview Animal Hospital. The work is both fulfilling and challenging, as it allows me to take care of furry friends and provide support for their loving owners. I especially enjoy bringing comfort to pets who need extra time and understanding.

At home, our household is full of love and excitement, thanks to our spirited pets and kids. We have four dogs—Rosie, our playful boxer, and Alfred and Dixie, our charming French bulldogs, along with Winston, our adorable papillon. Not to forget, Olive the cat keeps everyone on their toes, while Lisa the ferret and Ethel the bunny add to the wonderful chaos of our home.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. It is a pleasure to be a part of the Oakview team!

Brandon – Vet Tech

Hi im Brandon,
I have worked many roles in VetMed since 2016. I have a mini zoo at home that includes 2 dogs, a cat and two tortoises. I’m passionate about making vet visits less stressful—for pets, their people, and occasionally the staff. You can find me monitoring anesthesia, helping during appointments or moving around the clinic assisting where needed. I bring skill, compassion, and a bit of humor to every shift. Because in vet med, if you’re not laughing, you’re probably covered in something unmentionable!

Amy – Vet Tech

Hi, I’m Amy! I’ve been a vet tech for a few years now and love learning new things. Outside of the clinic you can find me hanging out at home with my kitty Ruby or picking up a new hobby.

Melody – Practice Manager

Born and raised in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Melody moved to Florida with her family in 2005. She began the Veterinary Technology Program at Brevard Community College, now known as Eastern Florida State College in 2006 and graduated, becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2007. Her family was her greatest influence in following her dream career, having multiple animals growing up, including a K-9 narcotics officer. Melody loves to spend time with her family, furry and non-furry alike, as well as go to the beach, and go camping and boating.

Dr. Kovach – Part Time DVM

Dr. Mary Kovach knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from the age of four—but she took a bit of a scenic route getting there. Born and raised in central Indiana, she first earned her wings at Purdue University, completing the professional flight program and obtaining her commercial pilot’s license with multi-engine and instrument ratings. (She hasn’t flown in years, but still proudly counts it as one of her greatest accomplishments—and still speaks fluent “pilot.”)

In 2006, she decided it was time to finally pursue her lifelong dream of veterinary medicine. She began her pre-vet education at Lincoln Memorial University in East Tennessee and went on to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year back at Purdue. She graduated in January 2012 and began practicing in central Indiana shortly after.

In 2021, Dr. Kovach traded snow for sunshine and moved to Florida. Since relocating to Palm Bay in 2023, she has worked as a relief veterinarian throughout Brevard County. In January 2025, she joined Oakview Animal Hospital in a part-time role, while continuing her relief work around the area. She loves the variety each day brings in veterinary medicine—no two days (or pets!) are ever the same.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Kovach shares her home with a pair of greyhounds (she’d happily have 25, but her husband insists two is plenty), two cats, a Belgian Malinois mix, a few opinionated cockatiels, and a horse named Buttercup. Her hobbies include horseback riding, napping with greyhounds, visiting theme parks, and avoiding winter whenever possible.

Kym – Vet Tech

My name is Kym and this is my most handsome boy Jak Frost!