Veterinarians
Dr. Jeff Dand
Jeff graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1997 and then continued on to Florida to complete his Veterinary internship. While in Florida Jeff focused on canine behavior and dermatology. Since then Jeff has operated several clinics in Calgary and Airdrie always with a priority of great client service and patient care. He now spends his time between his Calgary clinics as well as his clinics in Victoria. His three rescue pets at home are Cola (Pitbull/Lab Cross), Dexter (Brussels Griffon) & Sheriff (Domestic Longhair Cat).
Dr. Kathy Kimmel - BSc DVM CCRT cVMA cVSMT
Kathy graduated from WCVM in 2000 and then completed a one year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in West Hartford, CT. Kathy then spent four years in a private practice in Penticton BC. Deciding she wanted to try something a little different, she switched to full time emergency medicine for eight years in Edmonton. As an active competitor in dog sports, particularly agility, obedience and herding, Kathy developed an interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation, completing her certification in rehab through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She spent the last 16 months doing full time canine rehabilitation at WCVM as well as learning animal Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy through the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre and acupuncture through the Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians program.
Dr. Lauren Hammond - Seeing patients at our West Springs location!
Lauren grew up on a small hobby farm outside of Kingston, Ontario. She had the good fortune of being immersed in veterinary medicine from a young age because her father is a mixed animal practitioner who always took her into the clinic, or out to farm calls growing up. Her love for working with animals was further enhanced by an introduction to horseback riding, an athletic pursuit that led her to compete at the A circuit level on the hunter/jumper circuit for more than a decade. This passion even took her to Europe for 6 months to train and compete prior to attending university.
Lauren earned a degree in Biology at Queen’s University before attending the Ontario Veterinary College. Throughout her undergraduate and veterinary degrees, she developed a deep love for the mountain lifestyle which led her to pursue summer employment in British Columbia and helped to solidify her decision to move out west upon graduating.
Over her lifetime, Lauren has also developed a very real, and very serious golden retriever obsession. She is now the proud owner of her own beloved three - year old golden retriever Halle who is always by her side. Since graduating she has been working as a mixed animal practitioner in Ontario, but she is so excited to be returning to the west this fall. When she is not in the clinic, she can be found hiking, running, playing guitar, or horseback riding. She is so thrilled to be joining the Dand Veterinary family and cannot wait to meet your beloved four - legged family members!!
Lauren earned a degree in Biology at Queen’s University before attending the Ontario Veterinary College. Throughout her undergraduate and veterinary degrees, she developed a deep love for the mountain lifestyle which led her to pursue summer employment in British Columbia and helped to solidify her decision to move out west upon graduating.
Over her lifetime, Lauren has also developed a very real, and very serious golden retriever obsession. She is now the proud owner of her own beloved three - year old golden retriever Halle who is always by her side. Since graduating she has been working as a mixed animal practitioner in Ontario, but she is so excited to be returning to the west this fall. When she is not in the clinic, she can be found hiking, running, playing guitar, or horseback riding. She is so thrilled to be joining the Dand Veterinary family and cannot wait to meet your beloved four - legged family members!!
Dr. Alexandria Horner
Alex is a born and raised Calgarian, who obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine down under at the University of Melbourne. She has a strong interest in theriogenology (the study of animal reproduction) and integrative medicine modalities. Alex has completed several externships with highly respected canine theriogenologists in Australia, New Zealand and here at home in Canada. She continues to further her knowledge in this field and provide support to responsible, preservation breeders.
Most recently she has been undertaking additional training through Chi University in Reddick, FL in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture. Alex is pleased to be able to offer this and other integrative veterinary medicine concepts to help clients maintain their pet's optimal health.
When Alex is not working you can find her hanging out with her dog Jack, a Black Russian Terrier or helping out with her younger brother’s pet ducks. Alex also enjoys participating in a variety of dog sports and clubs or checking out local coffee shops
Most recently she has been undertaking additional training through Chi University in Reddick, FL in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture. Alex is pleased to be able to offer this and other integrative veterinary medicine concepts to help clients maintain their pet's optimal health.
When Alex is not working you can find her hanging out with her dog Jack, a Black Russian Terrier or helping out with her younger brother’s pet ducks. Alex also enjoys participating in a variety of dog sports and clubs or checking out local coffee shops
Dr. Megan Thompson - Starting July 2021!!
Megan was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She had always known from a very young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian and inherited her love of cats from her mom. Megan attended the University of Calgary for her undergrad then obtained her veterinary degree from Oregon State University, where she was a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honour Society. She has a strong interest in Veterinary Oncology and preventative medicine and her favourite part of veterinary medicine is the relationships she builds with owners and their fur babies.
When she is not working, you can find her curled up on the couch with her two Pomeranian's, Lexi and Lola, most likely watching Netflix. She also really enjoys hiking, cycling, yoga and running. Megan is so excited after all these years to finally be back home in Canada and joining the Dand Veterinary family!
When she is not working, you can find her curled up on the couch with her two Pomeranian's, Lexi and Lola, most likely watching Netflix. She also really enjoys hiking, cycling, yoga and running. Megan is so excited after all these years to finally be back home in Canada and joining the Dand Veterinary family!
Management
Nicole Gigian, RVT
Originally from Manitoba, Nicole moved to Alberta several years ago. She grew up loving all animals but had a special passion for horses. Following her passion, she received her diploma in the Animal Health Technology program in 2008. As a new RVT, she worked in a variety of different areas in the veterinary world including small animal, equine, emergency care, and bovine embryo transfer. Working in these different areas allowed her to gain vast knowledge and experience. After moving to Alberta, she was hired on with Dand Veterinary Clinics as an RVT and helped Dr. Dand to bring Springbank Pet Hospital from the ground up. Over the years she has helped with the opening of several clinics including a few on Vancouver Island and soon realized her passion for management as well as the business side of veterinary clinics. She now manages and operates the four Dand clinics in Calgary and is enjoying every moment of it. She currently has two pets, Nim, a little black cat and Phoebe, a rescue white shepherd mix.
Registered Veterinary Technologists
Shaina
Shaina grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan where caring for animals was part of her daily life. As an adult, she had a successful 10-year career working in the oil and gas industry. It was a personal experience with her dog Roxy, that set in motion the path to a career as a Registered Veterinary Technologist. The experience prompted her to investigate careers in veterinary medicine where she came upon the Olds College AHT program. She enrolled soon after and graduated from the program in 2016. We met Shaina when she came to us to complete her practicum for the program and well, we wouldn’t let her leave.
You will find Shaina in most rehabilitation appointments working with Dr. Kathy Kimmel closely. She is qualified in Class IV Laser and trained to operate the water treadmill for both dogs and cats. She loves her work and is excited about utilizing new treatments we have to offer like PRP Therapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound. Shaina has two tabbies of her own, Rosie and Bella and a rescue pup named Chester. These inseparable short haired sisters came to Shaina while at school after they were found abandoned. |
Rehabilitation Assistants
Natalie
Natalie was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario and she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a nutrition minor at the University of Guelph (Ontario). She moved to Calgary 2 years ago and recently completed a Master’s degree in Muscle Physiology where she looked at how vitamin D from the sun and diet affected muscles in mammals. She is now looking to apply for Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary or Guelph for the coming year! Her family has always owned German Shepherds and all have had hind limb problems which motivated her to pursue a career in becoming a vet. Currently, she owns a German Shepherd named Stella and she has a small hamster companion at her home in Calgary named Sooty. Through her passion in caring for animals and interests in muscle physiology, she has joined our hospitals team as a rehabilitation assistant and is qualified in class IV laser and trained in water treadmill therapy as well as rehabilitation exercises.
Lauren
Lauren was born in Calgary, Alberta and has grown up with a love for animals. At the age of 7 Lauren gained a passion for training where she began agility, obedience and movie dog training. Lauren has since stayed an active competitor in agility and has placed in multiple regional and national championships.
Lauren’s desire to learn and pursue rehab started when her sheltie Bolt became injured resulting in temporary paralysis. Through years of rehab which included laser, acupuncture, herbal medicine and rehab exercises Bolt was able to return to his favourite activity, agility. Lauren wanted to educate herself more about animal health, nutrition and behaviour where she became a certified VTA through olds college as a dual credit program through her high school. Lauren is beyond excited to work with rehab clients and continue to expand her knowledge of animal rehab.
During Lauren’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her 4 dogs Bolt, Monty, McFly and Doc where she can be found practicing agility, working through her own dogs conditioning routines, doing photography or hiking with her pups.
Lauren’s desire to learn and pursue rehab started when her sheltie Bolt became injured resulting in temporary paralysis. Through years of rehab which included laser, acupuncture, herbal medicine and rehab exercises Bolt was able to return to his favourite activity, agility. Lauren wanted to educate herself more about animal health, nutrition and behaviour where she became a certified VTA through olds college as a dual credit program through her high school. Lauren is beyond excited to work with rehab clients and continue to expand her knowledge of animal rehab.
During Lauren’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her 4 dogs Bolt, Monty, McFly and Doc where she can be found practicing agility, working through her own dogs conditioning routines, doing photography or hiking with her pups.
Technician Assistants and Client Care Specialists
Alex
Alex was born in the Netherlands and moved to Calgary when she was 4 years old. She discovered a passion for animals quite young. As a child, her twin sister and her were always catching critters to take care of and gushing over the animals in their lives. After completing high school, she enrolled in the Veterinary Reception/Assistant course at Olds college and loved every minute of it. It was there that she realized her true passion for rescue and special needs animals. Growing up, family pets were always rescues and this continues to be a passion of hers. Alex felt immediately connected to her first rescue dog Moby, a blind border collie mix who and had a degenerative brain disorder. Alex is currently a wonderful dog mom to Pippin, a golden retriever mix from rural Alberta. These two have enriched her life, light up her world, and she couldn’t imagine working in any other field.
Kat
Kat was born in Calgary, Alberta alongside her family. She has always enjoyed hiking, photography and gardening. Kat grew up surrounded by animals, has a passion for animal justice, and this continues to be something she incorporates into all aspects her life. She is lucky enough to care for two Siamese cats named Hurley and Oakley at home! Currently Kat is in her last year at the University of Victoria and will graduate this April with a dual major in Psychology and Environmental Sciences and a minor in Social and Animal Justice Studies. Kat endeavors to work full time as a veterinary assistant, or in environmental conservation.
Chloe
Chloe grew up in London, England where she was always surrounded by pets within her big family. She discovered at a very young age her passion for caring for animals. Chloe has travelled to many countries around the world, where she has always loved looking for local wild life. She moved to Ontario when she was 12 years old, she never quite knew what her passion in life would be. She went to school for nursing but realized it wasn’t for her. She got a part time job working at an animal clinic that she absolutely loved and could not imagine doing anything else. She moved to Calgary in 2020 and soon started working at Springbank Pet Hospital. Chloe’s dream is to go to school to become a vet tech. She loves her two cats, Snowy and Tilly, and looks forward to adopting a labradoodle in the new year.
Alex
Alex was born in Ponoka, AB and moved to Cochrane, AB when she was young. Alex has always had a soft spot for animals and started volunteering at the Cochrane & Area Humane Society as soon as she was old enough to do so. Volunteering at the Humane Society helped her realize that she would like to pursue a career in the pet industry. In her downtime, you can find Alex playing video games, camping, reading about dog behaviour and hiking on the weekends. Alex has a 1yr old mixed lab named Maze who keeps her busy and always on her toes.
Canine Training Team
Jenna Strachan- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
Jenna has been working with dogs in a variety of capacities over the past 8 years. She started out volunteering with different animal rescue organizations where she was able to foster, and assist families in the training of their newly adopted pets. Jenna's extensive, hands on involvement in these programs allowed her to familiarize herself with many dog breeds, temperaments, and behavioral challenges. Ultimately this passion for animals drove her to work towards attaining certification as a Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). Jenna successfully completed and graduated with a diploma from the Animal Behavior College in 2018.
Jenna utilizes positive reinforcement training methods and encourages consistency amongst owners by providing them with the tools they need to give their furry companions a healthy and rewarding life.
Jenna utilizes positive reinforcement training methods and encourages consistency amongst owners by providing them with the tools they need to give their furry companions a healthy and rewarding life.
Sally Young-Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
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Sally Young, CPDT-KA, has worked professionally with dogs for over 15 years. Through positive reinforcement, patience and a good sense of humor, Sally enjoys helping owners and their dogs learn, bond and succeed. She loves instructing all classes but especially enjoys puppy Kindergarten, and Agility. Sally passed her CPDT-KA exam in 2011, and is a member of both the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers and the American Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Sally is a former foster mom who specialized in working with abandoned, abused and neglected puppies.
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Sheila French
Sheila French has developed a life-long passion for animals having fostered, owned, trained and worked with a variety of rescue and pure bred dogs. Sheila began her training journey as a volunteer training assistant with the Cochrane and Area Humane Society, and has continued over the years mentoring under Sally Young. Sheila is actively working towards certification in Professional dog training and continues her education in the field at every opportunity. She truly enjoys watching owners transform their dogs into well-trained, well-mannered member of their families, and is the primary instructor for our Beginner and Novice courses.