Meet The Team

Hometown: Appin, ON
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: June 2004 and I’ve owned the practice since November 2008.
I do what I do because: I like the challenge of solving those difficult cases that come through our door and helping when I can.
My favourite thing about my workday: Finding out about the extra curricular things some of my clients do with their dogs.
Inspirations: A number of my peers and the work they do, and the many things I learn from them
The patient I will never forget: Sully – one of the hardest fights we won against GDV.
I could not do my job without: My team – they are the best in the industry!
I value most: Working towards a balanced life between work and play.
What I do to relax: Woodworking and agility with my pup.
Where I will be in 5 years: Still practicing veterinary medicine at Abbeydale Animal Hospital, and showing agility with Arthur.
Meet my animal family: Arthur, Bailey, Ellie

Hometown: Markham
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: June 2017
I do what I do because: it is my passion. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 6 years old, and I love that I get to help people and their pets on a daily basis.
My favourite thing about my workday: that it is never the same. Veterinary medicine keeps me on my toes; I am constantly faced with new scenarios that I must work through. It excites me to help find the best treatment for each individual pet.
What inspires me: kindness. Towards people, animals and the planet.
The patient I will never forget: seniors! Although they may have graying coats, arthritis, or chronic diseases, they are still so precious. I enjoy helping older pets continue to enjoy life and carry on with dignity.
I could not do my job without: my support team; they are the gears, the oil, and the fuel that keep the engine going. I could not complete a day without the aid of their skills, patience and stamina. “Superstars” falls short of describing how incredible they are.
I value most: relationships. The ones I have with my team, clients and patients.
What I do to relax: travel, especially near water; you can always find peace by the sea!
Where I will be in 5 years: hopefully still a small animal vet! I love what I do and look forward to continuing my career, gaining more experience along the way.
Meet my animal family: June Bug! I adopted her while volunteering at a shelter in Guatemala through Global Vets, an OVC student run program. She is sharp as a whistle, always ready to learn a new trick, and definitely has “Pavlov’s dog” drool anytime food is around. June does have numerous fears and anxieties, but through patience and training she has come a long way from the dog who would spend her whole day hiding under the bed sheets.

Hometown: London, ON
I do what I do because: It has been my dream since I was a girl to be able to work with and help animals, and I can’t imagine myself in any other field!
My favourite thing about my workday: Being able to make animals feel happy and healthy, and being able to foster the human-animal bond.
Inspirations: Witnessing my peers and mentors do such an amazing job, and witnessing the love people have for their animals.
The patient I will never forget: My dog, Jazmine, and horse, Macy, who have passed on, but were the kindest, most amazing partners in crime a girl could ask for.
I could not do my job without: My supportive Abbeydale team! They always make my day brighter.
I value most: Being able to spend time with friends, family, and animals of course!
What I do to relax: Go for a nice long walk, especially near water, or ride horses.
Where I will be in 5 years: Hopefully still helping people and animals as a small animal veterinarian, I am excited about how much I will learn and grow in the next 5 years!
Meet my animal family: Henry, my old man. We adopted him from the Guelph humane society a few years ago. He was the oldest boy there and we wanted to give him VIP treatment for his golden years. He certainly has brightened all of our lives, and don’t let his age fool you, he is still very feisty!

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hometown: In the country – just outside of Aylmer.
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: May 2018
I do what I do because: It combines two things that I enjoy and come naturally to me – science and nursing care.
My favourite thing about my workday:working with like-minded people, both coworkers and pet owners. I enjoy when you make a sincere connection with someone through their pet – something that makes you smile.
What inspires me: my children inspire me daily. They literally see things from a different angle/point of view which helps put life into perspective.  Genuine and honest.
The patient I will never forget: I have an overall fondness for senior and geriatric pets. Their wise eyes resonate with me. I am most passionate about providing care and comfort to aging pets.
I could not do my job without: a team of like-minded, compassionate people to work alongside.
I value most: authenticity.
What I do to relax: reading, gardening and watching waaaaay too much Netflix!
Where will I be in 5 years: I hope to be a senior staff member at Abbeydale who recognizes faces at a glance and voices on the phone. I will be fluent in my position while maintaining my enthusiasm for learning and staying progressive.
Meet my animal family: “Beatrice” is our Golden Retriever who we adore.  We adopted her as a pup from Golden Rescue. Bea is your typical Golden – sensitive, sweet & affectionate.  She loves her food (including counter surfing regularly which drives me CRAZY) and “moderately paced” walks.  She’s a wee bit lazy, which suits us just fine!  Bea goes to daycare twice weekly to play with her friends but is happiest at home with “her kids”.  My son has reminded me that we also have a Blue Veil-tail Betta fish named, wait for it…Blu.

Veterinary Technician

Hometown: St. Thomas
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: September 2005
I do what I do because: I love to help animals and make them feel better especially since they don’t have a voice.
My favourite thing about my work day: I love that I get to do different jobs in a day, from being an  x-ray tech, lab tech, anesthesiologist, surgery assistant, nurse and an educator to the clients.
The patient I will never forget: There are so many that I have had the chance to work with over the last 15 years that I couldn’t just choose one.
I couldn’t do my job without: The compassionate and caring team that we have at Abbeydale.
I value most: The time with my significant other, our son and our animal family.
What do I do to relax: Either curling up with my dog and reading a book or working out.
Meet my animal family: I have a Boston Terrier named Bronx that is full of energy & a cat named Sox that loves to lounge anywhere.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hometown: St.Thomas, ON
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: March 2018
I do what I do because: I love all kinds of animals, and I like working with other animal lovers. The bonds that are created between animals and humans are amazing as well as rewarding. I have a strong passion for animal welfare. I love all the different aspects of an RVT career and my experience has only made is grow stronger.
My favourite thing about my work day: when I come to work I look forward to seeing my co- workers, pets and clients. My favorite aspect of my job is parasitology and surgery.
The patient I will never forget: I will never forget a pony named Bella. When I worked for an Equine Hospital in British Columbia, a pony came in that had got it’s leg caught in a fence, that needed immediate care. Instead of humane euthanasia or amputation, a suggestion was made to the owner for a experimental graphing surgery so an implant could be used. The graphing was a success and Bella received her new titanium implant that was the first of its kind. After many hours of nursing care, a strong bond was made with Bella and her family, and I will never forget the experience.
Inspirations: random acts of kindness, my amazing children, family and friends. I am inspired by people making a difference for the environment and animals.
I couldn’t do my job without: my supportive coworkers. Some days can be hard, so working with people with similar beliefs and values help make those hard days easier to get through.
I value most: my family and friends.
What do I do to relax: I love to paint, cook and cuddle on the couch with family.
Where I will be in 5 years: I hope to still be working with animals and people who inspire me to do better and make a difference.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hometown: Thamesford
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: July 2015
I do what I do because: I want to make a difference in the lives of our clients and their pets.
My favourite thing about my workday: I get to see different patients every day and help them realize the vet office doesn’t have to be a scary place.
The patient I will never forget: I will never forget my dog Balto; for truly trusting me with his care throughout his adoption, his separation anxiety, and his short battle with cancer.
I could not do my job without: The support of my husband and our amazing team at Abbeydale. It’s like another family to me.
I value most: The time I get to spend with my husband and our fur-babies.
What I do to relax: I love crafting of any kind. I thrive on creativity and enjoy learning something new.
Where I will be in 5 years: I hope to expand my knowledge of veterinary medicine as the industry continues to grow so that I can continue to provide the best care for our pets.
Meet my animal family:
Nakita: (on the right) was my first dog that I adopted when she was 2 (born in 2007). She is a goofy ball of energy.
Balto: (on the left) was our second adopted dog, which we miss dearly. Balto was very gentle and full of love.
Cupcake: (not pictured) is our domestic short-haired black kitty that lives in the shop at my husband’s work. She is spoiled and she knows it!

Registered Veterinary Technician 

Hometown: Norwich
I do what I do because:  My dream from the time I was small was to help animals, becoming a Veterinary Technician seemed the best fit.
My favourite thing about my workday:  Helping all our patients and their families when they are in need. Providing exceptional care for our patients and reassuring their human family is my favourite thing.
Inspirations:  Both my biological family and my work family, they are always there to help me and guide me.
I could not do my job without:  The amazing team that I work alongside every day. We all play a valuable role, and I learn something new from all of them each and every day.
I value most:  Learning, I strive to always learn more and be a better version of myself every day.
What I do to relax:  I don’t know if it is relaxing but I spend my spare time showing dogs which is a lifelong passion of mine!
Where I will be in 5 years:  I hope to be working with the Abbeydale team as a Veterinary Technician!
Meet my animal family:  Fancy and Flame, my Duck Tolling Retrievers, and my Borzoi, Channing.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hometown: Innisfil, ON
I do what I do because: Animals bring me such joy and happiness, helping them be happy, heal and thrive is an amazing feeling!
My favourite thing about my workday: Getting to see all of my favorite clients and pets, and getting to meet new ones too!
Inspirations: My friends and family inspire me every day.
The patient I will never forget: My first dog Bentley, he was a brave beabull who put up a good fight with a neurological disease. He unfortunately lost the fight but that pushed me to become a technician and help other animals.
I could not do my job without: The help of my amazing coworkers and everything they’ve taught me.
I value most: Constantly learning and growing
What I do to relax: Spend time with family/friends and go on hikes with my dog
Where I will be in 5 years: I hope to be continuing my technician journey at Abbeydale Animal Hospital, learning and growing to become the best technician I can be!
Meet my animal family:
Cooper: A 6 year old walk-loving Puggle with a heart of gold

Reception

Hometown: St.Thomas, ON
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: January 2009
I do what I do because: I never grew up thinking I would work in a vet clinic, but fate led me to Abbeydale, and I have enjoyed every day I’ve worked since then.
My favorite thing about my work day: Spending the day with a team of great people and all the furry faces that come in to see us every day.
What inspires me: Warm weather.
I could not do my job without: My orange pen 😉
I value most: Peace of mind.
What I do to relax: Kayak.
Meet my animal family: I have 1 VERY loved, VERY spoiled senior puggle named Ranger.

Reception

Hometown: Belmont
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: August 2020
I do what I do because: I love interacting with animals and people
My favourite thing about my workday: Seeing all the furry faces that come in but also interacting with their Owners
Inspirations: I find inspiration in the people around me
I could not do my job without: Able the clinic kitty and amazing Co- workers
I value most: Spending time with my family and friends
What I do to relax: Binge watch Netflix all cuddled up on the couch
Where I will be in 5 years: I hope that over the next 5 years I will be able to increase my knowledge with in the job I’m doing and continue to enjoy my time interacting all of the wonderful pets I meet here and my fur babies at home
Meet my animal family: I have 3 dogs Copper, Cola, Sue and a cat Leo

Reception

Hometown: St. Thomas, ON
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: July 2001
I do what I do because: I get great pleasure in seeing the pure joy that our furry friends bring to their families and enjoy getting to be one of the first team members to greet them with a friendly “Hello” at each visit.
My favourite thing about my workday: By far my work environment! I have such a wonderful team to work alongside and this contributes to making each day a great day 🙂 Each one of us has our strengths and together we make our hospital a welcoming and comfortable place for our clients and their pets to bond with us throughout the years.
I could not do my job without: A positive attitude & a smile 😉
I value most: The bonds that I continue to make with our clients and their pets. I truly am delighted to have the relationships with so many long-term clients and enjoy reminiscing about past pets, as well as getting to see new ones coming in (some brought in with new family generations, too).
What do I do to relax: Relax????? Hmmm, well I’m not sure that I do much of that for myself but I sure do love to spend my time outside with my family anytime of the year! We love to go hiking, camping, boating, swimming, skating, tubing, hanging out by the water and spending time with friends.
Where I will be in 5 years: Not everyone is able to say that they love their job – but I do and so this is where I will be!
Meet my animal family: Throughout my life I have been spoiled with lots of love from 2 cats, a budgie & 4 dogs. Both of my cats I had since they were kittens and all of my dogs have been adopted into my family. A couple of years ago, our family was saddened with the loss of our cat “Glover”, but have been overjoyed with our newest rescue dog, Wayne 🙂

Hospital Adminstrator and Manager

Hometown: I was born in Toronto, ON, but we’ve lived in St. Thomas since 2004.
I joined the team at Abbeydale Animal Hospital in: November 2008
I do what I do because: I love animals, and I believe in giving the best veterinary care we can, but I have a problem with bodily fluids 😉 So, I like to contribute the best way I know how by supporting our wonderful team, so they can give our patients the love and care they deserve.
My favourite thing about my workday: Our team!!! We have such a caring and compassionate team. I love finding them cuddling our surgery patients as they wake up from their anesthesia, or consoling a client as they are saying their final goodbyes, or when they meet a new puppy, or kitten and take him or her around the clinic to meet everyone else so that they feel comfortable with any future visits at our hospital.
I value most: Education – this is one of our core values at Abbeydale Animal Hospital, and I truly believe that when we know better, we do better. We do our best to educate our clients so that they can make the best decision they can for their pets.  I love learning new things and sharing that knowledge wherever I can.
What I do to relax: I love puzzles and reading and snuggling with either of our kitties, Bailey or Ellie, or our dog, Arthur.
Meet my animal family:
Bailey: She is a Snowshoe Siamese and was adopted from a rescue in 2016. She is spunky and loving. She loves to play with her little sister, Ellie, or our dog Arthur (until he mixes her up with one of his squeaky toys).
Ellie: She is a Calico and full of character. She was brought to our clinic on December 23, 2016 by construction workers who found her injured on a construction site. Sadly, one of her legs was so badly injured it could not be saved, but she is a happy, feisty, and playful three-legged kitty who doesn’t let anything hold her back despite her “disability”.
Arthur: He is a brittany spaniel and the best dog! He loves his trail walks with his “dad” and then loves to snuggle with his “mom”. He loves to sing to Ed Sheeran songs and many others. He makes us laugh every day.

Greeter (a.k.a. Clinic Cat)

During your visits, you might get a glimpse of Able, our blind clinic cat. She came to us from a local shelter in September 2019 after being found with bad eye infections when she was just a young kitten.  Unfortunately, her eyes were so badly infected that they could not be saved.  After her surgery with us, we all fell in love and couldn’t bear to let her go.  She can now be found playing with one of her many toys in reception area, greeting clients at our front counter, or napping at the top of her scratching post.