Dr. veronica Pardini, dvm, certaqtvet
Meet Dr. Veronica Pardini, a dedicated avian and exotic animal veterinarian with a profound passion for providing exceptional care to her unique patients. Her journey into the world of exotic animals began during veterinary school, where she pursued numerous externships in zoos and aquariums, driven by a lifelong desire to exclusively work with exotic species.
Upon graduating in 2012, Dr. Pardini embarked on her career as a small animal emergency veterinarian. This experience not only honed her skills but also laid the foundation for the gold standard of veterinary care she would later offer to her exotic patients.
In 2017, following her heart and passion, she relocated to South Florida to join an avian and exotic animal-only hospital. During her time there, she had the incredible opportunity to be featured on multiple seasons of a NatGeo Wild show, a testament to her expertise and dedication. These episodes are also available on Disney+ for enthusiasts.
While Dr. Pardini adores all animals, aquatic species hold a special place in her heart. In 2022, she earned certification in Aquatic Medicine from WAVMA, showcasing her commitment to diverse facets of veterinary care. Her future aspirations include achieving board certification by the ACZM.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Pardini is passionate about spreading awareness of avian and exotic animal veterinary medicine. She actively engages with veterinary students through lectures and contributes to the field by writing papers and book chapters.
Notably, Dr. Pardini serves as the High Alert Institute’s consulting aquatic veterinarian. Additionally, she plays a crucial role as the veterinary healthcare representative in the Space Healthcare Policy Working Group, contributing to the development of animal healthcare and welfare principles for future space habitats.
In late 2022, Dr. Pardini welcomed her first child, Noah, prompting a realization that it was time to turn her dream into reality. Fueled by a leap of faith, she has now established her own practice – a place where she can provide the best possible care to her patients. Dr. Pardini is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you at Wildside, where her expertise and passion converge to create a haven for exotic animals and their owners.
Dr. Pardini is very excited to welcome you to the Wildside!
Rafael Valle Del Río, Veterinary Technician
Born in El Salvador and raised in South Florida, Rafael has always had a strong appreciation and a deep curiosity about animals. Studied Emergency Medical Services at Palm Beach State and earned a EMT certification.
Combining his passion for medicine and animals into a career. 2020-2025 Rafael worked at an animal shelter as a veterinary surgical nurse and volunteer lead, where he assisted in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries. In his free time, Rafael is usually at the beach with his two dogs—Luke Skywalker, 12-year old chihuahua mix, and Chata, the playful 1-year old English Bulldog. When able he also enjoys snorkeling, trail cycling, and longboarding
Cynthia Raaijmakers, Veterinary Technician
Cynthia has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. At just 14 years old, she began volunteering at a specialty exotic animal clinic in South Florida, where her dedication and love for the field quickly earned her a position as a veterinary assistant by the age of 15. She continued to work there until she was 19, gaining invaluable hands-on experience with a wide variety of exotic species.
Originally pursuing a degree in biology with dreams of becoming an exotic veterinarian, Cynthia eventually shifted her academic path towards drug development. However, her love for animals never faded. Over the years, she has cared for an incredible collection of over 300 invertebrates—including tarantulas, true spiders, scorpions, isopods, and millipedes—reflecting her deep interest in the more unusual corners of the animal kingdom.
Today, Cynthia lives in Loxahatchee with her “little farm” of two mischievous Nigerian dwarf goats, a flock of chickens, and a smaller collection of snakes and geckos. She also shares her home with her beloved miniature dachshunds, Oscar and Peanut.
Joining Wildside Veterinary Health Center has given Cynthia the perfect opportunity to return to her original passion—providing compassionate care to exotic pets.
Melina Ray, Veterinary Assistant
Melina Ray is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant with over 15 years of experience working with animals in South Florida. Passionate about animal welfare, she has fostered and rescued hundreds of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds. Melina is actively involved in community TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programs for cats and is a devoted neonatal and medical foster, providing specialized care for vulnerable animals in need. She is also certified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as a wildlife foster rehabilitator, with a focus on mammals. Outside of her professional work, Melina finds joy in spending time with her family and the many animals who are such an important part of her life—including Raider Ray, her beloved and licensed pet raccoon.