Meet Our Veterinary Team

Leighton Coma

Veterinarian|Owner

Leighton graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Leighton received advanced dairy training from Cornell University in 2012 and was awarded the Young Veterinarian of the Year by the ABVMA in 2012.

Leighton comes from a ranch family in Thorhild, AB. His special interests include production medicine and surgery. In his spare time, Leighton spends as much time with his family and volunteering in the community, including Boyscouts and his church group.

Dr. Jessica Adam

Veterinarian

Dr. Jessica A. grew up living the small-town life. Her passion for animals started young with her family pets. She graduated from St. George’s University in Grenada in 2023 and completed her clinical year training in Ireland. Jessica started at Central Veterinary Clinic in June 2024.

She has a special interest in Dermatology and Internal Medicine and is excited about growing her knowledge. She is Fear Free Certified and is excellent at working with nervous animals.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Fawn, camping, hiking, and reading.

Dr. Jessica Sun

Veterinarian

Jessica was born in Windsor, Ontario, and later lived in Michigan and Alabama before moving to Beijing and Hebei, where she spent 10 years. She eventually moved to Guelph, Ontario, to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Jessica earned her B.Sc. in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph in 2020 and completed her D.V.M. degree at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2024.

Central Veterinary Clinic is Jessica’s first practice, and she is excited to expand her knowledge and grow as a veterinarian. She has a cat named Marbles with her and a dog named Murphy back home.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys exploring nature, participating in water and adrenaline-pumping activities, engaging in sports, and spending time crafting.

Dr. Madi Moore

Veterinarian

Dr. Madi grew up in Georgetown, Ontario, and developed a deep love for animals from an early age. After completing a B.SC in Health Science at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Madi moved to Guelph to attend the Ontario Veterinary College, where she graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2024.

Since completing her veterinary degree, Madi has made the move from Ontario to just outside of Ponoka, where she is excited to embark on her career as a mixed animal practitioner. She enjoys working with a variety of animals, from household pets to large farm animals, and is dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality care to all her patients.

Outside of work, Madi loves spending time outdoors, enjoying hiking and exploring the natural beauty of her new home in Alberta. She also has a creative side and enjoys crocheting and other crafts in her spare time.

Madi is thrilled to be part of the Ponoka community and looks forward to building lasting relationships with both her animal patients and their owners.

Trevor Hook

Veterinarian|Owner

Trevor started at CVC in May 2011. He took his undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta and graduated with honours in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan. Trevor received the ABVMA Young Veterinarian of the Year award in 2015 and selected for the CVMA Emerging Leaders Program in 2018.

Trevor has special interest in equine performance horse medicine, orthopedic surgery and dairy herd management. Trevor is proud to serve the community of Ponoka and has served in the past on the Ponoka Fire Department and Ponoka Ag Society. At home Trevor and his wife Deserae have a 3 children and a number of pets including 2 horses (Tater and Troy), a mini Australian shepherd (Tux), a cat (Pumpkin), and some fish. In his spare time enjoys spending time in the outdoors, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, adventure racing, and really playing any sport, especially hockey.

Dr. Dylan McGarel

Veterinarian

Dylan is a passionate mixed animal veterinarian with a background rooted in hands-on farm life. Raised on a beef and sheep farm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, he developed an early affinity for livestock care, which ultimately shaped his career path. Dylan professional interests include small ruminants, beef reproduction, and dairy herd health management, as well as small animal orthopedic surgery. After graduating with honours with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) in January 2023, Dylan successfully passed the Clinical Proficiency Exam at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2024, leaving him fully licensed and able to head out of clinic to servers are clientele Prior to relocating to Canada, Dylan gained valuable experience working as a large animal veterinarian in Ireland for six months. Their professional background is complemented by personal passions for kayaking, hiking, and farming, embodying a deep connection to both animal care and the outdoors.

Dr. Cathy Nef

Veterinarian

Cathy grew up on a cattle and grain farm just north of Ponoka. She graduated with a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan in 2009 and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Cathy spent 3 years working in a mixed practice in southern Alberta and then worked in small animal practice in Ontario for 4 years.

She lives just outside of town with her husband and two children, as well as a herd of horses, a dog, and several cats. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and horses as well as work in the garden.

Dr. Brendan Farrelly

Veterinarian

Born in Ireland, Brendan graduated from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland in 2023.

He graduated with a BSc in Zoology from University College Dublin, Ireland in 2015 and has also completed a Masters in Conservation and Biodiversity Management in Trinity College Dublin.

Central Veterinary Clinic is Brendan’s First Practice and he is looking forward to growing and developing as a veterinarian.

Special interests include small animal medicine and surgery. Outside of work, Brendan’s interests include science, nature, and reading a good book.

Dr. Ray Juang

Veterinarian

Ray was born in Taiwan and completed his DVM degree at National Taiwan University in 2018. He moved to Canada with his wife in 2019 and has been living in Alberta since then.

Ray has a special interest in small animal surgery, traditional Chinese vet medicine, and rehabilitation. He is now working on getting his certification of veterinary acupuncturist and looks forward to providing different treatment options for his patients.

In his free time, Ray enjoys walking his dogs and taking care of the horses. He also enjoys making meals for his family.

Navada

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Navada joined CVC on September 12, 2016. She obtained a diploma in Animal Health Technology from Lakeland College in Vermillion and did her practicum placement here with us. She grew up outside of Donalda Alberta were her family raised sport horses and spent most summers rodeoing. She currently resides in Ponoka.

Navada enjoys working with all species, but has a special interest in performance horses and cattle.

Outside of work, Navada likes to spend time outdoors. hiking, spending time with friends and family, and travelling which leads her often to the States. She has a Mini Australian Shepard named Scout who loves to go hiking in the mountains and spend time playing with his dog friends.

Michele

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Michele started at CVC on October 1st, 2014. She obtained a diploma in Animal Health Technilogy from Lakeland College in 2010 and has been working in the veterinary industry since high school.

She really enjoys the variety that rural mixed practice brings. Every day brings something different and working with so many different species, from hedgehogs to alpacas and everything in between.

She grew up on a small hobby farm near Elphinstone MB and moved to Ponoka because she was looking for a bust, rural, mixed practice in central Alberta. Here she lives with her husband and son, their 2 golden retrievers, 2 cats, as well as various foster animals.

Michele’s other hobbies include camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities, as well as crafting and plants (indoor and outdoor). She also enjoys volunteering with nearby animal rescues.

Hannah

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Hannah started with the CVC team in July of 2019 after completing her RVT diploma at Olds College in 2018. Hannah grew up in a large family in the Blackfalds area but also spent some time in Texas and Malaysia during her childhood.

Some of Hannah’s favorite species to work with are horses, goats and dogs but loves all aspects of a mixed practice. In Hannah’s spare time, she enjoys competing in 3-day Eventing, reading, camping, hiking, and spending time with her dog Basil the Bouvier/Border collie cross.

Ashley

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Ashley joined CVC in June 2021 and graduated the AHT Program at Olds College in June. She grew up in Saskatoon, and now lives in Blackfalds.

​Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is the diversity of animals we see and that there is always something new to learn.

Ashley has her own crew at home with three cats, a boa constrictor, a blue heeler cross Pitbull, and a horse. Ashley used to do show jumping but is now attempting to turn her thoroughbred into a cow horse to do cattle sorting with.

Claire

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Claire joined CVC in March of 2021. She obtained her diploma in Animal Health Technology at Lakeland College in 2014. Claire grew up in Hinton, AB, and is currently living in Lacombe.

Claire loves the variety she gets working in a mixed animal practice. She enjoys most working with small animal rehabilitation and exotics.

When Claire is not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Luke, her dog Jive, and many of her other animals. She also enjoys dancing and is qualified to teach multiple styles of adult partner dances.

Claire is excited for all the opportunities that working at CVC will provide.

Denasia

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Denasia joined the CVC team in May 2022 and graduated from the Lakeland College AHT program in June 2022. She completed her 6-week practicum with us and never left! She grew up in the small town of Penhold, Alberta but currently lives in Blackfalds with her husband, little boy, and 6 pets!

Denasia loves the diversity that a mixed animal clinic brings. She is happy to help wherever she may be needed. She has a passion for Radiology and Emergency Medicine.

With a 1 year old and 6 pets, life at home is never boring! In her spare time, Denasia enjoys spending quality time with her husband and little boy. She’ll never say no to the opportunity of cuddling up on the couch with a good book either!

Monika

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Monika has just recently joined the team at CVC starting May 16, 2022, and received her diploma in Animal Health Technology at Lakeland College June 3, 2022. Monika currently lives on a farm with her family by New Sarepta, AB and has a variety of animals including Maine/Simmental cross cows, horses, chickens, many cats, Greyhound dogs, and her 3 bunnies.

Monika is excited to get further into the world of veterinary medicine and enjoys learning about all species that mixed practice brings! Her main passion lies in bovine medicine (beef and dairy) and getting to interact with different producers along the way.

In her spare time Monika enjoys horseback riding, dirt biking, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family. She also likes helping around the farm and within the Leduc 4-H Beef Club where she was previously a member for 9 years.

Rhys

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Rhys graduated from Lakeland College in September 2023. She was born in Ponoka and has lived here her entire life.

She has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember, and has had a variety of animals such as horses, rabbits, lizards, fish, as well as dogs and cats. Her favourite part of veterinary medicine is interacting with a variety of different species along with always seeing something new. She is most interested in equine medicine and rehab therapy.

She currently has two fur babies named George and Ellie, as well as a crested gecko named Daisy.

When Rhys is not working, she is usually reading, playing video games, spending time outside with friends and family, and, of course, snuggling her kitties.

Lacy

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Lacy joined CVC in May 2022 while completing the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program at Olds College. She enjoyed working for four months with our team as a receptionist, then returned to Olds College to complete the Animal Health Technology program. Lacy graduated in October 2023, and rejoined our team as an RVT. She brings with her a life-long passion for the care and well-being of all animals, and is excited about her career in veterinary medicine!

Lacy lives on an acreage with her fiancé Jason, their 3 dogs, Roxy, Charlie, and Junior, and a cat named Spaz. She looks forward to meeting you and your beloved animals at the clinic!

Rachael

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Rachael joined CVC in December 2023, and graduated the AHT program at Algonquin College in 2015. She grew up across the country but has settled outside of Ponoka.

Her favourite part of veterinary medicine is exotic and zoo animals. She is the first in line for the “weird and wonderful” that comes through the door!

Rachael currently has her giant German Shepherd “Cash” at home, but dreams of having many critters. She enjoys travel, running, and searching out delicious new restaurants.

Kenzie

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Kenzie graduated from Old’s College in February 2024, and joined the CVC team soon after.

She grew up in a small town in SE Saskatchewan, and has always had a soft spot for animals. She loves all sorts of animals, but large animals are her favourite. She has a mutt dog named Chexx, a cat named Toby, and a horse named Zane, who all live outside of Mirror with her.

Kenzie enjoys rodeoing, hunting, hiking in the mountains, and riding/camping in the mountains — always trying out new spots.

Kayla

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Kayla joined the CVC team in May 2019. She received her Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate from Olds College in 2016.

She was born in Whitecourt and has since moved all over Alberta. She has now settled in Ponoka where she has lived for the last dozen years.

Kayla enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but especially enjoys exotics. Reptiles are her favorite! She breeds Crested/Gargoyle geckos as well as Dumeril’s Boas and Kenyan Sand Boas as a hobby. She also has 3 dogs: Charlie, Cammie, and Lyra, 3 cats: Suki, Chimichanga, and Frost, a Reeve’s Turtle (Kiwi), and a small flock of Coturnix Quail.

In her spare time she enjoys landscaping her yard, fishing, playing video games, and tending to her mini zoo!

Madie

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Madie joined the CVC team in July 2021. She volunteered at the clinic weekly since 2017, after going for a tour of their new building. She loved volunteering with the amazing team and helping with the animals, and when she saw they were hiring she jumped at the opportunity.

Madie lives near Morningside with her family and her Rough Collie Flynn.

Madie’s favorite part of work is when puppies come in! She enjoys the mixed practice at CVC and loves to see all the different species that come to visit!

In her spare time, Madie enjoys being outside and biking, waterskiing, fishing, and, of course, petting every dog she can.

Dylan

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Dylan joined the CVC team in July of 2021. He received his Veterinary Medical Assistant certificate from Lakeland college in Vermillion of that same year.

Dylan was born in Camrose and was raised in Bashaw on a beef farm south of town. This is where his love of animals originated and knew that he wanted to get into veterinary medicine.

The best part about his job is seeing all the animals that come in but mostly the large animals that come in.

In his spare time, you can find him at home outside working with all the his cows, curling, drawing, or hiking in the mountains.

Shelby

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Shelby joined the CVC team in 2022. With a history in both rescue as well at veterinary medicine, Shelby has a passion for helping all animals big or small. While she may be close to “crazy cat lady” status, she also loves working with dogs, exotics and large animals!

When she’s not at the clinic you can usually find Shelby camping, reading or trick training her animals for sports and fun.

Payten

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Payten recently joined our team in May 2022 she graduated with her Veterinary medical assisting program at Lakeland in 2021!

Payten and her boyfriend recently moved to Blackfalds with their 2 and a half-legged cat named Oli whom they call their child. He has half his ears and tail and a very big personality like his mom.

Her favorite part of vet med would have to be the fact that it’s always changing and there is always something to learn in both large and small animal practice.

In her spare time, you will find her having a fire outside, snuggling her cat, or visiting with friends.

Shara

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Shara started with CVC in January of 2022 and has moved around a lot but spent most of her time in Wetaskiwin County. She now resides in Morningside, enjoying the scenery and how peaceful it is.

Her favourite part of veterinary medicine is the learning and the potential for every day to be different. She also enjoys working with animals everyday and will never say no to good challenge!

Shara currently has a Sphynx (Leeloo), Italian Greyhound (Mavis), and several horses and ponies. Mavis is a rescue who was born with no patellas, so she hops when she walks. Leeloo is a sassy, people-loving girl who is always up for a cuddle to keep warm.

In Shara’s spare time she enjoys horseback riding and listening to opera and Spanish music. Shara is currently becoming a farrier and would like to focus on corrective trimming/ shoeing.

Melissa

Receptionist

Melissa has been with CVC for more than 15 years, starting here in 2005. She completed a Food & Nutrition Management Diploma at SAIT prior to starting at the clinic in 2005.

Melissa is originally from the Ponoka area. She enjoys the variety of calls coming into CVC and seeing all the familiar faces from the community.

She and her husband make their home on an acreage east of Ponoka with their 3 great kids: William, Sydney, and Hudson. They also have 2 hound dogs, 4 cats, and the newest addition is a trio of pygmy goats.

Cathy

Receptionist

Cathy was born and raised in Northern AB. Her first job was at Capilano/Ottwell Animal Clinic, in Edmonton. She went on to professionally grooming dogs, then assistant manager at PJ’S Pet Store. She has always had a passion for animals, and discovered several other talents in the workforce throughout life!

Cathy is happily married with two kids, who have left the nest! Her favorite past times are spending time with family, fly fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and horseback riding.

Jami

Receptionist

Jami started at CVC in July 2023. She grew up in New Brunswick, and moved to Alberta with her family in 2002.

Outside of work, she likes spending time with family at the cottage, reading, and cooking.

She has three pets: a Bernese Colle cross names Bentley, a Saint Bernard named Jersey, and a cat named Jillian.

Jennifer

Receptionist

Jennifer joined the CVC team in December of 2023.

She currently has two cats named livE and Stinky, and a German Shepard cross named Aza.

​She loves animals, crafting, hockey, and is a goalie.

Stephanie

Receptionist

Stephanie was born and raised in Stettler, AB, and is the oldest of four children. In 2021, she ventured outside of the Stettler area and is now settled in Bashaw with her two wonderful kids. Her favorite colors are blue & green- which makes sense as her home is filled with plants of all types. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys gardening (in and outside!), crafting, and, of course, spending time with her children, two dogs, and her cat.

Wynona

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Wynona started with the CVC team in July of 2024 after completing the Animal Health Technology program at NAIT in June of 2024. Wynona grew up in Smithers, BC, and Dease Lake, BC, and is now currently living in Red Deer.

Wynona has a passion for large and small animals and loves the variety that a mixed practice brings! She grew up with one cat and many dogs. With little large animal experience as a child, Wynona is eager to learn more!

During her free time, Wynona enjoys visiting her family, spending time with her boyfriend and their fur baby, camping, puzzles, reading, and board/card games!

Kacie

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Bio Coming Soon

Laura

Office Manager

Laura has been with CVC since 2011 and first started as a receptionist. She took her post-secondary education at NAIT and spent her childhood school years in Lacombe and surrounding area.

Laura thrives on working behind the scenes ensuring things are working “just right” implementing new ideas, and supporting our staff and clients in any way that she can.

Laura’s family includes her husband of more than 30 years, 2 grown children, a son and daughter in law, and 2 wonderful grandchildren. At home Laura has 4 cats and a dog. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing and quilting, scrapbooking, and loving on her grandchildren!

Crystal

Bookkeeper

Crystal has been a part of CVC since 2000, starting in reception and has been in the role of bookkeeper since 2010. Crystal and her husband, along with their two children, have always called Ponoka home and reside in Ponoka County where they enjoy country living.

Crystal enjoys spending her time on the family farm gardening, spoiling her cat and dog, and in the long winter months, watching hockey and cheering for her favorite NHL team!

Jessica

Jessica recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Animal Sciences and she aspires to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine in the near future. Her diverse background includes experience with small, large, and exotic animals.

When not helping on the farm or at work, Jessica enjoys camping, fishing, and hunting with her partner and their Olde English Bulldogge, Morgan. Jessica also owns a cat, a bearded dragon, and several farm dogs and farm animals.

Maddy

Receptionist

Maddy grew up in Lacombe for most of her life, until her parents moved to an acreage in the Ponoka area in 2020. She now lives on her own with her husky named Ash!

She graduated college in 2023 for Justice Studies and Animal Control. She has always had a passion for helping people. Being around so many animals growing up, Maddy knew that she wanted to help them as well. From farm animals to house pets, they have all had a special place in her heart.

In her spare time, Maddy enjoys playing volleyball, helping her family out with their archery family business, camping, and adventuring with her pup!

Rachelle

Registered Animal Health Technologist

Rachelle received her Animal Health Technology diploma from Olds College in October 2024. She completed her 6 week practicum here at CVC and officially joined the team!

Rachelle has a love for all animals and enjoys the variety of working in a mixed animal practice and all there is to learn!

Rachelle lives with her partner and their beloved dog, Motley near Pigeon Lake. She grew up on an acreage outside Sundre where she spent countless hours training horses and jumping competitively.

In her free time, Rachelle can be found at the lake where she gets to enjoy the water on her kayak or paddle board and spending time with her two horses Golden Lace and Willa.