Meet Our Team

Education:

B.S. in Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 1999

• Summa cum laude
• Outstanding 4 year Scholar (awarded to students maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout undergraduate studies)
• Anderson Scholar of Highest Distinction (awarded to students maintaining a 4.0 GPA through the first 2 years of undergraduate studies)

M.S. in Animal Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Florida, 2004

• Summa cum laude

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2008

• Magna cum laude

Background: Dr. Nichols was born and raised in Ft. Myers, Florida and recently returned to her hometown after many years away attending the University of Florida and working in the Central Florida area. As a veterinarian, Dr. Nichols is particularly interested in canine and feline rescue work and currently serves on the medical board for Florida Boxer Rescue and Boxer Rescue Angels of Florida. Dr. Nichols also works as an onsite veterinarian at the Animal Refuge Center (ARC), the largest no-kill shelter/sanctuary in Florida with over 500 dog and cat residents on the property. As co-owner of Islandside Animal Hospital, Dr. Nichols is proud to offer high quality care at reasonable prices to pet owners in Northwest Cape Coral and surrounding areas.

Family/Pets: Dr. Nichols shares her home and her heart with her husband and daughter along with her three dogs: Pickles, Ella, and Gus along with their one cat: Rose.

Hobbies/Interests: Dr. Nichols enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, kayaking and traveling.

Education: 

B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 2012Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2018Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Chi University, 2020

Background: Dr. Braun grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At a young age, he discovered that he was passionate about caring for animals. Dr. Braun has over six years of experience working in the veterinary field prior to becoming a veterinarian. His professional interests include: preventative care, integrative medicine - focusing on acupuncture and herbal medicine, internal medicine and dentistry. Dr. Braun grew up vacationing in Southwest Florida and is proud to now service Cape Coral and it’s surrounding communities.

Family/Pets: Dr. Braun shares his home with his wife, Kristin, their two weimaraners, Stella and Luna, Aster, a mini-dachshund and two clownfish, Skipper and Rico. 

Hobbies/Interests: Dr. Braun enjoys spending time outdoors. He loves paddle boarding, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Dr. Braun likes to explore with his wife and their dogs - whether thats finding new hiking trails to dog-friendly restaurants. He is a passionate sports fan. Dr. Braun follows his hometown Minnesota teams and Manchester United.

Education: BS in Biology from the University of West Alabama 2006.

DVM from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine 2011. 

Background: Dr. German has worked in the Veterinary field since 2006. She wanted to become a vet since she was 5 years old taking care of lizards in her back yard. She grew up in Bessemer, AL. She has a special interest in exotics, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine. After spending 8 years practicing veterinary medicine in the Northwest Georgia area she decided it was time for a change of scenery and brought her family and herself to sunny Southwest Florida.

Family/pets: She is blessed to be married to her wonderful husband, Josh. They have two amazing children, Lucas and Ella. They also have 1 dog, Squish and one cat, Ballotin. 

Hobbies/special interests: Dr. German loves spending time with family and friends. Her kids are very active in sports so she is at the gym or fields a lot and wouldn't change it for the world. She also enjoy reading, singing, and swimming. They are also Disney fanatics and love roller coasters.

Education: BS in Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia 2009.

DVM from University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine 2013.

Background: Dr. Apking grew up in Columbia, Missouri and had a passion for animals from a young age. She began riding horses at the age of 2 and enjoyed spending time with creatures of all shapes and sizes. Her professional interests include Internal Medicine (especially Endocrinology, Immune-mediated Disease and patients with multiple co-morbidities), Preventative Care and Dermatology.

Family/pets: Dr. Apking is lucky to share her life with her husband, Scott, and their son, Vincent. Their furry and feathered family includes dogs (Brick, Bentley, Bobby, and Billie Jean), cats (Niles and MJ), Quaker Parrot (Besos), bunny (Salty), hairless guinea pigs (Carmie, Frank, and Marie), Quarter Horse (Stormy), and a few fish.

Hobbies/special interests:  In addition to spending time with family and friends, Dr. Apking enjoys horseback riding, cycling and spending time outdoors. She is excited to finally live close to the beach and fulfill her life-long dream of snorkeling with manatees.

Education: 

BA in German Language and Studies from Florida State University (2009)
Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management from St. Petersburg College (2016)

Background: Autumn fell into the veterinary world in 2007 when she picked up a side job in College as a receptionist for a low-income veterinary hospital. She discovered her love for veterinary medicine and decided to
pursue a career in the field. She has worked as a technician in a variety of practices. She has worked with high and low cost canine and feline practices, and has even worked with exotics like kangaroos, eagles, snakes, and many more. Most recently she was a lead emergency technician for a specialty and emergency hospital in the Space Coast area of Florida. Autumn and Dr. Nichols met back in 2009 when working in a practice together. They formed a solid friendship and decided that one day they would open a practice together where they could practice the type of medicine they felt Clients and their pets deserved! Islandside Animal Hospital is the product of that dream.

Family/Pets: Autumn lives with her Husband, who is her high school sweetheart. They have 4 animals. 2 dogs, Zelda - Border Collie mix, and August - German Shepherd mix and 2 cats: Jenny and Isobel.

Hobbies/Interests: Autumn loves watching sports. She is a huge Denver Broncos and Florida State Seminoles fan. She also roots for Orlando City Soccer and she frequents home games with her Husband. She enjoys traveling, reading, playing video games, and cooking.