'The strength of the team is in each individual member…the strength of each member is in the team.' Phil Jackson
MEET THE TEAM
OUR VETERINARIANS
Dr. Alyssa Libstug
Born and raised in Montreal, Dr. Alyssa graduated from McMaster University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science. After working in International Health she went back to the University of Toronto and graduated with a Masters degree in Health Science. After working for ten years in public health (with humans), she realized that her passion was in animal health care. Back to school she went (again) and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2002. Dr. Alyssa knew that she would ultimately want to open her own practice to focus on providing quality care in a compassionate environment; Copetown Animal Hospital was born in 2010. Senior pet care, keeping our palliative pets comfortable and dermatology are Dr. Alyssa's passions.
Dr. Alyssa has her dog Bella and 3 rescue cats Astrid, Clarey and (Fat) Steve.
When not at work, Dr. Alyssa can be found chumming around with her kid Arin, sailing with her partner Carol, riding her beloved bicycle, chasing after her dog or reading with her cats.
Dr. Alyssa has her dog Bella and 3 rescue cats Astrid, Clarey and (Fat) Steve.
When not at work, Dr. Alyssa can be found chumming around with her kid Arin, sailing with her partner Carol, riding her beloved bicycle, chasing after her dog or reading with her cats.
Dr. Danielle Sample
Dr. Danielle performing spinal manipulation therapy on sweet Georgia!
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Dr Danielle graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2011. For six years Dr. Danielle practiced at a companion animal/equine practice near Hamilton. She spent an additional four years working at a busy companion animal clinic in Cambridge.
Dr. Danielle is very excited to join our team as of July 2021! Her interests include preventive healthcare, internal medicine, senior pet care, rehabilitation and palliative care. Dr. Danielle enjoys building relationships with clients and is committed to working with pet owners to provide the best care possible for their furry family members. In addition to veterinary medicine Dr. Danielle is also certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy. (for more information about SMT see our 'services' page.) She enjoys combining Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy with traditional veterinary care to help her patients live long healthy lives. Dr. Danielle lives in Cambridge with her husband and daughter, along with their two cats Caesar and Kali, their goofy bernese mountain dog Heidi and, her newest addition, a corgi named Frannie. In her spare time Dr. Danielle enjoys riding her young horse, gardening and spending quality time with her family. |
Dr. Melissa Anderson
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Dr. Melissa Anderson graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2017. She worked for several years at a small animal practice in Ancaster after graduation, and most recently worked at a practice in Burlington before joining the team at Copetown Animal Hospital in the spring of 2023. Dr. Melissa’s professional interests include preventative medicine, dermatology and dentistry. She also has a special interest in pocket pet medicine, particularly working with rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters etc.
Dr. Melissa offers both medical consultations as well as surgical services to these pocket pets, including spays and neuters, mass removals and molar trimming under general anesthesia. Outside of work, Dr. Melissa is very active and can often be found at her local gym. She loves traveling and to date has traveled to fifteen countries. She resides in Hamilton with her partner Josh and two dogs, Carlos and Schnitzel. |
 Dr. Shaela Hurley
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Dr. Shaela graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2025 and also holds a BSc in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph. Having spent summers at CAH as a veterinary student, she was thrilled to join the team in July of 2025 as a doctor after graduation! The team is thrilled to have her back because she already feels like CAH family!
Dr. Shaela is passionate about helping pets live their best lives, with special interests in internal medicine, pain management, palliative care, and small mammal medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, reading, pottery, and spending time with friends & family. Dr. Shaela lives in Guelph with her partner and their two beloved bunnies, Sky and Topaz. |
Dr Alyssa, Dr Melissa and Dr. Danielle (with Bella and Frannie) Dr Kristen was unfortunately absent on picture day!
OUR TECHNICIANS
Missy RVT
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Missy is from Kapuskasing, ON and graduated from Georgian College in 2012. Missy chose CAH as her final externship. After having her around for a while we decided CAH couldn't get anything done without her Type "A" personality.
Fun fact about our Missy... French is her first language and she likes to reminds us how to pronounce "poutine" properly. Next time you're in make sure to say "Bonjour" ! Missy's special areas of interest are small animal nutrition, dentistry (she says to "BROSSE LES DENTS"), anesthesia and dermatology. Missy and her husband Geoff share their home with their adorable son Eli! When Missy is not bustling around the clinic you'll likely find her on her paddleboard in the summer or making snow angels in the winter! |
Jamie Veterinary Technician,
VCC
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Jamie has over 20 years experience working as a technician in a veterinary hospital and joined the CAH team in 2010 while she was attending Mohawk college and McMaster University to become a Rehabilitation Therapist.
After many years working with both animals and humans she made the decision to focus solely on fur babies. Jamie has an interest in pain management, behaviour intervention and rehabilitation. Jamie has obtained her certification for Veterinary Cannabis Counselling (VCC) and is a member of the Canadian Association of the Veterinary Cannabinoid medicine. (Home | Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine (cavcm.com). Jamie also runs the co-op department at CAH and assists students who are interested in pursuing a career in animal medicine. |
Danielle RVT
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Danielle graduated as an RVT from Ridgetown in 2015. Danielle had so much fun here after doing her co-op with us in 2013 that she decided to join us permanently in 2018.
Danielle loves her job and is a well rounded RVT excelling in all areas of the clinic but has really found her 'niche' in dental care, anesthesia and surgery. She enjoys learning about the constant changes in veterinary medicine and takes pride in implementing them into our practice. Danielle is instrumental in keeping our patient care up to date and of the highest quality! Danielle and her husband Scott currently have two rescue kitties at home "Bentley" and "Marshall". She also has a Beauceron named Sully who couldn't be a more perfectly matched breed for this active couples' life style. When not working hard, Danielle plays hard! Danielle and Scott enjoying dirt biking, snow boarding, water skiing, roller blading, hiking and camping! Danielle (and Sully!) are members of a canicross group called Steeltown Canicross, ask her how you can get involved with your dog! |
VT Jaimee Vanderkruk
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Jaimee first joined our team in October 2021 as our very first Veterinary Assistant—a role she helped shape from the ground up. From the beginning, she quickly became an indispensable part of the clinic, seamlessly supporting every area with her adaptability and highly efficient work ethic.
Her passion for patient care and deep respect for the work of our veterinary technicians inspired her to take the next step in her career. Jaimee was accepted into the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca Polytechnic and graduated in 2025. As soon as we had the opportunity, we welcomed her back—this time as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Jaimee brings not only skill and knowledge but also the heart and dedication that elevate the entire team. The clinic is simply better when she’s here. |
Deb Veterinary Technician
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Deb grew up in Brazil where she studied veterinary medicine. She has lived in Canada since 2019 and joined the CAH team in 2023.
This talented technician has a special interest in pocket pets, and is passionate about anesthesia. We have come to appreciate Deb's calm, level headedness and quiet sense of humour! Deb LOVES basset hounds, and will not let one come her way without stopping for some good scratches! She shares her home with her husband Brad, her daughter Thais, and her black cat Spirit. Deb loves visiting new places, hanging out with friends and playing board games. 
Deb with her kitty Spirit!
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Jocelyn RVT
Since joining our team in 2024, Jocelyn (an RVT graduate of Ridgetown 2016) has become an indispensable member of our clinic. Her deep passion for pet nutrition has made her our go-to expert for all dietary inquiries. Whether it's formulating personalized meal plans, addressing food sensitivities, or guiding clients through weight management strategies, Jocelyn approaches each case with dedication and compassion.
Beyond her nutritional expertise, Jocelyn excels in all areas of the clinic, demonstrating versatility and a strong commitment to comprehensive animal care. Her collaborative spirit and proactive approach ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care.
At home, Jocelyn shares her life with Mystique, a gentle Ragdoll cat, and Una, an affectionate mixed-breed dog. Together, they embody the love and care she extends to all animals. Additionally, she has a quirky horse named Vaudeville, whose playful personality adds a touch of whimsy to her life.
Beyond her nutritional expertise, Jocelyn excels in all areas of the clinic, demonstrating versatility and a strong commitment to comprehensive animal care. Her collaborative spirit and proactive approach ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care.
At home, Jocelyn shares her life with Mystique, a gentle Ragdoll cat, and Una, an affectionate mixed-breed dog. Together, they embody the love and care she extends to all animals. Additionally, she has a quirky horse named Vaudeville, whose playful personality adds a touch of whimsy to her life.
Veterinary Assistants
Keisha VA
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Meet veterinary technician assistant Keisha!
Keisha joined us in the summer of 2023 after completing her undergrad in Animal Biology and a masters in Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph. Keisha grew up in the Flamborough area and is passionate about animal welfare. Keisha has experience volunteering and working in the Equine Veterinary field as well as the small animal Veterinary field. Keisha has volunteered her time with the National Service Dogs based in Cambridge Ontario as a puppy raiser and foster mom. Keisha lives with her family in the Greensville area which includes a dog; "Mya" and cat; "Rajah" and spends much of her time at the stable training ponies! Keisha has become a valuable member of our team as she has been cross trained to help in all areas of the clinic! Combine her talents with her delightful positive attitude and you can see why she is a staff favourite! |
Client Care
Sandra Reception
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With over 25 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism to her role as a veterinary receptionist. She’s often the first friendly face clients see when they walk through the door, and her calm, caring nature helps put both owners and their pets at ease.
Sandra’s love for animals doesn’t stop at work—she shares her home with a lively crew of pets, including her beloved dog Bonnie, a cheeky green cheek conure, a budgie, and two playful chinchillas. Her experience as both a pet owner and industry professional gives her a unique understanding of the needs and concerns of clients, and she’s always happy to lend a listening ear or helping hand. Sandra is passionate about providing excellent customer service and ensuring every pet and person who visits the clinic feels welcomed and well cared for. |
Kristy Manager
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Kristy has been with CAH since it first opened in December of 2010. Kristy is one busy lady with 4 children, 6 grandchildren and has had many rescue dogs over the years. (Current photo is with her 'heart dog Lizzie!)
Kristy worked with Dr. Alyssa at previous clinics and when she heard that Dr. Alyssa was opening up her own clinic she begged to join her team feeling that Dr. A was always the vet who cared the most! Kristy takes great pride in providing excellent customer service to all pet parents and will quite often be found reassuring a patient in the clinic that they are in good hands! Kristy is the glue that keeps CAH together. She does it all, from coaching new pet owners, maintaining our website and Facebook page, to organizing staff team building activities and outings. The staff at CAH would be lost without her mad skills for naturally maintaining staff sanity during the busy season! |
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Ziggy Bean (Tom's little brother!)
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