Our Team
Kind and Compassionate
Veterinarians

Dr. David Snell
Owner
Dr. Snell's Bio
- Practice Co-Owner & Mixed-animal Veterinarian.
Graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. - Practiced in Sundre and Olds, Alberta, before coming to Central Vet in March 2012.
- Enjoys making farm calls and has special interests in dairy cattle management and reproduction, equine dentistry, lameness, and reproduction.
More about Dr. Snell
- He likes spending time with his family: Wife, Dr. Stephanie Van Deynze-Snell, and three wonderful kids named Samantha, Rachel, and Nicolas.
- He enjoys playing competitive sports such as hockey and adventure racing.
- He has a yellow lab named Eva and a cat named Sarah.

Dr. Stephanie Van Deynze-Snell
Owner
Dr. Van Deynze-Snell's Bio
- Practice Co-Owner & Mixed-animal Veterinarian.
Graduated Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. - Practiced briefly in Sundre and Olds, Alberta, before returning to Central Vet in March 2012.
- She greatly enjoys connecting with clients and their animals every day!
More about Dr. Van Deynze-Snell
- She loves spending time with her family: Husband, Dr. Snell, and kids, Samantha, Rachel, and Nicolas.
- She enjoys gardening.
- She is very passionate about any role she can play in improving people’s lives, and in particular helping others be the best and happiest version of themselves.
- She volunteers with the MVMA and CVMA
- She won the 2022 BMO Women in Business Award
- She has a lab, Eva, and a cat, Sarah.

Dr. Samyra Stuart-Altman
Owner
Dr. Stuart-Altman's Bio
- Practice Co-Owner and Mixed-animal Veterinarian
- Graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.
- Enjoys internal medicine, wellness, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.
- Has extensive experience in ultrasonography and completes both in-house and referral ultrasounds.
- Dr. Stuart-Altman is a Feline Friendly Ambassador.
More about Dr. Stuart-Altman
- She is a member of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA) and has volunteered as a Trail Veterinarian for many distance races.
- She volunteers for remote spay/neuter clinics both in the province’s North and with Isla Animals; and local One Health centered clinics with Community Veterinary Outreach.
- She is a board member of the Winnipeg Humane Society and the MVMA’s representative to Winnipeg Animal Services.
- She is a published author, writing articles for international veterinary blogs as well as for her own blog: TinyVet.com
- She has won the 2022 BMO Celebrating Women Grant, CBC 40 under 40, 2017 MVMA veterinarian of the year.
- She enjoys creating custom pet portraits with her modest local business “Ink Naturally,” travelling, and enjoying live music.
- She also finds time to spend with her husband and her two cats: a troublemaker named Tucker and her three-legged cat named Pearl.

Dr. Mackenzie Marks
Dr. Marks' Bio
- Mixed-animal Veterinarian & DVM Team Lead.
- Graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.
- Practiced in Arborg and Gimli, Manitoba, before coming to Central Vet in February 2016.
- Enjoys making farm calls and has a professional interest in small and large animal surgery.
- Has additional training in Advanced Equine Dentistry & Small Animal Orthopedics
More about Dr. Marks
- He was a member of the MVMA council and the 2023 MVMA President.
- He enjoys making music, doing leatherwork, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Sheena (often on horseback).
- He also finds time to spend with his dogs, Tortilla and Maria, and a feline friend named Ella.

Dr. Ken Johnson
Dr. Johnson's Bio
- Founded Central Veterinary Services in 1988 with his wife, Elaine.
- Mixed-animal Veterinarian, currently completing consultation work.
- Graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978.
- Recipient of the 1991 Veterinarian of the Year Award from the MVMA.
- Past president of the Western Canadian Equine Association.
- Involved with many associations over the years including: the American Association of Equine Practitioners (a three-year term on the dentistry committee), the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Endurance Riders Conference, and as a Veterinarian for the Morris Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition.
More about Dr. Johnson
- He has been an active role in mentoring hundreds of students in their pursuit of careers in veterinary medicine.
- He enjoys visiting with his friends and family, and spending time at the lake.

Dr. Jennifer White
Dr. White's Bio
- Small animal Veterinarian.
- Graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006.
- Completed a clinical internship at the Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and joined Central Vet in the fall of 2007.
Has professional interests in preventative medicine and dermatology. - Happiest when tending to the small animals that come through our doors, extending her compassion and care to every patient she sees.
More about Dr. White
- She enjoys cooking for her little girl, Natalie, going for walks with her German Shepherd named Larry, as well as dabbling in photography.

Dr. Kendra Tod
Dr. Tod's Bio
- Mixed-animal Veterinarian.
- Graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023.
- Completed Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
- Previously worked at Central Vet as a receptionist in 2016 and rejoined the team as a Veterinarian in 2023
- Enjoys working with the supportive and fun team at Central Vet
More about Kendra
- She enjoys spending time at the lake, doing outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking.
- She loves travelling.
- She has a German Shepherd named Ember, a German Shepherd Mix named Nuka, and 2 cats named Monkey and Louis.
- Her favourite dog breed is German Shepard Dogs!

Dr. Carly Duncan – Away on maternity leave
Dr. Duncan's Bio
- Small Animal Veterinarian.
- Graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017.
- She joined Central Vet in 2020.
- Fear-Free Veterinary Care certified.
- Enjoys preventative medicine to senior care, and everything in between.
More about Dr. Duncan
- She likes to spend time with friends/family and being outdoors or at her cabin as much as she can.
- She has three dogs, Border Collie X Lahela, Macy, and Ricky (all of which were are from Manitoba Underdogs Rescue).

Dr. Natalie Desaulniers
Dr. Desaulniers' Bio
- Small Animal Veterinarian.
- Graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020.
- Previously volunteered with Central Vet in 2013 and then rejoined us as a veterinary student for two summers in her first and second year of vet school.
- Joined Central Vet as a Veterinarian in November 2024.
- Enjoys being a part of a profession that allows her to learn something new every day!
More about Dr. Desaulniers
- She enjoys hiking, painting, travelling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
- She has two domestic shorthair cats named Darcy and Rosie.

Dr. Heidi Bjornson
Dr. Bjornson's Bio
- Mixed-animal Veterinarian.
- Previously volunteered and held a Reception/Hospital Assistant position at Central Vet.
- Graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.
- Rejoined Central Vet as a Veterinarian in May 2019.
Studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Chi Institute in Florida.
More about Dr. Bjornson
- She enjoys horseback riding, playing baseball, and spending time with her two young nieces.
- She has a cat named Violet, a dog named Gus, and 2 horses Sully and Penny.
Support Staff

Shai
Shai's Bio
- Transitioned from Director of Medical Services to General Manager in October 2024
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program in 2014
- Joined Central Vet in 2014
- Won the 2022 RVT of the year through the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association
- Enjoys bovine surgery, small animal phlebotomy, and emergency services.
- Often found within her office, running numbers, coordinating with her fellow executives, and ensuring that day-to-day activities run smoothly!
- Has continued education for zlig surgical procedure, TPLO surgical procedure & RVT communication.
- Shai is a Feline Friendly Ambassador.
More about Shai
- She enjoys fishing, snowmobiling, canoeing, hiking, house building & land development, or doing any outdoor activities with her herd of dogs at home.
- She has a mischievous Mastiff named Scarlett, a high-energy Rottweiler named Kilo, and an antisocial Siamese named Arlo.

Amanda H.- Away on maternity leave
Amanda's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Director of Marketing and Public Relations – obtaining feedback and working to improve the client and patient experience.
- Member of the Central Vet Workplace Safety and Health Committee.
- Previously volunteered at Central Vet.
- Joined Central Vet as an RVT in 2015.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Completed Amy Oliver’s Healthy Business Course and has training in The Accessibility of Manitobans Act – Accessible Employment Module and Accessible Customer Service Module; Enabling Access, local ability and inclusion specialists; and Canadian Mental Health Association – Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace.
More about Amanda
- She enjoys gardening, camping and spending time with her family of 3.
- She has a red Labrador Retriever named Dex.

Callie
Callie's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Large Animal Director of Medical Services.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2016.
More about Callie
- She is often found at the barn riding her horse, Carmen, or competing in show jumping.
- She enjoys spending a lot of time staying active, like running & baseball.
- She also has two cats named Ozzy & Connie (AKA Princess Consuela).

Courtney
RVT & Safety
and Health Coordinator
Courtney's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Safety and Health Coordinator.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2017.
- Enjoys doing dental cleanings, where there is a drastic before and after.
More about Courtney
- She enjoys going to the archery range and staying active!
- She has a border collie cross named Willow.

Carla
Carla's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Completed a Bachelor of Science honours degree in animal biology from the University of Guelph.
- Joined Central Vet in 2020.
- Enjoys the variety of working in a mixed animal practice, educating clients, and creating social media for the clinic.
- She is passionate about mental health in the workplace.
- Carla is a Feline Friendly Ambassador.
More about Carla
- She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, houseplants, gardening, and spending time outdoors!
- She has a German Shorthaired Pointer/Labrador Retriever Mix named Hunter, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Harper, and three cats named Truffles, Ruby & Martin.

Nikki
RVT
Nikki's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Previously volunteered at Central Vet.
- Rejoined Central Vet as an RVT in 2019.
- Enjoys administering and monitoring anesthesia and phlebotomy.
- Nikki is a Feline Friendly Ambassador.
- Nikki completed ASL 101 & 102 with ASL Teaching Services; and can translate in American Sign Language for our clients.
More about Nikki
- She enjoys escape rooms, video games, horseback riding (trail), creating paracord collars, leashes, halters and more in her spare time.
- She has a dog named Lucy, two cats named Morty and Odin, and a horse named Zariyah.
- Her relationship with CVS started 10 years ago after my horse suffered a serious injury resulting in her staying in clinic for 3.5 months.

Carly
RVT & Team Lead
Carly's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2019.
- Enjoys large animal farm calls.
- Carly is a Feline Friendly Ambassador.
More about Carly
- She enjoys spending time outdoors in the garden.
- She enjoys spending time with her animals, which include horses, dogs, cats, chickens and bees.

Nadine – Away on maternity leave
RVT
Nadine's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program with honours.
- Previously held a Hospital Assistant role at Cental Vet in 2018.
- Rejoined Central Vet as an RVT in 2021.
- Enjoys being around large and small animals, contributing to their well-being, and being in our in-house laboratory, processing various patient samples.
- Certified in RECOVER CPR Basic and Advanced Life support.
More about Nadine
- She enjoys going outside, camping, fishing, and hiking with her mixed breed dog, named Mayonnaise.

Erynne
RVT
Erynne's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program with honours in 2015.
- Joined Central Vet in 2021.
- Enjoys working with a wide variety of species, applying fear-free techniques, and working with senior pets.
More about Erynne
- She enjoys playing hockey, golfing, fishing, running, and reading a good mystery novel.
- She is a puzzle master!
- She has a Boxer cross, Rocco, who is her best buddy!

Stephanie
RVT
Stephanie's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2021.
- Enjoys meeting new patients every day and has a passion for animal behavior and fear-free practices.
- Has additional training in Small Animal Veterinary Nutrition & Karen Pryor Dog Trainer Comprehensive.
More about Stephanie
- She likes to spend time outdoors, hiking with her family & dogs, camping, fishing, and enjoying the sunshine.
- She LOVES Golden Retrievers.
- She has a beautiful mix-breed mutt named Mya, a handsome Golden Retriever, Finnegan and a dashingly handsome mixed Great Pyrenees, Beau.

Ada
RVT
Ada 's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Veterinary Technology diploma program.
- Completed her externship at the Assiniboine Zoo.
- Joined Central Vet in 2022.
- Enjoys working in our pharmacy, working on dentals, studying pet nutrition, and has a passion for caring for neonate cats and educating clients on their home care.
- She speaks Portuguese and can translate for Portuguese-speaking clients.
More about Ada
- She fosters kittens, volunteers for the CARE Outreach Program, reads, grows plants, plays video games, and rides her motorcycle.
- She has multiple kitties at home and has a soft spot for Siamese and cats with cerebellar hypoplasia (her youngest cat is a wobbly lilac point!).

Madison
RVT
Madison's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program with honors
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys scrubbing into surgery, anesthesia, emergency medicine, and neonatal care.
More about Madi
- She enjoys reading, travelling and playing a variety of different sports such as ringette, softball and snowboarding.
- She is currently a foster with the WHS through their bottle baby kitten program!
- She has 3 dogs at home – Sasha (Husky), Miska (Husky), and Annie (Shepard X)

Judy
RVT
Judy's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys talking with clients and meeting their furry family members.
More about Judy
- She enjoys spending time in nature, sitting by a fire, reading, and visiting with family and friends.
- She has 2 senior dogs and multiple cats at home.

Meghan
RVT
Meghan's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art History at the University of Manitoba.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Completed Fear Free Level 3 certification.
- Enjoys emergency medicine, caring for critical patients, anesthesia, and wound management.
More about Meghan
- She fosters kittens through Winnipeg Humane Society.
- In her spare time she likes to travel, find places to swim in the summer, and care for her growing plant collection.
- She has one cat – Goku, a very chatty FIV+ kitty.
- She has a soft spot for black cats, or cats in general!

Kayla
VTA & Team Lead
Kayla's Bio
- Veterinary Technologist Assistant.
- Hospital Assistant & Veterinary Technologist Assistant Team Lead.
- Completed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma program.
- Member of the Central Vet Workplace Safety and Health Committee.
- Joined Central Vet in 2019 as a Receptionist and transitioned to Hospital Assistant.
- Enjoys meeting all our wonderful patients.
More about Kayla
- She enjoys camping, fishing, crocheting, and watching Harry Potter on repeat.
- She has a cat, Sonny, and a dog named Kenny.

Jessica
RVT
Jessica's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist.
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys running lab work, caring for in-clinic patients, and working with all patients large or small.
- She enjoys being outside, horseback riding, spending time and caring for all of her animals, and gardening
- At home, she has 2 dogs (Ben & Jerry), 3 cats (Milo, Millie, and Melvin) , 2 horses (Timber and Cricket), 8 chickens, and 2 geese!

Tasha E.
Tasha's Bio
- Executive and Clinical Assistant
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in biology, at the University of Winnipeg.
- Joined Central Vet in 2021.
- Enjoys Excel sheets, schedule coordinating, and working from home.
More about Tasha
- She enjoys gardening, baking and spending time with friends.
- She has 2 dogs – a Retriever X named Huggsy, and a Pyrenees X named Margo– and one Siamese cat named Emrys.

Ashley
RVT
Ashley's Bio
- Registered Veterinary Technologist
- Completed the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2024.
- Enjoys being hands-on with the patients, especially in surgery, and has fun being a silly distraction to pets during times like vaccine pokes and blood draws.
More about Ashley
- She enjoys video games, puzzles, and occasionally taking her cat, for summer walks on the trails.
- She has a chatty and adventurous Tuxedo cat named Ringo and a treat-motivated and cuddly Orange Tabby cat, Simba.

Majenta
VTA
Majenta's Bio
- Veterinary Technologist Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator.
- Completed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2020.
- Enjoys all the hands-on work she gets to do with the animals.
More about Majenta
- She enjoys snowmobiling and horseback riding.
- She has one Beagle, Zero, and three kitties, Jackson, Oliver & Tank.

Shanna
HA
Shanna's Bio
- Hospital Assistant.
- Completed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma with honours.
- Joined Central Vet in 2021.
- Enjoys learning something new every day and seeing the bond between people and their pets when they come into the clinic.
More about Shanna
- Growing up, she spent a lot of time running around her grandparents’ farm.
- She enjoys playing baseball, as well as going fishing. Go Blue Jays!
- She has a Shepard cross from the WHS, named Wagner, and two cats, named Zoom & Garth.

Grace
HA
Grace's Bio
- Hospital Assistant.
- Currently enrolled in the Red River College Animal Health Technology diploma program.
- Completed Equine Massage Therapy certification.
Joined Central Vet in 2023. - Enjoys being able to help care for animals in need, as well as working alongside a great team.
More about Grace
- She likes spending time at the cabin with her partner and dog.
- She has a Bernese/Shepard cross dog named Bea

Kim
HA
Kim's Bio
- Hospital Assistant.
- Competed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma with honours.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and calm.
More about Kim
- She likes spending her spare time crocheting, gardening and enjoying the outdoors.
- At home, she has a senior cat named Salem.

Makayla
HA
Makayla's Bio
- Hospital Assistant.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
Enjoys learning new things every day and meeting all the new and existing clients and patients.
More about Makayla
- She likes to go out on adventures with her dog and go out to her family cabin in Flin Flon.
- She has a Cane Corso named Remington

Amanda
Receptionist, Team Lead & Accounts Receivable
Amanda's Bio
- Receptionist.
- Receptionist Team Lead.
- Accounts Receivable.
- Joined Central Vet in 2008.
- Obtained certificates from both MediCal and Hill’s.
- Enjoys learning about large animal medicine.
More about Amanda
- She stays very busy with her kids, involving them in many activities, and enjoys downtime with her kids/husband and going for walks.
- She has a Golden Retriever named Gus.

Tasha I.
HA
Tasha's Bio
- Hospital Assistant.
- Competed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma with honours.
- Received the Councillor’s Citizenship Award.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys working with her co-workers as she learns as much as she can and gets to know our wonderful patients and clients.
More about Tasha
- She likes spending time at the lake, with her family, and working on vehicles.
- She also enjoys horseback riding and running.
- At home, she has 4 dogs, a cat, and 2 bunnies.

Ashley
Receptionist
Ashley's Bio
- Receptionist.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Started the Red River College Veterinary Technologist diploma program in Fall 2023.
- Enjoys meeting all the animals that come in and helping clients with their animal health needs.
More about Ashley
- She enjoys going on runs with her dog and camping
- She has a Huskey mix named Ollie.

Emma
HA & Receptionist
Emma's Bio
- Receptionist.
- Hospital Assistant.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023 after volunteering at the clinic.
- Enjoys meeting all the different animals and learning more about the vet medicine field.
More about Emma
- Currently enrolled at Red River College in the Veterinary Technology program
- She likes spending time with her dog, watching sports, being active, and going to the gym.
- She has 1 dog, 3 cats and 2 bunnies at home!

Danielle
Receptionist
Danielle's Bio
- Completed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant Program with honours.
- Joined Central Vet in 2022.
- Enjoys seeing the love of helping animals in the industry.
More about Danielle
- She enjoys paddle boarding, walking, crafting, kayaking or cycling.
- She has a Bulldog/Boxer/Chihuahua cross, Lola, and a cat named Wynonna.

Ana
Receptionist
Ana's Bio
- Receptionist.
- Joined Central Vet in 2013 as a Hospital Assistant before transitioning to Receptionist.
- Enjoys meeting our great clients and their pets, working with the rest of our staff, trips out to the farm, and, of course, puppy cuddles!
More about Ana
- She enjoys hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
- Ana owns a rescue dog named Jet

Lyndi
Receptionist
Lyndi's Bio
- Receptionist.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys meeting all the clients and their pets.
More about Lyndi
- She enjoys spending time at her cottage and having bonfires.

Megan
Megan's Bio
- Hospital Assistant.
- Completed the Robertson College Veterinary Office Assistant diploma program.
- Joined Central Vet in 2023.
- Enjoys making a difference in pets’ lives, seeing them get the help they need and meeting all kinds of pets each day.
- Completed Fear-Free veterinary care training.
More about Megan
- She enjoys cooking and baking.
- In her spare time, you can find her at the cottage with family and friends.
- She has two mixed–breed dogs, Billie Jean & Boone, – and two shorthaired cats, Nora & Bogey.

Jennifer
Accounts Payable
Jennifer's Bio
- Accounts Payable.
- Joined Central Vet in 2017 as a Receptionist before transitioning to our Finance department.
- Enjoys meeting new people and their pets, working with the lively, enthusiastic group of people who deliver the utmost in veterinary care and learning the “behind the scenes” runnings of the clinic.
More about Jennifer
- She spent 34 years teaching in the public education system.
- She likes to spend time with her family and volunteer with local rescues.
- She has a Yorkshire Terrier named Sadie Rose, a Pomeranian named Emma Lee and a Pomeranian named Kobe.

Sally
Director of Finance & Team Lead
Sally's Bio
- Director of Finance.
- Finance Team Lead.
- Has over 20 years of experience in finance, operations and customer service.
- Joined Central Vet in 2013.
More about Sally
- She enjoys spending time with her two cats and her family & friends.

Courtney
Courtney's Bio
- Inventory & Sales Manager.
- Joined Central Vet in 2016 as a Hospital Assistant
- Completed CVIP (Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional course).
- Enjoys equine diagnostic imaging, working with vets to find alternate solutions for diets & medications, snuggling the senior dogs that come in to visit, and learning about eastern medicine.
More about Courtney
- She enjoys spending time horseback riding & hiking
- She has 2 dogs named Maverick and Rooster.

Laurena
Laurena's Bio
- As Chief People Officer, Laurena plays a key role in shaping & nurturing our clinic’s culture, ensuring it reflects our values and supports our strategic goals. She takes pride in recruiting and hiring the best talent in the industry to ensure we deliver on our mission to improve lives.
- Over 20 years of experience in agricultural-based product marketing, communications, market research, strategic planning, and management of people and processes in organizations.
- Completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Marketing and International Business.
More about Laurena
- She enjoys spending time at the lake with her husband, two children and their dog, Charlie.