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Our Care Team

We put the patients first!

Dyan

Dyan

Clinic Manager

One of Dyan’s favorite things is interacting with people and building personal relationships. She’s also been a lifelong animal-lover. Dyan wanted a career that combined all of these things, and she found just that in veterinary medicine! She’s a proud member of the clinic’s front-desk team.

Dyan was born and raised in Hamilton, and she joined the Brant Animal Clinic family in October of 2018. She couldn’t be happier to launch her journey in pet care right here at the hospital, and she finds that no two days are ever quite the same—she’s constantly learning something new. Dyan’s favorite part of her job is getting to spoil the area’s adorable pets and meeting their loving owners every day.

Dyan lives in the country with her husband and daughter. The family shares their lives with several wonderful pets: Kitty the cat, who loves to help Dyan with the dishes by licking them clean; Rocky the Rottweiler/Husky mix whose favorite pastime is chasing rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds in the backyard; and an appropriately named potbellied pig, Diva, who lives indoors with her family but loves lounging outside in the warmer months.

Dawn

Dawn

Customer Service Representative

As a child growing up, Dawn had the best playground – her grandparents’ farm in Teulon, MB. There, she was exposed to many different animals, from cows and horses to chickens and sheep, to cats, dogs, pigs, and bunnies. Being able to experience animal care in such an up-close and personal way fostered a deep love and respect for all living beings. As Dawn puts it, she didn’t choose the veterinary field, the veterinary field chose her.

Dawn’s life didn’t follow the traditional path, but she never gave up and always pushed toward her goals. She went back to high school at the age of 34 and graduated with her diploma. From there, she received a college degree in Travel and Tourism in June of 2011. Dawn spent several years in New Brunswick, where she worked at an emergency vet hospital. In April of 2023, she was given the opportunity to join the Brant Animal Clinic team, and the rest – as they say – is history! Professionally, Dawn appreciates her team and loves interacting with the patients.

At home, Dawn is happily married. She and her wife do not currently have any pets, as they are still grieving the loss of their precious fur babies, Emerson and Mr. Mugs, both of whom crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2021. Emerson was rescued as an 8-week-old kitten and lived to be 15. He was a sassy brat but had a personality nobody could match. Mr. Mugs was a tuxedo cat who weighed 25 pounds when he was rescued. He was a chatty fellow who would purr so loud the windows shook. Both kitties were loved unconditionally and will forever be missed.

In her spare time, Dawn loves to golf and is passionate about gardening. She and her wife also enjoy spending time at their trailer in Flamborough at Cedars LGBTQ Family Park. Dawn’s life advice is simple yet profound: love every moment, learn from mistakes, and don’t forget to smile!

Julianna

Julianna

Veterinary Assistant

Julianna has a background in dog behaviour and training, and it was her experience in this field that led her to the veterinary world. When the time came for a career change, she decided to build on her skill set in the training world and learn more about the medical side of animal care—Julianna jumped headfirst into veterinary medicine by joining the Brant Animal Clinic family, and she hasn’t looked back since! 

Julianna grew up in Niagara Falls and earned her dog training credentials through the Canine Academy. She ran a doggie daycare facility alongside a friend of hers, gaining invaluable experience in the field, before deciding to move on and explore the world of veterinary care. Julianna joined the Brant Animal Clinic team in September of 2020, and was immediately blown away by the compassionate and skilled team of professionals she worked with. She couldn’t be happier with her choice!

As an Assistant, Julianna finds that one of her favourite things to do is take X-ray scans, and she loves that way that getting an internal picture can help inform treatment. Most of all, she enjoys meeting the area’s pet parents and their adorable companions on a daily basis.

When she’s not at work, Julianna likes spending time with her family and boyfriend, and she loves to dote on her own pets every chance she gets. She shares her life with Braska, a retired racing Greyhound who is an absolute goofball, as well as a pair of bonded rabbits named Theodore and Valentina.

Courtney

Courtney

Veterinary Assistant

Courtney’s journey to Brant Animal Clinic seemed destined by fate. Every day, she would drive past the clinic, hoping that one day she’d be part of the incredible team that she knew was working hard inside. On February 3rd, 2025, that dream became reality. In her role as veterinary assistant, Courtney brings warmth, positivity, and love for animals to every client and patient she meets.

Courtney’s love for animals began with Chloe, her beloved blonde Labradoodle, who was more than just a pet—she was Courtney’s best friend. Losing Chloe at 11.5 years old was heartbreaking, but it also solidified Courtney’s desire to work with animals and make a difference in their lives. From volunteering at a doggy daycare in high school to working six years at a boarding facility, and later gaining medical experience as a veterinary assistant, Courtney has dedicated her life to caring for animals in every way possible.

In the clinic, she finds joy in everything from welcoming wiggly puppies and kittens to diving into the microscopic world of cytology swabs and running lab tests. She’s passionate about ensuring every patient’s comfort, knowing that a little extra care goes a long way. 

When she’s not at work, you can find Courtney spending time with her future hubby, Mark, and her chocolate Labrador, Bailey, who can smile on command and has a deep love for frozen sardines, sprinklers, and barking at squirrels. Courtney’s other interests include photography, crafting personalized gifts, and doing her own gel manicures. 

Kira Blankestijn

Kira

Veterinary Assistant

Kira’s path to veterinary care started far from home—in the scenic Scottish Highlands, where she spent her days raising bottle-fed lambs on a sheep farm. Surrounded by rolling hills and the tiniest woolly faces, she discovered a deep and lasting passion for nurturing animals.

After settling in the area, Kira found her way to Brant Animal Clinic as a volunteer. Drawn in by the warm, welcoming environment and the joy of being surrounded by adorable pets, Kira realized she had found a true community. Joining the team as a Veterinary Assistant felt like a natural next step, allowing her to turn her passion for animals into a rewarding career.

Today, Kira is a comforting presence at the clinic, greeting every pet with gentle care, a kind voice, and a pocketful of treats. Kira’s compassion and joy shine through every moment she shares with the pets and people who walk through Brant’s doors.

Debbie

Debbie

Veterinary Technician

For Debbie, working with pets and their families is more than just a job. It’s been a lifelong calling. Between her love of medicine and passion for animals, she knew from an early age that the veterinary field would be the perfect fit for her. Anyone who has the good fortune of working with Debbie knows she was absolutely right!

At the age of 18, Debbie started out knocking on the doors of neighborhood vet clinics and asking for a job. She landed a role as a receptionist and veterinary assistant before enrolling in Seneca College to become a registered veterinary technician. Since then, Debbie has worked in emergency medicine, ICU, surgical referral, and general practice.

After several years in the industry, Deb took some time away to be with family. In early 2024, she returned to work and joined the Brant Animal Clinic family. Clinically, Debbie enjoys surgery and anesthesia, both of which require a lot of experience, understanding, and preparation. She also appreciates the variety of cases as well as the challenge and attention to detail each unique situation calls for.

Outside of work, Deb resides with her husband and daughter. Due to her husband’s allergies, the family cannot have any fur-babies of their own, but they do have a gentle and curious leopard gecko named Velcro that they adore. In addition to animals, Debbie’s other passions include travel, reading, music, and event planning. She also enjoys roller skating, paddleboarding, camping, and crafting with her family.   

Brigitte

Brigitte

Veterinary Technician

After graduating from the veterinary assistant program in 2016, Brigitte took a year off before returning to complete the vet tech program. She graduated in 2019 and became registered that same year. Brigitte worked at a few clinics in Muskoka before settling into the Hamilton area. She joined the Brant Animal Clinic team in August of 2023 and hasn’t looked back since!

Jennifer

Jenn

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

For Jenn Lopinski, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician wasn’t just about a love for animals—it was about honoring the deep bond between pets and people. Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, surrounded by pets of her own, she experienced firsthand the comfort, joy, and loyalty animals bring to our lives. Wanting to give back and make a difference, Jenn pursued a path where her natural empathy and instinctive care for animals could shine.

After graduating from Sheridan College in 2020, Jenn passed her Veterinary Technician National Exam and officially earned her RVT designation. Her early career was rich with experience—working with cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other pocket pets. She brought this wide-ranging knowledge to Brant Animal Clinic in March 2025, where she immediately felt at home with a team that shared her passion for high-quality, heartfelt care.

Jenn thrives in her multifaceted role, whether she’s prepping patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, or providing gentle care for senior pets. She finds particular fulfillment in using her technical skills—venipuncture, surgical nursing, and cytology—but also in connecting with clients, helping guide them through the joys and challenges of pet ownership, especially with aging animals who need extra love and attention.

At home, Jenn shares her life with two senior cats—Bella, her loyal shadow who still plays like a kitten, and Stella, her gentle 13-year-old companion. She cherishes memories of Tess, her beloved chocolate lab, who remains close to her heart. When she’s not at the clinic, Jenn enjoys yoga, volleyball, hiking, and getting creative—especially when carving Halloween pumpkins with artistic flair. For Jenn, being an RVT is more than a career—it’s a calling rooted in gratitude, care, and a lifelong respect for the animals who make our lives whole.

“One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.”

 – Pam Brown