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OUR TEAM
AXEL BECCAR VARELA, MV, DACVS-LA
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Beccar Varela was born and raised in Argentina and grew up playing polo and riding horses. In 2005 he graduated from veterinary school in Argentina and then worked in private practice for 2 years. In 2008 he completed an internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. Following a 3 year large animal surgery residency at The University of Georgia he worked as a clinical instructor for the College. In 2012 he obtained his board certification in large animal surgery. After becoming a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Dr. Beccar Varela moved to Wellington, FL. with his wife where they worked at a busy referral practice. In 2014 Dr. Beccar Varela and Dr. Patipa founded Paddock Equine Veterinary Services where they have been practicing since.
He has a special interest in lameness, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. In his off time he enjoys spending time with his wife Dr. Leah Patipa and their kids Sofi and Luka.
LEAH PATIPA, DVM
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Patipa graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine with an emphasis in Large Animals. She was accepted to stay at UGA for a very competitive 1-year equine rotating hospital internship. Following her internship she worked in Alpharetta, GA for a busy sport horse practice while her husband finished his equine surgical residency. Her goal was to always return to her roots in Wellington, FL where she was born and grew up riding competitively. After one year in Alpharetta, her dream came true and her and her husband (Dr. Axel) accepted a position back in South Florida at a referral practice. In 2014 they started Paddock Equine Veterinary Services in Wellington where they have been practicing since.
She has a special interest in sport horse lameness and medicine and when she is not working you will find her showing her horses in the hunter ring or watching her kids in the pony ring.
LISA FULTZ, DVM, DACVIM-LA
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Fultz attended the University of Florida for both her Bachelors of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2010. She completed her internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, followed by a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Georgia. In 2014, she became board certified in Large Animal Internal Medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. During her residency, Dr. Fultz completed a Masters of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences with an emphasis on the pharmacokinetics of veterinary-exclusive antibiotics.
Following 7 years in private practice as an internal medicine consultant in Wellington, Florida, Dr. Fultz was the Technical Services Veterinarian for Arenus Animal Health/ Hygain Feeds. In 2023 she excitedly returned to equine practice as the newest member of the Paddock Equine team. She enjoys spending time with her dog Abigail and training for sprint and international-distance triathlons.
LEXI RAGANO, BVMS, MRCVS
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Ragno earned her veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in 2023, then completed an 18-month internship at Pool House Equine Hospital in Staffordshire, England. A native of Orlando, she recently returned home to join Paddock Equine Veterinary Services in 2025. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with friends.
KIERSTEN FRICK
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Kiersten was born and raised in South Florida where she grew up competing in Wellington in the hunters and jumpers as a junior and amateur rider. She received a bachelor's degree in business from Florida Atlantic University. She has a lot of experience in the equine industry and followed her passion and we are lucky she joined the Paddock Equine team.
ALICIA PICCIOLO
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Alicia was born and raised in South Florida. She had a love for horses her whole life. She grew up riding hunter/jumpers and eventually transitioned into barrel racing. We are very happy that her passion since childhood lead her to join Paddock Equine as a veterinary technician.
KAYLEE CROYLE
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Kaylee is a native south Floridan, and has been around horses her entire life. She brings to Paddock Equine her strong passion for the Rodeo and the Cutting horse industries and has spent the last few years continuing her education by working on some of the top cattle ranches from Texas to Florida. Kaylee is currently rodeoing on her mare Koko and enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her two wiener dogs, Charlie & Ava Grace.
PAULA PORTOCARRERO
OFFICE MANAGER
JOSHUA
MASCOT
Paula Portocarrero, a native of Colombia, South America, recently joined our practice as office manager. Paula grew up around horses and has 15+ years of experience in the veterinary field.
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