Management
Shelly - Manager
Shelly is an Animal Care Aide at Essex Animal Hospital. With over 25 years of experience, Shelly has been in the animal care field since 1987, and continues to strive towards improving her skills and education each and every year, always seeking out the newest research and information available.
“What I am most excited about is the daily challenges that Essex has to offer, and the many great outcomes that come from our rehab center,” says Shelly.
Shelly and her family share their home in Essex with two furry friends, Skeeter and Paws. When she’s not at the animal hospital, Shelly enjoys keeping an active lifestyle by playing all sports and horseback riding.
Technicians
Jessy - BSc/LVT / RVT/CCRVT/CFTVT/CCAPEVT
Jessy is a Registered Veterinary Technician at Essex Animal Hospital. Jessy holds a BSc from the University of Windsor (’09) and a VT from WCCCD Wayne State (’12) as well as a CCRA (Certified physical rehab technician) from Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI) Florida ('17). She loves the fact that her job allows her to witness an animal in all stages of their life, and the satisfaction derived in helping them to achieve a better quality of life.
As hobbies, Jessy enjoys reading all about new scientific findings in both the human and animal world. She especially has a passion for rehab and new developments in the veterinary field.
Jessy shares her home with six pets: four cats (Simba, Karma, WiFi, and Router) and two dogs (Max and Murphy).
Jessica - RVT
Jessica went to St. Clair College Vet Tech Program & graduated in 2016. She enjoys spending quality time at home with her cats (Jon Snow and Chester B), dog (Morty), and favorite human Tyson. She also enjoys nature walks, road trips, concerts and anything Halloween. Since graduating the Vet Tech Program at St. Clair College in April 2016 she shortly after wrote and passed her registration (VTNE, Vet Tech National Exam) in June 2016 and has been in practice ever since, helping your furry friends.
Certifications: Nail technician, CPR, Certificate of Registration of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician
Ashley - RVT
Ashley attended the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus and received her Veterinary Technician Diploma. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys hiking across Canada with her dogs Harriett, and Panda. She also enjoys photography, riding her horse Andy. She loves cuddling with both her cats Naomi and Nemo and her guinea pigs Tuba and Cello. She has a passion for large animal medicine and canine rehabilitation. While attending the vet tech program at Ridgetown College she also worked as a kennel attendant / assistant for 3 years. In total, Ashley has worked in veterinary practices for 8 years.
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
Certifications: RVT
Mikayla - RVT, CESMT, CERT
Mikayla completed her BSc in Animal Science at the University of Findlay (‘19) and then pursued her veterinary technology degree at St.Clair College (‘21) while shortly after completing the VTNE to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Since then, she has continued her education in rehabilitative techniques for horses to achieve her CESMT, CERT, PEMF practitioner & certifications in kinesiology taping and raindrop therapy. Mikayla is currently enrolled in the London College of Animal Osteopathy to pursue an International Diploma in Animal Osteopathy. While being an independent small business owner, Mikayla works part-time in small & large animal veterinary medicine, teaching aspiring veterinary technology students at St.Clair College and helps manage her family quarter horse farm; 1OAK Stables. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband & family, riding horses & competing in barrel racing/rodeo events in Ontario and parts of the USA.
Santana - VA
Madison - VA
Madison grew up on her family farm in Kingsville and has always had a love for animals and wanted to work with them since she was little. Madison graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology in 2023 with a current goal to become a veterinarian. She started working at Essex Animal Hopsitla in August 2023. Madison has been working in the field as an assistant since 2019 during her summer breaks! She has a love for the field and wants to be a part of the ever changing profession in any way she can! She is excited to be expanding her knowledge in veterinary medicine and learning about canine rehabilitation! Outside of work Madison is a small busniess owner, likes to spend time with her family and her fur baby Luna, a Siamese mix she got from her family farm, going to the gym and enjoys the summer and fall seasonal activites.
Catarina - RVT, CCAPR
Catarina graduated from St. Clair College in 2020 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician shortly after. She further expanded her expertise by earning a CCAPR certification (Certified Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation) from Northern College. With a love for animals and a deep commitment to their care, Catarina thrives in her field. Outside of work, she enjoys the warmth of summer and staying active at the gym. Her 12-year-old Cockapoo, Blaze, has been through quite a journey, having undergone IVDD surgery and two CCL repairs, but remains her loyal companion and source of joy.
Teagan - RVT
Teagan graduated from St. Clair College in 2024 and passed the VTNE to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She's excited to contribute to the growing field of veterinary care. Teagan has a strong interest in animal health and is committed to providing the best care possible. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Toby, and dog, Winston, who bring her joy. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth and making a positive impact in the lives of animals and their owners.
Peri - VT
Receptionists
Denise - Animal Health Technician
Denise is an animal health technician as well as a puppy socialization and obedience teacher. She has been with Essex Animal Hospital since 1999, and loves being in the position to help make life easier for animals and their owners.
Denise is married with four children and one granddaughter, and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and learning about self-improvement. Her family has three fur children: a 15 year old Cockapoo named Flirt and two cats, Marilyn and Mimi.
Kelly - CSR
Kelly joined our team in 2023 as a volunteer while completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Windsor, graduating in 2024. Her passion for animals started early in life and was deeply influenced by caring for her own dog during a time of illness. This experience sparked a strong admiration for veterinary professionals and inspired her to pursue a future in animal care.
She quickly became a valued part of our team, first working as a kennel attendant—feeding our resident animals and assisting our veterinary technicians—before stepping into her current role as a receptionist in 2024.
At home, Kelly has two beloved pets: Bella, a Labrador Retriever, and Cayanne, a betta fish. Outside of work, she enjoys walking with Bella, playing pickleball and hockey, and expressing her creativity through art.
Kennel Attendants
Jane - Kennel Supervisor
Jane came to Essex Animal Hospital as a volunteer. But after seeing the passion and love that she had towards animals, she was offered a position as the animal hospital’s Kennel Supervisor. “I love the interaction with animals,” says Jane. “It is very rewarding to be able to work and help with the wellbeing of family pets.”
When Jane is not working at the animal hospital, you can find her gardening, roller blading, and bird watching. Jane also participates in body building, and enjoys nature walks, dog walking, as well as cooking and baking.
Jane shares her home with her Yorkie Oliver. Before her lovable fur ball, Jane was a mother to a much loved English Setter she had until it turned 14 years old. From the age of 9 to 14, the pup had to use a k-9 cart due to a leg paralysis.
Gayle - Kennel Assistant
Gayle has been an employee of Essex Animal Hospital since 1990. On a typical day you may find Gayle answering phones, assisting our veterinarians and technicians, walking dogs, cleaning, restocking or cuddling one of our boarders.
Gayle is passionate about animal rights and pet overpopulation and devotes much of her time and resources to worthy animal causes and stray animals.
Deanne - Kennel Assistant
As a child, Dee always seemed to have unusual pets; chameleons, lizards, degus, quails, skunks and even a raccoon. Dee has always had a great love and respect for animals and has rescued more than 52 cats over the years!
Dee has been inspired working at Essex Animal Hospital, witnessing a beloved pet improve with every visit; some being able to use their legs again after therapy treatment like acupuncture, or underwater treadmill.
Dee studied Medical Terminology at St. Clair College.
As a big nature & animal enthusiast, she's an avid gardener. Dee has 5 people in her family: her husband Terry, their 2 sons Richard, David and their daughter Ashley. She also has two indoor rescue cats, Patchette and Trunk.