Manager
Armida
Armida was born in Caracas, Venezuela of Spanish/Catalan descent. As a result she speaks 4 different languages and has an appreciation for diversity, cultures, and people of many origins. Armida brings her compassion and caring into the clinic and excels at knowing just what people need. Armida believes it could be because of her background in the hotel and hospitality industries but we suspect it's just in her nature to be positive and supportive of everyone she comes across. Armida attended UBC and has an education background specializing in early childhood education. She has worked as a pre-school teacher which is where she credits learning patience and a positive outlook on life. As someone who is dedicated to everything she does, Armida started Amherst with her husband Grant and worked tirelessly to build Amherst into the veterinary hospital it is today. Her commitment to detail and excellent client service has formed the template for training and guidelines for all support staff members at Amherst. Her vision and dedication to helping clients and supporting the staff in a variety of ways has been one of her most important contributions.
Her dedication and devotion does not stop at Amherst however, but extends to her "wonderful husband" and "four fantastic children". She is very close to her family and spending time with them is what gives her "the most joy". She enjoys walking her dogs in the Endowment Lands, is always looking for more time to do artwork, and squeezes movies, yoga, reading, and cooking as hobbies into her busy days. Armida enjoys the outdoors, especially near the ocean and preferably in warmer climates. She describes Amherst as a place that makes her "very proud" of what her and Grant have created. She feels that Amherst has a "fantastic and dedicated staff and together we provide the utmost in quality service and care for our community and their animal companions".
Accounting
Helen
Although she started out life far away in Catrine, Scotland, she emigrated to Canada 40 years ago and has been helping people pinch pennies ever since. She started at Amherst in 2007 and has been an essential part of the team ever since. As someone who enjoys dogs, and has a history of working for medically related organizations, she makes a good fit here. Besides we love the Scottish accent. When she isn't here helping us stay organized financially she can be found walking her dogs, researching genealogy, crocheting, and talking on Skype with family and friends all over the world. She lives with husband Tom and two dogs Bridie, a 6 year old Kerry Blue Terrier, and Sir Charles (Charlie), a 2 year old Golden Doodle. Describing her feelings on Amherst Helen said "working with people who care so much about the animals is truly the biggest pleasure in being here".
AHT and Supervisor
Mary Ann
MaryAnn, also known as “Missy” is the longest standing employee at Amherst, and a vitally important member of the Amherst team. One of MaryAnn’s first loves and initial attractions to the animal world were horses and riding. She spent much of her youth in the saddle and with her hoofed friends. Her first experience in an animal hospital was in 1988 when she worked as an assistant. She graduated from Seneca College in King City, Ontario in 1992 with her degree in Animal Health Technology. Missy has worked extensively in various SPCA facilities. Upon graduation, she worked in the SPCA in Toronto, she gained some experience as a Wildlife Technician in the SPCA, and also spent some time in the Vancouver SPCA. She joined Amherst in 1994 and has remained an exceptionally passionate and loyal caregiver to this hospital’s patients ever since. In addition, MaryAnn occasionally provides relief work at the Vancouver Animal Emergency clinic in order to gain experience in medical emergency situations. She enjoys the nursing aspect of being an Animal Health Technician and her particular areas of medical interest are anaesthesia and pain management. Despite her devotion to her work, MaryAnn takes time to go snowboarding and hiking in the beautiful mountains and wilderness around Vancouver. Her family includes husband Avi whom she wed in 2000, and her two wonderful twins, Maya and Nathan, born in 2002. Missy’s house is also home to Shadow “the best black dog ever” a claim which may be contested by other black dog owners. MaryAnn would like to add that she loves Amherst and that this hospital “provides excellent medical care.”
Animal Health Technicians
Iuliana
Iuliana, or “Iuli” (pronounced you-lee) as she is more commonly known as, is an indispensible member of our Amherst team. Iuli grew up in a small town in Romania and lived there until 2000. She moved to Canada with her husband and son in 2000 in order to escape a life where “the threat of vampires is real and the fear can drive a person insane.” Iuli graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Romania, and worked as a veterinarian in her home country before coming to Canada. She began working at Amherst in January of 2002 as a Technician, and has remained with the hospital as an integral component. Iuli’s particular area of medical interest is dental work, a discipline in which she markedly excels. Iuliana grew up around animals, and is especially familiar with cats with which she treasures as some of her greatest childhood memories. She remembers fondly watching “the best mothers in the world” feline mothers, or Queens, playing with their kittens and being deeply touched by the ways of the animal world. Iuli is not only an animal lover, but also a nature lover. She delights in camping and hiking in our spectacular British Columbia wilderness. Iuli may be an exceptionally skilled Technician, but she also amazes us with her handy talents for repairing various mechanical items in the hospital and at home. She keeps her artistic side blooming with knitting, and painting pottery. Iuliana’s family includes Betty, a 10 year old miniature poodle cross and keepsake from Romania. Iuliana claims that Betty is “the best dog in the world and the most beautiful.” Iuli would like to add that “I am really enjoying my job! I consider myself honoured and lucky, and I’m happy that I’m able to work as a Tech at such a great vet hospital like Amherst. Amherst is an excellent place to work, with wonderful people who are my family. It is an excellent medical practice and we love Wednesdays because they are treat day.”
Kristina
Kristina is a fun, caring, and dedicated member of our Amherst team. Kristina grew up in North Vancouver, and before achieving her education, she acquired many years of experience in the veterinary world. She spent 5 years as a kennel attendant and ward nurse at the Highlands Animal Hospital in North Vancouver. Kristina then pursued her passion for animals and medicine and graduated in 2005 from Lakeland College in Vermilion Alberta with her degree in Animal Health Technology. Upon graduation, Kristina completed a three week practicum right here at Amherst in March of 2005, and officially started work at our hospital in May of the same year. Kristina has a wide range of specific interests in her work, including dentistry, radiology, anaesthesia and behaviour. She is particularly adept at communicating with dogs and has taught many of our staff’s animals new impressive tricks in very short periods of time. Kristina claims that she is team vampire, but due to her unusually advanced communication skills with canines, it is far more likely that she is team werewolf. Kristina is a very active outdoorswoman and takes full advantage of our local natural playgrounds as she enjoys skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and hiking. Often joining her on hikes is Shady, a 9 year old female Border Collie/Labrador cross. Kristina has always had a lifelong love and enjoyment for animals and is excited about her career at Amherst. She would like to add that “Amherst rocks.”
AHT Assistants
Dianne
Dianne is compassionate and hardworking member of our Amherst team. She has experienced living in many areas of British Columbia, having spent her childhood in Lillooet and then attending high school in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver in 1996. Dianne is currently working as an assistant but has experienced much of what it takes to be a technician at Amherst. As of January 2009, Dianne started working towards her degree to be a registered Animal Health Technician and is currently enrolled in the AHT DE program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops BC. When Dianne started at Amherst she was impressed with the respect and care that each individual client and patient received so thought it was the perfect place to start her career. It is very exciting to see Dianne achieve her dreams at Amherst! She comes from a business background having worked as a Customer Services manager for a security company before turning her career direction towards the care of animals when she joined Amherst in July of 2007. Dianne has a colourful variety of interests outside of work including painting, running, and hiking which make her a very interesting and diverse person. In addition Dianne is an avid horror movie fan and is on the eternal search to discover a movie that can truly scare her - no easy task for a brave one like Dianne! Dianne’s fur family includes cats Timmy and Wendy (named after South Park characters). Dianne has a great love for animals and is thoroughly enjoying working with them.
Erin
Erin is another dedicated and hard working member of our Amherst team. She was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She pursued a degree in Physical Education and Recreation, which comes in very handy at Amherst because you need to be in shape and know how to have fun when you’re working hands-on with animals. Erin has had diverse work experiences from working at a swimming pool, to sailing around the world on cruise ships (she was only held up by pirates one time). Erin moved to Vancouver in 2004 and was employed at a community recreation centre when in 2008 she decided to pursue her dream of working with animals instead of people. In search of a good fit, she sought out our clinic and has been part of our team ever since. Amherst is thrilled to have such a competent and fun member of our “family”. She adores animals and has excellent people skills as well. For recreational pursuits, Erin has a passion for windsurfing and soccer. She also rides horses and used to compete in show jumping. A lesser known fact is that Erin is also the world champion of paper/rock/scissors battles. She also has a soft spot for ugly cats like our clinic cat Havoc and can often be found in her down times snuggling him up despite the permanent sneer on his lips.
Hilary
Hilary is a genuine, devoted, and caring member of our Amherst team. She comes to us all the way from Zimbabwe & South Africa, after which she immigrated to Vancouver in 2003. Hilary has a history of working with animals as she was an SPCA board member in South Africa. After moving to Vancouver, she completed her Diploma for Veterinary Assistants at the West Coast College of Health care in 2004. As a “recovering insurance broker and business owner,” Hilary decided to pursue her love for animals and joined Amherst in 2004. She has remained a great presence at the hospital ever since. Hilary’s medical areas of interest are Homeopathy, alternative healing, and animal nutrition, and so she offers a valuable perspective of thinking to Amherst. Since relocating to Vancouver, Hilary has discovered the wealth of different experiences and activities that our beautiful city has to offer. She enjoys actively studying animal communication, and gardening “only on days when the temperature is 25°C or more.” Hilary shares her life with her yellow Labrador Brittany. Hilary is an inspirational component at Amherst as she has a talent for being able to treat all animals that come into the clinic as if they were her own. She would like to add that “The staff at Amherst are the most dedicated, caring, and animal-crazy bunch I have ever encountered. It is a pleasure to work with them.”
Jaime W.
Jaime is a diligent and fun member of our Amherst team. She spent her childhood running around White Rock, but now her eyes sparkle with the excitement of Vancouver where she attends the University of British Columbia. Jaime is very excited to be working at our hospital because it has been her dream since childhood to be a veterinarian. She is proud to be pursuing her goal at UBC where she is studying in the pre-vet program and majoring in Agro-ecology, Nutritional, and Health Sciences. Jaime has had some valuable previous work experience in the veterinary world. She worked for a kennel in White Rock, and has also enjoyed working with vets at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Jaime then joined our Amherst family in January 2009 in order to "gain first hand clinic experience at a top quality veterinary hospital." Nutritional science is a particular interest of Jaime, and is a very important area in animal health. Although Jaime is dedicated to her work and achieving her dream of being a veterinarian, Jaime has many passions outside of school and work. She loves walking with her dog along the spectacular beaches of Vancouver, especially Spanish Banks, and hiking in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia, especially the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. Jaime is also able to recite any Simpson's episode ever made. Jaime's family includes her seven year old golden retriever Mackenzie who she got as a puppy, as well as her newly adopted Pixie Bob cat named Maple. Mackenzie was delighted when a new best friend was brought home just for her, despite this friend being in feline form. Maple did not agree on this pleasant relationship and "friend" label, preferring more of hostile relationship and an "enemy" label. However, after much patience on Mackenzie's part, and much eye-rolling on Maple's part, the two have become buddies. Jaime would like to add that "I am enjoying my experience at Amherst. I love working with the animals and with the rest of the staff here. I'm learning a lot and I would one day love to go to Vet School." Jaime contributes compassion and patience to the work environment is an invaluable member to our hospital.
Meghan
Meghan is probably the most creative member of our Amherst team. She was born in Toronto but even as a baby realized that the west was the best, so moved to Vancouver while she was still in diapers and has remained in this beautiful city ever since. She attended University Hill High School with the class of 2000, and then went on to science at the University of British Columbia in order to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. However, destiny had other plans and she graduated in 2009 with a degree in Religious Studies. As of now she does not know what she wants to be when she grows up, and so is planning not to grow up at all. She has a great love for animals and the arts. Meghan spent much of her youth on the back of a horse in the Nicola Valley, and still feels that these are among the most beautiful animals in the world. She joined Amherst as a volunteer in 1995 and enjoyed it so much that she has remained happily at the hospital as assistant since then. She has a great love for the company of animals and truly enjoys caring for them as they get well. Meghan enjoys exploring many creative avenues and strives to challenge her imagination as often as possible. She enjoys drawing, painting, writing, making short videos on her computer, and is an aspiring banjo player. Movies are a significant interest to her, as well as running, sailing, and cold water swimming. Her family includes mother Connie, brother Colin, three Labradors, Bondi (mother), Sparrow (daughter), Wrangler (son), Chihuahuas DaVinci and Willa, cat Zeba, lovebird Lancelot, and lizard Goatee. Meghan would like to add that “I believe that Amherst is among the greatest veterinary hospitals in Vancouver and beyond because there is a real dedication to doing what is right for each animal and accomplishing whatever that may be properly and with compassion. The people are what make Amherst what it is. They are like a family to me and to every patient that comes through the doors. It is a team of highly devoted, passionate individuals who work hard at improving the medical care they provide every day.”
Reception Supervisor
Tracy
Tracy’s caring nature and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the Amherst team. Tracy is an island girl- she grew up on Vancouver Island in Comox and attended Highland Secondary School there graduating with the class of 1997. She achieved a degree in Biology with a Major in Wildlife Studies at the University of Northern BC in 2003. Tracy has had much experience with animals throughout her youth as she volunteered at various animal clinics during her high school years. Her love for animals combined with her enjoyment and talent for working with the public prompted Tracy to join Amherst in December 2006, where she has established herself as a vital constituent of the hospital. Tracy is skilled at creating beautiful greeting cards and also enjoys photography. Her family includes husband Demos whom she married this year, and Molly, a 5 year old Scottish Terrier Cocker Spaniel cross also known as “Maa-lee” and “Fur Baby.” Tracy’s graceful, calming presence and respectful, compassionate way with both animals and their people make her a treasured member at Amherst.
Receptionists
Bethany
Bethany is a fun and diligent member of our Amherst team. Although Bethany grew up on the eastern side of Canada, she soon realized that the west is the best, and escaped from Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron Ontario and came to Vancouver. Bethany's family runs a Veterinary Hospital in Ontario, and ever since she was little Bethany always wanted to help her parents in their clinic and be part of the veterinary business. Bethany joined Amherst in June 2008 to experience another Veterinary hospital, and is delighted to "work for a clinic that provides a high quality of service and being a part of a great team." She also chose this career in order to support her scarves and books habit. She is currently receiving help to control this obsession. Despite her admirable work ethic and commitment to both her jobs, Bethany has many fascinating interests outside of work. Bethany plays Lacrosse for the Richmond Women's Team where she is held in awe by her teammates and feared by her opponents. Bethany may be small, but she knows how to use a ball, a stick, and a basket. Also a musical soul, Bethany plays the Cello and has a deep passion for art. She is an extremely talented artist, and has an Art History degree from McGill University as well as currently working on a Fine Arts degree at Emily Carr. Bethany's principle passions in art are Ceramics and Painting, and her work is extraordinarily beautiful. Bethany's furry family includes Thunder, a lovely large 7 year old Persian cross cat who often sports a "skullet" (imagine a mullet only cropped closer to the skull). Thunder had an adventurous childhood as Bethany found him in an abandoned apartment back in Nepean Ontario when he was around 2 years old. Her less furry family includes fiancé Tom who enjoys fedoras, and scarves! A match made in heaven. Bethany is a highly skilled and compassionate individual who loves animals and is a great asset to reception.
Jaime L.
Jaime is a caring and engaged member of our Amherst team. She is also our token red head. Jaime hails from the Kamloops clan of red heads, she grew up there and lived in Kamloops until she was 21. Jaime then moved to Kelowna where she attended Okanagan University College. Jaime has a passion for tourism and graduated from OUC with a degree in this field. Jaime also has a passion for Australian accents, and following her graduation, she travelled to the land of Crocodile Dundee where she worked in the tourism industry. Jaime is very excited to be experiencing life at Amherst, because it is a new and different avenue for her. In search of a new adventure, Jaime joined us in July 2009 and is pleased to be learning so much about the Veterinary world every day. She is delighted to be around animals from morning until night. Being new to the medical world, Jaime is fascinated by every aspect of it, and is enjoying learning and seeing interesting things every day. Although Jaime is a terrific and devoted receptionist, she has many interests outside of work. She enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. Recently Jaime spent a month in Europe exploring France, Italy and Greece. Jaime's furry family recently included the late Labrador Dakota who passed away in February. Although there are no new pets in Jaime's home as of yet, that happy day will come! Jaime is a great asset to our hospital and would like to add that "It is a pleasure to come to work and be around people who love what they do. I hope to be here for a long time to come."
Lauren
Lauren is one of the most cheerful members of our team. A true Vancouverite, Lauren was born in North Vancouver but has lived all over the Lower Mainland from Bowen Island to her current residence near Vanier Park in Vancouver. Her early educational background was in French immersion and she graduated from Sentinel Secondary. Her academic career continued as she went on to study English Literature and History at UBC. Lauren claims during this experience she read George Orwell’s animal Farm six times for six different classes. She also attended art school where she specialized in teaching kindergarteners how to create feline portraits. Lauren has a colourful work background including being a trinket merchant, a flight attendant (the nice kind who gave out extra pretzels) a tap dance instructor, a jingle singer, and a stand up comedian. Lauren strongly believes in laughter therapy. She feels that happiness is contagious and always tries to radiate a positive attitude and we concur she has a real talent for this. Lauren chose to join Amherst because of her desire to help people and their furry family members however she can. She shares her life with her boyfriend and his dog Merlin a 12 year-old Malamute/Collie cross adopted from the SPCA 5 years ago. Merlin loves rolling in snow, chasing squirrels and rabbits at Jericho beach, getting belly rubs and shedding a trail of undercoat wherever he goes. In her spare time Lauren enjoys bicycling, eating cheese, performing stand-up comedy, theatre improvisation and hiking in Lynn canyon with Merlin. Lauren would like to add that “Amherst is a great place to come to work every day because the employees all share three fantastic qualities: a sense of humour, professional motivation, and a genuine care for the clients and their pets”.
Leann
Leann has been an excellent addition to our Amherst team. Her attention to detail and her smile have been valuable assets. Although she grew up in Vancouver, she defected and lived in Alberta for two and a half years. Miraculously she did not turn into a parka-wearing zombie. We call this period in Leann’s life her “Albertan betrayal” and we do not speak of it or hold this part of her past against her. However, one wonderful thing emerged from Leann’s Albertan experience. She and her Fiancé Ben welcomed their daughter, the beautiful Alana, into the world! Not wanting to raise her child in such a province, Leann returned to Vancouver BC with her family. Leann has remarked that she is so happy to be home that she is never leaving again. Leann joined Amherst in January 2009. It’s her first job working with animals and she absolutely loves it. Her past work experience has been in administration, accounts management, reception, and customer service, so there is no wonder that she is such a talent in the front lines of reception at our hospital. Leann claims that including animals in her professional life was a great decision: “every day is interesting. I love seeing clients get new pets and being able to watch them grow”. When she isn’t here doing a great job, she enjoys spending time with her family but admits there isn’t much spare time in her life right now for hobbies! Leann doesn’t have any pets in Vancouver at the moment, but she is looking forward to the day when Pedro escapes from Alberta where he is with Ben’s parents so that he can join her here.
Kim
Kim is member of our Amherst team with outstanding common sense and caring. She is a born and bred Vancouverite, having grown up in North Vancouver. Kim gained great experience from working at Vancity Credit Union for five years before coming to Amherst. Her skills with animals, people, organization, and her ability to get any task done efficiently make her a great asset to wherever she works. She is currently expanding and sharing her skills by working both at Amherst and at the Health & Home Car Society of BC, an organization that includes Meals on Wheels and the Family Respite Center. Kim is particularly interested in animal nutrition and behaviour. Kim possesses a strong energy that dogs specifically recognize and respect. As a result, she is a tremendous communicator with animals and a great trainer. Kim would like to express that she “enjoys working with the public. I love when I can teach an owner something that they didn’t know that may enrich their lives or that of their pet.” Kim recently eloped with fiancé Ian to Vegas where they were married. Kim and Ian’s family include Ringo, a cattle dog/husky cross who is a retired blood donor. Ned Plimpton is their cat, he came with his brothers and sisters to Amherst when they were a very young litter and Kim could not resist taking little Ned home! In addition to her numerous talents, Kim is a formidable thrift store shopper and bargain hunter. Several casualties have been reported when someone gets in Kim’s way while she is on a shopping hunt. Kim’s deep love for animals and her efficient communication talent and unique way with both people and animals makes her a great asset to the Amherst team.
Marie
Marie is our very own lucky charm, all the way from Ireland! She is a fun and talented member of our Amherst family. Marie radiates many fine qualities which make her perfect for the Amherst team. Marie grew up in the small town of Macroom, in Southern Ireland. She completed a 4 year Business Studies Degree at the Cork Institute of Technology in Southern Ireland. Upon graduating Marie successfully opened her own business, and then moved to a brand new Veterinary clinic in Cork City. Marie worked at the Veterinary hospital in Ireland for 1.5 years until she and her partner Alan determined it was time for a new adventure and moved to Vancouver in January 2010. Marie really enjoys working in a team and says that the Amherst staff and the clientele are a really friendly bunch. Marie chose to involve herself in the veterinary world because she has always loved working with the public and absolutely loves animals, so it seemed like a natural choice! Despite being an exceptional receptionist, Marie has many other interests and gifts. She has fallen in love with our beautiful BC Mountains and has recently started to snowboard - something she was never able to do in her homeland! Marie loves reading, going to the cinema, being outdoors in Vancouver's amazing natural environment, and traveling. Marie has a goal to travel to every country in the world! Although we all secretly hope she doesn't do that so that she will stay here with us. Marie really misses her beloved 2 year old West Highland Terrier, Daisy. Daisy is still in Ireland being looked after by her father who loves her even more than Marie, if that is possible! Marie would like to add that "being new to the country and new to the job - I must say deciding to take a position at Amherst has proved to be a great decision. I feel really welcome by everyone, they're great! I hope to work at Amherst long into the future." Marie is a tremendous asset to our hospital and a great new member of the Amherst family.
Michelle
Michelle is a fine receptionist and an integral member of the Amherst family. She was born in Edmonton but in grade 6 moved to Vancouver and has become a Canucks fan through and through. Michelle has completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and is currently working on a PhD in medical genetics. Michelle has been working part-time at Amherst since 2003 while she pursues her educational dreams. Her particular areas of interest in medicine are cancer and genetics, both of which are a major focus in her studies. Michelle is a valuable asset to the Amherst team. She thoroughly enjoys meeting people and their pets, and seeing the bond of joy and friendship between them. Michelle is also very active and fun, with many interests outside of work and school. She loves the outdoors so much so, that spent her last New Year's Eve in an igloo she built with her fiancé Nick. She is exceptionally athletic and runs half marathons. Michelle was inspired to do so by other Amherst employees and ran her first marthon with good friends from our hospital! Michelle's love of animals has resulted in having two lovely boys in her life right now, "Smooch" and "Rat". Michelle also devotes time to volunteering at the George Pearson Center. Michelle would like to thank all the Amherst customers who proudly supported her in the ride to conquer cancer in 2009. She is an excellent receptionist and a treasured member of the Amherst team.
Sarah
Sarah is a talented asset and a fun member of the Amherst team. She is a born and bred Vancouverite, and attended Langara college where she obtained a diploma in Recreation Enterprise. Her exceptional skills with people and interacting with the public are in part raw giftedness and in part due to her significant experience on Cruise Ships. When Sarah worked on the ships she gained various insights on how people interact, think, and communicate. Not only does Sarah possess great ability and love for working with the public, she is also an efficient multi tasker and very adept with computers and numbers. Being the Vancouverite that she is, Sarah loves the outdoors and enjoys our beautiful city’s many avenues of entertainment such as snowboarding, tennis, and golf. Her furry family includes Cooper, a yellow lab, and Kobe and Maddie, both golden retrievers. Combining all of Sarah’s skills with her great love for animals makes her an invaluable component of our clinic.
