The team at Northside Animal Hospital is comprised of highly trained and experienced animal health professionals who have a genuine love for working with pets. Our staff treats every patient with the highest quality of medical care as well as a gentle touch.
Dr. Sevelius
Dr. Sevelius graduated with BBA in Accounting from the University of Miami in 1967. From there he proudly served in the US Army from 1967-1970, where he served in Vietnam and was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart and was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor.
While working with a scout dog in Vietnam, the scout dog gave his life in order to save Dr. Sevelius’. From his experience in working with the scout dog Dr. Sevelius, knew he wanted to spend his life aiding animals. When Dr. Sevelius, returned home for surgery at Hunter Army Airfield, he began his recovery process and attended the University of Florida for 2 years of pre-med requirements and then was accepted into the Auburn University Veterinary Program from which he graduated in 1975.
After graduating he moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1975. In 1979, he acquired Northside Animal Hospital where he has practiced medicine ever since. When he is afforded the opportunity he enjoys going on mission trips to Honduras and the Philippines where he cares for all of God’s creatures, great and small.
Brandi Federico
Hospital Administrator
Brandi Federico was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduating from First Coast High School in 2006, she entered in the US Navy as an Operations Specialist. After she finished her time in the Navy, she returned home and married her high school sweetheart Joey. They have 1 daughter, Aubrey, and 3 dogs. Brandi started her career at Northside Animal Hospital as a Receptionist Assistant and as the years progressed, moved her way up to Receptionist, Receptionist Supervisor and is now Hospital Administrator. Brandi loves every aspect of working with animals but she says “The most fulfilling part of the job is when you have a sick pet that we’ve seen, treated and they make a complete recovery. Nothing is better than a healthy pet.” In her spare time Brandi loves to travel, cook and spend time with her family.
Wendy Warner
Receptionist
Wendy Warner is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Florida over 20 years ago with her husband Joe. She loves all animals but her favorite breed of dog is an Alaska Malamute as she has had that breed throughout her life. She has formal training as an artist as she painted the logo located in the reception area all by hand and also a mural of a beach scene in the recovery room of the hospital. When Wendy is not working you can find her at the beach soaking up the Florida sun.
Claire Gipson
Receptionist
Claire Gipson is originally from Brooklyn and has been in the vet field since 2018. She has worked in different clinics from spay and neuter clinics to full service animal hospitals. She has had pets all of her life and currently has 3 rescue cats, Daisy, Shadow and Frito. Claire says “her favorite part of the job is interacting with all of our clients, both human and furry!”
Gladys Hutsell
Lead Vet Tech
Gladys Hutsell is a veterinary technician with over 25 years of experience. Over the years, Gladys has been given several nicknames by Dr. Sevelius but the one that catches on the most is that she is the “dog/cat whisperer”. Gladys has such a way with animals that she is able to handle 200 lb English Mastiffs to 2 lb baby kittens. In her spare time, Gladys likes to garden and feed a family of ducks that live on her property.
Georgina Wilde-Whitley
Vet Tech
Born and raised in the wilderness of Oregon, Georgina has dreamed of being in the veterinary field since she was 10 years old. She grew up on a ranch, where she learned various skills and started helping out with all sorts of animals. In 2009, she graduated from veterinary technician school. She has been happily married for 14 years and has 2 very adventurous boys. They have a German Shepherd Mix and 3 cats. In 2020, they moved to Florida and now live in the countryside of Callahan where they have a small lake on their property where they can go swimming and boating. In her spare time she enjoys crafting, hunting, fishing, camping, anything outdoors and also has a hobby business working on leather crafting and tooling. Before coming to Northside Animal Hospital, she worked as a technician at an Animal ER. She tries to look at each day as an adventure and follows wherever God leads her.
Joy Benedek
Vet Tech
My name is Joy Benedek. I am the mom to 2 boys and one girl. I am a military wife who has traveled the US for the past 18 years. Animals have always been my weakness. We now call Jacksonville our forever home where we are raising our boys, 3 dogs, 1 cat and a bunny.
Cynthia Nye
Kennel Attendant
This is Cynthia Nye. Cynthia was born in Jacksonville, FL and grew up on the Northside. Cynthia attended First Coast High School and graduated in 2000. She is a mother of two young adults, who she adores dearly. In 2010, she started traveling and made her way to Hawaii then Connecticut, then in 2016 came back to Jacksonville. After her return, she started working in the medical field and realized that animals were her passion. In June of 2021, she stared with us as a kennel attendant and has a real dedication to each and every fur-baby that comes into her presence. Cynthia intends to further her career in the veterinary field and will continue to thrive as the years go by.
James May
Kennel Attendant
James May was born in Jacksonville and grew up in Oceanway. James has one daughter and one grandson. After graduating from First Coast High School, he began his plumbing career along side of his brother. After 20 years in plumbing, James decided it was time for a change and went in a completely different direction. He has always had a heart for all animals and he decided the veterinary field was where he wanted to be. In October of 2021, he started with Northside Animal Hospital as a kennel attendant. In his spare time he enjoys family time, cooking and reading books.