Staff Biographies
Doctors
Dr. Kathy Hrinivich
Start date : 01/04/2004
Dr. Kathy graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1995. She also has an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, and worked for two years in Lung Cancer Research. She has been working in a Veterinary Hospital for over 30 years and still enjoys every day she spends with animals.
Her passions at work include: helping people and their animal families; constantly striving to create the best work atmosphere for our awesome staff; and helping as many strays and orphaned pets as humanly possible with the resources she has.
Her free time is spent entirely with her husband Neil, her beautifuldaughters, her horses, her beautiful Maine Coon kitties, and her small pack of dogs. She also tries to sneak away to the Kitchener Stockyards as frequently as possible to rescue horses and ponies. Keep your eye on our new website for some beautiful pictures taken by Dr. Kathy - a new budding photographer!
Dr. Neil Kennedy
Start date : 01/04/2004
Dr. Neil graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1995. His passions at work include surgery, dentistry, and unraveling difficult medical cases.
He has completed surgery courses for Cruciate Ligament Repair, Luxating Patella, Perineal Urethrostomy and Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland, and is constantly working to excel in this area.
His hobbies include: woodworking; sports; trail riding; and swimming. He also enjoys spending as much free time as possible with his beautiful daughters and has become quite talented in toenail painting!
Dr. Sarah Thompson
Start date : 27/09/2009
FEB 2014 - Appointed to Council for the CVO The College of Veterinarians of Ontario
Dr. Sarah lives in Guelph with her husband Andres, daughters Paloma & Isabel, and son Jose. Also included in her family are her microscopic rescue dog Jack and 3 wonderful cats: Kitteny, Bebe and Oliver. After a not-so brief detour through Architecture School, Sarah attended the University of Guelph where she earned her BSc (Biomedical Science) in 1999, and her DVM in 2003. She began her career as a veterinarian working in a clinic in Nelson, BC, and returned to Ontario in 2006.
Sarah enjoys volunteering as a communications coach with students at the Ontario Veterinary College. However, most of her spare time is devoted to hanging out with her family (at thrift stores and good lunch spots in the Tri-Cities). Sarah also enjoys reading (mostly poetry and non-fiction) and sewing items of questionable usefulness, such as stuffed animals and quilts.
Dr. Simone van der Weele
Start date : 10/05/2010
Languages : English / Dutch
Dr. Simone graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1995. Since 1995, she has practiced both small animal and exotic medicine throughout southern Ontario.
In 2010, Simone returned to Cambridge and joined AHC due to the Hospital's compassion and dedication to the rescue of stray animals within the community.
Residing in the countryside of Guelph with her two children and husband, she also likes to spend all of her free time hiking and boating among the islands of Georgian Bay.
Dr. Ellie Baird
Start date : 02/07/2013
Languages : English/ French
Dr. Ellie graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2010. She also has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience, with minors in Genetics and Anthropology. Clearly, her interests have always been in how science helps to explain and improve the lives of all animals -- two- and four-legged! Her passion for veterinary medicine is driven by the human-animal bond: the profound impact that loving, furry family members can have on our lives. Her interests include: nutrition, emergency care, ophthalmology, and behaviour.
Her free time is spent with her son Henry and her loving husband Alex, who -- despite his allergies -- not only puts up with the parade of rescued animals coming into their home, but welcomes them with open arms. She enjoys gardening, camping, and outdoor adventures with dogs Quiggley and Scotty, and reading under a cozy blanket held down by cats Ava and Zambuca.
Dr. Luci Rosca
Start date : 01/01/2011
Languages : English / Romanian
Dr. Luci is a very caring veterinarian. Her compassion shines through every weekend while looking after the many cats and dogs who visit us. She strives to make the best pet health recommendation and works with each owner to choose the best treatment for their pet.
Dr. Anne Sylvestre
Start date :
Education : BSc, DVM, DVSc, CCRP, Diplomate ACVS/ECVS
Dr. Sylvestre brings her surgical skills to help the patients and pets in our Safe & Sound Rescue Project at Animal Hospital of Cambridge.
Dr. Sylvestre is a board certified surgeon with the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons. She was on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and then the University of Guelph for several years before leaving academics for private practice. She spent seven years in a busy mobile surgical practice in Southwestern Ontario. During this time she was able to really appreciate what the challenges are that general practitioners deal with on a daily basis. In 2004, she joined others to create a full service, 24/7 referral hospital in Oakville, allowing her to open a rehabilitation centre and service a far greater number of animals. For the past several years, Dr Sylvestre has also spent a lot of time at the Animal Hospital of Cambridge, helping out with the client-owned and rescue animals. In 2002 she formed a continuing education business with the focus being on practicality and hands on learning for veterinarians, with some workshops being applicable to technicians as well. Dr. Sylvestre has since given well over 60 workshops through Focus and Flourish. She has been invited to speak to many international and regional meetings. She has published research and clinical papers, book chapters and, electronic books on veterinary surgery and rehabilitation. Dr. Sylvestre is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Dr. Luke VanRooy
Start date : 01/04/2014
From a young age, Dr. Luke fostered his love of animals while growing up on a small dairy farm in the Niagara Region. Perusing this passion, he graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014. He started practicing in the Hamilton area after graduation, and then joined the Animal Hospital of Cambridge team in April 2016. At work, he enjoys teaching pet owners about preventative medicine topics: vaccines, dental health, weight maintenance and environmental enrichment. Outside of work, he enjoys hockey, portaging, cycling. Dr. Luke is an avid fan of all things science fiction and fantasy. He has three pets: Daphne the dog, Ness the cat and Eevee the rabbit.
Dr. Kristi La Pointe
Start date : 01/08/2015
Dr. Kristi grew up just outside of Montreal, Quebec. She has always had a love for animals big and small growing up with cats, dogs and horses. She completed a bachelor of Science and then went on to work for a pet nutrition company for 3 years prior to going back to school for veterinary medicine. She is a 2012 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. Her special interests are veterinary nutrition and dermatology.
In her free time, Dr. Kristi enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 young children and their dog Tucker. They all share a love of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and camping. She has also kept her love of horses and enjoys horseback riding at her family’s farm in Erin.
Dr. Anna Skorobohacz
Start date : 16/10/2016
Dr. Anna graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2012 and began practicing small animal medicine in Burlington shortly thereafter. Her passion for animal welfare began at a young age and has only intensified in her years as a veterinarian.
Dr. Anna’s hobbies include bee keeping, hiking, and bird watching – she has had the opportunity to visit China, Colombia, and the Caribbean to catch a glimpse of her feathered friends! She enjoys spending time with her husband and family, and makes sure to head north to cottage country every summer. Dr. Anna also loves to spoil her two kitties, Lyla and Charlie, making sure there is a cat tree in every window and a comfy bed in every room of the house (much to her husband’s dismay).
Dr. Danielle Sample
Start date : 08/05/2017
Credentials : DVM
Dr. Danielle Sample graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2011. For six years she worked at a busy companion animal/equine practice near Hamilton. Danielle is a very welcome member of our Animal Hospital of Cambridge team. Her interests include preventive healthcare, medicine cases, senior pet care, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
In addition to veterinary medicine Dr. Danielle is also certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy through the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre and is a member of the College of Animal Chiropractors. She enjoys combining VSMT with traditional veterinary care to help her patients live long healthy lives.
Dr. Danielle is currently on maternity leave spending time with her husband, her beautiful baby girl, two cats Caesar and Kali, their Great Dane Indy, and their goofy Bernese Mountain Dog Heidi. In her spare time she enjoys riding horses, gardening and pottery.
Dr. Kaitlyn Krizmanich
Start date : 07/07/2017
Dr. Kaitlyn Krizmanich graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2016. After graduation Kaitlyn completed a one-year small animal internship at a Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital. Ever since she was young Kaitlyn has had an innate love for all animals and an interest in the sciences. She completed three years of the Arts and Science Program at the University of Guelph and then attended the Ontario Veterinary College to pursue her dream career of becoming a veterinarian. While in veterinary School Kaitlyn had the opportunity to participate in Global Vets. She traveled to Thailand and volunteered at an Elephant Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center and at a dog and cat rescue. Kaitlyn ended up bringing back her dog, Sami, from Thailand who now much enjoys her new life!
In her spare time Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, camping, the outdoors, running, cycling, playing volleyball, traveling, and walking her dog Sami.
Dr. Meredith Murphy
Start date : 22/09/2017
Dr. Meredith Murphy joined the Animal Hospital of Cambridge in September of 2017. Her desire for building and strengthening the human-animal bond developed during her adolescent years working at a petting zoo on a local apple farm. This laid the groundwork for so many of her life adventures which included: working with conservation teams in Botswana Africa, studying endangered dolphins off of the coast of China, to wrangling horses in the Colorado mountains. Dr. Murphy’s love for animals and their ability to vastly enrich the human experience is what drew her to a career in Veterinary medicine. She joins the Animal Hospital of Cambridge thankful to be a member of such a welcoming and inclusive team in a constantly diversifying community. During her spare time Dr. Murphy enjoys woodworking and hiking. In the summers you can find her camping with her family and their 7 year old Golden Retriever "Henry".
Dr. Kristina Toth
Start date : 01/06/2018
Dr. Kristina Toth graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2017. Prior to veterinary school she graduated from the University of Guelph Bachelor of science, honours program with a minor in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences. She completed a one-year small animal internship at a Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Indiana where she worked alongside various veterinary specialists and delved deep into emergency medicine.
For many years she has been deeply fascinated by and fortunate to have been involved in the health care of many different species at a variety of small animal and mixed animal clinics as well as zoological and aquatic institutions. Dr. Kristina has come to truly enjoy working with clients and their pets to help them live enriched and healthy lives in addition to supporting clients through difficult times.
In her free time she enjoys going to the gym, traveling, spending time out-doors and being with friends and family.
Manager
Stacey
Start date : 15/04/2004
Facilities,Finance, & Administrative Manager
Credentials : RVT, CVDT
Stacey graduated from Seneca College in 1995 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician the same year. She completed the Canadian Veterinary Dental Technician program through St. Lawrence College, by Dr. Fraser Hale, DVM, in 2000. Stacey helped open our clinic in 2004.
She is also one of our Hospital Managers who strives on a daily basis to ensure that Animal Hospital of Cambridge is providing the best care for your animals. She has adopted 3 pets from our rescue program: Shelby, a shepherd cross, and 2 cats, Mats & Crosby.
Elaine
Start date : 15/04/2004
Lead Technician Supervisor
Credentials : RVT
Elaine graduated from Seneca College in 2001 as a Registered Veterinary Technician, and also holds a diploma in Fish & Wildlife from Sir Sandford Fleming College (1999). Elaine is a wonderful technician who has a special interest in birds and exotics. She works hard on a daily basis to ensure that your animals are happy and comfortable while in our care.
She is a self-professed bird fanatic, and is currently owned by several birds, including: Loki a brown-throated conure , 2 cockatiels and 2 budgies. Also keeping her company at home is Paris the dog (who, incidentally, was a rescue through our clinic!). Elaine and her husband enjoy spending time with their two son's and hope to survive the toddler years!
Amanda
Start date : 01/10/2007
Credentials : RVT, Lead Technician Supervisor
Amanda is a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician who has an extreme love for pugs. She shares her life with her husband and 2 children who keep her very busy.
Christie P
Start date : 01/09/2018
Veterinary Technicians
Ana
Start date : 21/01/2013
Languages : English/ Spanish
Credentials : RVT , Training Coordinator
Ana has been working in the Veterinary field since 2001. She obtained her Veterinary Technician diploma from Saint Lawrence College in 2005, and became a Registered Veterinary Technician that same year. She loves and cares for animals, enjoying all aspects of being a technician.
Ana enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, her Jack Russell X Beagle dog named Prometheus, and her two cats, Coco and Cloudy. Since becoming part of our team in January 2013, she has adopted Zoodle, a Jack Russell Terrier from our rescue program.
Ashley
Start date : 09/05/2013
Member of American Association of Feline Practitioners
Continuing education : OAVT Conference 2015
Credentials : RVT
Ashley is a Registered Veterinary Technician who has joined our technical team. During the week she is raising her first child, a happy baby girl. You will see her around the clinic every other weekend. Ashley graduated from Ridgetown College in 2011. She comes to us from a cat-only clinic and therefore posses excellent feline skills. She is our "CAT WHISPERER", understanding how to read their needs and how they want to be handled. She loves meeting new people and helping clients with whatever she can.
Michele
Start date : 29/01/2016
Credentials : RVT
Michele joined our team of Registered Veterinary Technicians in 2016 and is one of our hospital managers. She has a true love for all shih tzu's. She is currently fostering one of our rescue dogs "Koda" ( a shih tzu of course) who suffered massive injuries from a previous dog attack. With some extra TLC from Michele, Koda has made a full recovery. She would love for Koda to find the right home with someone to love him.
Jade
Start date : 14/05/2016
Credentials : RVT
Jade began her time with Animal Hospital of Cambridge as a Co-op student this past spring. She proved to be such a hard working and caring person that we asked her to join our team.
Jade grew up exploring the haymows of her uncle's barn for kittens, caring for and socializing them; in hopes of finding them homes. When she began attending Ridgetown College for Veterinary Technology, her father pursued hobby farming and consequently she shared her room with a duck incubator when home for the holidays. Jade graduated in June of 2016, and completed her registration in August that year. She is excited to be a part of our growing technical team and the opportunities to grow as a technician.
Devon
Start date : 16/10/2017
Credentials : RVT
Devon joined our team in October 2017. Like many on our staff, Pugs are his favourite breed.
Lilly
Start date : 01/05/2018
Credentials : RVT
Lilly recently graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in April 2018 and joined the team shortly after completing her co-op placement with us. She works hard on a daily basis to keep our patients happy and well-cared for.
During her spare time, Lilly enjoys going to the gym, playing tennis, hiking, camping, and simply spending time with her husband and their dog Joey.
Jolene
Start date : 02/07/2018
Credentials : VT
Jolene is another new face you may see around the hospital. She is a wonderful technician who loves working with the pets in our care
Customer Service Representatives
Audrey
Start date : 28/04/2013
Audrey is one of the friendly faces you will meet when you visit us at the clinic. She is eager to follow through with any requests you may have. Audrey had many years of experience working in the veterinary field which is truly her life passion. She loves serving the community and is a huge help with fostering our rescued pets.
Rachal
Start date : 24/04/2012
Rachal is the newest member of our veterinary reception team. Rachal Wiles has graduated from the University of Guelph, majoring in biological sciences, and will then pursue further education to become a veterinarian. She comes to us with many years of experience working in veterinary clinics. She will be one of the cheery customer service representatives greeting you at reception during the summer months.
She enjoys working with our rescue dogs and fostering them to give them a homey experience, aiding in their adopt-ability. (Thank you, Rachal, for going the extra mile -- though the happy wagging tails is all the thanks she wants!) She currently owns 2 pug crosses named Bella and Baxter.
Jill
Start date : 01/08/2015
Jill worked behind the scenes at AHOC when she was in high school, and has rejoined the team as a CSR in training.
She will greet you with a bright smile and is eager to help our clients. At home she enjoys spending time with her daughter and her dog Tobi, a min pin Chihuahua cross.
Jill is currently on maternity leave with her son Leo. Congrats Jill!
Lesley
Start date : 01/06/2018
Lesley is a proud mama of 2 amazing kids and 10 fur and feather babies - good thing she lives out in the country! She enjoys playing soccer twice a week and loves travelling, canoeing, camping and anything outdoors.
Lesley is one of the smiling faces you will see up in our reception area. She loves to help out our clients and their pets with anything they may need.
Terri
Start date : 14/04/2014
Terri is one of the friendly faces at reception you will meet when you visit our hospital. She has a special place in her heart for Chihuahua's and Pekingese.
Sophie K
Start date : 11/09/2017
Sophie is part of our CSR team and works hard to ensure your pets needs are met and all of your questions will be answered.
Emma K
Start date : 26/09/2017
Emma is part of our CSR team and is one of the smiling faces you will meet in reception. She has grown up around all kinds of pets and is passionate about providing you the best service to help you with yours.
Animal Care Attendants
Anila
Start date : 01/07/2018
Sam C
Start date : 01/01/2018
Sam is one of our super hard-working ACA's. She spends a lot of time with our rescues and makes sure they are all clean and comfortable while in our care.
Gracie
Start date :
Gracie is one of our part-time ACA's and loves looking after the animals that visit our hospital. She works with many of our rescues and enjoys making their time spent with us as welcoming and enjoyable as possible. Spending time with animals is her favorite thing to do!
Charlene , VA
Start date : 14/11/2017
Charlene was born and raised in Toronto but moved to Cambridge 10 years ago. She went to Sheridan College in 2011 and received her certificate in Animal Care. She has loved animals her entire life and always wanted to work with them in some way. She treats all pets like they are her own, making sure they are comfortable during their stay with us. She has many fur babies of her own at home that she loves dearly, and in her spare time she likes going to the movies, bowling, and enjoys cooking.
Judy
Start date : 07/03/2014
Judy is one of our Animal Care Attendants who cares for the many pets and rescued animals at our hospital.
Pet Grooming
Alexis
Start date :
Credentials : Groomer, RVT, BSc.H.
Alexis is an RVT and groomer who graduated from Seneca College from the Veterinary Technician Program with honours in 2016. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree with honours majoring in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph. She has been working with animals for the past 6 years, grooming part time for the last 4.
She has four cats; Lucifer,Lucky,Titten, & Pumpkin. Her lab x is named Toro. In her free time she enjoys playing soccer and going on hikes with her dog.
Pam-Purred Pets Grooming Services
Start date :
Pam has been grooming pets for 20+ years. She has joined the team at the Animal Hospital of Cambridge to look after all of your pets grooming needs. Pam grooms both dogs and cats.
Call or text Pam at 226-499-1140 to book an appointment.
You can send an email to: pam-purredpets@hotmail.com
with any questions or to request an appointment.
Pam has very flexible drop off and pick up times. Call today! Accepting new clients daily.
See grooming pictures on her Facebook site.
