Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Parkdale Animal Hospital. We’re pleased to provide exceptional veterinary care for your pets.
Get to know our team
Our Veterinarians
Registered Veterinary Technicians
Management
Our Support Team
Meagan Driver (She/Her)
Office Manager
Meagan joined the Parkdale Animal Hospital team in 2016, bringing with her a strong background in both animal care and office administration. She completed her Ontario College Diploma in Microcomputer Software at Conestoga College in 2003, building a strong foundation in organization, systems, and technology that continues to support her role in clinic operations today.
She went on to earn her Veterinary Assisting Diploma through Ashworth College in 2017, further strengthening her knowledge and passion for animal care.
As Office Manager, Meagan plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the hospital, helping ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for both clients and the veterinary team.
A lifelong dog lover, Meagan is the proud pet parent of Rooster, her 4-year-old Bloodhound, and Amy, her cat. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and being outdoors—especially camping and hiking.
Tejha (She/Her)
Client Care Specialist
Tejha joined the Parkdale team in 2021 and is currently pursuing an Honours Biology degree at Wilfrid Laurier University with hopes of becoming a veterinarian. She brings a diverse background, having worked in various roles within the veterinary field and retail pet stores.
Tejha shares her home with her cat, Cheese Pants, and has previously cared for various types of rodents. She is excited to continue gaining experience at Parkdale Animal Hospital and looks forward to meeting our clients and their pets.
Katysha (She/Her)
Veterinary Assistant
Katysha began her career as a veterinary assistant in 2018, combining her lifelong love of animals with her passion for helping people care for their pets. Growing up surrounded by animals, she knew from a young age that she wanted to work in a field where she could make a difference in their lives.
At home, Katysha shares her life with two cats, Tokyo and Kimba, who keep her entertained and loved. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time drawing, going on hikes with her partner Jared, and playing tennis.
Katysha loves building connections with both pets and their people and feels grateful to be able to help animals live happy, healthy lives.
Alysha (She/Her)
Client Care Specialist
Alysha joined the Parkdale Animal Hospital team in 2023, bringing with her a strong foundation in animal science, client service, and a lifelong passion for animal care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph, where she built on her academic interest in animal health and behaviour.
Her connection to animals began early and has shaped both her education and career path—from horseback riding lessons and pet sitting for friends and family to volunteering at the Humane Society. These experiences helped develop her deep appreciation for the human–animal bond and her commitment to supporting pets and their families.
As one of the welcoming faces of Parkdale Animal Hospital, Alysha is dedicated to providing compassionate, friendly, and knowledgeable client care. She takes pride in helping clients feel supported and ensuring each visit runs as smoothly as possible for both pets and their people.
Alysha lives in Kitchener with her partner, Jake, and their dog, Penny. She also has experience caring for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and even a snake. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and spending time outdoors on hikes with Jake and Penny.
Bailie (She/Her)
Veterinary Assistant
Bailie has always had a passion for animals, having grown up surrounded by a variety of creatures, from birds to reptiles. After completing the Veterinary Assistant program in British Columbia, Bailie gained hands-on experience and a deep understanding of animal care and welfare.
Since starting her professional journey in 2018, Bailie has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and joined the Parkdale Animal Hospital team in 2023. She shares her life with Osiris, a special feline companion who holds a unique place in her heart.
Outside of work, Bailie enjoys rock climbing with her partner Matt, reading, playing video games, and taking peaceful trail walks to connect with nature. Her diverse interests complement her dedication to animal care, and she is committed to ensuring the well-being of every pet she encounters.
Bailie looks forward to working with you to provide the best care for your beloved pets.
Kat (She/Her)
RVT
Kat is a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Veterinary Technician who graduated from Ridgetown College in 2013. With a strong background in animal care, she has developed a special interest in anesthesia and nursing while ensuring the comfort of both clients and patients. Kat is experienced in all aspects of veterinary care, from routine procedures to complex anesthetic surgeries, working closely with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for every animal.
Outside of work, Kat enjoys exploring her creative side through arts and crafts, as well as indulging in her love for theatre, camping, hiking, and music. Spending time with loved ones, including her three cats and two small dogs, Gertie and Aeries, is a top priority. Kat has a special fondness for smaller dogs and is passionate about providing them with the best care.
With her natural communication skills and warm, friendly demeanour, Kat puts both animals and pet owners at ease. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with clients and educating them about preventative care and responsible pet ownership. Kat’s expertise, caring nature, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of our veterinary team.
Jill (She/Her)
RVT, Clinical Operations Lead
Jill originally joined the Parkdale Animal Hospital team back in 1997 as a veterinary assistant. In 2002, she graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree and in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University. After earning her nursing degree, Jill left Parkdale to work in pediatrics and obstetrics but soon realized she missed her animal patients and the Parkdale family, leading her back to the team.
Driven by her passion for the patients, Jill pursued further education and graduated from veterinary technician school in 2023. When she’s not at the clinic, Jill enjoys spending time with her children, husband, and their Goldendoodle, Oscar.
Angel (She/Her)
RVT
Angel graduated and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2012. She has experience in both small animal practice and emergency medicine, bringing a well-rounded and compassionate approach to patient care. Angel has a strong interest in dentistry and nursing care, and she takes pride in supporting patients through all stages of treatment and recovery.
Outside of the clinic, Angel enjoys spending time with her family, baking, reading, and being outdoors whenever possible. She shares her home with her chocolate Labrador, Luke, and her black domestic shorthair cat, Indy, who keep life busy and full of love.
Suzanne (She/Her)
RVT
Suzanne graduated from veterinary technician school in Colorado in 2014 and brings a thoughtful, client-focused approach to patient care. She has a special interest in dental procedures and enjoys helping pets stay comfortable and healthy through proactive care and effective pain management. Suzanne is especially passionate about educating pet owners, empowering them with the knowledge they need to support their pets’ long-term wellbeing.
Outside of the clinic, Suzanne loves exploring new trails with her dog, Tashi, as well as baking, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
Melissa (She/Her)
RVT
Melissa is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with over 20 years of experience helping pets and their people! She earned her diploma from Ridgetown College in 2002 and brings a wealth of knowledge and compassionate care to our clinic every day.
Outside of work, Melissa embraces an active lifestyle. She loves spending time in her garden during the warmer months, hitting the slopes for snowboarding in the winter, and relaxing at home with her beloved dog, Bob, and cats, Bo and Greg.
Taylor (She/Her)
RVT
Ever since she was a young girl, Taylor has had a passion for animals—whether aquatic, reptiles, rodents, mammals or any other companion animal- and she was captivated by them all. Her very first job was at PetCetera, where she gained hands-on experience working with animals while also developing her skills in customer service.
After years of working in customer service, Taylor decided to follow her dreams and applied to the Pre-Health and Science Program at Sheridan. In 2023, Taylor proudly graduated from the veterinary technician program and is excited to continue her journey in animal care.
Taylor shares her home with her two kitties, Moo and Tigger, and recently added a new puppy, Apollo, to the family.
Justine (She/Her)
RVT/Client Care Specialist
Justine has always had a deep love for animals, growing up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, and cows. She joined the Parkdale Animal Hospital team in 2018, initially working as a Client Care Specialist and Veterinary Assistant before graduating from the Veterinary Technician program in 2020.
In her free time, Justine loves spending time up North at the cottage or enjoying outdoor activities with her dogs, Gunnar and Duck, and her cats, Oliver and Wallace.
Stephanie (She/Her)
Operations and Sustainability Manager, RVT
Stephanie joined the Parkdale Animal Hospital team in the fall of 2020, bringing with her a strong clinical background and a passion for both patient care and hospital operations. A graduate with honours from Ridgetown College’s Veterinary Technician program in 2002, she has built a career rooted in supporting the human–animal bond and ensuring pets receive compassionate, high-quality care.
After working as an RVT in clinical practice, Stephanie transitioned into her current leadership role in October 2023 as Operations and Sustainability Manager. In this role, she focuses on optimizing hospital workflows, supporting team success, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations behind the scenes so the clinical team can focus on patient care.
Stephanie is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She has also completed the Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional (CVIP) designation through VetLogic, further strengthening her expertise in hospital operations and inventory management.
Her passion for veterinary medicine is grounded in strengthening the human–animal bond and supporting pet owners in making informed, confident decisions about their pets’ health. She takes pride in helping create a positive, supportive experience for both clients and patients at every visit.
Outside of work, Stephanie lives in Kitchener with her daughter, two dogs, and three cats. In her spare time, she enjoys solving puzzles with her daughter, reading, gardening, and seeking out new adventures and meaningful family memories.
Dr. Brieanne MacKay (She/Her)
DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Brieanne MacKay is a dedicated small animal veterinarian with a strong interest in preventative medicine and surgery. She is passionate about helping pets live longer, healthier lives through proactive care and client education, and she enjoys working closely with families to support every stage of their pet’s wellbeing.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College. Her training and clinical focus have helped shape a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on both prevention and high-quality surgical care.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. MacKay enjoys staying active, with a particular passion for bodybuilding. She also loves exploring new restaurants and spending quality time with her golden retriever, Bruce.
Dr. Stephanie Thompson (She/Her)
DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Stephanie Thompson graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2004 and has been dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care ever since. Early in her career, she practiced in British Columbia, where she gained valuable experience working in both busy urban clinics and more remote communities. This diverse foundation helped shape her adaptable, thoughtful approach to medicine and her ability to connect with a wide range of clients and patients.
After returning to Ontario to be closer to family, Dr. Thompson continued to expand her clinical experience across different practice settings, including time as a practice owner. These experiences have contributed to her well-rounded perspective on veterinary care, blending medical expertise with a strong understanding of the client experience and the importance of communication and trust.
Dr. Thompson has a special interest in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and diagnostic ultrasound, and she is committed to ongoing professional development in these areas. She also has additional training in low-stress handling techniques, helping ensure that patient visits are as calm and comfortable as possible for both pets and their families.
She is a member of both the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), and remains engaged in continuing education to stay current with advancements in veterinary medicine.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Thompson enjoys spending time outdoors—whether hiking, golfing, or soaking up the sunshine with her family. At home, she shares life with her two energetic, hockey-loving children, Hippo, a playful and mischievous dog, and Twinkle, a sweet and stealthy black cat.
Dr. Devin Deschene (He/Him)
DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Devin Deschene was born and raised in the small town of Dryden, in Northwestern Ontario. Surrounded by the northern boreal forest, his passion for animals blossomed at an early age. It was during a high school co-op program that he discovered his love for veterinary medicine, setting him on the path to becoming a veterinarian.
Dr. Deschene graduated from the University of Guelph in 2018 with a BSc in Animal Biology and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2023. Eager to practice small animal general medicine, he was excited to join Parkdale Animal Hospital.
Dr. Deschene is enthusiastic about learning from his colleagues, clients, and patients each day. He lives with his girlfriend and Swifter, a sweet cat adopted right from our hospital. In his spare time, Dr. Deschene enjoys five-pin bowling, reading, nature photography, and hiking.
Dr. Justine Forbes (She/Her)
DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Justine Forbes is a dedicated veterinarian who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2018. Known for her great sense of humor, Dr. Forbes creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for both pets and their owners.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Forbes channels her energy into training and competing in ultra-marathons. Her love for animals extends to her home, where she cares for two dogs, one cat, five rats, and a ball python. Her unique style is highlighted by her collection of cool socks, which she wears proudly to work.
Dr. Forbes is committed to delivering top-notch veterinary care and is deeply appreciated by her colleagues and clients alike. Her passion for animal health and well-being makes her an invaluable member of our team.
Dr. Laura Ruggiero (She/Her)
DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Laura Ruggiero grew up in the countryside near Fenelon Falls, Ontario, where she was surrounded by animals from an early age. With dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and chickens always part of her life, it didn’t take long for her passion for animal care to develop into a career goal.
After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2013, Dr. Ruggiero began her career at a busy small animal emergency hospital. The fast-paced environment allowed her to develop strong diagnostic and medical skills while caring for a wide variety of urgent and critical cases. She later transitioned into companion animal practice, where she enjoys building lasting relationships with pets and their families while helping them navigate every stage of life.
Dr. Ruggiero has a special interest in veterinary surgery and dermatology and enjoys the challenges these areas bring. Whether performing surgical procedures or helping patients find relief from chronic skin conditions, she is passionate about improving the quality of life for her patients and providing thorough, compassionate care.
As a member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), Dr. Ruggiero remains committed to continuing education and staying current with advances in veterinary medicine.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Ruggiero enjoys spending time with her husband and their beautiful daughter. She also shares her home with her two cats, Nico and Ori. In her free time, you’ll often find her gardening, singing in a choir, or learning new songs on her ukulele.
Dr. Barbara Gartshore (She/Her)
DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Gartshore’s passion for veterinary medicine began in her teenage years, fueled by her love for training and showing dogs. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1982, she spent two years practicing in Toronto. Following her move to the Kitchener-Waterloo area with her husband, Dr. Gartshore worked part-time as a locum veterinarian for local animal hospitals while starting her family. In 1992, she became a valued member of the Parkdale Animal Hospital team.
Dr. Gartshore is deeply committed to the science of veterinary medicine, with a particular focus on surgery. She frequently attends continuing education seminars to ensure she brings the latest knowledge and best practices to our clients. Recently, she said goodbye to her beloved dog Woody, a playful Lab-Terrier mix, leaving her mischievous and lovable cat Hobbes reigning as the king of her household. Outside of work, Dr. Gartshore enjoys travelling, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family.
Dr. Jonathan Uyede (He/Him)
DVM, Veterinarian & Owner
Dr. Jonathan Uyede’s roots run deep in Guelph, Ontario, where he completed his entire education—from elementary school through veterinary college—all on the same street. His passion for veterinary medicine began as a teenager while working at a local veterinary clinic, where he discovered a love for helping both animals and the people who care for them.
After earning his Honours Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, Dr. Uyede graduated in 2006 and went on to gain extensive experience in emergency hospitals, referral centres, and companion animal practices across Ontario.
While he enjoyed the challenges and fast pace of emergency medicine, Dr. Uyede found himself drawn to the lasting relationships that develop through family veterinary care. The opportunity to support pets and their families throughout every stage of life ultimately inspired him to pursue practice ownership.
That dream became a reality in September 2015 when he purchased Parkdale Animal Hospital. Since then, he has focused on building a practice known for compassionate care, strong client relationships, and a supportive team culture where both pets and people feel welcome.
Dedicated to lifelong learning and leadership development, Dr. Uyede completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Strayer University and the Jack Welch Management Institute. His commitment to the veterinary profession extends beyond clinical practice. He is an active member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), where he has served on the executive committee for several years, and currently serves as Treasurer of the Independent Veterinary Group (IVG), helping support and advocate for independently owned veterinary practices across North America.
When he’s not at the hospital, Dr. Uyede enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters. Their family also includes Luna, a Portuguese Water Dog, and Suki, a Bearded Dragon. Whether he’s skiing, hiking with Luna, travelling, or simply spending time with his family, he values the same connections and sense of community that inspired him to become a veterinarian in the first place.