Pembina Veterinary Hospital Staff
Veterinarians
Dr. Lianne Hawkes graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005 and started working at the Pembina Veterinary Hospital in 2006. She completed a course to become a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2014 through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She is also a member of the College of Animal Chiropractor Society after completing her certification in 2017. In addition, Dr. Hawkes is also trained in endoscopy. She shares her home with her husband, two children, and their dog Fozzie.
Dr. Erika Anseeuw graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1997. She moved to Manitoba after graduation specifically for the outdoor opportunities as she is an avid outdoors person. We were very excited when she joined our team at Pembina Veterinary Hospital in the spring of 2018. Dr. Anseeuw has a keen interest in small animal surgery, reproduction and behaviour. She gained extensive experience in many types of surgery due to working for the Winnipeg Humane Society for many years. In her spare time, she likes crafting, fishing and picking mushrooms in the woods. She lives with her teenage son and her two dogs, Cedar & Gunny, and her cat named Piplip.
Dr. Melissa Cavanagh completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree at the University of Manitoba before attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. She joined the team at Pembina Veterinary Hospital in 2021.
She is passionate about the human-animal bond and the important role pets play in their humans’ lives. Dr. Cavanagh is Fear Free Certified.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, crafting, and travel. She lives with her partner Spencer, their cats Clementine and Yoshi, and dogs Maggie and Whiskey.
Veterinary Technologists
Kyra
Kyra started at PVH as a Vet Assistant in the summer of 2020. She then graduated from RRC's Veterinary Technology program in 2021 and became an RVT! Because of her tremendous love of animals, Kyra always knew she wanted to work with them in a professional capacity - she loves being around them and getting to make a difference in their lives! Outside of work, Kyra enjoys baking (especially cupcakes!), the outdoors, and spending time with her dog Charlie!
Montana
Montana graduated from Red River College in 2016 and joined PVH's team of RVTs this past April. She has experience working all over Manitoba and even did a year of emergency veterinary medicine in BC! After working at a small-town clinic for the last few years, she is happy to be back in daytime emergency care. Her favourite part of the job is providing one-on-one nursing care to each patient. When not at work, Montana can be found relaxing at home with her husband and 2 dogs, Hermes (duck toller) and Iris (black lab). She can also be found cheering on her billet son and his team - the Steinbach Pistons - at all their home games!
Abigail
Although Abby is a new member of our team here at PVH, she is no stranger to veterinary medicine! Abby has been a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) for 12 years. She has a particular passion for nutrition and is currently working towards making it her Vet Tech Speciality. Abby is more than happy to answer any nutrition-related questions that come her way, so feel free to have a chat with her next time you and your pet are at the clinic! Outside of work, Abby is an avid reader and loves spending time with her husband and daughter.
Animal Care / Veterinary Assistants
Brooke
Brooke Bell joined the Pembina team shortly after graduating from the University of Winnipeg with her Science degree in Bioanthropology. She has always been passionate about animals and has two cat children of her own, Penelope and Felix. She is an avid outdoorswoman, and she feels most at home when surrounded by nature, regardless of the season! When she’s not at work, Brooke enjoys reading, watching movies and exploring new places.
Jorge
Jorge joined us at PVH as a veterinary assistant in November of 2022. Originally from Chile, Jorge studied veterinary medicine prior to moving to Canada. He has plans to become licensed here in Canada so that he is able to continue his work as a veterinarian in the future! In his free time, Jorge enjoys reading books and comics, juggling, and spending time with his wife by watching TV and going on hikes. The adorable little girl pictured with Jorge is Perla - she had to stay in Chile with Jorge's family as she was too elderly to travel, but she is living her best! Perla loves going on vacations with her grandparents, as well as simply napping and eating at home.
Alan
Alan joined our team of Vet Assistants in May of 2022. He works dually at PVH and our sister clinic Winnipeg Animal Emergency Hospital, so he has seen his fair share of interesting veterinary cases! This is Alan's first job in veterinary medicine - after the passing of his cat, he decided to get into the field in honour of her (and we think that's beautiful!). Alan currently has 2 cats named Butters and Sapphire. Outside of work, you can find him painting his nails or playing video games!
Receptionists
Kyla
Kyla joined PVH in April of 2021 as an addition to our team of receptionists. Her passion and interest in animals started at a young age and lead her down a career path involving animals. Kyla hopes to pursue becoming a veterinarian in the years to come. When Kyla isn't at work, she is either at home bonding with her cat Hekate and her two degus Persephone & Iris or you can find her spending time outdoors with her friends and family!
Managers
Kim started at our hospital back in 1982 as a kennel assistant and within a few years, she was working in the office doing the bookkeeping. She lives with her husband Tim and their 3 cats Charm, Karma, and Sherlock. Kim also owns a farm property where she spends most weekends. They have serveral horses, a couple of mini pigs and a variety of other critters. She is also on the board of a trail riding organization in Alberta, with whom she has been doing week-long trails for over 30 years! Additionally Kim enjoys camping, country music, and kayaking.
Richelle started at the Pembina Veterinary Hospital in 2004 after graduating from Red River College Animal Health Technology in 2000. She has the HR Management certificate from Red River College and completed her Primary Care Paramedic course in 2006. She has a full house with her husband and four children, their dog Crusher and their cat Blaze. Richelle likes spending time with her family and friends, golfing and at the lake.
Lil’ Bit is the newest member of the Pembina Veterinary Hospital family as of 2017. She was brought in as a stray but quickly won everyone over with her sweet personality and was put into our adoption program. Once again, her personality showed everyone how she could easily fit into our clinic and she joined Mandy as the resident trouble makers.
Assistant Managers
Claire (Bio coming soon)