staff

Dr. Derek Fingler - a 2000 Ontario Veterinary College graduate, practiced as an associate veterinarian in the Ottawa region before founding GVC in September 2003. In his “previous life” he obtained a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada and served as an Engineering Officer and Project Manager in the Navy. He lives in the Winchester area with his wife, their four children, a cat named Zazou, and their two dogs, Grace and Kia.

Dr. Tracy Godfrey - is a graduate from the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Godfrey initially planned to practice large animal medicine but quickly developed a fondness for our small animal companions and their health. Prior to obtaining her DVM, Dr. Godfrey completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph. Dr. Godfrey practiced in the Smiths Falls area before joining GVC. She currently resides south of Ottawa with her 3 dogs, one cat, and six horses. Having personally experienced the frustrations of owning a dog with environmental allergies, Dr. Godfrey holds a strong interest in dermatology. Other interests in veterinary medicine include soft tissue surgery and endocrine diseases though she continues to realize that her interests are frequently changing and expanding. Out of work activities for Dr. Godfrey include dog agility, camping, hiking, and horseback riding, in particular competitive trail riding and endurance.

Amanda Desrosiers (Office Manager) - is a Registered Veterinary Technologist graduate from St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Amanda has always held a deep love for animals that was likely nurtured from continuous exposure to pets because of a hobby that her mother pursued. Amanda’s interest and compassion for animals ultimately blossomed into a very suiting career choice. Amanda shares her home with her husband, Yvan, and (true to her passion) three dogs (BearBear, Brody and Bogart), 4 cats (Goliath, Modric, Gweedo and Willywonka), and a 30 gallon fish tank.

Kim Scharfe (Client Service Manager) - Kim has been working in the veterinary field for the last 10 years and her interest in animals goes back even farther. She has a special interest in behavior, usually practicing what she has learned on her own pets. Kim lives with her husband Kevin and their sons. In their home, the dogs, cat and cockatiel greatly outnumber the people.

Lindsay Hunter (Registered Veterinary Technician) - is a graduate of the Veterinary Technology program at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus in Southwestern Ontario. She completed a degree in Biological Science, also from the University of Guelph. Her love of animals has always driven her career pursuits, and also her personal activities. She and her husband Darren share their home with 3 cats (Murray, Kit and Striker) and their dogs (Timber and Maple).

Alison Fry (Registered Veterinary Technician) - Graduated in 2003 from the Veterinary Technology program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Growing up, she cared for a house full of different pets and her love of animals made working in the veterinary field a natural career choice. Alison lives in Ottawa with her dog Mandy and her three cats Im, Squishy and Crank.

Rachel Bourgon (Registered Veterinary Technologist) - Rachel is a Registered Veterinary Technologist who graduated from St. Lawrence College in the Class of 1998. She has 15 years of experience in mixed animal medicine with a special interest in canine and feline behaviour and dentistry. Rachel enjoys spending quality time with her husband Shane, her 3 cats Saga, Beaner and Copper and 2 dogs, Spencer and Moose. She is an award winning oil painter and an avid gardener. With some of her spare time she enjoys working at a doggy daycare facility in Long Sault.

Arielle Weir (Receptionist/Technician Assistant) - lives with her four cats, Bella, Luka, Missy and Munchkin. Since getting her first cat at the age of 5 she has wanted to become a Veterinarian. Arielle is currently studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa in and once finished she plans to attend Vet School.

Kori Allard (Receptionist/Technician Assistant) - Kori has been working in the pet industry for the past 8 years, but his love for animals started at a very young age. His parents bred Labrador retrievers, and as a child he was always found visiting the neighbouring farms. Kori lives with his partner and their furry family of 3 dogs and 2 cats.

Chantal Benoit (Receptionist/Technician Assistant) - Graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program at Algonquin College in January 2011. Chantal has had a passion for animals ever since she can remember. Growing up, she would spend her allowance money to buy pet food for the strays in the neighbourhood. She would also sneak animals into the house to give them baths. Chantal lives with her three cats (Min-Min, Tiger and Simon) and her two dogs (Cyrus and Ozzy).