Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital Staff Directory.

Want to read a quick bio about our exceptional staff? Click on a picture below.

The Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital's staff of experienced veterinary professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible care and treatment for your pet. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services are provided by specialists with extensive experience in their respective discipline. In each of our departments: Emergency, Critical Care, Surgery, Anesthesia, Imaging, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, and Rehabilitation, our veterinarians, skilled technicians and support staff work as a team to deliver exceptional care to each and every pet we help and the people who bring them to us. As well, daily rounds and constant communication between specialists helps ensure the best possible patient care.

Our board-certified specialists have completed residency training and examination requirements, and are Diplomates in good standing of their respective specialty colleges. Our staff regularly attend continuing education conferences and events to keep current with new medical advances and techniques.

Our staff directory is listed below. Please click on a picture to learn more about the veterinary specialists, clinicians and staff of the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

416-247-VETS (8387)

Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital - TVEH

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Kimberley Todd

Hospital Administrator

Kim joined TVEH in 2011 and was new to the veterinary world after spending most of her business career in the fashion industry. Her passion for animals made joining Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital an easy decision and resulted in her pursuing this shift in career. Kim holds a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation and is a graduate of the Executive MBA program at Queen’s University in Kingston.


Kim has worked in senior executive roles in a number of industries and is excited to bring her business knowledge and organization development experience to our hospital. Since joining TVEH, she has adopted two pets, a cat named Max and a dog named Tucker.


Kim’s other interests include spending time with her family at the cottage, golf and spending as much time as possible with her two grandsons.

Ainsley Boudreau

Critical Care

Dr. Ainsley Boudreau graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2005. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI, in 2006. She then moved to Calgary, Alberta to work at the CARE centre as an emergency veterinarian in 2007. The following year she completed an internship in emergency critical care at the Iowa State University. After this she returned to Guelph, Ontario to complete a small animal emergency and critical care residency and DVSc at the Ontario Veterinary College from 2008 to July 2011. Some of her outside interests include: cycling, soccer, basketball, hiking and running. She currently shares residence with her three-legged dog "Molly".

Michael Ethier

Critical Care

Dr. Michael Ethier was born and raised in northern Ontario where he developed his love for the outdoors. After graduating from OVC in 2004 he spent a year in a private referral hospital in Ottawa. It was then that he realized his passion for emergency and critical care medicine. He returned to OVC where he completed a residency and DVSc in emergency and critical care medicine. After becoming boarded in 2008, he joined the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital (TVEH) as director of emergency and critical care medicine. Although Dr. Ethier enjoys lecturing on all aspects of emergency and critical care, his areas of special interest include mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury, trauma, wounds and pain management. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys fly-fishing, camping, skiing and photography.

Shane Bateman

Critical Care

Shane Bateman’s career in veterinary medicine began after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, in Saskatoon, in 1991. He worked in rural mixed animal practice for two years prior to entering a small animal internship program in 1993 at Ontario Veterinary College. He then entered a residency-training program in Emergency/Critical Care at OVC in 1994 (the first formal training program offered in Canada) and completed the residency and earned a DVSc degree. Shane then took a clinical track faculty position at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and began developing a clinical service, teaching program, and ultimately a residency training program in Emergency/Critical Care. Shane has a number of clinical interests and has written a number of chapters in popular textbooks and several peer-reviewed journal articles. Shane has also been passionate about the role of communication in the veterinarian-patient-client relationship and the importance of teaching communication skills.

Avery Gillick

Internal Medicine

Dr. Avery Gillick founded the Referral Service of TVEH in 1974. He is a graduate of McGill University and completed his DVM and post-graduate degrees of Diploma Small Animal Medicine and MSc at the University of Guelph. As an Assistant Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College he was responsible for referrals in Companion Animal Medicine as well as teaching. He has served on many boards including the Metro Toronto Zoo, The Toronto Academy of Veterinary Medicine, The Editorial Board of the Canadian Veterinary Journal, and is a Past President of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. He is a member of the newly formed Canadian Veterinary Reserve and he has a particular interest in the health and training of Service Dogs. Dr. Gillick has published numerous articles in scientific journals as well as in veterinary texts and has lectured extensively. He has also published a monograph on the Emergency Care of Police Dogs. He has received numerous awards and bursaries including: The OVC Proficiency Award; The Pfizer Award, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Award, Commonwealth Bureau of Animal Health Award, Canadian Medical Research Council Fellowship, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Research Bursary, Metro Toronto Police-Appreciation Award, Veterinarian of The Year (1994)-American Animal Hospital Association Award and The Purina Award. His main professional interests are endoscopy and gastroenterology. His hobbies include sketching, sculpting and photography. He and Nancy (his life partner of 43 years) are avid boaters.

Katrina Smith

Internal Medicine

Dr. Katrina Smith obtained her BSc. from the University of Alberta in 1986, and her DVM degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1991, followed by two years in private practice in Ottawa. Dr. Smith completed her medicine residency at the Ontario Veterinary College in 1996 (DVSc.), and received board certification with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1998. She has been working with Dr. Avery Gillick since 1996. Outside the world of veterinary medicine, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with her family, especially sons Matthew and Lucas, and the occasional free moment in her garden.

Vladimir Stojanovic

Internal Medicine

Dr. Stojanovic obtained his DVM in 2002 from the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) in PEI. After 6 years practicing emergency medicine he returned to the AVC for a three year combined residency/MVSc program in Small Animal Internal Medicine. During his residency, Dr. Stojanovic received several teaching awards and academic scholarships. Dr. Stojanovic is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (board-certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine). His professional interests include endocrinology, hematology and oncology, and he has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters. Dr. Stojanovic enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Jonathan Huska

Neurology

Dr Huska completed his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Guelph. He travelled to Prince Edward Island in 2008 before returning to Guelph to complete a 3 year residency in neurology and a Doctor of Veterinary Science degree. Dr Huska is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (specialty of neurology). He joined the TVEH in 2012, founding the Neurology Service which has continued to grow since its inception. Dr Huska enjoys camping, hockey, frisbee, and most of all spending time with his son. He also enjoys watching rugby, but no longer plays for fear of death. He also frequently participates in runs/races but only to maintain a healthy lifestyle as it is nearly impossible for him to enjoy something so monotonous.

Deanne Caines

Anesthesia

Dr. Caines completed a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Guelph in 1998. Following that she received a diploma in Animal Health Technology from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 2002. After working as a veterinary technician, she enrolled in the DVM program at the Atlantic Veterinary College, graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. She proceeded to complete a small animal rotating internship at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2009, then stayed on for a residency and Doctor of Veterinary Science degree in anesthesia which she received in 2012. Deanne is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiology and Analgesia. She enjoys running and spending time with her husband and two young boys.

Michael O’Grady

Cardiology

Dr. Michael O'Grady graduated from OVC in 1976 and entered private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba 1976-1979. He completed an internship at the University of Minnesota 1979-1980 and then completed a residency and masters at The Ohio State University 1980-1983. Dr. O'Grady was selected to the faculty of the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College 1983 and became board certified ACVIM in Cardiology 1986. He retired from the University of Guelph July 1, 2011. Dr. O'Grady's research interests at the University of Guelph included diagnosis and management of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher. Additionally he foused on clinical therapeutic trials in both dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic degenerative mitral valve disease. Dr. O'Grady is also a consultant at the CARE Centre, Calgary, Alberta. His recreational preferences include kiteboarding, windsurfing, snowboarding, and photography.

Colleen Mitchell

Diagnostic Imaging

Dr. Colleen Mitchell graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1986. She spent 18 years in small animal practice in southern Ontario. When in private practice, Dr. Mitchell developed a keen interest in radiology and ultrasound which prompted her to enter the diagnostic imaging residency program at OVC in 2004. Dr. Mitchell became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists in 2007 and completed her thesis (MRI findings in horses with spinal ataxia) and DVSc degree in 2009. Dr. Mitchell became the first board certified radiologist in private practice in the GTA when she joined Morningside Animal Clinic in 2008 after completion of her residency. She then joined the team at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital when it opened in October 2009 and remains the only radiologist in the GTA. Dr. Mitchell performs all in-house ultrasounds and reviews all imaging studies performed at TVEH (radiographs, CT and MRI). Dr. Mitchell also accepts radiographic studies from referring veterinarians by electronic transfer or courier for evaluation. When she isn't in the dark, Dr. Mitchell enjoys spending time on her farm with her husband, horses, dogs and cat.

Tara Edwards

Rehabilitation

Dr. Tara Edwards graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A growing interest in providing better care for post-operative and arthritic patients led her to the growing field of canine rehabilitation. She obtained certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2006 from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Florida and has since completed further training in Neuro-Rehabilitation. Her areas of interest include pain management and improving the quality of care for geriatrics. In 2012 she completed her certification as a Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Edwards is the first small animal veterinarian in Canada to be Board Certified by the Amercian College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Brad Cotter

Emergency Service

Brad Cotter was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast just north of Vancouver. 3 years of study in Animal Sciences at UBC in Vancouver led to acceptance into the DVM program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, SK. After graduating in 2001, a desire to gain additional mentorship in more advanced medicine led him to an optional 1 year rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship in Rochester, New York. Following completion of this he remained at the Veterinary Specialists of Rochester as an emergency veterinarian for 5 years where he was able to develop his skills and foster a true love for emergency medicine. In 2007 he returned to Canada and has spent his time working at two other emergency and referral hospitals in Toronto. In 2010 he moved full-time to the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital where he is thrilled to be working in a cooperative environment of specialists and other experienced emergency veterinarians all with the same goal of exemplary client and patient care. Dr. Cotter is an avid traveller and enjoys swimming, volleyball, skiing, boating and spending time with his two dogs and two cats.

Jason Donohoe

Emergency Service

Dr. Jason Donohoe began his university career in 1990 at the University of Guelph, graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1996. Jason spent the following three years in a private, large animal practice in rural Ontario before finding his true calling - emergency medicine. Since 1999 Jason has been using his skills at busy emergency and referral hospitals and has been at TVEH since the doors opened in 2009. Jason has a special interest in service dogs and began offering both formal and informal emergency training to dog handlers over 10 years ago. Jason Donohoe and the team at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital are currently providing comprehensive health care to the dogs of Toronto Police Dog Services, the York Regional Police Canine Unit and the Durham Regional Police Canine Unit.

Norman Nasser

Emergency Service

Dr. Norm Nasser was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. After completing a General BSc, he entered the Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Guelph. Dr. Nasser earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2003. In order to get more experience in the challenging world of emergency medicine, Dr. Nasser traveled to the United States and successfully completed a rotating small animal internship in Annapolis, Maryland. After completing his internship, Dr. Nasser returned to Canada and has spent his first 5 clinical years honing his skills in emergency medicine by managing referral cases in a busy private practice. He has been a proud member of the ER team at the TVEH since its inception in 2009. In his free time, Dr. Nasser enjoys photography, traveling, basketball and spending time with his family.

Tanya Fournier

Emergency Service

Tanya studied at the Ontario Veterinary College (University of Guelph) where she attained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008.Upon graduation, Tanya moved to Toronto and began her career in small animal medicine and surgery. She has worked in a number of family general practices and emergency/referral hospitals. Tanya joined TVEH in 2012 and is proud to be a member of our great team, in a facility focused on exemplary patient care.When not at work, Tanya enjoys playing ice hockey and tennis and spending time with her family, friends and beloved cat, Tov. An avid traveller, Tanya is often jetting around the world.

Carl Porter

Surgery

Dr. Carl Porter was born in London, England, and immigrated to Canada in 1992. He completed a BSc in Zoology at the University of Bristol, U.K. in 1992. Dr. Porter studied veterinary medicine at the University of Bristol and at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, and was awarded his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine by the Ontario Veterinary College in 1995. After a year spent in small animal practice in Bolton, Connecticut, he returned to the OVC for a small animal medicine and surgery internship (1996-1997). He completed a residency in small animal surgery at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine and attained an MVSc in Small Animal Surgery in 2000. Dr. Porter achieved Diplomat status (specialty board certification) with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2001. Prior to his involvement in the creation of the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Dr. Porter spent 6 years with Morningside Animal Clinic preceded by three years as Staff Surgeon at the MSPCA’s Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital, a multispecialty referral hospital in Western Massachusetts where he was involved with the hospital’s extensive internship program in addition to clinical surgical duties. Dr. Porter’s areas of special interest include trauma surgery, reconstructive surgery and thoracic surgery. He lives in Claremont, Ontario with his partner and his three children. Dr. Porter enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and watching his kids hockey and ringette.

Debbie Reynolds

Surgery

Dr. Debbie Reynolds was born in rural Australia where her family had a sheep and wheat property. It is also where she developed her passion for veterinary medicine. Dr Reynolds completed a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University in 1994 and then went on to complete her veterinary degree in Queensland, Australia in 1999. After graduation Dr Reynolds began practicing veterinary medicine in a private mixed practice for 4 years working with both large and small animals. It was after that time that she decided to pursue specialization in Small Animal Surgery. After 18 months working as a surgical intern in Melbourne, a year in England working and travelling, she was accepted into a rotating internship at Washington State University. Following completion of her internship she went on to complete research positions in both gait analysis at WSU and regenerative comparative stem cell therapy at Michigan State University. After her time as a research associate, she was accepted into a 3 year surgical residency program in 2009 at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr Reynolds became boarded as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2013 at which time she joined the surgical team here at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital. Dr Reynolds areas of interest are minimally invasive surgeries, fracture repair and osteoarthritis. In her spare time she enjoys a few rounds of golf, running, boating, fishing, travelling and looking after her black Labrador, Veronica.

Joanne Cockshutt

Surgery

Dr. Cockshutt was born in northern B.C. but grew up in Toronto before returning to the west coast to study at the University of Victoria. She received her DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with great distinction in 1979. Joanne returned to Ontario for an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College, followed by a surgical residency. After completing an MSc in Surgery in 1984, she joined OVC's small animal surgery faculty. For the next 15 years Joanne was involved in management of referral surgery cases, clinical research, training of veterinary student,interns and residents, and speaking at veterinary conferences in North America and Europe. She is board-certified by the ACVS and has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching. She is particularly proud of having helped over 2000 Canadian veterinarians gain proficiency in surgery; some, sharing her passion for surgery, have themselves become specialists. In 2000, Joanne returned to private practice and in 2008 helped launch TVEH's referral service, bringing almost 30 years of surgical experience to the hospital. Dr. Cockshutt's areas of special interest include soft tissue and minimally invasive surgery. The author of many articles and book chapters on surgery, she serves on the editorial review board of Veterinary Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, a leading surgery specialty journal. She is an enthusiast of anything outdoors, particularly hiking, kayaking, photography and travel, ideally in combination. These adventures are shared by her partner Kit, although not by Willis, their streetwise black cat rescued from Toronto.

Mitchell Gillick

Surgery

Dr. Gillick graduated from OVC in 2001. He completed a one year rotating emergency, medicine and surgery internship followed by a one year dedicated small animal surgical internship at Angell Western New England in Springfield, MA. He then joined the Surgery Department at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon as a clinical associate overseeing the final-year veterinary spay/neuter service. In 2007 he completed a 3 year surgical residency at the WCVM where he also attained his MVSc. Dr. Gillick enjoys all aspects of surgery and during his time in Saskatoon he developed a special interest in arthroscopy. Dr. Gillick has supplemented his advanced surgical training of his surgical residency with various courses in abdominal stapling, external fixation, juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, laparoscopy, Slocum TPLO & Arthrex TightRope procedures for canine cruciate ligament rupture, TATE Total Elbow Replacement, CUE Elbow Arthroplasty Syetm and Kyon Cementless Total Hip Replacement. Dr. Gillick is also a regular speaker at various veterinary and technician conferences and attends yearly surgical conferences held throughout North America. Dr. Gillick enjoys time off with his family and has been known to sneak in a round or two of golf every once in a while.

Ashley Jenner

Veterinary Technicians

Ashley has worked with the group since 1997, starting part time as a high school student and working evening shifts throughout university. Ashley then attended Seneca College to continue her career as a registered veterinary technician. Ashley shares her home with two dogs, Abby and Poodle and Murphy the cat.

Christa Dukes

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Cindy McCahon

Veterinary Technicians

Cindy came to us in March of 1993 to spend her 6 week college work placement. After graduation of Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology in the Veterinary Technician program May of that year, she was hired full-time. Over the past 16 years Cindy has worked in all the specialty departments of our referral practice. She has earned several continuing education certificates in anesthesia, pain management, with a certificate in abdominal ultrasound from the University of Guelph in 2003 before settling down in the surgery department. Working closely with Veterinary Anesthetics to learn techniques such as the use of paralytic agents during cataract surgery, is just one reason why Cindy has found her 16 years working with our referral service so rewarding and truly allowing a job to become a career. The friendly family atmosphere paired with the professionalism and optimal patient care is why Cindy stands behind the TVEH name and what it stands for. In her spare time, Cindy rides her horse in competitive show jumping, hangs out with her JRT’s and spends time with her daughter.

Dionne Fleming

Veterinary Technicians

Dionne is a board certified veterinary technician in emergency and critical care. She joined TVEH's ICU team in October 2012, after many years of service at another Toronto clinic. Dionne has a special interest in working dogs and in her spare time she volunteers teaching k9 first aid to police dog handlers.

Heather O’Hare

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Heidi Geburt

Veterinary Technicians

Heidi is an RVT and has worked in Emergency Clinics in Toronto and in Calgary. She began working with us in October of 2008. She currently works in our Emergency and Critical Care department and has a soft spot for exotics. She shares her life with a houseful of pets including 2 dogs, 3 cats, a parrot and multiple tarantulas.

Heidi Snutch

Veterinary Technicians

Heidi is a Registered Veterinary Technician who graduated in 2003 from the Alfred College of the University of Guelph. She has worked in small animal clinics, large animal clinics, emergency clinics and at the zoo. She came to us in September 2012 and is currently working in the ER and ICU departments. She lives up north in the small town of Mount Albert with her fiance Brian, her 3 year old yellow lab "Goose", her 18 year old diabetic cat, "Tigger" and her 9 year old adopted domestic medium hair "Ginger". Despite living an hour away, she says, "working at TVEH is definitely worth the drive"!!

Hollie Mounce

Veterinary Technicians

Hollie graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in 2008. In between school she went abroad to Thailand and South Africa to volunteer as a Veterinary Technician, and then completed her Advanced Wildlife Technician course at Seneca College. She joined the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital because she loves the fast paced atmosphere of emergency and intensive care. She lives with her giant Yorkshire terrier named Luke, and a rabbit named Steve. In her spare time she enjoys most sports including running, biking and skiing.

Jenna Burke

Veterinary Technicians

Jenna started her career in 2009 as a registered veterinary technician when she graduated from Seneca College. Upon joining Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Jenna was trained in the critical care unit and now works in the internal medicine department, where she loves getting to know her clients and patients as she supports the internists at the hospital. Since working at TVEH she has adopted several cats, Sprocket and Elroy, former blood donors, and Willis who was a rescue.

Jennifer McDonnell

Veterinary Technicians

Jennifer McDonell is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She graduated from Seneca College in 1998, and received her VTS designation from the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians in 2009. Her clinical experience has included work in research, teaching, and large and small animal medicine. Jennifer's primary focus over the past 12 years has been small animal, with a particular interest in small animal internal medicine. She has been an active member of her association, and continues to serve on several OAVT and AIMVT committees. She shares her home in Brooklin with her spouse, very active toddler, toy poodle and retired blood donor cat.

Jessica Chessell

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Julie Death

Veterinary Technicians

Julie is a Registered Veterinary Technician who graduated in 2001 from St. Lawrence College. Her career started in general practice where she worked for 6 years in a Small Animal Clinic. She had decided that she wanted to explore other aspects of Veterinary Medicine focusing on Emergency and Critical Care. She made the move to an Emergency Clinic in Toronto and joined our team in October 2009 and has found her passion in the Intensive Care Unit. Julie enjoys her time with her husband and young daughter. Matea, her chocolate lab has kept her family on their toes, and her cat, Morgan, who she has hand raised from birth. Her family enjoys the outdoors and spending time at the cottage. She has travelled many countries all over the world and hopes to continue with her family in the future.

Justyna Furtak

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Karen King

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Kyra Milewski

Veterinary Technicians

Kyra graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Georgian College in October 2011. Having had an interest in working in referral practice, when she completed her school she worked at another referral clinic, but has since found her home with TVEH surgery department as of May 2012. Her interests lie with anesthesia and critical care within the realm of small animal practice. She has a thirst for knowledge and is constantly wanting to learn new skills that can be applicable to her career. She currently resides in Pickering with her cat Ziggy.

Lorena Rodriguez

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Mara Anderson

Veterinary Technicians

As a young child Mara’s ambition was always to care for animals. Her dedication and hard work earned her a degree as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2006. Mara’s career started at Morningside Animal Clinic in 2005 as an Animal Care Attendant which further drove her passion for this field. Mara's career as a technician started out in 2006 in patient care and then for a change of pace Mara changed departments in 2008 to work as a surgery technician. Mara is currently living in Aurora with her husband Jamie, daughter Dillon and son Kaleb, as well as their two dogs Flower and Bear and their rabbit Frankie.

Reuben Schwartz

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Rhonda Deathe

Veterinary Technicians

Bio coming soon.

Sarah Porter

Veterinary Technicians

Sarah was born and raised in Southern Ontario and graduated the Veterinary Technician program of Northern College in 2004. She began her career working in emergency and critical care medicine in Toronto. She spent several years teaching the veterinary students of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, in the departments of critical care and radiology.Sarah's family will tell you they knew she would pursue a career working with animals because when she was a little girl she would bring flightless birds and other injured wildlife home at every opportunity.She loves spending time with her family and friends, especially her dog, Ripley and here Himalayan cat, Chicken. If you're into fish, Sarah's your girl. She loves the salt water fish tank that she keeps at home and is a self-proclaimed, "fish nerd".Sarah is the cardiology technician here at the TVEH and enjoys the time she spends caring for, and learning about the patients that are overseen by our cardiologist, Dr. Michael O'Grady. She loves that a career in veterinary medicine allows for continuing education and ongoing learning.

Stephanie Foster

Veterinary Technicians

After completing her BSc at the University of Waterloo, Steph went on to obtain her Veterinary Technician Diploma from Seneca College in 2008. After several years working full-time at a general practice and spending her weekends working part-time at an emergency clinic, she decided to pursue her love of emergency and critical care. She came to TVEH and hasn't looked back! The critical care team at TVEH continues to inspire her to become a better technician every day. Steph lives with her 3 cats, Lola, Horatio and Zoe and in her spare time enjoys running, dodgeball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, beach volleyball, obstacle races, and pretty much any other sport you can throw at her.

Stephanie Partridge

Veterinary Technicians

Stephanie has been working with the referral service at TVEH since January 2001, but has been working in the veterinary field since 1992. She gained her Registered Veterinary Technician status in 2000. She has an interest in Ophthalmology, but enjoys all areas in the job. Now working with TVEH, Stephanie is blessed with the experience that the practice has to offer and has been offering for years. The family atmosphere that TVEH has, keeps going to work every day amazing. She is fortunate to work with some of the best technicians and doctors. Stephanie has 4 cats, Boris (Karloff), Bela (Legosi), Captain Jack Sparrow, and the three-legged wonder Lani. Stephanie has been living in the Durham area since 2004 with husband Perry and her daughters Regan (born 2005) and Emily Rose (born 2009).

Toni Laoutaris

Veterinary Technicians

Toni graduated with honours from the Vetrinary Technician program at Georgian College in 2006. After graduation, she gained experience in general practice for a couple of years before transitioning to the emergency and referral environment. She continued to develop her technical skills in critical care, emergency and anesthesia before joining the surgery team at TVEH in 2010. One of Toni's career goals is obtaining her specialty in anesthesia by becoming a board certified anesthesia technician. Toni is also a member of the Georgian College Program Advisory Committee. This position, as well as frequent visits to the college to give lectures to students, helps her play an active role in developing the program as well as the careers of future veterinary technicians. Toni lives in Toronto with her husband Andy, their english bulldog, Everett and DSH cat Sherbert.

Bebsie McFarlane

Office Manager

Biography not available.

Jade LeMasurier

Office Manager

After leaving college for photography and film, Jade set out to tackle a life long dream of being a videographer/photographer... well her great love of animals saw her take on a complete change of career. She started as a receptionist in a large veterinary clinic in Toronto, then moved on to a veterinary software company where she traveled all over Canada and the States training veterinarians that had purchased the system. One of those veterinarians just happened to be Dr. Avery Gillick. Jade decided she would rather be working with the animals again and left the veterinary software business. Dr. Gillick heard she was available and called her immediately – and kept calling until she accepted. Jade has been working with us since 1990. She lives in Toronto with her daughter and 4 cats, Mirik, Pharaoh, Blanca and her new addition Varakai.

Hannah Arbour

Reception

Hannah has worked at TVEH since its inception in 2009 and has been the supervisor of reception since August 2012. She is of course, an avid animal lover and has grown up with a variety of animals. Lucy, a 4 year old American Eskimo is a rescue form The Toronto Humane Society. Lucy had surgery at TVEH in 2009, for a limb deformity and was initially fostered by Hannah. She has now been with Hannah for 3 years! In her spare time, Hannah enjoys reading, writing, photography and spends as much time as she can up north.

Jennifer Valiquet

Reception

Bio coming soon.

Julie Taylor

Reception

Julie was eager to join the TVEH Team due to their professionalism, compassion and caring treatment of ALL clients that come through the door, 2 legged and 4 legged. She started working here in Sept 2009. Julie was a Medical Office Assistant for many years, but chose to work here due to her love of animals. She has a Teacup Yorkie named Bentley and 3 cats, Pookie, Zoey & Sassy. Her 2 boys , Jesse-James-7 yrs old & Richie- 16 yrs old, keep her very busy escorting them to the hockey arena for games and tournaments, which is where she can be found on most weekends. "I find my work very fulfilling and love working with my team members, clients and patients at TVEH."

Krista Hunter

Reception

Krista's interest in the veterinary field started in 2000 when her high school offered a co-op program at her local veterinary clinic, "Beaverton Cross Roads". Since then she has worked at other clinics as both veterinary assistant and receptionist. Sadly it was her beloved American bulldog, Bronx, that lead her to TVEH where he was admitted through ER and diagnosed with "mesenteric torsion" and was euthanized. She decided that she would apply for a receptionist position at TVEH because of the level of compassion, care and knowledge that was shown to her and her own dog. Since then, Krista's time is spent between her cane corso mastiff, Prima, American bulldog, Deuce, two daughters and husband.

Leanne Robinson

Reception

Bio coming soon.

Roxanne Struk

Reception

Roxanne works part-time at TVEH and has been with the hospital since 2010. She graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and spent several years doing field work in wildlife conservation and traveling. Once back in Canada she worked at an animal shelter where she rediscovered her love of domestic animals. Working specifically with dogs with behavioural challenges she fostered many a dog; one of which never left, a hunky named Finn. Roxanne works full-time as a Wildlife Rehabilitor at the Toronto Wildlife Centre but always enjoys coming to TVEH and working with a great team that provides high-quality animal care.

Sandra Kenny

Reception

Sandra joined TVEH shortly after moving to Canada in 2010. She has worked in both our surgery department as well as our emergency department as an Animal Care Attendant. She is currently working at reception part-time while completing her RVT at Sheridan College. Sandra completed her BSc in Zoology and also received her Certification in Canine Rehab (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee in June 2011 after which she set up her own company specifically to work with neurological and geriatric dogs. During her spare time Sandra enjoys skiing, sailing, photography and travels every chance she gets.

Stephanie Symonds

Reception

Bio coming soon.

Vanessa Fraser

Reception

Bio coming soon.

Adanna Van-Pedro

Animal Care Attendants

My name is Adanna and I come from the Island of Trinidad and Tabago where I lived with my Mom, Grandma and 7 dogs. I now live in Scarborough and work here at TVEH in the surgery department. I have worked in an animal veterinary surgery department for 7 years and have loved every minute of it. I have 2 dogs, Pepper, who is 7 years old and Sugar, who is 9 years old.My plans for the future are to continue to give the best care possible to our animals and hopefully to return to school to become a veterinary technician.

Christina Hutchison

Animal Care Attendants

Bio coming soon.

Devon MacCausland

Animal Care Attendants

Devon MacCausland has less than 27 cats but close to 15 gnomes. She has an american eskimo dog named Loki, who was adopted from the Toronto Humane Society five years ago. Loki recently acquired a foster friend named Suzi, who has scoliosis. Devon enjoys working in the hospital because she is very fond of animals, especially those of the feline variety. Her other interest is music and she majored in music in high school before majoring in animal biology at the University of Guelph. Shortly after graduating she joined the surgery department at TVEH as an ACA and feels that she is the best surery ACA ever!

Elizabeth Scott

Animal Care Attendants

Bio coming soon.

Felicia Rayner

Animal Care Attendants

has been with TVEH since November of 2009. She has helped out in almost every area of the hospital and can always be relied on to help with any animal. She enjoys the variety in her job every day, the dedicated people she works with and the opportunity for continuing education. There is no doubt that the thing Felicia enjoys and takes the most pride in is taking care of the animals. At TVEH, Felicia is known as the dog whisperer!

Fiona Lall

Animal Care Attendants

Bio coming soon.

Lennora Stone

Animal Care Attendants

Lennora has always wanted to work with animals from a young age. After graduating from the Animal Care program at Sheridan College in April 2011, Lennora began working in animal clinics and boarding facilities. Feeling the need for a greater challenge, Lenora joined the ER department of TVEH as an animal care attendant in May 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time dancing, bowling, hanging out with friends and lazing around with her Lovebird Icarus (Iggy) and her Netherland dwarf mix rabbit, Jaxon.

Nevena Hristova

Animal Care Attendants

Nevena was born and raised in Bulgaria. She graduated from the Veterinary Medicine program in Bulgaria. She worked for a small animal practice for 5 years , but always wanted to work for a busy emergency hospital. Since moving to Canada she has been working as an ACA in emergency medicine. Nevena joined the TVEH team in June 2010 in the emergency department and is currently part of the surgery team here at TVEH as she works towards her Canadian veterinary license. She has a lovely cat named Fred, who is a retired blood donor. She likes to spend time with friends and especially with her family and two beautiful daughters. In her free time she enjoys sewing things for both children and animals.

Tamara Welch

Animal Care Attendants

Tamara has been working at TVEH as an animal care attendant since December, 2011. She started in the ER department and recently moved to the referral department to try something new. She works primarily in neurology but can be seen helping out in internal medicine, radiology, surgery or wherever she is needed. Prior to TVEH she worked for Durham Region Animal Services as a care attendant, The Pickering Horse Centre, and also spent time working at "The Dog Pad" with large groups of dogs. Tamara plans to continue pursuing a career working with animals.

Valerie Morrissey

Animal Care Attendants

Bio coming soon.

Dr. James Campbell

Neurology

Originally from Winnipeg, Dr. Campbell had already completed a PhD in Neuroscience when he entered veterinary school at Michigan State University. There he continued his research into spinal cord injury and pain systems and completed specialty training in veterinary neurology, with an internship at Cornell University, and residency at North Carolina State University. He became board-certified in 2012 and practised in the Washington, DC area before joining TVEH in August 2014. Dr. Campbell's professional interests include brain and spinal surgery.

Jessica Swan

Emergency Service

Dr. Jessica Swan graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with distinction in the spring of 2010. She worked for two years in both general and emergency practices before returning to the Ontario Veterinary College to complete a small animal internship in internal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine in 2012. Following the completion of her internship, Jessica joined the team at Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital. In her spare time she enjoys reading, snowboarding and spending time with her family.

Shawn Mackenzie

Diagnostic Imaging

Dr. Shawn Mackenzie obtained his DVM in 2010 from the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) in PEI. Following graduation he completed a one year rotating internship followed by a four year combination residency and Doctorate of Veterinary Sciences in diagnostic imaging at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Mackenzie is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and joined the team at Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital in 2015. Dr. Mackenzie has won multiple academic and research awards, and published numerous scientific articles. His professional interests include neuroimaging, CT angiography, ultrasound and teaching. In his spare time, Dr. Mackenzie enjoys golfing, hockey, and hiking.

Alexandra Floras, BA DVM DVSc DACVECC

Critical Care

Dr. Alexandra (Allie) Floras graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2010. Wanting to further specialize beyond general practice, she completed a small animal rotating internship at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She then returned to the Ontario Veterinary College to pursue a residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care, which she completed in parallel with a Doctorate in Veterinary Sciences in July 2014. She is a board certified diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Some of her professional interests include sepsis, pain management, acute kidney injury, mechanical ventilation, and trauma. Outside of work, she enjoys crossword puzzles, being active, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

Dr. Andrew Barker

Neurology

Andrew Barker was born and raised in Toronto and attended the University of Guelph for an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and graduated in 2009 from the DVM program with the Ontario Veterinary College. He completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI followed by a neurology internship at Canada West Veterinary Specialists in Vancouver, BC. Following the completion of a neurology residency at Iowa State University, Andrew worked as an Assistant Professor (Neurology and Neurosurgery) at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. Andrew joined the TVEH team in October, 2015. His professional interests include spinal surgery, and non-infectious conditions of the canine central nervous system.

Trish Kirby

Emergency Service

Originally from the Ottawa Valley, Trish attended the University of Guelph, where she obtained a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Applied Ethology. Following graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2012, she went on to complete a rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. She then moved to Florida were she did a 1 year surgical internship. Trish worked at an emergency hospital in the Orlando area before returning to Ontario and joining TVEH in June of 2015. Trish shares her home with 2 cats, and enjoys reading, skiing and playing soccer in her free time.

Dr. Nancy Pragosa

Emergency Service

Dr. Nancy Pragosa obtained a BScH degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Guelph and an MSc. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto. She then returned to Guelph for her DVM degree, graduating from OVC in 2009. Nancy took the following year to travel and work with wildlife in South Africa and the UAE. Upon returning to Canada, she worked at several clinics in Toronto and the GTA before joining the TVEH team in 2016. In her free time, Nancy enjoys running, cycling, swimming, and yoga as well as travelling whenever she gets a chance.

Dr. Angelie Shukla

Emergency Service

Angelie grew up in King City, Ontario. Since the age of five, she knew she wanted to become a veterinarian and spent her childhood interacting with as many species of animals as possible. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Guelph, Angelie graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, with distinction, in 2010. She then went on to complete a year-long rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College. Since completing her internship, Angelie has worked in several emergency clinics in downtown Toronto and the GTA. She loves the fast pace and challenges that come with working in a busy ER. She has a special interest in small animal surgery, ophthalmology and trauma. In her free time, Angelie enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Annatasha Bartel

Anesthesia

Dr. Annatasha Bartel graduated with distinction from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 2008. She then worked in small animal general practice and emergency medicine for three years prior to pursuing a rotating small animal internship at the Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital. In 2015, Dr. Bartel completed a residency in anesthesia and analgesia at Cornell University in 2015. Dr. Bartel successfully sat the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia certification exams and was awarded diplomate status in 2016. Prior to her position at TVEH, Dr. Bartel was a clinical instructor in anesthesia at the University of California, Davis. Her specific interests include locoregional anesthesia, anesthesia of the critical patient, and the gastrointestinal effects of anesthesia. During her free time, Dr. Bartel enjoys adventuring abroad, baking, and volunteers as a mentor for high school students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Jonathan Huska

Neurology

Dr Huska graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2008. He completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery the following year at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) before returning to the OVC to complete a residency in neurology. Obtaining both a Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) and board-certification in neurology (Diplomate of the American Veterinary College of Internal Medicine-Neurology), he then went on to start the Neurology Service at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital (TVEH) in 2012. After establishing the service at TVEH, Dr Huska worked as the head of the Neurology Service at the Alta Vista Animal Hospital (AVAH) in Ottawa, before returning in 2017 to continue the growth of the TVEH Neurology Service. While he enjoys all aspects of small animal clinical neurology, Dr Huska has a special interest in diseases of the muscle (myopathies), epilepsy, and cerebellar disorders. Personally, he enjoys being active outdoors with hiking, snow shoeing, camping, fishing, and ultimate frisbee (‘ultimate’ makes it sound more cool). He is an avid rugby fan, but most of all enjoys quality time spent with family. Currently he is the adoptive parent to 2 handsome cats, and a dog who has undergone multiple successful spinal surgeries.

Francesca Di Mauro

Critical Care

Dr. Francesca Di Mauro received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph in 2008 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2012. After graduating she completed a rotating small animal internship in medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre, in Toronto. She spent the following year working as a full-time emergency veterinarian as well as an ER locum at several referral hospitals in the GTA and Toronto area. Dr. Di Mauro then moved to Ithaca, New York where she completed a residency in small animal emergency and critical care at Cornell University in July 2017. She is very happy to return home and excited to join the team at TVEH in October 2017. Outside of work she enjoys being active, travelling and spending time with her greyhound, ‘River’, and pug, ‘Raisin’.

Scott Joudrey

Surgery

Dr. Scott Joudrey was born and raised in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2011, completed a one year small animal medicine and surgery internship at VEC in Toronto, followed by a surgical internship and research fellowship at Louisiana State University and finally a three year small animal surgical residency at the Veterinary Speciality and Emergency Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Joudrey joined the Surgical Service at TVEH in August 2017. His areas of interest include minimal invasive laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures, wound management, surgical oncology and gastrointestinal surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Joudrey enjoys staying active doing yoga, running, and hiking with his two huskies Doc and Snow.

Emily Munčs

Emergency Service

Originally from Montreal, Dr Emily Munčs graduated from the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire of the Université de Montréal in spring 2016. After graduation, she completed a one year rotating internship at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire of the Université de Montréal. Dr. Munčs moved to Ontario and joined the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital ER team in July 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, running, reading, yoga and spending time with her family and cat, Kiki.

Jonathan Lichtenberger

Cardiology

Dr. Jonathan Lichtenberger received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2012 from the National Veterinary School of Alfort in France. He completed a rotating Small Animal Internship at Oregon State University, following this with a 4 year combined Residency and MSc program in Veterinary Cardiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College (PEI, Canada). He became a Diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine (Cardiology) in 2017. One of only a few veterinary cardiology specialists in Canada, he practices both medical and interventional cardiology. He focuses on diagnosing and treating patients suffering from congenital and acquired cardiac conditions, including asymptomatic animals and animals in congestive heart failure. Dr. Lichtenberger can offer consultations in both English and French. Dr. Lichtenberger is now enjoying life in Toronto with his partner, two pugs and one cat. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities and loves travelling.

Dr. Steve Patten

Oncology

Dr. Patten graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2012. He remained at OVC for a general rotating internship (2013), medical oncology specialty internship (2014), and clinical residency/Doctor of Veterinary Science in medical oncology (2014-2017). Dr. Patten also obtained a MSc in cancer biology from the University of Guelph (2008). He won numerous awards during his residency and academic career and has published several peer-reviewed journal articles relating to cancer biology and clinical veterinary oncology. Dr. Patten was also a member of the OVC oncology service when it was named the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s practice of the year. Dr. Patten joined the team at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital In 2017. In his spare time, Dr. Patten enjoys travel, exercise, and time spent with family and friends.