Libby:

I was privileged to grow up in both Calgary and rural Alberta, on a farm just outside of Carstairs. Years of exposure to everything domesticated (some not so much!!!) made Veterinary College an ideal next step. Graduating in 1990 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (with Distinction), the many years since have provided me with the opportunity to practice extensively in both rural and urban settings all over the Alberta. We regularly get out hiking, skiing, camping and canoeing. I sometimes find time for our garden and women’s soccer. My husband Glenn, daughter Brie and I are fortunate to be part of this wonderful and dynamic community, and to live and work in Cochrane.

Tracie:

I grew up in a rural area of Saskatchewan as one of a triplet. My family had a small hobby farm and I grew up around horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and various other animals. I really enjoyed riding and was active in my local 4-H club. After graduating high school, I moved to Saskatoon to attend the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated in 2005 and moved to Cochrane to be closer to the mountains and a much better climate. My husband Brad and I had our first baby, a daughter named Hayley, on February 10, 2012. We also have 2 fur-babies, a cat named Bree and a chocolate lab named Peyton. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping and yoga.

Val:

I grew up Yorkton, Saskatchewan on a Dairy and grain farm . I was the youngest in a large family. My interests were always in animals. I spent a lot of my time in 4-H (training, showing and judging of cattle and horses). I also enjoy crafts, sewing and motorcycles. In my teenage years, I volunteered for the local humane society. I developed a keen interest in ferrets, as they were a very popular pet at the time and started a rehabilitation program to tame some of them. My post secondary education as a Registered Animal Health Technician was done through Olds College and SAIT in Calgary. From there I continued on to Saskatoon to the University of Saskatchewan to finish my training. After graduating from College, I tried a variety of different avenues in my industry . I started in feedlots, and mixed animal practice, then continued onto small animal practice, emergency medicine, and specialty surgery. Recently, my goals changed and I decided Cochrane was a nice place to relocate. I have two dogs Piper and Josie and am spending more time on my hobbies. I love to travel, walking in the mountains and show a special interest in grooming, wildlife, zoo animals, and overall animal behavior.  I have a new son, "Dalton", who now completes my family.

Janine:

I graduated from the Animal Health Technology Program in 1998 from Fairview College. I moved to Cochrane in the Spring of 1998 for my practicum, and fell in love with both the town of Cochrane and my husband Shaun. I worked in a mixed animal practice for 4 years, and then I decided to expand my experience. In 2002 I started working at Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre. I first started in the ICU and then moved over to Internal Medicine and Ultrasound. I was one of the coordinators of WVSEC’s Canine and Feline Volunteer Blood Donor Program. In 2006 after returning from a year of maternity leave from my son Konar’s birth, I was one of Western Veterinary Cancer Centre’s medical oncology technologists at WVSC. In February of 2008 I was expecting the arrival of my 2nd child Kayleigh, so I accepted the position of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society’s Manager and set up the CAHS Internal Animal Hospital for them. When I returned back from a year maternity leave, I knew that I missed the bond that I saw with families and their pets and decided that I wanted to go back to private practice and joined the great group at Arrowhead Veterinary Centre. I love spending time with my wonderful family which also includes 2 cats (Domino & Jazz), and 2 dogs (Soda & Tess).

Julie:

My family and I emigrated from Somerset, England to Cochrane in September 2008.  We enjoy the amazing scenery and have lots of fun exploring different parts of Alberta.  On our first trip to the mountains we were all speechless, they are amazing!  We enjoy picnics and swimming in the lakes during the summer and hiking and skiing in the winter.  I have been married to my husband Bob for 18 years and we have three wonderful children Bradley (15), Liam (13) and Hannah (9).  Sparkie, our Border Collie, came over from England with us and we now have another addition to the family Sophie, a Yorkie Poodle, who is a real bundle of fun!  We also have Tropical Fish and two Green Tree Frogs.  I started working at Arrowhead in January 2011 and feel very lucky to be working in such a friendly, caring and interesting environment.  I have learnt an enormous amount, it really has been fantastic.  What a great place to work!!

Yvette:

I emigrated from the UK to Cochrane with my husband and our 2 dogs, Bruce a German Shepherd and Amy a Labrador, in January 2008. Bruce has now passed over the Rainbow Bridge but we have a new addition to our family, Axel a German Shepherd, who is training to become a Search and Rescue dog. I worked at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society for 3 years, initially as an Adoption Specialist and then the Intake & Adoption Supervisor. I decided on a career change and spent a year at an optometrist’s office, but found I missed the interaction with animals in my work life so was very fortunate to be offered a position here at Arrowhead. It’s great to be working with animals again and all the staff here are fantastic too so I couldn’t be happier! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in the beautiful mountains with my husband and dogs and keeping fit by running. I ran my first (and last!) marathon in 2011 to raise money for the Humane Society, which also meant the dogs at the Shelter got lots of exercise during my training for it!

Silvia:

I grew up in Bavaria, Germany. As long as I can remember I always wanted to be a veterinarian and being somewhat stubborn I graduated from the Veterinary Faculty in Munich in 1993. After 2 years of post graduate studies I earned my doctorate in veterinary medicine and started to work in a rural mixed animal practice in Bavaria. Having fallen in love with Alberta as an undergraduate during an internship at a veterinary clinic in Rocky Mountain House my husband Jochen, our 2 pet rabbits and I moved to Cochrane in 2001, where I continued to work in a mixed animal practice - my smallest patient was a gerbil and my largest a Shire horse! I obtained my Canadian licence and in 2005 made the switch to work in small animal medicine, first in Calgary and now finally back in Cochrane. I love being back at work where I live and enjoy working with the wonderful staff and clients at Arrowhead. 
Over the years our family has grown and though we sadly had to say good-bye to our beloved rabbits, we have added to wonderful daughters, Franziska (6) and Nicola (3.5) - all of us being proudly owned by two cats named Minou and Toulouse. When I am not busy at work or equally busy at home I like to make the most of the incredible place we live in and go hiking, canoeing and skiing. 

Kim

I live on a small farm just outside of Cochrane with my dog Lily and my cat Bobbie. Growing up around cattle, horses, cats and dogs helped spark my love of all animals. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Arrowhead team. I have always loved animals so working in the veterinary field feels like the perfect fit for me. I hope to one day continue my education as an AHT! In my spare time i enjoy being outdoors, baking, dirt biking, jewelry making and hanging out with my family. 

Chantelle

I’m currently attending Cochrane High School as a grade 12 student. I’m inspiring to become a veterinarian in equine medicine and possible be an equine surgeon. I have always loved working around animals, and especially love playing with my dog, Dolly a red heeler cross pitbull. Things that I enjoy to do when I’m not at school, work or studying for school is riding horses/jumping horses, camping in British Columbia or taking trip on my motorcycle! I love working at Arrowhead and everyone is awesome to be around, I can honestly say I love my job.