Dr. Elena Cespedes was born and raised in rural Santiago, Dominican Republic. At the age of nine she relocated to Harlem, New York where she later obtained a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Barnard College, Columbia University. She worked in publishing for 2 years before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. She graduated with a DVM from Cornell University with a focus in small animals and exotics. Dr. Cespedes promptly relocated to Bradenton, Florida to realize a lifelong dream of living amongst the beaches and palm trees. She has a much-loved poodle-terrier mix named Buddy and two guinea pigs called Hank and Walter. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, hiking, gardening, and cooking Thai food.