Dr. Robert McLeod - D.V.M.

Co-Owner

I attended UBC and then Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1990. I moved to Creston in the spring of 1993 and have been here ever since. My particular interests are small animal surgery, orthopedics, and dairy surgery/medicine.

Besides the clinic, I have been actively involved with The College of Veterinarians of British Columbia as a council member. I am an involved community supporter, and old-time hockey player and a CASARA (Civil Air Search And Rescue Association) pilot.

I have three dogs, Kona the crazy Lab, Zeke the ball loving lab-pointer cross and Piper the bossy border collie, who all reside with me in my Lister home. Recently Ruckus, the orange stray cat, has joined the group. I have two adult daughters, Kathleen and Alexandra, who are both attending the University of Calgary.

John Wallis - B.S.F., R.P.F.

Co-Owner

I am a co-owner at Creston Veterinary Clinic, assisting with management and personnel issues for the past 16 years. Over this time I have had the privilege of working with the many dedicated staff members that have all contributed to the success of the clinic. Rob and I have been friends since high school and have worked on many projects together.

I graduated from UBC with a degree in Forestry in 1986 and continued on to work as a professional forester in both industry and as a consultant. During this time I have gained varied experience in business management.

I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and still work seasonally as a field forester. Much of my time is spent with my wife, Hilary, and our “sled” dog, Cara. My three daughters are now independent, two in university and one graduated and engaged. We have been a family of many pets over the decades, ranging from dogs and horses to budgies and hedgehogs. Having spent some time at Veterinary Clinics as a client, with a background in business, I bring a different perspective to clinic management.

Dr. Julie Galius, D.V.M.

Veterinarian

I spent my early years on Vancouver Island and moved to the Creston Valley in 1999, where my siblings and I grew up on a small mixed organic farm in Canyon. The farm was also home to a variety pack of farm animals (horses, cattle, chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, and the occasional pet bird and rodent). When not in school, I rode Norwegian Fjord ponies and played piano and alto recorder.

I studied Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan prior to being accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, SK). During my time at the WCVM, I remained focused on rural mixed practice, with the goal of returning to BC. I’m excited to be back in the Creston Valley, where I can work in mixed practice and enjoy the culture and beauty of the Kootenays in my spare time.

Tara Halonen, R.A.H.T.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Since a young age I have always had a love for animals, and they have been a big part of my life. In my last year of high school, I volunteered at Creston Veterinary Hospital (CVH), under the supervision of Dr. Robert McLeod. Since that time I have received a diploma as an Animal Health Technician from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, and have become a Registered Tech. During my schooling, I worked at CVH with the support from Dr. Rob and my amazing co-workers. This gave me the experience I needed to graduate. I enjoy the fact that CVH is a mixed practice, because our patients that come in during the day may be small or large, and as a result my years in practice have never been boring.

Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising and camping with family and friends. My husband and son share our house with my best buddies, Punky (Chihuahua cross), Percy (the cat) and Lady Bug (border collie, lab cross.)

Carrie E. Woodall, R.V.T.

Practice Manager

I was born in Williams Lake BC, but grew up in this beautiful community we call Creston. Animals have always been a large part of my life whether it’s working with them or enjoying their company. My elementary and high school years included 9 years of dairy 4-H, 2 years of horse 4-H, figure skating and being a part of the girls’ soccer team.

After graduating from high school, I continued to fulfill my passion for animals by enrolling in an animal health technology program. I was fortunate enough to be hired by Dr. Robert McLeod in 2010 which allowed me to work with the most amazing and helpful people while completing my diploma. In June 2015, I graduated from the Olds College Animal Health Technology program. Without the amazing co-workers, family, and friends in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I thoroughly enjoy helping the clients and patients in our area; I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. My outdoor activities include hiking with my Australian Shepherd, Gypsy, and participating in equine activities such as reining and roping.

Rochelle Christensen, R.V.T.

RVT, Marketing & Recruiting

Rochelle always knew she would pursue a career working with animals. She grew up in Canmore, AB, where wildlife sightings are commonplace. Driven by her curiosity and inclination to nurture, she became infatuated with the creatures she encountered and made numerous attempts to connect with them on some level. Naturally, she was an enthusiastic science student, excelling at Biology, which she later studied at Capilano University in Vancouver. It was during this time that she had the fortunate opportunity to volunteer with both the Bamfield Marine Science Centre and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Association.

Rochelle began working at the Creston Veterinary Hospital in the summer of 2014 as a Veterinary Assistant, returning to school in the fall to complete her final year of Animal Health studies at Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB. Upon graduation, she gained valuable work experience at a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice in the Okanagan, achieved her R.V.T. designation after successfully writing a national licensing exam in July of 2015, and has since returned to work for Dr. McLeod full-time.

Since her arrival, Rochelle has taken on many roles. From student to Veterinary Technician to Hospital Director, she now spearheads our marketing and recruiting endeavours. This new opportunity provides a welcome change from her technical skill set, allowing her to creatively bridge the gap between our veterinary services and our communities needs.

Outside of work, Rochelle volunteers her time with Love 2 Play Dog Training in Nelson, BC and enjoys galavanting outside with her boyfriend, Jeremy, and her two beautiful rescue pups; Daisy, a spicy 6 year old Collie/Shepherd mix and Jo-Jo, a sassy 11 year-old sled dog who is thoroughly enjoying her retirement. Together they enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, 4×4‘ing, and snowboarding throughout the Kootenays!

Kate Hadikin

Receptionist

I was born and raised in Creston and this is where my husband, Sean and I raised our three children. We have always had animals and they have been a big part of our family. I have been working at Creston Veterinary Hospital since Dec. 1st, 2011. Working here has been a very positive experience. I love coming to work, not just because of the animals but also because of the staff I work with. They all love their jobs and give their best every day to help those in need. This is the ideal job for me and I am grateful and happy to be part of the team to help make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Trish Woodall

Receptionist

My love for animals and being able to meet new people is what attracted me to this position. I work with a great team of people who are quick to teach all that I need to know.

My husband and I came to the Creston Valley in 1991, where we’ve raised our 4 daughters on our 10-acre orchard. We always had some kind of animal, ranging from cats and dogs, to hamsters, rabbits and chickens. The Fall Fair was a familiar place for us in those days.

We now live in Lister, enjoying time spent with family and friends, our dog Bear, haying on the side, pack trips in the mountains, and team roping with our friends.

Jagan Kenny

Veterinary Assistant, Call Center Attendant, Receptionist

Since I was young, I have always had an interest in, and love for, animals. When I was in high school, I started on as a work experience student at the Creston Veterinary Hospital and ended up working here for several years.

I am so happy to be back at Creston Veterinary Hospital with such a great, hard-working group of co-workers. I am happy to be dealing with animals of all shapes and sizes. I currently have a wonderful dog named Rex, who is a valued addition to my family.

Tessa Lillian Mae Chambers

Veterinary Assistant

I was born in Creston, B.C on July 6th 1995. I have a large family consisting of my Mom, Dad, Step dad, Step mom, 2 stepbrothers, 2 stepsisters, 2 half-brothers and a half-sister. We are what I call a very loving blended family. Ever since I can remember I have loved horses. When I was 13 my mom and step dad Mike bought me a horse. Her name is Izzy, I spend most of my free time riding and training my horse. I like swimming, long walks and hanging out with my friends. I also enjoy the outdoors. I am fortunate to work at Creston Veterinary Hospital because I LOVE animals. Every day I learn something new at my job and being there to help assist the veterinarians is exciting and rewarding. This is a great job and I can see myself working there for a very long time. I am not sure what my future holds. However I would not rule out taking courses to learn things that will give me more skills to offer my employer. I love being a part of the team.

Laura Huscrofft

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Amanda Brookwell

Veterinary Assistant

I have lived in Creston all my life and graduated from Prince Charles Secondary School in January of 2014. I have always had a love for animals and I really enjoy learning new things. In April 2014, I went to Bassano, Alberta to work at a horse breeding facility where they only did A.I. It was an amazing learning experience! I plan to take the Animal Health Technician program through TRU in January of 2018 as I am really excited to further my education in the Veterinary field.

When I am not working, I spend my time riding my horses. During the summer, I barrel race in Alberta and in the US. I also enjoy hiking with my Jack Russell, Cajun, along with hunting, hiking, dirt biking, snowmobiling, and snowboarding.

Megan Holland

Call Centre Attendant, Receptionist

Megan is one of the first team members you will speak with when you call the Creston Veterinary Hospital. A long-time Alto in the Blossom Valley Singers, Meg’s other hobbies include creating jewelry to sell at the local farmer’s market, and learning to play the ukulele. She met her husband while teaching English in South Korea, and the two have been travelling the world since. While living in Australia, Meg had a chance to help in an animal sanctuary in Tasmania, helping to rehabilitate and release injured wildlife.

Having been raised in Creston, Megan was keen to return to this beautiful valley. Her family has always taken in creatures in need, and while working at the veterinary hospital she fell in love with (and adopted) Cricket, the 3-legged, half-tail cat. She looks forward to helping you with your animal friends.