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Meet Our Team

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Fraser Heights Animal Hospital. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets.

Please call us at 604-588-4161 to speak to one of our veterinary staff members or use our online form to Make An Appointment

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Veterinarians

Dr. Cindy Duff

Veterinarian

Cindy grew up in Nova Scotia and the tropics, taking home sick farm animals as well as tending to the stray cats and dogs of Bali, where her love for animals progressed into a desire to care for animals full time. Cindy moved to PEI, where she graduated on the Dean’s list from AVC in 2008. Shortly after graduation, she worked at a busy mixed animal practice in North Carolina, gaining experience in surgery, treating infectious and chronic diseases, as well as managing an equine breeding program. Missing the mountains and the coast, she moved out to B.C. and joined our team in 2010 and has been a part of the FHAH family since. Cindy continues to pursue her interest in small animal medicine and surgery, focusing on canine orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery. In her off time, she can be found in the woods of Squamish biking some of the most amazing trails in B.C. with her husband, or investigating some hidden paths in the forest with her beloved dog, Koopa. Her cat, Winky keeps a watching eye over them from home, to ensure no more intruders are brought home to the Duff household.

Dr. Dax Atkinson

Veterinarian

Dax was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, where a love of nature and a menagerie of pets was a part of life. Following an extended detour in Japan, Dax returned to Canada to study animal sciences at UBC, where he completed a Master’s in Animal Welfare before heading to the WCVM in Saskatoon. Dax joined FHAH last year after graduating through the pandemic and returning to B.C. with his family. Inspired by his own G.P. growing up, Dax hopes that his passion for collaborative communication helps improve the welfare of his clients alongside their pets. When not working, Dax is kept busy catering to the demands of his Shiba-inu and equally stubborn 3-year-old daughter.

Dr. Elaine Wu

Veterinarian

Elaine grew up in Fraser Heights and had always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 with Distinction, and started working at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian. Elaine has actually been a part of the FHAH team since 2015, spending her summers working and learning in between vet school. During vet school, she especially enjoyed small animal medicine and surgery, participating in extracurricular events and managing the pathology club as the president. Prior to getting accepted into vet school, she graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Biology with Honours. Elaine studied animal science, behaviour, welfare and ethics, often assisting researchers with their projects and working several jobs at a time for experience. She was also an intern at the Marine Mammal Rescue centre for several summers. In practice, she has a soft spot for dermatology, anesthesia and behaviour, and is currently a member of the veterinary Fear Free Certification program. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, photography and attending music events. Elaine has also recently been participating in dog sports (agility, dock diving) with her spoiled Australian Cattle Dog, Juniper, who she’s shared a special bond with since 2018. She looks forward to meeting your fur baby at your next visit!

Dr. Kristi Schroeder

Veterinarian

Kristi grew up in the Lower Mainland and has always had a love for animals and science. She studied Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University before starting the veterinary program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated with Great Distinction. During her schooling, Kristi worked at FHAH as a student and is very excited to return to the clinic as a veterinarian. Some of her veterinary interests include dermatology, preventative medicine and client communications. She is passionate about making visits to the vet a positive experience for all pets. In her spare time, Kristi enjoys horse vaulting (gymnastics on horseback), hiking and teaching tricks to her cat, Teddy.

Dr. Guy Arad

Veterinarian

Dr. Arad moved with his wife, two daughters, dog and cat from Israel early in 2007 to join our team. He graduated from the Saint Istvan University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, Hungary in 2002. His foci include orthopedic surgery, intensive care and cardiology. In his free time he enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking and spending time with his family.

Dr. Jackie Armstrong

Veterinarian

Dr. Jackie Armstrong grew up in Edmonton, Alberta and knew she wanted to be a veterinarian by the age of 5. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Alberta, she went to Saskatoon and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. After graduation, she completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University. She and her husband moved to BC in 2001 and have raised their 2 daughters here. They live in Langley with their dog Blueberry and their cat Chestnut.
Jackie joined the team at Fraser Heights in 2008 and now works part time so she has time to pursue her other passion of horseback riding with her equine partner Lou.
At the clinic, Jackie enjoys most aspects of veterinary medicine including soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine. She has a special interest and love for geriatric feline medicine.

Dr. Kathryn Mitchell-Poirier

Veterinarian

Kathryn was born and raised in North Vancouver, and from an early age loved all things animal. Dr. Doolittle and James Herriot were her favorite people for many years. She obtained a Bachelor of Science (Agr.) from UBC, and graduated with distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. Kathryn started at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital in 1988, and has very much enjoyed working with the amazing staff and wonderful clients, some of whom have brought many generations of pets to FHAH.
Kathryn resides in Surrey with her husband, youngest son and Juice, her Golden Retriever. She and her husband love traveling in their motor home and are particularly interested in visiting and scrambling through any and all caves they come across. Their granddaughter is another source of delight and is a constant visitor in their lives. Juice and Kathryn enjoy the challenges of competing in Rally Obedience, and love the time they spend together working as a team.

Dr. Julian Chin

Veterinarian

Born in the Borneo Islands, Julian’s fondest memories were outside with the family dogs and studying the nature and wildlife in his backyard. Growing up in the Tri-Cities soon after, his fascination with animals persisted. This interest carried on to his undergraduate studies where he volunteered at several veterinary clinics and an equine rescue center while simultaneously working with a veterinary radiologist. Later in his studies, Julian moved to Australia, where he continued his pursuit at the University of Melbourne and completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Yes, he has seen kangaroos, and yes, he has also encountered spiders the size of his hand! Julian now resides in the Lower Mainland with his wife and dog, Ben, where he spends his free time catching up and spending quality time with his family. You may find him outside of the clinic honing his photography skills, bird watching, or at Rogers Arena cheering on the Canucks.
Care Team

Shannon

Hospital Operations & HR Manager

Shannon started with us in January 2020 and has been working in the Veterinary Field since 2005. Like so many in the veterinary world, her passion for the industry started quite young and she began volunteering at a veterinary hospital when she was only 11 years old.

Shannon attended college and took General Studies, where she excelled in Math and Social Sciences. With the veterinary industry still on her mind, she decided to change her focus, and started her schooling in the veterinary field. Shannon has worked in most positions in a hospital, from reception, to veterinary assistant, to a technical role as well. Overtime, Shannon naturally migrated towards management. She enrolled in a Veterinary Management program through Professional Business Solutions and began her management journey. Shannon has managed all types of practices, every thing from small town practices to Veterinary Specialty Hospitals.

Shannon is a mom of two exceptionally well behaved, charismatic children, and several equally behaved pets. In her spare time you will find her outdoors with her family, going for hikes, kayaking, playing soccer and camping when possible. She enjoys anything health and fitness related, and incorporates yoga and spinning into her life.

Tamara

Hospital/ Office Manager

Tamara started working at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital in 2015. She completed her schooling at Douglas College. Tamara loves educating clients on Cushing's Disease, as her Cairn Terrier, Belle has been diagnosed with the condition. Her other work interests are completing lab work, reproductive, holter monitors, and performing lion shaves. Besides Belle, Tamara has a plethora of animals at her 5-acre hobby farm. Some notable mentions are her other Cairn, Kida, her Labrador, Leia, and her two horses, Garth and Dolly. Outside of work, Tamara lives for horse and dog shows.

Jasmin

Hospital/ Office Manager

Jasmin joined Fraser Heights in April 2014. She loves talking to clients and hearing how their days are going. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking with her dog, Levee, and being bossed around by her cat.

Maria

Hospital/Office Manager

Maria has worked with the FHAH family since 1990. Starting as a kennel assistant, she has worked in almost every position in this practice from back staff support to financial manager (but enjoys reception the most), as it allows for connecting with our wonderful clientele. She has had the pleasure of meeting a vast array of clients and their 'fur babies' over this period. Maria is the proud mom of 3 crazy Devon Rex kitties, who keep her on her toes at all times with their outlandish shenanigans!

Gen

Veterinary Receptionists

Gen started working at Fraser Heights in 2020. She likes long walks on the beach, pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain.

Jennifer

Veterinary Receptionist

Miranda

Veterinary Receptionist

Miranda joined the FHAH family in 2021. Her calm and collected nature has been a welcome addition to our team. All of her free time is spent at the barn with her horse, Nigel. She also enjoys adventures with her mini Australian Shepherd, Keba.

Jessica

Veterinary Receptionist

Kaitlyn

Veterinary Receptionist

Kaitlyn joined the Fraser Heights team in 2022. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and going on adventures with her Mini Australian Shepherd, Duke.

Kaylee

Veterinary Office Assistant

Hey, my name is Kaylee! I was born and raised in the area and animals have been my life since I was a little girl. I’m the one who will most likely always memorize you and your pet’s name! I graduated from West Coast College from the Veterinary Assistant program in 2014, I did my practicum at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital, and I’ve been with them ever since! I have a special interest in behaviour - especially canine! When I am not at work you will most likely catch me outside walking/hiking or camping with my two dogs Owen and Scarlett!

Patsy

Guildford Pet Food Manager/Nutrition Specialist

Patsy has been with the FHAH family since 2011. She has pursued additional training in animal nutrition and is an asset to the team in helping select the best food for patients with special requirements. Patsy is also very loved by our 4 legged friends- most of the pets in the hospital pull at their leashes to get to the pet store, where she greets them with treats!

Jessica

Veterinary Office Assistant

Renee

Veterinary Office Assistant

Hayley

Veterinary Office Assistant

Hayley has been part of our team since February 2018 where she worked throughout her schooling at Douglas for the VOA program. She grew up in Surrey and has always had animals her whole life and her love and passion for them lead her to want to pursue a career in the Veterinary industry. On her days off she enjoys spending time with her 3 animals, Blaze, Ocean, Benny, as well as camping and other fun outdoor activities.

Michelle

Veterinary Office Assistant

Michelle joined Fraser Heights Animals Hospital in 2020. Born in Burnaby, raised in Surrey. She completed the VOAC program at Douglas College. Also had previously worked at a Doggy Daycare which inspired her to want to work in the Veterinary Industry. She is a proud owner of two cats, Mack, and Squid.

Kent

Veterinary Office Assistant

Sandra

Veterinary Office Assistant

Abby

Registered Veterinary Technician

Shae

Registered Veterinary Technician

Chloe

Registered Veterinary Technician

Chloe started at FHAH in 2018, and has been an integral member ever since. In 2022, she graduated from the technician program at Douglas collage, and has been a rockstar in surgery, ensuring our patients are comfortable and safe during anaesthesia.
Chloe shares her home with her cats, Quinn and Steve as well as her rabbits, Bo and Maple. When she's not rocking it at work, Chloe can be found adventuring outdoors. Chloe also has a special interest in microbiology.

Lindsay

Veterinary Technician

Lindsay graduated from Douglas College in 2009 and joined the FHAH shortly after. She has been a very dedicated team member, with a special interest in dentistry and intensive care patients. Her attention to detail and caring personality has been a massive asset to FHAH, ensuring our sick patients, and those undergoing anaesthesia are closely monitored and comfortably recovery with Lindsay's caring touch. In her spare time, Lindsay tends to her family's hobby farm, spins on her bike, as well as cuddles with her two loveable dogs, Caecar and Harry.

Jolene

Veterinary Technician

Jolene joined Fraser Heights Animal Hospital in 2008 just prior to graduating from an animal health technician program. Jolene has special interests in anaesthetics, animal behavior and managing pain in canine/feline orthopaedics. Jolene and her lovely wife are moms to an energetic, adorable boy, 3 cats and a dog who is larger than life. She enjoys camping with her clan, doing cross-fit style work-outs and enjoying the outdoors whenever she can.

Corina

Veterinary Technician

Corina has been with Fraser Heights Animal Hospital since 1991. Along with regular technician duties, she specializes in animal dentistry and training of other assistants. She has decades of experience in the care of a large array of small pets as well as some wildlife rehabilitation. Adding to her household of 3 cats, 4 birds, and a dog, she had a daughter in 2010. Other interests besides pet care are gardening, home decor, carpentry and hotrods. Corina is our in house handy-woman, and can fix/make/MacGyver almost anything! Corina and her black Lab "Duckie" currently participate and compete in rally obedience as well. No-one is Idle in the Tirshman household!

Carley

Veterinary Technician

Hi! My name is Carley, and I have been working at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital since I was in high school. The staff at FHAH are all like family to me. I work part-time with Fraser Heights because I am also an LPN who works at Surrey Memorial Hospital. I enjoy all aspects of animal care and have a special place in my heart for geriatric patients and dentistry. Outside of work I love to camp, play slowpitch, golf and be with my fur babies, Ember the yellow lab, and Gavin the cat.

Louie

Veterinary Office Assistant