Meet Our Veterinary Team

Michelle was born and raised in Manitoba but moved away soon after high school. Life’s adventures took her all over Canada, from Ontario to BC working in different areas of the horse industry, on feedlots, and at ranches along the way. Through these adventures, Michelle was able to merge two of her passions, horses, and cattle. She found she loved learning about the management of animal diseases, animal production, and animal husbandry. In her mid-twenties, she decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian because she realized it would allow her to combine her passions and to be able to play an important role in the equine and agricultural industries. Michelle shares her passions with her partner, Lawrence Gareau, who trains ranch and cow-horses year-round and rides at a community pasture in the summers. After getting accepted into vet school, she focused her education on large animal medicine but found enjoyment in learning about companion animal medicine as well. Michelle decided a career as a mixed animal veterinarian would give her the best of all worlds, and was ecstatic to be hired at the South West Animal Health Centre. She hopes to focus her days as a veterinarian mostly on equine and bovine medicine but is excited to spend a couple of days a week at the Associate Pet Hospital as well. In her spare time, you will find her riding her horses, out running, or relaxing at home. Michelle and Lawrence are excited about moving to Swift Current and settling into the South West Saskatchewan community.

Mel grew up on a dairy farm in Manitoba where she spent her youth milking cows, baling hay and chopping corn. It was here that her love for agriculture and cows began. After completing a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba she was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, SK. Mel was fortunate enough to work on honey bee research during one of her summers at the college as well as attend the Summer Dairy Institute at Cornell to build her dairy expertise. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the summer of 2023 and joined the team at the South West Animal Health Center and the Associate Pet Hospital. Mel is excited to work with producers and all types of animals. Outside of Veterinary Medicine, Mel enjoys hiking, travelling, dinner parties and going home to help out on the far for old times sake!

Reception/Inventory

Leanne started work with us in the early spring of 2002 at the Animal Health Centre. She works at the front desk answering the phones, booking appointments, ordering merchandise, and generally keeping things flowing. If you are needing any ordering done, she is the one to talk to.

Veterinary Assistant

Kim is our seasonal help here at the SW Animal Health Centre. She fulfills the role of Veterinary Assistant. You will find her in the barn helping move cattle into the clinic, helping keep the mess under control, and answering those phones! When she is not here you can find her on her farm at Kyle where she tends to her herd of Hereford cattle and family. We always appreciate everything she does for us here but she makes it better with that awesome smile on her face!