Dr. Tanya Sparling
Dr. Tanya Sparling is a dedicated veterinarian (DVM) and the proud owner of AVH, a position she has held since 2012 after purchasing the practice. She began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2009, and from the very start, her passion for animal care has driven her every step of the way.
While she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, Dr. Sparling has recently developed a special interest in canine rehabilitation. She is particularly passionate about helping senior dogs and cats live their best lives by providing them with the comfort and support they need in their later years.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Sparling is an avid hiker who loves spending time outdoors. Whether it's enjoying the fresh air or exploring nature's beauty, she values the time spent with her family, which helps her maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.
Eric Sparling
Eric has been a part of the AVH team since 2020, though he’s been helping out on occasion for years prior. As a hospital co-owner Eric brings a unique blend of hands-on animal care and leadership to the clinic. Outside of veterinary medicine, Eric is a published novelist, with works including Peak and Tantramar, adding a creative flair to his career. When he’s not working or writing, Eric enjoys walking and hiking, taking time to connect with nature. His passion for both animals and storytelling, along with his dedication to the team, makes him an invaluable part of AVH.
Barb Cook
Barb is a seasoned Financial Advisor at AVH with a rich history in veterinary medicine that spans more than five decades. She began her career in 1972, taking on various roles such as assisting with surgery, providing medical treatments, and working the front desk—tasks that are now carried out by Technicians and Assistants. In 2005, Barb transitioned into the hospital’s bookkeeping department and eventually became the Financial Advisor for the hospital, contributing her expertise to ensure its continued success.
Throughout her career, Barb developed a special interest in C-sections and large animals, especially horses, drawing from her early experiences growing up on her grandfather's farm. She has had a lifelong connection to horses, having owned and cared for them over the years. Outside of work, Barb enjoys clog dancing and cherishes the time spent with her family and animals. Her wealth of experience and love for the veterinary field make her an invaluable asset to the AVH team.
Kim Giffin
Kim is the Hospital Manager and a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at AVH, bringing nearly two decades of experience to the team. She began her career in veterinary medicine in 2005 and joined AVH in 2006 as a veterinary technician. Over the years, Kim’s dedication and expertise earned her promotions, first to Head Technician, and then to Clinic Manager in 2017.
Kim has a special interest in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery, where she thrives in high-pressure situations, always striving to provide the best care for her patients. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with horses and riding her side-by-side, embracing her love for the outdoors and adventure. Her leadership, skills, and passion for animals make her an integral part of the AVH team.
Renee Fitzpatrick
Renee is the Client Service Manager at AVH, a position she has held since 2022, bringing years of experience in both veterinary care and customer service. She began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2012 as kennel staff and later became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). In 2016, she transitioned to a Customer Service Representative (CSR) role, where her passion for helping clients and coworkers shined. With her strong management skills and dedication, she was promoted to Client Service Manager in 2022.
Renee has a special interest in management and enjoys creating positive experiences for both clients and her colleagues. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, working in her local church, and, of course, enjoying a good cup of coffee. Her combination of skills, compassion, and leadership makes her a vital part of the AVH team.
Dr. Carolyn Hollis
Dr. Carolyn Hollis has been a dedicated member of the veterinary field since 1998, joining AVH in the same year. Over the years, she has become an integral part of the management team, currently serving as the Lead Veterinarian.
Dr. Hollis has a special interest in internal medicine and soft tissue surgery, where her expertise and compassionate care shine in providing the best possible outcomes for her patients. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, often finding creative ways to unwind and share her delicious treats with friends and family. Dr. Hollis' commitment to her work and her love for animals make her an invaluable part of the AVH team.
Dr. Emily Youé
Dr. Emily Youé has been a dedicated part of the AVH team since 2011, bringing over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine.
With a special interest in small animal internal medicine and surgery, Dr. Youé has developed a particular passion for cruciate repair. She deeply values the relationships she's built with both clients and their pets, feeling privileged to be part of their pets' health journeys and well-being.
Outside of work, Dr. Youé enjoys reading and staying active through fitness. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to her patients make her a cornerstone of the AVH team.
Dr. Bonnie Harrison
Dr. Bonnie Harrison is a dedicated Veterinarian (DVM) at AVH, joining the team in 2015. She started her career in veterinary medicine in 2008 and has since developed a love for general practice, appreciating the wide variety of cases it brings each day.
Outside of work, Dr. Harrison enjoys spending quality time with her kids, cherishing her family life. Her broad experience and passion for diverse veterinary challenges make her an essential part of the AVH team.
Dr. Ali Frye
Dr. Frye began her veterinary career in 2018 and joined the AVH team that same year. Passionate about the diversity that veterinary medicine offers, Dr. Frye enjoys working across a wide range of interests, including soft tissue surgery, fracture repairs, forensics/pathology, wildlife/exotics, and caring for aging patients. The ability to tackle so many different challenges each day is what keeps Dr. Frye excited about her work.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Frye is committed to making a difference through volunteer work, actively participating with Colchester Ground Search and Rescue and the Marine Animal Response Society. In her free time, Dr. Frye enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding, and kayaking, as well as creative pursuits such as woodworking and painting. They also have a unique interest in animal osteology, further expanding her understanding of the animal world.
Dr. Frye’s dedication to animals and the community extends both in and out of the clinic, where she will continue to explore her diverse interests with passion and care.
Dr. Camryn Seymour
Dr. Camryn Seymour joined the AVH team in 2025 after graduating the same year, bringing fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to the practice. With a special interest in soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine, Dr. Seymour is passionate about providing high-quality care when pets need it most and finds great fulfillment in helping them through both routine and urgent health challenges. She values building trust with clients and being a steady source of support for their pets’ well-being.
Outside of work, Dr. Seymour enjoys spending time on the water paddle boarding—often accompanied by her dog, Mossy—as well as hiking and reading. As she begins her veterinary career, Dr. Seymour looks forward to developing her skills, expanding her expertise, and building lasting connections with the pets and families she serves. Her dedication, compassion, and eagerness to grow in her profession make her an exciting and valued addition to the AVH team.
Emily MacLean
Emily began her career in veterinary medicine in 2006 and joined AVH in 2007. As a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), she has developed a strong passion for anesthesia and animal nursing, areas where she excels in providing compassionate and expert care.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and indulging in her love of fishing, making the most of her downtime in the great outdoors.
Emily’s dedication to her patients and her craft makes her a valued member of the AVH team.
Julie MacDonnell
Julie is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at AVH, bringing over 15 years of experience to the team. She started her veterinary career in 2004 and joined AVH in 2009. Julie has a strong interest in laboratory work and radiology, where her attention to detail and expertise contribute greatly to the care of her patients.
Outside of work, Julie has a deep connection to nature, having grown up on a family farm surrounded by animals. She enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and taking rides in her side-by-side, always appreciating the beauty of the outdoors. Her passion for animals and the natural world make her a valued member of the AVH team.
Angelina Dickson
Angelina is a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who began her career in veterinary medicine in 2011 and joined the AVH team in 2014. She has a special interest in exotic animals and emergency care, using her skills and knowledge to help a diverse range of patients in critical situations.
Outside of her work, Angelina enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring her creative side through arts and crafts, finding both to be perfect ways to relax and recharge.
Alishia Knol
Alishia is a skilled Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who began her veterinary career in 2018, starting at AVH as kennel staff before transitioning to an RVT in 2020. Her interest in emergency medicine and client education drives her to provide exceptional care and valuable guidance to pet owners in need. Alishia has a strong passion for patient care and always ensures that our inpatients receive the best possible care while in the hospital.
Outside of her professional role, Alishia loves expressing her creativity through art, playing video games, and spending time in nature, all of which help her recharge and stay inspired.
Jessica Kay
Jessica is a passionate Veterinary Assistant (VA) who began her career in veterinary medicine in 2019. She started at AVH that same year as kennel staff before transitioning to a Veterinary Assistant in 2020. Jessica has a special interest in TPLO and orthopedic surgery, and she’s dedicated to helping pets recover and thrive after surgical procedures.
Outside of work, she’s all about fitness, making sure she stays active and healthy to keep up with her busy life.
Kiera Fullerton (VA)
Kiera began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2015, starting at AVH that same year as a Veterinary Assistant. She now works as a Customer Service Representative, where her passion for emergency medicine continues to shine. Kiera thrives in high-pressure situations, relishing the opportunity to jump into action and help save the most critical animals. She finds fulfillment in witnessing the remarkable difference the team can make—from an animal arriving in critical condition to leaving happy and healthy.
Outside of work, Kiera enjoys fishing, walking her dogs through the woods, spending time with loved ones, and indulging in her love for reading and painting. Her dedication to both her professional and personal life makes her a cherished part of the AVH team.
Jenelle Walsh
Jenelle began her career in veterinary medicine in 2021, joining the AVH team the same year. With a growing passion for rehabilitation, she is currently working towards her certification and specialization in companion animal physical rehab to enhance her expertise in helping pets recover and thrive.
Outside of her professional work, Jenelle enjoys unwinding by listening to music, finding it to be a great way to relax and recharge.
Jackie Trenholm
Jackie started her journey in veterinary medicine in 2022. She joined the team at AVH the same year and has been providing compassionate care ever since. Jackie has a special interest in cats and nutrition, and she’s passionate about ensuring that pets receive the best possible care, from their daily meals to their overall health.
Outside of work, Jackie enjoys diving into a good book, making her downtime just as rewarding as her professional life.
Vanessa Ward-Estabrooks
Vanessa began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2021, bringing a passion for animal care to her role as a Veterinary Assistant at AVH. In 2024, she expanded her expertise to Enviromental services, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for both patients and staff.
With a special interest in veterinary nutrition and the health of Sphynx cats, Vanessa is dedicated to providing the best care for animals with unique needs. Outside of work, she enjoys playing Neopets and cherishes spending quality time with her family.
Her commitment to both animals and their environments makes her an invaluable member of the team at AVH.
Sara Hall
Sara joined the AVH team in 2024, marking the beginning of her veterinary career. She has a special interest in exotic animals, with a particular focus on rabbits, and enjoys helping them receive the care they need.
Outside of work, Sara stays deeply involved with the rabbit community as a 4-H rabbit leader, sharing her knowledge and love for these animals with others. We're excited to see her grow in her role and continue to make a difference in the lives of both animals and their owners!
Becca Lasseter
Becca started her veterinary career in 2019 and joined the AVH team in 2022. She has a special interest in providing exceptional medical care while building meaningful connections with animals. Becca has also embarked on a journey to learn Reiki for animals, aiming to offer a holistic approach to their healing.
Outside of her work, she enjoys crocheting, jewelry making, and exploring the world of esthetics, finding creative outlets that help her relax and recharge.
Amanda Cormier
: Amanda began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2022, the same year she joined the team at AVH. With a special interest in cat behavior, Amanda is dedicated to enhancing feline care and is currently working towards earning the “Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional” certification through The Feline Veterinary Medical Association.
Outside of her career, Amanda is a proud mom and enjoys rock collecting and tumbling, adding a personal touch of creativity to her life.
Madison Thomas
Maddy is a new addition to the AVH team, starting both her career in veterinary medicine and with us in 2024. She enjoys the variety that comes with working in an emergency clinic, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference.
Outside of work, Maddy loves to unwind with a good book, finding solace in reading during her downtime. Her enthusiasm for learning and her dedication to patient care make her a great fit for the team, and we’re excited to have her on board!
Brianna Letcher
Bri started her veterinary career in 2024 and joined the AVH team in the same year. She has a special interest in C-sections and neonate care, focusing on providing the best possible support for newborn animals.
Outside of work, Bri enjoys bingeing shows and reading, making the most of her downtime. Bri’s passion for neonatal care and her commitment to learning make her a valuable asset to the AVH team as she continues to grow in her veterinary career.
Paige Wells
Paige Wells joined the AVH team in 2025 after beginning her veterinary journey in 2021, the same year she graduated. She has a special interest in lab work and takes pride in being part of a team dedicated to helping pets feel better. As a new addition to AVH, we are excited to see the impact she will make with us.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, relaxing at home with her pets, and spending time at the beach during the summer. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a wonderful addition to the AVH family.
Paige Roy
Bio coming soon!
Elia Robinson
Bio coming soon!
Rowan Embree
Bio coming soon!
New Staff
Bio coming soon
Rose D'Orsay
Rose joined the AVH team in 2019 and has been a dedicated part of our customer service department ever since. With a passion for veterinary medicine, she enjoys seeing our patients come in each day and takes a special interest in observing surgeries.
Outside of work, Rose loves getting creative with crafting, always finding new ways to unwind and express her artistic side. Her caring nature and attention to detail make her a valuable part of the team, ensuring every client has a positive experience at AVH.
Gillian Strong
Gillian has been a part of the veterinary medicine world since 2019, starting her journey at AVH the same year. With a deep passion for supporting pets and their people, Gillian is especially focused on helping families navigate the often difficult and emotional experiences that come with grief. Her empathetic approach ensures that both animals and their owners receive the care and compassion they deserve throughout their entire relationship.
Outside of her work, Gillian is passionate about community building and staying active through strength training. She enjoys expressing her creativity through art, crafts, and music, and has a special affection for birds, who always seem to find their way into her various hobbies.
Emma Harrison
Emma has been part of the veterinary field since 2013 and joined the AVH team in 2020. With a special interest in nutrition, she loves helping pet owners understand the best dietary choices for their furry friends.
Outside of work, Emma is an avid horseback rider, spending her free time enjoying the outdoors and connecting with animals. Her passion for both pets and people shines through in her work, providing exceptional service and care to every client she encounters.
Shawna Richardson
Shawna joined the AVH team in 2020 as a cleaner and transitioned into the role of Customer Service Representative in 2022. Her friendly and helpful nature makes her a great fit for interacting with clients and providing exceptional service.
Outside of work, Shawna has a fun hobby of collecting panda bear items, always on the lookout for unique additions to her collection.
Carla Amos
Carla joined AVH in 2023, bringing a fresh perspective and an undeniable passion for veterinary medicine. Although she always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Carla's path led her to work in human healthcare before returning to her true calling: helping animals. With a special interest in emergency and critical care, Carla thrives in high-pressure situations and finds joy in being the calm presence amidst the storm.
When she's not at work, you can find her indulging her creative side by baking delicious treats. Carla’s unique blend of healthcare experience, dedication, and calming energy makes her an incredible asset to the team and our clients.
Kim Arnold
Kim brings over a decade of experience to the team, having started her career in veterinary medicine in Ontario in 2008. She joined AVH in 2023 and has quickly become an integral part of our team. Kim enjoys all aspects of her job, but she especially loves helping to calm our spicier feline patients, showing her patience and skill.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys riding the trails on her side-by-side, embracing the adventure and the great outdoors. Her warm, calming presence and diverse experience make her a valuable asset to both our team and our clients.
Tippy Toes
Our beloved clinic cat, Tippy Toes, was a cherished member of the Amherst Veterinary Hospital family until 2023. She was loved deeply by both our staff and clients, and her gentle presence brought warmth to every corner of the hospital.
Tippy had a few favourite pastimes — most notably spending her days hanging out with Julie in the lab and indulging in her fair share of tasty treats. She had a knack for making everyone’s day a little brighter, whether it was with her soft purrs or her curious, knowing eyes.
Tippy Toes will always hold a special place in our hearts and remain a treasured part of the AVH story. We miss her dearly.
Drew
Drew is AVH's official Greeter, bringing her warm, fuzzy presence to the clinic since 2024. Though she’s just starting her career in vet med, Drew quickly became a favorite for her laid-back charm and entertaining personality.
Her special interests include bird watching, indulging in catnip, and of course, causing a little chaos when the mood strikes. Always ready to greet clients with a purr, Drew’s playful spirit adds a touch of joy to every visit.