Krystle grew up on multiple acres in Bathurst, New Brunswick, where she developed a fascination with nature and wildlife early on. She can’t remember a time when there wasn’t a pet around her childhood home. For Krystle, coupling her innate customer service skills with her lifelong love for animals makes perfect sense—she gets to help both pets and those who care for them as Main West Animal Hospital’s Practice Manager!
After many years spent managing a private boating club, Krystle decided to look for work that felt more fulfilling and rewarding. That’s when she discovered an open position here at Main West Animal Hospital—she’s been a member of the clinic team since 2016 and hasn’t looked back since.
Caryn’s passion for animal care was passed down from her grandfather, who always taught his children and grandchildren to protect all living things, big or small. Serving in the veterinary field gives Caryn the knowledge on how to make pets’ lives extraordinary—she’s proud to serve as a member of Main West Animal Hospital’s talented care team!
Caryn is originally from Jordan, Ontario and started her animal-care journey as a co-op placement Veterinary Assistant. It wasn’t long before she developed into a full-time Veterinary Assistant and receptionist. Caryn also worked for many years at a pet food store and a local pet shop.
Alysha grew up in Welland as an only child, so her household dog, Cooper, quickly became her most loyal friend. She’s never taken for granted the true value of our animal companions—ever since she can remember, Alysha has wanted to give something back. She gets to do just that as one of Main West Animal Hospital’s Client Care Advocates!
Alysha attended Niagara College, where she earned her diploma as a Social Service Worker. She began her professional career by working at a homeless shelter and as a receptionist for an advocacy center. When her contract with the agency ended, Alysha happened to come across an opening here at Main West Animal Hospital.
Before Lauren was an employee here at Main West Animal Hospital, she was a client, and often brought her own family pets to be examined. She’s happy to be able to now give something back by working as a member of the clinic team!
Born and raised in Niagara, Lauren joined Main West Animal Hospital’s talented care team in the spring of 2015, and works as a Veterinary Assistant and Client Care Advocate. On the medical side of things, her favourite part of the work is assisting with X-rays and ultrasounds. Most of all, though, she loves getting to know pet owners personally and hearing clients’ fun stories about their furry friends.
Christina has always been a people person, and her inclination toward pets comes naturally. What better way to pair her love of animals with her nurturing instinct, she thought, than by helping pet owners in a veterinary clinic? Christina serves as one of Main West Animal Hospital’s Client Care Advocates.
Christina is from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and moved to Ontario in 2000. She previously worked as an Educational Assistant in the human healthcare field, caring for special-needs patients. In 2015, she made the decision to switch careers; that’s when she started looking for jobs in the veterinary world.
Phill grew up in Fonthill, Ontario, where animal care was a natural part of life. He tended to everything from dogs and cats to chickens, horses, ferrets, goats, and even peacocks! By working in the veterinary world, Phill gets to spend time around the creatures who bring him joy while using his skills to ultimately better the lives of others.
Phill was first approached by a member of the Main West Animal Hospital team at his previous job, and couldn’t be happier to begin his veterinary journey here. He’s been a part of the clinic family since early 2016, and serves as a Client Care Advocate. Around the hospital, Phill especially likes learning new things from his skilled coworkers, seeing a wide variety of animal personalities, and getting to know pet owners on a personal level.
For Kyra, working in a field that allows her to combine her fascination with medicine and physiology with her lifelong love of pets is a dream come true. As a Veterinary Assistant with the Main West Animal Hospital family, she gets to make a difference in the lives of the community’s pet owners every single day!
Kyra grew up in Welland and started volunteering at a local spay and neuter clinic there in 2014. She was hired as an employee the following April, and would help pets there for the next several years. Kyra began volunteering at Balfour Animal Hospital in the spring of 2017 and was hired that November, and she started working at Main West Animal Hospital as well in the spring of 2020.
Jenn is from the Niagara Region, growing up right here in Welland. Jenn always liked being able to make a difference in the lives of animals. She knew early on that she wanted to what nurses do for people, but for pets—what better way to do that than as a Registered Veterinary Technician!
Jenn’s veterinary journey started in 2001, when she began working at Main West Animal Hospital part-time. She continued working there over summers and on breaks from school while she attended St. Clair College in Windsor. After graduating in 2002 with her Veterinary Technician’s degree, she came on full-time at the clinic
Amanda cannot remember a time when she didn’t want to work with animals—it’s been her dream since she was very young, growing up in Sarnia, Ontario. She’s thrilled to work alongside her skilled and compassionate fellow team members to better the lives of pets here at Main West Animal Hospital!
Amanda joined the clinic family in November of 2014. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, she particularly enjoys placing catheters, drawing blood, assisting in surgery, and educating pet parents on their animal companions’ complex behavior patterns and dietary needs.
When Cassandra was young, she went on countless visits to the vet over the years with various family pets. A curious child, she remembers always wondering what was going on behind the scenes. This triggered a lifelong desire to learn about and help animals. As a Veterinary Technician here at Main West, Cassandra is able to live out her dream every single day!
Cassandra’s professional journey began in Wainfleet, Ontario, where she attended Georgian College. After completing her first year, she joined Main West Animal Hospital as part of a co-op placement. Now that school has officially ended, Cassandra has decided to stay on and remain part of the Main West team. Her clients, patients and colleagues alike couldn’t be happier!
Lauren grew up as an only child, and the family pets were her constant companions. Even at a young age, she knew that she would love to help as many of the earth’s creatures as she possibly could. For Lauren, no other choice of career made sense! She’s a Registered Veterinary Technician with the Main West Animal Hospital family.
Originally from St. Catharines, Lauren began her veterinary journey at a pet clinic there when she was only 16 years old. Next, she headed to Technician school at Medaille College in Buffalo to earn her degree in veterinary technology. Lauren returned to the practice in St. Catherines as a Registered Veterinary Technician and would help pets there for the next 11 years!
Ever since she can remember, Cassandra has wanted to devote herself to bettering the lives of those in need. She always loved seeing pets reunited with their owners, so she had a thought: why not work to that end and make a lasting difference by becoming a veterinary professional? Now, Cassandra is a proud member of Main West Animal Hospital’s team of Veterinary Technicians!
Cassandra has lived all over Ontario and decided to settle in Welland in order to be closer to family. She studied animal care at the University of Guelph, and transitioned into the Veterinary Technology program when she decided that she wanted to work with pets in a more hands-on way.
Katie has always felt happy and confident around animals. Why not advocate every day for their health and wellness, she thought, by working hands-on with pets as a veterinary professional? Katie never looked back—she’s now a Registered Veterinary Technician!
Katie grew up on a seven-acre hobby farm in Dunnville, Ontario, where she spent time around all sorts of animals ever since her earliest days. After completing a high-school cooperative career placement course at a veterinary clinic in Port Colborne, she headed to Ridgetown College in 2015. Katie graduated in April of 2017, joined the Main West Animal Hospital family that May, and passed her registering examination in August of 2017 to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
They say the third time’s the charm, and it certainly seems that way for Chrishon. When COVID brought an unexpected layoff, she decided it was ‘now or never,’ and went back to school for the third time to pursue a career working with animals. As one of our veterinary technicians, Chrishon feels she has finally found her calling!
Caring for animals is more than just a job for Chrishon. Throughout her lifetime, she has spent countless hours volunteering her time and serves as a board member of the Niagara SPCA. Even her dog is a volunteer, participating in the St. John Ambulance, Therapy Tails and Reading Rocks programs.
Gabby has always wanted to do everything in her power to better the lives of animals. She volunteered with a therapeutic horse service, walked dogs for the local Humane Society, and cared for many pets of her own, as well as for friends’ and family members’ companions. For Gabby, a career in the world of pet care simply made sense! She’s a proud member of Main West Animal Hospital’s Veterinary Assistant team.
Gabby grew up in Milton, Ontario and moved to Niagara in 2008. She went back to school in 2017 at Seneca College to study veterinary technology, and graduated in 2018 with her Veterinary Assistant’s certification. That same year, she joined the team here at Main West Animal Hospital—Gabby hasn’t looked back since.
Olivia grew up at both her mother’s house and her grandparents’ place, where her grandfather made a permanent impression on her. He knew everything there was to know about nature and wildlife, and his stories and facts have been inspiring Olivia ever since childhood. She always knew that she would love to work with animals herself!
Olivia first heard about an opening here at Main West Animal Hospital from friends of her mother’s, and she didn’t waste any time applying. The rest is history—Olivia joined the clinic family in early 2019 and serves the area’s pets and animal parents as a Veterinary Assistant.
Gloria has enjoyed the company of animals ever since she can remember and always had an interest in veterinary care. When she started her cooperative career placement during her high-school years, it only cemented her desire to help pets hands-on as a member of the profession. Gloria’s dream just never quit! She helps pets and animal parents on a daily basis as a Veterinary Assistant here at Main West Animal Hospital.
Gloria grew up in Stouffville and Welland with her two younger sisters and the family dog. At 16 years of age, she came to Main West Animal Hospital for her cooperative career placement, and started working part-time as soon as her hours were completed.
Carter has been an animal-lover her whole life. The moment she adopted her childhood Husky, Dingo, she knew that she wanted to be involved in pet care in some way. Now, Carter gets to make a difference in the lives of not only animals, but their loving owners as well, as a member of the Main West Animal Hospital team!
Carter grew up in Northern Alberta and launched her veterinary journey by volunteering at the SPCA there. It wasn’t long before she’d been hired on as an employee. After moving to Niagara with her boyfriend, she joined the Main West Animal Hospital family a short time later in the fall of 2020. Carter couldn’t be happier with her choice! Her favourite part of every shift is getting to meet new pet parents, and she especially likes helping shy or nervous pets to feel more comfortable.
Hailey was born and raised on a small family farm in Fonthill, Ontario. For her, caring for animals has been a part of life since day one. A career in the world of pet care simply made sense! Hailey is proud to serve as a member of the clinic’s Veterinary Assistant team while she studies animal biology in college.
Hailey was only in the 11th grade when she applied for a cooperative career placement here at Main West Animal Hospital. It wasn’t long after starting that she was asked if she’d like a summer job—Hailey gladly accepted, and she’s been a part of the hospital family ever since. Currently, she studies animal biology at the University of Guelph and hopes to be accepted into the Ontario Veterinary College in the future.
I am a Veterinary Assistant. During the pandemic I decided to reassess my career and started to study to become a Veterinary Assist.
I started at Main West Animal Hospital in Dec 2021. Thanks to Main West Animal Hospital in believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong passion to work with animals. It’s never too late to start a new career no matter how old you are!!!
For as long as she can remember, Keri has had a deep-seeded passion for helping animals. As a young child, she found an injured bird on the back porch. With the help of her mom, Keri nursed that little bird back to health before releasing her back into the wild. Then there was the time she befriended a stray cat at the age of 4. These experiences shaped Keri’s desire to one day work with animals professionally.
Before joining the Main West Animal Hospital team, Keri had been working in administration. She started feeling that pull toward the veterinary field and decided to officially change careers. Keri started with us in June of 2021 as a Veterinary Assistant. Professionally, Keri has a particular interest in x-ray technology. She finds being able to see what’s going on inside a patient’s body absolutely fascinating.
Jordan decided to work in the vet field because animals inspire her and have earned her utmost respect. She finds great fulfillment in knowing that her time is dedicated to advocating and speaking for those who cannot do so for themselves. Furthermore, she became a veterinary professional to help animals who were injured or sick and to provide them with another chance to enjoy healthy, amazing lives.
Growing up, Raven always knew that she loved animals. It wasn’t until her dog gave birth to a litter of seven puppies and she was able to be involved in their care that she decided she wanted to one day work with them as a career. As a veterinary assistant here at Main West Animal Hospital, Raven gets to do her favorite thing every day: help pets enjoy happier, healthier lives.
Sarah has always had an interest in animal health. She was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after enjoying the many precious years she had growing up with her family dog. Toward the end of her dog’s life, the veterinarian guided her family and showed them so much compassion throughout the process. Sara was deeply touched by what a profound impact a veterinary team can have on the lives of pet owners, and knew she wanted to one day do the same for others.
In 2018, Sara began her journey as a receptionist and assistant at a practice in Toronto. After working there for three years, and loving every second of it, she decided to move back to her hometown of Niagara Falls. Knowing she wanted to continue her career in the veterinary world, Sara officially joined the Main West Animal Hospital team in May of 2021 and says it’s the best decision she’s ever made.
Chelsea spent a year living far up north, in a community where animal care was not a priority and veterinary services were hours away. There, stray dogs and cats would roam in packs, their conditions deteriorating. The experience made Chelsea realize that in order to truly help, she would need to invest herself fully into the animal care field. Today, as part of the Main West Animal Hospital team, she is thrilled to be able to apply her passion for both animals and their owners.
Chelsea’s career began as a zookeeper, during which time she cared for a wide variety of species, from farm stock to small mammals, like chinchillas, skunks, foxes, rabbits and meerkats. She also worked with birds of prey, like owls and eagles, as well as some pretty neat reptiles, including tortoise, skinks and monitors. Along with this, she has combined her extensive experience in customer service to be the best Client Care Representative that she can be!
After graduating from school trained as a human laboratory technician, Andi found out that one of her classmates was working for a veterinarian. She hadn’t known this was an option, but quickly realized it would be the perfect career choice for her!
Born in Buffalo, New York as the oldest of three sisters, Andi was originally hired at Main West Animal Hospital in 1984 as a receptionist and kennel assistant. Eventually, she was trained through a correspondence course with a lab. She even attended the University of Guelph for a short period, trained as a technician in their labs. Now she performs almost all of Main West Animal Hospital’s lab work in-house!
Evelyn has always enjoyed working with numbers, and she’s a pet owner herself. When the opportunity came about for her to couple her passion for arithmetic with her love for the earth’s creatures, the choice was simple!
Originally from Toronto, Evelyn moved to St. Catharines several years ago, where she began working at a computer school. Shortly after the school closed, she joined the team here at Main West Animal Hospital and Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital. Evelyn has been here ever since!
When she was 14 years old, Joanne saw a man on the side of the road beside a cow that was lying on the ground. As she went over to see what was going on, she realized the cow was birthing a calf! The man asked Joanne to comfort the mother cow, and minutes later the calf was born. From that moment on, Joanne knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.
Joanne grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario. She graduated from St. Clair College in 1987 with a diploma in in Animal Health Technology. She started at Main West in 1988, covering for a fellow employee on maternity leave. When she returned after six months, Joanne was kept on as a full-time employee.
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