Meet Our Team!

Dr. Shannon Luckham-Pickard

Education/experience:
Dr. Shannon attended the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) for her degree in Veterinary Medicine. She graduated in 2008.

Area of interest:
Dr. Shannon loves to be able to build relationships with clients and their furry friends.

Outside of work, Dr. Shannon loves hanging out at the barn and riding her horse, Penny.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Talia

RVT, Practice Manager

Education/experience:
Talia graduated from the Veterinary Technology at Ridgetown college in 2014.

Area of interest:
Talia’s area of interest is emergency medicine .

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Easy peasy lemon squeezy” usually used after explaining something very complicated.

Brooke

Office Manager

Education/experience:
Brooke attended Lambton College for the Photography program.  She also has a diploma in Freelance Writing and Literature through the International Career School of Canada.  

Area of interest:

Brooke loves being able to learn new things at work every day!  She loves getting to cuddle all the cute pets that come into the clinic and enjoys getting to assist with the behind-the-scenes tasks that help run the day-to-day operations!

Outside of work, Brooke loves going to horse shows and going on trail rides with her horse.  She also is a big reader and loves spending time with her dogs.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Some friends have to walk on four legs to carry around such big hearts.”

Dr. Melissa Davies

Education/experience:
Dr. Davies attended Laurier University in Waterloo for an Undergrad Degree in Biology and then went on to Queen’s University to complete her Master’s Degree in Neuroscience. She attended the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) for Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her degree in 2011.

Area of interest:
Dr. Davies favourite part of being a vet is getting to perform dental procedures! She loves that we focus on all areas of the body in our clinics, not just one area of expertise! She likes getting to build strong vet-client relationships and meeting all our cute patients!

Outside of work, Dr. Davies enjoys curling and spending time with her husband and pets!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Attitude is the ‘little’ thing that makes a big difference.”

Dr. Carley Stewardson

Education/experience:
Dr. Carley attended the University of Guelph for her BSc Honors in Animal Biology. She also attended the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and graduated in 2017.

Area of interest:
Dr. Carley’s favourite part of working in a vet clinic is the diversity of each day, but she especially loves getting to perform surgery and doing advanced dentistry procedures.

Outside of work, Dr. Carley loves all things equestrian!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
An interesting fact about Dr. Carley is: she graduated from vet school with a newborn and wrote her final exams while in labour!

Dr. Rachel Laird De Groot

Education/experience:
Dr. Rachel attended the University of Guelph for her Undergrad in Science – Animal Biology and graduated in 2002. She also attended the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) for Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2006.

Area of interest:
Dr. Rachel has a special interest in imaging, especially non-invasive ultrasounds, which she performs here at our clinic. She also enjoys internal medicine.

Outside of work, Dr. Rachel loves to spend time with her boys!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Dr. Jamie McGill Worsley

Education/experience:
Dr. Jamie attended the University of Guelph for a degree in Molecular Biology and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) for Veterinary Medicine. She graduated from OVC in 2007.

Area of interest:
Dr. Jamie enjoys spending time in the surgery suite, specifically performing orthopedic surgeries. She also is our resident small mammal veterinarian.

Outside of work, Dr. Jamie is an avid runner!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.”

Dr. Kate Hogan

Veterinarian

Dr. Kate Hogan studied biological sciences at Western University before attending the Ontario Veterinary College, graduating with distinction. Dr. Kate has a special interest in fear-free medicine, ophthalmology, and emergency medicine. She looks forward to caring for your pets!

When Kate is not at the clinic, she spends her time volunteering at Salthaven Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center. She has always had a passion for wildlife and conservation. Kate enjoys reading, baking, and hiking with her fiancé and pack of rescue pups: Max, Winston, and Honey!

Shannon Kelly

RVT/Hospital Manager

Shannon grew up in Forest and attended school here, even bringing her own animals to the Forest Veterinary Clinic. She was deeply interested in this field as a child, and as she grew older, that fondness for animals grew stronger. Shannon explored her liking for this career through her co-op that she did in grade 11 and was enlightened. She knew she wanted to be a Registered Veterinary Technician.

After graduating from North Lambton Secondary, she attended the University of Guelph-Ridgetown Campus and, in 2011, received her Diploma in Veterinary Technology. Shortly after, she became Registered with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians.

Shannon had different clinic jobs in and around London. This gave her experience in medical emergencies, technical duties, and management services.

She decided to move back to the small town of Forest in 2017 as she missed the area and the people who lived there. Shannon enjoys playing in her band with her lovely husband Frank (The Forest Pioneers), movies, theatre, sports, and camping. She has an adopted kitty named Hobbes and a happy Golden Retriever named Watson.

Shannon enjoys all aspects of her job and hopes to be of good service to you and your animals! When we strengthen the bond between Veterinarian and owner, we can make an unbreakable trust; it works out best for the one we are all here for, the pet.

Sarah Stewardson

Inventory Manager

From a young age, Sarah has always been an animal lover. From growing up with dogs and cats to leaving food out for the local wildlife, they have always held a large part of her heart. Sarah went to school in Ridgetown and took the Veterinary Office Administration course, which taught her a lot of hands-on veterinary skills, along with the social and business side of the profession.

Sarah moved to Lambton shores in 2019 and lives with her husband, Dan, and their three dogs near the family dairy farm. Sarah spends her spare time reading, going on hikes with the dogs, and creating different crafts and DIYs around the house!

Sarah’s love of animals and her interest in numbers and organization have made her a great fit to be the inventory manager here at the clinic. She loves that she can work on her accounting skills while also cuddling all the patients who come into the clinic!

If you see her around, say hello- she will be excited to hear from you and see your furry friend!

Suzanne

CSR

Education/experience:
Suz attended the University of Mount Allison in New Brunswick for Biology.  She also attended the Agricultural College of Truro in Nova Scotia for Aquaculture.  She has certificates in Canine Nutrition and Animal Welfare as well.

Area of interest:
Suz’s favourite part of working at a vet clinic is seeing familiar faces when clients and their pets come in, as well as getting to see a problem become diagnosed with a positive outcome.

Outside of work, Suz loves to spend time with her family and her French Bulldogs out by the pool and BBQ.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

Dianne

CSR

Education/experience:
Dianne just recently completed the Veterinary Assistant program through Lambton College.

Area of interest:
Dianne loves being able to see a patient that has been unwell leaving the clinic in brighter spirits after seeing our clinic staff.

Outside of work, Dianne loves to spend time with her grandson and going for walks.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: You must tell yourself, no matter how hard it is, or how hard it gets, I’m going to make it.”

Taya

ACA

Education/experience:
Taya graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.  Currently, Taya is enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus.

Area of interest:
Taya loves meeting all the clients and their pets in the clinic.  She also loves that every day there is something new to learn and experience at work!

Outside of work, Taya likes to go for hikes and is an excellent baker!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
An interesting fact: Taya grew up on a small hobby farm in New Brunswick and she has a cat named Spider.

Kira

ACA

Education/experience:
Kira just recently graduated high school and plans to go to post-secondary school to become a Veterinary Technician.

Area of interest:
Kira loves being able to form relationships with clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Kira enjoys rodeo riding with her horse and is a talented artist!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” – Winnie the Pooh

Kass

ACA

Education/experience:
Kass attended St. Lawrence College in Kingston, ON for both Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician programs.

Area of interest:
Kass enjoys assisting with emergency appointments and out-of-routine procedures!

Outside of work, Kass enjoys playing volleyball and spending time with her friends and family.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “I work hard so that my dog can have nice things.”

Jess

ACA

Education/experience:
Jess attended the University of Guelph for the Zoology program.  She also plans to attend Lambton College for the Sterile Processing Course in the near future!

Area of interest:
Jess enjoys helping with appointments, whether it’s assisting on surgery days or helping with diagnostics for appointments.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys reading and watching movies.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Angry is Sad’s bodyguard.”

Christina

CSR

Education/experience:
Christina attended Lambton College for the Social Service Worker program.

Area of interest:
Christina loves animals and enjoys making connections with clients and their pets in the clinic!

Outside of work, Christina enjoys hanging out with her friends and family.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “The best way out is through.”

Sara

RVT Lead

Education/experience:
Sara attended Seneca College for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Sara’s favourite part of her job is getting to be in the exam rooms with clients and their pets, answering questions they may have, and providing a positive experience from the first interaction!

Outside of work, Sara loves to spend time with her kids and take care of all her furry friends!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Just keep swimming.”

Lauren

RVT Lead

Education/experience:
Lauren attended the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Lauren enjoys getting to focus on emergency medicine and rehabilitation within the clinic!

Outside of work, Lauren spends time being a hockey and skating mom!  She also enjoys playing with her dogs and travelling.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
An interesting fact about Lauren: If she could have her own pack of wiener dogs, she 100% would!

Janilee

RVT

Education/experience:
Janilee attended the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Janilee enjoys getting to assist on surgery days and doing laboratory work like blood collection.

Outside of work, Janilee likes to garden and spend time with her family.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
An interesting fact about Janilee is that she plays the piano and received the highest level you can get to without becoming a piano instructor!

Cherish

RVT

Education/experience:
Cherish attended St. Clair College in Windsor for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Cherish loves assisting with surgery days, working in the lab area and her favourite appointments are the ones with all our pocket pet friends!

Outside of work, Cherish loves spending time with her own pocket pets at home and hanging out with her friends and family.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock.”

Brianne

RVT

Education/experience:
Brianne attended the Univeristy of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Brianne enjoys assisting on surgery days and getting to do blood draws in the lab!

Outside of work, Brianne enjoys playing sports such as hockey and baseball.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Today you are you, that is truer than true, there is no one alive, that is youer than you!”

Anna

RVT

Education/experience:
Anna attended the University of Guelph for her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Animal Biology. She also attended the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Anna enjoys learning about different animal behaviours and getting to take x-rays!

Outside of school, Anna likes to play video games and read!

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Problems are solved by those that see them.”

Anne

RVT

Education/experience (degrees/diplomas and year, doesn’t have to be veterinary related):
Anne attended St. Lawrence College for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest (within vet med or out):
Anne enjoys assisting on surgery days the most!

Outside of work, Anne loves to hangout with her son and her family.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Abbie

RVT

Education/experience:
Abbie attended the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus for the Veterinary Technician program.

Area of interest:
Abbie loves to assist with surgery procedures and that she is always learning new things while working in the clinic!

Outside of work, Abbie loves to read and go horseback riding.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “Happiness is the key to life. It doesn’t matter how much you have, what you spend, make, drive or wear. It all means nothing if you are not happy within yourself. Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own.”

Mika

RVT

Mika joined the FVC team in January 2022 after a brief hiatus from veterinary medicine to pursue a career as a [human] massage therapist. Luckily for us, her passion for veterinary medicine has called her “home,” and she is looking forward to getting to know you and your pets.

Born and raised on a small horse breeding farm in southern Lambton County, Mika’s passion for animals is deeply rooted. It was no surprise to anyone when she pursued a career in veterinary medicine. Mika attended the veterinary technology program at Ridgetown College, graduating and becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2006.

Mika brings her extensive experience in the veterinary industry, with a special interest in small mammals, wildlife, and birds of prey (not at the same time!). She has also pursued extensive continuing education in behaviour modification, environmental enrichment, nutrition, and dermatology.

Mika shares her life with her beloved husband, Mark, and their large crew of misfit animals, including four dogs, four cats, a hedgehog, a Harris Hawk, six horses, and a vast array of poultry and waterfowl. Mika enjoys horseback riding, dog sports, napping, and playing board games in her free time.

Lisa

CSR

Lisa was born and raised in Ontario. Lisa, her husband, son, and Husky, Nieco, enjoy spending time with their family and friends. Being outdoors, going on adventures, and spending time with family & friends is a big part of their life. She has many years of experience in the Administrative Field, making her confident in her new role.

Joining FVC in May 2019, she is very excited to get to know all the pets and clients. Lisa loves animals and is excited to learn more and be part of our team.

Brooke

RVT Lead

Education/experience:
Brooke attended St. Clair College for the Veterinary Technician program. She is also a member of the Rabies Response Program through the OAVT (Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians).

Area of interest:
Brooke’s favourite part of working in a vet clinic is the pharmacology aspect of the job!

Outside of work, Brooke loves to watch baseball and hangout with her family.

One interesting fact/comment/common quote:
Favourite quote: “I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.”

Suzanne

CSR

Since Suzanne was six years old and living in rural Nova Scotia, she knew her life would be centred around animals. She could always be found in the forests and near lakes, rivers, and oceans.

As a child, she deeply connected with all animals, wild and domestic. As she grew up, she volunteered at vet clinics and various animal rescue organizations (even operating her own Doberman/Min Pin rescue for many years in NS.) She operated two small businesses over a successful 12 years in NS, first being a small in-home doggie daycare, then expanding on what she loved and operating a large, homey kennel offering boarding, daycare, training, grooming, and walking services. All her clients were so sad when they found out she was moving to Sarnia! She also dabbled in the dog show world for a couple of years, even showing one of her Cane Corso to a championship!

She happily resides in Sarnia now with her family and Cane Corso Pullo and loves coming to work every day to see everyone in the clinic! Suzanne has spent 20 years fully devoted to cats and especially dogs.

She knows and understands dog behaviour and cues very well, is comfortable with animals of all shapes and sizes, and knows her dog breeds and their general quirks and breed traits exceptionally well. Over the years, Suzanne has studied Animal Welfare, Dog Nutrition, Dog Behaviour Theory, Veterinary Terminology, and Veterinary Office Skills & Procedures. She plans to continue adding to her education and will be adding Animal Husbandry to her resume this winter.

Taya

ACA

Taya knew from a young age that she wanted to work with animals in some capacity. Growing up on a small hobby farm in New Brunswick, she always had furry (and feathered) family members.

Taya has always loved caring for animals and learning about wildlife rehabilitation from a young age. To follow her passion, she moved to Guelph to complete her undergraduate in zoology and graduated in 2019. She now lives in Sarnia and has a very talkative cat named Stanley. She is very excited to meet all our clients and our patients!

Jess

ACA

Jess was born with a natural affinity towards nature and animals. She attended the University of Guelph for Zoology. Throughout her life, she has gained experience with cats, dogs, all types of rodents, birds, fish, horses, and dairy cattle.

She lives in Sarnia with her very large, vocal, and lovable orange tabby and has many aquariums as a hobby. She is looking forward to showing your pets love!

Becca

ACA/CSR

Becca always grew up with pets. She knew for sure she wanted a career with animals when she moved to the countryside during her teen years and began working part-time jobs on farms. Her passion only grew as she was introduced to more animals she had never worked with before, from horses to peacocks!

Becca’s love of animals extends to her hobbies as she explores pet photography and drawing. Animals are her whole life, and she is proud to be a part of the Forest Vet team!