Fall River Animal Hospital

Dr. Silvera founded the Fall River Animal Hospital in 1976. He has been actively involved in the greater Fall River community for many years. His interests include boating, soccer, and tennis.

Carlos Augusto Duarte Silvera is the son of Dr. Carlos E. Silvera. He received his BS in pre-veterinary medicine in 1995 from the University of New Hampshire . Dr. Silvera then studied at the University of Liverpool in England . He graduated in 2001 with a BVSC degree. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medicine Association, Rhode Island Veterinary Medicine Association (and previous member of the Board), International Veterinary Medicine Association, member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and the Fall River Chamber of Commerce.

Anna Portnoy, DVM  is returning home after living away from the area to join the SVC and the FRAH. She grew up in Newton Mass and spent many years in Connecticut where she owned a catering business.  She moved to Prince Edward Island in Canada, bought a small farm with Holstein cattle, sheep goats and chickens, and was able to fulfill a life long dream of going to veterinary school.  Upon graduation she moved back to the US. 
 In the summer of 2008, she participated in a weekend seminar at the UMass Camelid studies program. She is looking forward to building the large animal side of the practice and plans on being able to go out on farm visits in the near future.

Dr. Pabón, DVM is our new associate veterinarian. She grew up in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and currently resides in Massachusetts. Dr. Pabón received her undergraduate degree in Biology in 2005 from the University of Puerto Rico and her DVM degree in 2009 from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Pabón’s veterinary interests include ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery and internal medicine.

Elizabeth Botelho graduated from Bristol County Agricultural High School where she majored in Animal Science. She also attended Meredith Manor where her major was equine studies. Elizabeth owns a farm with horses, goats, cows, pigs, llamas, donkeys, dogs, cats, and birds. She has worked for the Fall River Animal Hospital since 1976. “My passion is caring for and helping animals. I enjoy working as a veterinary technician especially in surgery and pre- and post-operative care.” Currently she is the Animal Control Officer for the Town of Swansea.

Ana Paula Resendes came from the island of Sao Miguel , a part of the Azorean archipelago. She was 16 years old when she came to America and studied at night to obtain her high school diploma and learn English. “I started as an assistant, but now my main job is a receptionist which I love because in addition to working with the animals, it gives me direct contact with their owners and there’s always a funny story to be told. I also enjoy my co-workers which I consider friends and the working environment.”

Born in 1984 and raised in Fall River, Felicia LaFrance began high school at Bristol County Agricultural High School in the small animal program and graduated from BMC Durfee High School in 2002. She is working on her Clinical Laboratory Technician degree and is continuing her studies in animal science.

She began volunteering at the Fall River Animal Hospital in 1999, and has been employed since working as a Veterinary Technician. “You will most likely find me in the laboratory analyzing specimens, but you can also find me helping in the front reception area or in the back assisting in surgeries, anesthesia monitoring, pre-exams, venipuncture, IVs, x-rays, EKGs, and other hospital services.”

“I enjoy working with the animals and staff at the hospital, but most of all seeing sick animals go home after helping with their treatment makes it all worthwhile. So come and visit us at the Fall River Animal Hospital , a great opportunity to meet a friendly, educated and dedicated staff including receptionists, technicians and doctors who are all there to help your beloved pets.”

Robert Letourneau joined the FRAH staff as a veterinary technician in March, 2008 after retiring from 21 years of state service. His love for animals drove him to attain his veterinary assistant certification through Penn-Foster University. He owns and trains his 2 German Shepherds and this has helped his understanding and appreciating of all canines. Robert continues his learning experience by attending seminars and conferences in the veterinary field. He lives in Somerset where he home-schools his 2 children.

Melanie Taber began working at the FRAH when she was 15 years old. “I love what I do and I have a house full of animals: 2 dogs, a bird, a chinchilla, and a lizard. My children are now 16 and 18 years old and I have a 7 month old grandson.” When not working, Melanie enjoys playing in her yard with her dogs “Leelo” and “Stych”, a Boston terrier and a bull dog.

Michelle Bourque was bom and raised in NJ where she obtained her Associates degree at Sussex County Community College. She came to Rhode Island to continue her college career in the Biological sciences at Roger Williams University with hopes of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. "I have been around animals my whole life and feel they are a part of the family which entitles them to satisfactory health care as we would only expect for ourselves and loved ones. Having the opportunity to learn and be a part of such a dedicated animal hospital is a truly rewarding experience."