Meet Our Team!

Nina Hobart

Registered Veterinarian Technologist

Quick Facts:

Since starting my career as a veterinary assistant in 2006, I have dedicated myself to the well-being of animals, working predominantly with dogs and cats, but also caring for a variety of other species. My personal life reflects my professional passion, with a home filled with 1 dog, 2 cats, and a bearded dragon. Moving to Calgary in 2013, I ventured into emergency and then primary/urgent care veterinary medicine.

A significant milestone was achieved in December 2023, when I graduated from Thompson Rivers University, followed by obtaining my Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) certification in March 2024. This accomplishment marks a dream realized and opens a new chapter in my veterinary career.

Driving Passion:

What excites me about my work is the opportunity to make veterinary visits a positive experience for pets and their owners alike. I specialize in calming nervous or aggressive animals, creating a welcoming environment for them. My approach leads to happier clients and pets, enhancing the quality of life for animals at every stage and providing support to families during difficult times.

Personal Pursuits and Aspirations:

Beyond my professional life, I aim to become a dog trainer to further support animal well-being. My adventurous spirit is evident through hobbies such as off-roading, snowboarding, and engaging in adrenaline-fueled activities like skydiving. I dream of combining my love for adventure with my passion for veterinary medicine, aspiring to experiences like shark cage diving and visiting penguins in their natural habitat.

My journey from a high school placement to a certified RVT is a testament to my dedication to animal health and my continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Erin Levine

Registered Veterinarian Technologist

Quick Facts:

I grew up in Montreal, Qc. I went to school for Animal Health at Vanier College and graduated in 2016. I started working with lab animals in Montreal but then moved to Calgary in 2017 where I started working with small animals and exotics in clinic. I spent the first 4 years of my career here at a 24 /7 emergency hospital, then I was a full-time locum bouncing around to different clinics in the city for a few years before settling here at Bridgeland part-time.

When you engage with a client, what is your ultimate goal? What can they expect from you?

 I know that it can be hard for lots of clients to bring their fur babies in to be seen by a vet and even harder to know who to trust. My goal is to help increase clients’ comprehension of vet care and help them feel more at ease with us caring for their pets.
They can expect me to always be open, honest and take my time to educate where needed. I also always love a good story so they can expect me to be very interested in chatting when time permits it!

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

In my spare time I love to travel. I have friends all through North America so any chance I get I love to go see them; ideally with a road trip involved. I love to learn about new cultures, try all different kinds of food, and go to as many shows, art exhibits, music festivals, you name it, as possible.

Megan Boettcher

Provisional Registered Veterinarian Technologist

Quick Facts:

I graduated from Olds College in Feb of 2023 from the Animal Health Technician program. I grew up in a small town outside of Calgary and have just recently moved to the city. I worked at a 24hr emergency clinic briefly after graduation and have now landed here at Bridgeland and I could not be happier!

What do you love about the community?

I’m very new to Bridgeland but am slowly starting to get to know the community. I love that you always see people, kids and animals out and about on the sidewalks. There are tons of coffee and food places around here that you don’t see in other parts of Calgary! Bridgeland feels like a little town away from the city.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I absolutely love dirt biking! I started when I was 6 when I got my first little bike, and have never stopped since. You’ll always find me outdoors, whether it’s camping, hiking, mountain biking, golfing or searching for lakes to swim in. I love to read. All different genres and authors. I grew up playing volleyball and recently started coaching this last year as well!

Cora Dawson

Veterinarian Office Assistant

Quick Facts:

I have always had a deep love for animals, being raised with animal companions as a part of the family. After High School I received my B.Sc. in Neuroscience, then worked in the pet care industry caring for dogs and cats before seeking to learn more with veterinary medicine, knowing I would want nothing more than to work with animals. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, exploring the city, quadding, and I want to try rock climbing in the future. My favorite animals include dogs and cats of course, as well as lemurs and monkeys. I love to learn and grow and am so excited I can do so as part of a fun and caring team here at Bridgeland!

What do you love about the community?

I absolutely love the unique warm and welcoming character of the community while taking a stroll and exploring the markets. The neighborhood sure speaks to my love of food and coffee with so many amazing fresh options to choose from. It’s a gorgeous community with parks and amazing views of downtown and I love that it’s so close to the zoo!

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

The opportunity to make new animal friends or see old ones gets me excited to go to work. It’s a delight to be able to cuddle pets and see how happy they can be, and there’s nothing more heartwarming than witnessing the progression from a nervous and scared animal to one that’s confident and trusting. I love talking to pet parents about their pets and each new day presents the possibility to learn new things and to share my knowledge with others.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I love engaging with a good tv series or movie and tend to voice my opinions very loudly to the actors across the screen, to the annoyance of others also watching. I adore The Lion King and other animated movies and frequently sing along to my favorite Disney songs.

Ciara Handley

Veterinarian Office Assistant

Quick Facts:

I started out in human medicine as a nurse before jumping into the veterinary industry where I’ve been working as a veterinary assistant for 6 years. Growing up, I was always the kid who made quick friends with any animal I crossed paths with and everyone always said I was going to end up working with animals. I am so happy they were right about that! Willow is the furry critter I’m currently blessed to have in my life. She is a sheltie-mudi cross – picture a forever puppy with a wicked perm. She’s definitely a head turner – either for her beauty or her wild antics. When I’m not working with the amazing team here, you’ll find me indulging in all things music, exploring the city in search of the next photo op, or immersing myself in nature.

What do you love about the community?

I recently moved to Bridgeland and I love it! It is such an inclusive and welcoming neighbourhood. From your neighbours to the employees at all the wonderful local businesses, everyone is quick to extend such warmth and kindness. It doesn’t hurt that the neighbourhood itself is as beautiful as the people in it.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

Much like Alisa, I am a bit of a nerd. I’m not sure what would give this away the most – my trading card collection, my bookshelves full of comics, or the vintage and modern gaming consoles littered around my home. 

Dr. Rachel-Flath

Associate Veterinarian

Quick Facts:

I graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2021. I then completed a small animal rotating intership hre in Calgary at VCA Western Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Centre in July 2022. For the past 6 months I have been working in emergency medicine and a variety of general practices as a locum doctor. I am beyond excited to have found a place to call home with the amazing team at Bridgeland Vet. 

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

My favourite part of my job is meeting so many amazing animals and people every day. I am lucky enough to care for animals and in doing so, help people as well. The Bridgeland community is so wlecoming, and I cannot wait to meet you and your furry loved ones. 

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

In my spare time I enjoy traveling and getting outdoors. My favourite activites include skiing, hiking, mountain biking and wake surfing. I grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and hav equickly fallen in love with Calgary and its accessibilty to endless adventures. 

Dr. Kaylan-Elock

Associate Veterinarian

Quick Facts:

I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 7 years old. I grew up riding and living on a small farm outside of Sherwood Park which further fuelled my passion. I graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2007 and have been working in general small animal practice since. Herbal medicine and natural nutrition have become a huge passion of mine; I have a graduate diploma in Veterinary Food Therapy and Veterinary Natural Nutrition. I love working with clients to find integrative solutions for their pets. 

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

I am so fortunate to be able to say I love my job! Every day is a new day and I am constantly learning new things. I love the interactions I have with patients and clients and the realtionships that are built. Every day I get to come to work and be around a positive team that is compassionate and a ton of fun. I am so grateful for this profession and the amazing families I meet every day!

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I am kept busy with my two sons and husband however I also enjoy karate as my own hobby. I love to be outdoors and enjoy travelling to new places. I always have on a different pair of fun shoes at work and feel a day at work must include lots of laughing and fun. My pets at home include 2 cats and a small Staffordshire terrier, Myla, who has a cleft lip and palate. 

Tasha-Gosselin

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Quick Facts:

I became an RVT in 2018 after I graduated from Olds College. I was born and raised in Calgary and love it! Ever since I was young I had an absolute love for animals. My goal is to ensure every animal is treated like family and with the utmost compassino an care. I am very passionate about animal dentistry and nutrition. My pets include my precious golden retriever mix names Keva who has been by my side for 8 years and a talkative orange tabby named Milo.

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

I love going to work and know I am making a difference; from educating pet parents to helping with surgery it all makes a big impact in the lives of the animlas and their owners. It brings me joy to see a pet go home happy and healthy. I love talking to owners and figuring out things that wor best to make every experience the best it can be for the pets and ensure no questions go unanswered. One of the best parts of my day is when I get to snuggle and comfort pets as they wake up from surgery. Being an RVT means I get to learn new things everyday, meet people who are passionate about their pets and of course meet new dog and cat friends!

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I love board games and have a forever expanding collection. My husband and I enjoy having board game nights frequently with our friends or our many siblings. My current favourite game is Betrayal at House on the Hill, is it incredibly fun and unqiue each time you play it. Our board game nights always include Keva at our feet napping and Milo trying to play with the pieces or sleep in the boxes. 

Alisa-Siklodi

Veterinary Office Assistant

Quick Facts:

Since childhood I have been an animal lover, and knew that is what I wanted to do as a career. I was lucky enough to be accepted at Olds College for their Veterinary Assistant Certificate while still in high school. Since then I’ve been working in the industry, and love to learn all I can – since there is never a shortage of knowledge! Along the way I’ve picked up a clowder of 6 cats, and a corgi of my own. 

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

My favorite part of this job is building a relationship with clients and their pets. The best part of general practice is seeing those familiar faces in, getting to know each one’s quirks and charms. I am lucky to work in an industry where I can treat other peoples pets as I would my own!

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I am a huge nerd, and love all things geeky. My desk both at work and at home is always decorated with knick knacks and collectables that I’ve obtained over the years. Two of my cats and my dog are named after a character that I love from a show or video game. When I’m not at work I’m at home playing video games and working on writing my own novel.

Lindsay Astle

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Quick Facts:

My ultimate goal when engaging with clients is to ensure clear communication. I aim for clients to leave with a complete understanding of all the information presented. They can expect thorough explanations and clarity from my interactions.

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

My job excitement comes from helping animals heal and giving them care and attention. Seeing their progress and knowing I contribute to their well-being is deeply rewarding. This aspect of my work makes every day fulfilling and keeps me motivated.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, enjoy solving puzzles, and cherish spending time with my furry pets.

Alaynna Heintz

Veterinary Office Assistant

Quick Facts:

I began working in veterinary medicine in 2014 at a busy 24hr emergency clinic. I completed a majority of my RVT schooling, though deferred my studies once I had my second child. 

Once I returned from maternity leave, I began pursuing my ultimate dream of becoming a veterinarian and started my B.Sc at Athabasca University. While I am highly interested in emergency medicine, I am even more passionate about connecting with pets and their humans. 

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

When you engage with a client, what is your ultimate goal? What do they expect from you?

My ultimate goal when engaging with clients is that they feel heard, safe, and respected. People can expect for me to empathize with them, listen, and help educate in areas they would like to be more knowledgeable in. I may even throw in a good (or awful) dad joke in once in a while! Forming bonds with pets is important, but so is building those connections with pet owners. I really enjoy hearing stories and getting to know our clients more!

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

When I am not at work, you can either find me with my 2 kiddos, hiking in the mountains, or rewatching Harry Potter for the zillionth time. 

Maddie Harder

Veterinary Office Assistant

Quick Facts:

I have been a veterinary assistant for eleven years and couldn’t imagine a better career than working in the animal health world. Growing up, I always wanted to be involved in the veterinary community, and I have absolutely found my place! Animals have always been a passion, and I’ve been lucky enough to have had some amazing furkids in my life – three hamsters, a chinchilla, a Shih-Tzu x Lhasa Apso, and two kitties (one of which might be part goblin). They’ve all taught me something new along the way, and I am excited to learn about your own fur family’s special quirks that make them wonderful! I’m thrilled to be part of an amazing team that will help keep them unique and wonderful for years to come.

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

I love the fact that while we are helping animals every day, we are also helping their pet parents. The bond between pets and their owners is such a huge, important part of both their lives, and doing everything we can to preserve and celebrate it is an incredible honour. I want to ensure that pets and pet parents alike feel comforted and supported wherever they are in their journey through life.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I love playing card games like What Do You Meme, but they generally aren’t built for just two people to play. So, pets started to get dealt with to make it possible. I have lost a shameful number of games to my now-passed Shih-Tzu mix, who was the reigning Queen of Cards Against Humanity.

Dr. Steve Boyer

Associate Veterinarian

Quick Facts:

I am a proud, born and raised Calgarian who graduated from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, in 2013. I started my career in a 24-hour emergency hospital and then transitioned into a primary care role. Being a veterinarian allows me to continuously learn, and I particularly enjoy surgery, dentistry, and, of course, puppy and kitten appointments!

When you engage with a client, what is your ultimate goal? What can they expect from you?

Professionally, my ultimate goal in each consultation is to ensure clients feel comfortable, receive value, and leave knowing we have a plan going forward. Clients can always expect honesty and compassion from me.

Fun Facts:

On a more personal note, I am a very active guy. I am often found on the hockey rink in the winter or golfing in the summer. I also like to keep busy working on home renovation projects or strumming the guitar. Some other fun facts about me are that I have a hat obsession and love travelling with my wife, Gillian, specifically to locations rich with wildlife.

Dr. Jessie Wilkins

Associate Veterinarian

Fun Facts:

I graduated from UCVM in 2015 and also hold a BA in Intercultural Communications. I come to Bridgeland after spending my first years out of vet school in emergency medicine. I loved the fast pace and daily learning in emergency medicine but missed developing longer-term relationships with my clients. I have special interests in internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and, of course, emergencies! I love working with clients to find the best solutions for their fuzzy family members.

What do you love about the community?

Bridgeland is one of my favourite communities in Calgary—our family can be found here many weekends! Our favourite adventures include stopping for a coffee and a snack in Bridgeland and then taking a long walk at the zoo. I’m looking forward to spending more of my days in the area!

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I love to travel and learn about other cultures. My favourite adventures include ski-doing on ice roads in the northern Sahtu region of the NWT, building homes in El Salvador, pulling a parasite out of my toe in Kenya, and attending a disco party on a boat in China. My real passion lies in hearinpeople’s’s stories and getting a glimpse into what is important to them. I look forward to meeting you and your little creature at Bridgeland!

Dr. Scott Kelman

Associate Veterinarian

Quick facts:

I graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 1998. After one year in mixed animal practice north of Saskatoon, my wife Wendy and I moved to Calgary where we’ve remained ever since to raise our family. I was a practice owner for 10 years in southeast Calgary then a clinician in a busy 24-hour emergency hospital for another 10 years prior to joining Bridgeland Vet Clinic.  

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

I could not be more excited about what Bridgeland Vet Clinic has to offer our patients and their families in the years to come. This is a top-notch facility with a deep, talented, compassionate team already in place from day one. I advocate passionately for my patients to help them make the best decisions possible for their health and well-being.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

In my spare time, I enjoy smoking meat…probably too much meat. But I’ve recently purchased an E-bike to tool around the city’s paths, so I think I’ve discovered some balance. I love scuba diving, reading and listening to music. Like Tracey, I am passionate (read: fanatical) about the Saskatchewan Roughriders – Go Riders! My own pet crew includes two sassy Devon Rex cats named Chad and Harrison as well as a rescue Greyhound named Vincent van Dogh and a rescue Heinz-57 named Hula.

Tracey Ruzicka

Owner, Clinic Administrator, Registered Veterinary Technologist

Quick facts:

I’ve been an RVT since 1998 and have worked in management since 2007. Throughout most of my career, I’ve focused on working with dogs and cats, although I also have experience with cattle (both beef and dairy) and some diversified livestock. I have two cats at home: Kokanee, who will be 15 this year, and Frankie Blues Eyes, who is around four years old. I was born and raised in Saskatchewan but moved to Calgary in 2000.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

My 15 min of fame:

I am a huge Rider fan; our crew has made TSN a few times over the years, no big deal. At one Halloween game here in Calgary, the cameraman did numerous close-ups of my friend and me…. multiple times. I guess he was getting a kick out of us conversing during the game. My phone and Facebook were blowing up with friends and family in Sask watching me on TSN. I had no idea until after because my phone was silenced in my purse. Sigh….. Then, my mother also included this photo in the family Christmas letter she sent out to everyone. I did not know until I got my copy in the mail.

Candace Leicht

Owner, Business Services Lead

Quick facts:

I’m an administrative professional with over 20 years of experience. Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable experience across various industries. I thrive when I’m part of teams that inspire me to push myself further and grow both personally and professionally, all while contributing to the success of the company I work for.

What do you love about the community of Bridgeland/Riverside?

I love that this community has such a feel-good vibe when you walk around the neighbourhood. There is so much to see and explore for everyone, and you can enjoy a delicious treat and a cup of coffee in hand.

Funny, quick habit or tidbit about you:

I love the sitcom F R I E N D S and have watched it so many times that I start laughing way before the funny scenes even happen, which causes my husband to say, “What’s so funny?” and I just point to the tv and say, “watch this.”

Dr. Jonathan Leicht

Owner, Veterinarian

Quick facts about me:

I’ve been a veterinarian since 2009, but I have wanted to work with animals since I was 11. I have had the privilege of working with animals of all sizes, from little hamsters to lions, chimpanzees, elephants, and giraffes. My favourite animal in the world is still…..the domestic cat!

My wife and I have two small children. We love to ski, get outside, and play all types of sports together.

What part of your job makes you excited to wake up and go to work every day?

In a leadership role, it’s the ability to help positiviely influence the direction of someone’s career, the course of business through all of the little steps that are required to be executed, and knowing I need to continually grow and expand my knowledge to then be able to better serve others. The veterinary industry is ever-changing, and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of it.

What do you love about the community?

Having been born in the Northeast and growing up not far from Bridgeland until the age of 14, I love how engaged people in the community are, embracing all the new members (including us) in the process. The vibe when you walk or drive down 1st Avenue is fantastic! There are so many opportunities to try new food, visit unique shops, and buy locally-made items. We couldn’t have chosen a better community to be a part of!