Biographies

Mandy Abraham, Sr. Instructor, EquiHealth Canada

Mandy worked professionally in the horse industry, both nationally and internationally, with show jumpers, dressage and polo ponies. Along with extensive riding experience, she gained a high level of stable management which carries over into her clinics. She now lives outside of Regina and focuses mostly on dressage and hunter/jumpers. She is a Sr Instructor with EquiHealth Canada, certified in all available clinics as well as Canine First Aid. Mandy is the Licensed Affiliate for Southern Saskatchewan.

Equine First Aid Fundamentals (Sunday Workshop)

Sandra Anderson, Program Director, Saskatchewan SPCA

As the Program Director at the Saskatchewan SPCA, Sandra Anderson is pleased to be part of a team of dedicated people working to build a more humane and caring society. She is especially pleased to be involved in the Working Group developing the new Saskatchewan Animal Rescue Certification (SARC) program. It has been exciting to watch the program develop over the past few years and to learn from the talented people serving on the Working Group. She looks forward to the launch of the SARC program, confident that it will have a real and long-lasting impact on the welfare of homeless animals in the province.

An Update on the Saskatchewan Animal Rescue Certification Program (Friday)

Marc Cattet, DVM, PhD

Dr Marc Cattet is the Registrar for the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA). Prior to taking this role in March 2019, he worked for several decades as a wildlife veterinarian and researcher with a focus on the safe and humane capture of wild animals and on determining how the health of wild animals is impacted by human activities. This work occurred while changing hats several times from university researcher, to private consultant, to the Yukon’s acting Chief Veterinary Officer.

Who are the regulators, and do we need them? (Saturday)

Alycia Chrenek, DVM

Dr. Alycia Chrenek graduated with distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan, and following graduation completed an equine medicine and surgery internship at the University of Melbourne in Australia. When she returned, she worked as a clinical associate veterinarian at Moore Equine Veterinary Center in Alberta. Dr. Chrenek joined the Zoetis Veterinary Services team in 2015 to help support the equine business in Canada. Most recently she has assumed the role of Sr. Veterinary Services Manager for Cattle/Equine/Genetics in December of 2018. Dr. Chrenek was raised on a small cow-calf operation in Central Alberta. Riding horses has always been a part of her life and Alycia and her husband raise warmbloods. She leads an active lifestyle on her farm with her husband and daughter that includes riding, biking and kayaking.

Equine Rabies in Western Canada (Saturday)
Equine One Health (Saturday)

Jason B. Coe, DVM, PhD

Dr. Jason Coe is an Associate Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. After graduating from the College in 2001, he returned from mixed-animal practice to complete a PhD in the area of veterinary communications in 2008. In the same year, Jason joined the Ontario Veterinary College as a faculty member in the Department of Population Medicine where he has established an active research program examining human-animal relationships as well as the role of interpersonal communications on the outcomes of veterinary care. In his current role at the College, he coordinates the clinical-communication curriculum across all 4 years of the veterinary program and is involved in teaching students about the relationships that exist between people and animals. In the past decade, Jason has established an international reputation for his leadership in veterinary communications, primary-care veterinary education and understanding the human-animal relationship. Jason has published over 60 peer-related journal articles, contributed to several book chapters and is regularly invited to speak nationally and internationally at scientific and continuing-education conferences. As a result of his many achievements, Jason has been recognized by the Ontario Veterinary collage Alumni Association as one of their Distinguished Young Alumnus. Outside of his professional activities, Jason relishes personal time with his wife, son and two daughters.

Activating the Entire Veterinary Team to Achieve Optimal Veterinary Outcomes (Part 1 and 2) (Saturday)
Clearing the Hurdle: Communicating the Cost of Veterinary Care (Saturday)
What to Say When Things Go Wrong: Communication in Challenging Situations (Saturday)
Nutrition Conversations: The Anatomy of an Effective Nutrition Recommendation (Saturday)

Dinesh Dadarwal, Assistant Professor (Bovine Theriogenology), BVSc&AH, MVSc, PhD, DACT

Dr. Dinesh Dadarwal is currently an Assistant Professor (Bovine Theriogenology) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Dadarwal has been active in the field of animal Theriogenology for last 17 years (12 years in university referral practice and 5 years in PhD). He has gained experience with variety of species mainly bovine, bubaline (water buffalo), equine, small ruminants, small animals and continues to expand his experience with camelids. Dr. Dadarwal also enjoys teaching and he is especially keen to share his ever-expanding database of ultrasonograms of male and female reproductive physiological and pathological conditions. Dr. Dadarwal identifies himself as a clinician researcher and has published around 33 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His current area of research is to understand the factors that influence uterine mucosal immunity in cattle so as to design alternative therapies for preventing and treating uterine/endometrial inflammation. Dr Dadarwal’s immediate family includes two kids, a 12-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, and wife Pooja who is biochemist by profession. Dr Dadarwal in his spare time is a keen gardener, sportsman (squash and soccer), yoga enthusiast and nature lover (hiking and photography).

Food Animal Reproductive Ultrasound: From Basics to Practice (Sunday Lab)

Dr. Allison Danyluk Ross, DVM

Dr. Danyluk Ross graduated from WCVM in 1999 and practiced in a mixed animal practice in Assiniboia SK for 4 years. After BSE was diagnosed in May 2003, she had a career change and joined the CFIA in December 2003. She started in beef slaughter in Moose Jaw and became very active in humane transportation cases due to the volume of cull cows slaughtered at this plant. In July 2006 she became district veterinarian in Moose Jaw, and then district veterinarian in Regina in 2009. Dr. Danyluk Ross remains very active in training our staff on humane transportation regulations and promoting them with industry.

Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations Part XII: Transport of Animals (Friday)
CWD Voluntary Herd Certification Program National Standards (Saturday)

Tara Evans, Product & Continuing Education Manager, Serona Animal Health

Tara Evans has worked in numerous capacities in the veterinary industry over the past twenty seven years, focusing exclusively on dentistry in the past ten years. Presently, Tara works as the Product and Continuing Education Manager at Serona Animal Health where she is responsible for organizing seminars and teaching various aspects of dentistry to veterinary professionals.

Dental Instrument Sharpening (Lab)

Don Ferguson, CD, RVT

Don Ferguson is the Executive Director of Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan. It is the Animal Protection Agency responsible for enforcing the Animal Protection Act in Saskatchewan except for in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Prior to taking this position, he had investigated over 4000 files of animal cruelty and neglect with the Alberta SPCA and Calgary Humane Society as a Peace Officer under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta. He has also instructed at the Justice and Solicitor General Staff College providing instruction for the Alberta Peace Officer Investigator Program. Don is a Registered Veterinary Technologist with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association and completed his diploma in 2005 from Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB. Prior to his law enforcement career, he served 20 years in the Canadian Armed Forces with the Canadian Airborne Regiment and the 1^st Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Recognizing and Responding to Non Accidental Injuries (Friday)

Shannon Gervais, RVT Director of Recruiting Operations & Technologist Development – VCA Canada

Shannon Gervais, RVT has been a Registered Veterinary Technologist with the OAVT for the past 19 years. Shannon has gained a wide variety of experience throughout her career spanning everything from clinical experience in companion animal medicine to pharmaceutical sales in bovine medicine.Shannon’s genuine passion for people and animals has directed her path along managerial roles and into her current national role as VCA Canada, Director of Recruiting Operations and Technologist Training & Development. Shannon lives in Okotoks, Alberta with her husband Duane and their two children Kamryn and Ryland. Their family is completed with 10 horses, purebred Black Angus cattle, their 2 dogs; Duke & Louie, Munchie the kitty.

Morning Kick off - RVT Stands For: Real. Valuable. PaTh

Heather Getz, Account Manager, Merck Animal Health

Heather joined Merck Animal Health as an Account Manager in 2018 after a 9-year career with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board. Originally hired by the WCB in 2008 to launch and build the Mission: Zero injury prevention campaign, she has a passion for keeping people (and animals) safe. Prior to working with the WCB, Heather was a freelance writer and Marketing, Communications and Public Relations specialist, working with a variety of companies in the non-profit and private sector. When she’s not working, she spends time with her 3 now-adult children. She also enjoys song writing and sings in a local band.

Physical Hazards in Veterinary Medicine: Strategies to Lower Risk and Prevent Injury (Saturday)

Lynnsey Hamilton, RVT-VTS (Behaviour)

In 2006, Lynnsey walked across the stage at the graduation ceremony for Lakeland College’s Veterinary Technology Program ready to step out into the world as a real live veterinary technician. It did not take Lynnsey long to realize there was a serious lack of consideration for the pets behavioural wellbeing and she began studying animal behaviour. In 2014 she obtained her Low Stress Handling Silver Certification, 2017 her level one Fear Free Professional Certification, 2018 her Level Two Fear Free Professional Certification and her VTS-Behaviour designation. Lynnsey is the first technician in Canada to have her specialty in animal behaviour and hopes that by teaching others about behaviour, more will be inspired to pursue their specialty as well.

When she is not working, Lynnsey can usually be found with her nose in a book, her hands on a guitar or playing board games with anyone who will join her. Lynnsey lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with her husband, their two rescue pups and senior kitty.

Animal Behavioural Health (Saturday)
Addressing Fear, Anxiety and Stress in our patients (Part 1 and 2) (Saturday)

Erin Hendrickson, RVT

Erin grew up in a small northern town in Saskatchewan, moved to Saskatoon in 1996 and attended university. From there, she worked at the front desk of the Radisson Hotel for over 10 years. She graduated Sask Polytechnic as a Vet Tech in 2006 and left the hotel to join ICU at the WCVM for five years. She became a tech so that she specifically could work for the nutrition company that she currently has been with for over 8 years! Pet nutrition is her passion and she wants to share that passion with all vet techs!

NUTRITION ESCAPE ROOM! (Sunday Workshop)

Dr. Kathy Keil, BA, MA, DVM

Kathy Keil has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College, and a M.A. and B.A. in Experimental Psychology from University of Western Ontario. Kathy has worked for Merck for 3 years in veterinary pharmacovigilance and technical services. Kathy has experience in equine, bovine and companion animal practice. She has 15 years of business experience in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry in technical services and training. She is an advocate for mental health in the veterinary profession. As a veterinary practitioner she had the lived experience of stress and burnout. She is a certified Mental Health First Aider, Compassion Fatigue Educator, yoga instructor and has training in safeTALK suicide intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion. She is a member of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association member wellness committee and regularly teaches awareness of mental health and ways of dealing with bullying, stress, and conflict in veterinary practice. She is a councilor on the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association representing Southern Alberta. She is married to a wonderful non-veterinary minded husband, Tom an accountant, who loves their three cats, border collie and tolerates her lovely dressage horse Flora.

Stress is an Occupational Hazard in Veterinary Medicine: Self-care strategies to Lower Risk, Prevent Self- Injury and Intervention Strategies to Help a Co-worker in Distress. (Sunday Workshop)

Carolyn Kemps BScAg, CCPE, Senior Equi-Health Instructor and Licensed Affiliate

With an extensive background in Pony Club to national B/B2 examiner panels, my family interest in rodeo has had me switch tack to barrel racing about 20 years ago. Big or small, the rewarding equine partnerships I’ve had and the lessons learned, both good and bad, have shaped what I bring to equine health and emergency first aid clinics. My background in animal science from the University of Saskatchewan and career in pharmaceutical sales development has enriched my skills in coaching and mentoring successful new instructors. Continually learning new approaches to equine rehab including thermal imaging and laser therapy, and working closely with vets, farriers, & other therapists. Currently my family has a small ranch SW of Saskatoon, as well as pasture and feedlot to safely house our rodeo bulls and breeding stock. I enjoy traveling and meeting with horse people of all backgrounds and have had opportunity to ride horses and even camels in different parts of the world.

Equine First Aid Fundamentals (Sunday Workshop)

Dr. Roy Lewis, DVM

Dr. Roy Lewis Graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981 and was a partner at the Westlock Veterinary Center. He has been a large animal practitioner for 35 years mainly in beef cattle (both commercial cattle and purebred herds). His interests are preventative medicine fertility for both bulls and cows, as well as animal welfare. He has written numerous producer articles in magazines such as “The Cattlemen” and the “Western Producer.” In Jan 2012, Roy joined Merck Animal Health as a technical services veterinarian. He has two Kids: Cali (A graduate in Vet Medicine in 2015) and son Colton pursuing a medical degree. Roy spends some time teaching and examining the veterinary students at the University of Calgary at Alberta’s Veterinary School. Roy is also part of a family-owned mixed farming operation near Spruce Grove Alberta called, “Lewis Farms”.” (cattle-900 purebred, grain and of 500 acres of potatoes.)

Large Animal Internal Parasite (Sunday Lab)

Tim Nickel, DVM

Dr. Nickel graduated from WCVM and worked in mixed practice for 16 years. He has worked as technical services veterinarian with specific interests in bovine parasitology and welfare.

Canadian Codes of Practice and What They Mean for You (Friday)

Tammy J Owens, DVM, MS, DACVN

Dr. Tammy Owens graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine & surgery at Mississippi State University in 2010, and then worked as an ER staff doctor at a specialty hospital in Tucson, Arizona from 2010-2012. She completed a residency at UC Davis in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition in 2014 and became board-certified in small animal clinical nutrition in 2015 while also completing a Master’s degree in Nutritional Biology at UC Davis. Currently, Dr. Owens works for Western College of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant professor and runs a clinical nutrition service for the Veterinary Medical Centre. Her current research interest focuses on the natural diet of cats and enteroendocrine control in dogs and cat, and she is clinically very interested in the treatment of obesity. She is also passionate about education and the role of nutrition in patient care. Outside of work, Dr. Owens spends time with her small herd of cats and enjoys a variety of activities with her husband, family, and friends.

Feeding Cats and Dogs Young and Old (life-stage nutrition) (Saturday)
Special Nutritional Considerations in the Cat Compared to the Dog (Saturday)
Marketing, Myth, or Magic? Separating Nutritional Fact and Fiction on Hot Topics (Saturday)

Kate Robinson BSc, DVM, MVSc, DABVP (Equine Practice)

Dr. Robinson graduated from St. George’s University School of Vet Med (in the West Indies) in 2009. She interned and held residency in equine field service at the WCVM before being hired on to faculty in August 2013. She is a specialist in equine practice with interests in lameness, imaging, and podiatry. 

Sedation and General Anesthesia of Equids in a Field Setting (Sunday Lab)

Dr. Ian Sandler, DVM

Dr. Ian Sandler is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grey Wolf Animal Health a private animal health company located in Toronto, ON since March 2015. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College, Dr. Sandler practiced small animal medicine in the United States. He returned to Canada one year later and along with 3 colleagues founded the Ontario Veterinary Group in 1999, which grew to be one of the largest privately-owned veterinary hospital groups in Canada. Dr. Sandler is a well-respected animal health expert and is frequently quoted and interviewed. He served on the Animal Health Technologist / Veterinary Technician (“AHT/VT”) Accreditation Committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (“CVMA”) from 2009 to 2016 and currently sits on the CVMA’s National Issues Committee

A Practitioner’s Guide to Veterinary Cannabis in Canada (Saturday)

Laura Schroeder, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia)

Laura Schroeder graduated from the Veterinary Technologist Program at SIAST in 2010. She worked in the Anesthesia department for 6 years at the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) where she completed her Veterinary Specialty in Anesthesia and Analgesia 2017. She is currently working in small animal medicine at the VMC. Laura’s fields of interest include analgesia, feline behavior and low stress handling.

Recovery: Anesthesia is Not Over Yet (Saturday)
Recognizing CPA and Managing CPR during Anesthesia (Sunday Lab)

Lorraine Serhienko, RVT

Lorraine Serhienko, RVT is the SVMA’s Regulatory and Education Coordinator. She has worked as an RVT in clinical practice and at educational institutions. Lorraine and her family operate a mixed farming operation and she also volunteers doing remote veterinary services. Lorraine’s role at the SVMA has transformed into a regulatory role over the past 3 years, where she works with Practice Standards, Veterinary Technologist registration, regulatory education and answering the questions of SVMA members.

Who are the regulators, and do we need them? (Saturday)

Michelle Spark, Manager, Battlefords Humane Society

Michelle Spark has played an active role on the development of the new Saskatchewan Animal Rescue Certification Program, having served on the Working Group since its inception in 2016. She has a solid understanding of the Saskatchewan animal welfare sector, having served for the past decade as the Manager of the Battlefords Humane Society. A member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, she is an experienced obedience and behaviour modification trainer. Her educational background includes diplomas in both Animal Science and Business Management, and training in wildlife rehabilitation. Michelle Spark lives in North Battleford with her husband and three dogs.

An Update on the Saskatchewan Animal Rescue Certification Program (Friday)

Jennie Tait, AHT, RVT, VTS (Dermatology)

Jennie Tait is an experienced veterinary technician who graduated in 1986, as an Animal Health Technician. She worked in general practice 3 years, then moved to working at the Ontario Veterinary College in 1989. Jennie became a Registered Veterinary Technician at the first seating of what is now the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and holds RVT certificate #4. Over 24 years at OVC saw her working in Large Animal Surgery, teaching in Surgical Exercises, Small Animal Surgery, Ophthalmology, and finally settling in 19 years ago, as the dermatology service technician, assisting with the instruction of final year students. Jennie has the privilege of being the first Vet Tech in the history of the OVC, to be an honorary class president, for the graduating class of 1999. When the vet college decided to close the dermatology service in 2013, Jennie was able to retire. This only lasted a few months though, and she was soon working with Dr. Yu once again. this time, just down the street from OVC, at the Guelph Veterinary Specialty Hospital. She is a Charter Member and Secretary for the Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians and is currently the only VTS (Dermatology) in Canada. She is also the only technician on the Executive Committee for the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. She is an accomplished speaker and author in her field. Jennie shares her life with her husband, their 2 grown children, and their 2 fur babies (Willow, a 3-year-old Shiloh Shepherd and Shenzi, a 4-year-old Shepherd/Collie cross). In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, painting, and the adventures of family life!

Dermatology in a nutshell... well, in 4 quick lectures…(Saturday)

Reviewing the Basics of Skin Structure and Function
Derm History and Exam - Where Technicians Can Make all the Difference
Allergies – A Bit of Immunology and Why we Use the Drugs We Do
Diagnostic Techniques - Simple In-House Must Dos!

Melissa Underhill RVT, VTS (IM-Oncology, ECC)

Caring for animals was an aspiration all through Melissa Underhill’s childhood. Attending and graduating from Olds College Veterinary Technologist Program in 2004 affirmed this was her chosen career path. After progressive positions in both private and specialty/referral practice settings in Calgary, Melissa began working for the University of Saskatchewan’s Veterinary Medical Centre in 2010. Her continued dedication to providing the best of nursing care led her to attain the Veterinary Technician Specialist Certification in Emergency/Critical Care (2011) and Internal Medicine-Oncology (2018). She finds inspiration daily whether it is on-the-job or while broadening her perspective of the world through books and travel.

Chemotherapy: KNOW safety, NO accidents (Saturday)

Dr. Cheryl Waldner

Dr. Cheryl Waldner is a professor in Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She is part of the outbreak investigation unit and is actively involved in research examining factors affecting the productivity of cow‐calf herds in Western Canada. She is particularly interested in antimicrobial use and resistance as well as the prevention and control of infectious diseases such as BVDV, vibrio, trichomoniasis, and neospora. She has also examined the effects of nutrition on reproductive performance in cow‐calf herds. Dr. Waldner has more than 200 peer‐reviewed publications. Cheryl and her husband own and operate a small commercial cow-calf herd west of Saskatoon.

Troubleshooting Nutrition for Poor Reproductive Performance in Cow‐Calf Herds (Saturday)
Control of Reproductive Infections in Cow‐Calf Herds – Test and Cull or Vaccination (Saturday)

Miranda Weins

Miranda lives on a farm in rural Saskatchewan with her husband Mike. They have 2 children, a daughter Kelsey and a son Christopher. She grew up with horses and in the last 3 years has found a passion for Cowboy Mounted Shooting winning a Canadian Title in 2017! Miranda has a true passion for working with people and horses. She was a 4-H Light Horse leader for 11 years and still remains involved. Miranda is a Lifetime Certified Equine First Aid Instructor and is the Northern Alberta Affiliate for Equi-Health Canada.

Equine First Aid Fundamentals (Sunday Workshop)

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