Our Veterinary Team

Andrea Puckett, DVM

Practice Owner

Dr. Andrea Puckett was born and raised outside of Atlanta, Georgia. From an early age, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, but it was her involvement in the local 4-H Horse Club—riding and showing hunter-jumper horses—that truly sparked her passion for veterinary medicine.

Dr. Puckett attended the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Science. She loved the program and field of study so much that she continued to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, she completed a large animal internship at Texas A&M University.

After her time in Texas, Dr. Puckett moved to Florida to be with her now husband and practice co-owner, Luke. They reside in Flagler Beach with their two beautiful children and adorable Australian Cobber Dog, Bruce Lee. When she’s not seeing patients, she’s dedicating her time to her girls and their extracurricular activities, including participating in and winning dance competitions!

Dr. Puckett joined Dr. Stuart and the Safe Haven family in November 2012. Over the years, Dr. Puckett has built a trusted reputation within the community that reflects her compassion and unwavering commitment to a high standard of veterinary care—one that clients know they can always rely on. Following the passing of Dr. Stuart, Dr. Puckett became the co-owner of Safe Haven Veterinary Hospital and remains deeply committed to honoring and continuing his legacy with the same passion, dedication, and exceptional level of care that clients, patients, and the community have come to love.

Luke Williams, DVM

Practice Owner

Dr. Luke Williams a native of Brunswick, Georgia, developed a passion for animals at an early age, spending much of his childhood caring for a wide variety of small woodland creatures he caught and observed. This early curiosity, combined with a strong interest in science, inspired him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia before continuing his education at the UG College of Veterinary Medicine, where he earned his Doctorate. During this time, he studied alongside his then-girlfriend and now wife and business partner, Dr. Andrea Puckett.

Following veterinary school, Dr. Williams relocated to Florida, where he began his career practicing at a local Banfield Hospital while starting a beautiful family in Flagler Beach. He later practiced for several years with Safe Haven alumnus Dr. Willem van Deijck at Pet Street Veterinary Clinic in Ormond Beach, gaining valuable experience in general veterinary medicine while building a loyal client base with his commitment to thorough and compassionate care. He stays busy in his personal life with his two beautiful daughters, but whenever he finds a free moment, he enjoys spending time near the water – where he pursues his passions for swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Dr. Williams joined the Safe Haven team in November 2023 following Dr. Stuart’s diagnosis. He provided compassionate, dedicated care to our patients during this time and quickly became a trusted and valued member of the team, as though he had always been part of the Safe Haven family. As co-owner, he is committed to continuing the hospital’s long-standing mission of delivering the high-quality, compassionate veterinary care that our clients know and trust.

Carla

Practice Manager

Carla graduated from Mercy College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology. While living in New York, she worked in a multipurpose veterinary practice that served as a general practice during the day and emergency hospital at night. During this time, she gained extensive hands-on experience across many areas of veterinary medicine, building a strong foundation of knowledge and technical skill.

In 2004, Carla and her family moved to Palm Coast, marking a milestone year both personally and professionally. She joined the Safe Haven team, purchased a home, and was quickly promoted to Head Technician. In 2008, the same year she welcomed her son, she advanced to the role of Patient Care Coordinator. Her continued dedication and leadership led to another promotion in 2014, when she became Practice Manager.

No matter the role she holds, Carla has proven indispensable in shaping Safe Haven’s vision, mentoring team members, and leading the hospital’s commitment to excellence in veterinary care and compassion.
Outside of work, Carla enjoys spending time at home with her two- and four-legged family. She also loves expressing her creativity through crafting, baking, and do-it-yourself projects.

Lisa

Assistant Practice Manager

Lisa was born and raised in New Jersey and has lived in several states across the US, ultimately settling in Florida, where she has lived since 2009.

Beginning her career in 1994, Lisa built a strong foundation in veterinary medicine, starting as a veterinary technician in small animal practice and expanding her expertise to emergency, surgical, and specialty care. In 2009, she transitioned into a leadership role as a Hospital Manager, gaining the experience and strong interpersonal skills that led her to the Assistant Practice Manager position after joining the Safe Haven family in 2024. Lisa is dedicated to helping the team ensure exceptional care for pets and their families.

Outside of work, Lisa is the proud mother of two grown children, a new grandmother, and the devoted pet parent to her cat, Harlow. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and relaxing at the beach.

Brian

Lead Patient Care Coordinator

Brian was born and raised in New York, where he began his veterinary career as an overnight kennel attendant in a multipurpose veterinary practice that functioned as a general practice by day and an emergency hospital by night. Driven by his passion for animal care and his ability to learn quickly, Brian advanced rapidly, earning a promotion to MRI Handler and later completing training to become a Veterinary Technician.

After three years of developing and honing his skills, Brian relocated to Palm Coast with his fiancée, Carla. He briefly pursued his first passion as an automotive mechanic before realizing that veterinary medicine was where his heart truly belonged. In 2007, he joined the Safe Haven team.

Brian is a valued member of our staff, known for his calm demeanor and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his son, they enjoy fishing, bike riding, and working on cars in the family garage.

Cathy

Client Care Representative

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Cathy moved to the United States in 1979. She began her career working in the press office of the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., where her husband, Stan, later served as Vice Consul before retiring. In 2006, Cathy relocated to Palm Coast and joined the Safe Haven team in 2008.

Cathy is the proud pet parent of her adorable furry child, Alphie. In her spare time, she loves entertaining friends and family from around the world and enjoys reading, movies, and traveling. She’s also known for arriving at work bright and early with armloads of delicious homemade baked goods.

Cathy’s welcoming smile is often the first thing clients see when they walk through our doors, and her warm Scottish brogue lets them know just how happy we are to welcome them—and their pets—into the Safe Haven family.

Lauren

Client Care Representative

Born and raised in Virginia, Lauren has a combined two decades of experience in education and veterinary medicine. In the veterinary field, she has worked as a Veterinary Technician and Receptionist, providing compassionate care and reliable support to pets and their families.

Before entering veterinary medicine, Lauren dedicated years to being a preschool teacher, developing patience, creativity, and a nurturing approach that continues to influence her work today. Her background helps her connect easily with clients and support them through important moments.

After spending much of her life in Georgia, Lauren relocated to Palm Coast, Florida in 2021, immediately joining the Safe Haven family. She shares her home with her fiancé, his daughter, and their two dogs—Gimli, a Chihuahua, and Arwen, a Yorkie. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys the beach, reading, and creating resin art.

Abbi

Client Care Representative

Abbi has loved all kinds of animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Massachusetts, she was surrounded by nature, which helped her develop a deep respect for every creature, big and small. As a teenager, she volunteered on a horse farm, where she discovered how rewarding it is to care for animals and earn their trust.

Since then, Abbi has dedicated her career to providing compassionate care for pets of all kinds. Her experience includes kennel and daycare work, grooming, and veterinary support, allowing her to bring a well-rounded skill set to her role since joining the team in 2025 . Nothing makes her happier than helping animals feel safe, healthy, and loved.

When she’s not spending time with animals, Abbi enjoys getting lost in a good book, exploring local trails with her dog, and spending time with her loved ones.

Justin

Patient Care Team

Originally from New York, Justin moved to Florida with his parents and joined the Safe Haven family in March 2016 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. Since joining the practice, he has enjoyed caring for every patient who comes through the doors and takes pride in helping pets feel safe and comfortable during their visits. His calm, gentle demeanor is especially reassuring to anxious animals and their owners.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys unwinding with movies and television, playing video games, singing karaoke, and listening to music. His laid-back personality and dedication to patient care make him a valued member of the Safe Haven team.

Joey

Patient Care Team

Joey has spent her entire life caring for animals. She began her career as a groomer and later worked at Paddock Judge Greyhound Rescue in Connecticut, where she helped care for rescued racing greyhounds. She became a Veterinary Technician 25 years ago and went on to specialize in surgical care. Joey has been a member of the Safe Haven team since March 2023 where she continues to dedicate herself to providing compassionate care to our surgical patients.

Outside of work, Joey enjoys gardening and refinishing antiques. Her home is shared with a lively group of animals, including Lia, a Doberman mix; Rae, a Staffordshire Terrier; Doug, a 10-year-old Sulcata tortoise; Cooper, a 15-year-old Russian tortoise; and three waxy monkey frogs who help keep life interesting.