Our Staff

• Dr. Jack H Kivlichan , B.V.M.&S.

  
  

  Dr. Kivlichan qualified at Edinburgh, Scotland Veterinary College in 1968. After several years working in pet practice in United Kingdom, Dr. Kivlichan joined our team at Avalon Animal Hospital on March 1, 1975, where he has worked ever since. Dr. Kivlichan especially enjoys surgery and has taken a particular interest in ophthalmology. He is a long-standing member of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He has managed referral cases from other local practices in ophthalmology, orthopedics, urology, and general surgery. Dr. Kivlichan and his wife Peggy share their home with their cross terrier dog "Jenny". In his spare time he enjoys playing many instruments, such as the fiddle, guitar, and tin whistle, which we have had to painfully endure during his practicing sessions at the Avalon over our lunch break. Dr. Kivlichan also enjoys camping and casting a line in the solitude of a salmon river. On July 31, 2008 Dr. Kivlichan retired from active practice. We are hoping that he will return to his “family” when called upon for his wealth of knowledge and exceptional diagnostic and surgical skills, and of course to relay those many stories of how the “big one got away”. On August 1st our lunch hour fell silent as the sounds of Dr. Kivlichan strumming his guitar could no longer be heard throughout the Avalon. We love you and miss you Jacko.

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• Dr. Patti Ryan , DVM

  
  

  Dr. Ryan joined us in 2004. After graduating from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1995 she worked in Corner Brook and Stephenville at the Animal Health Center. She moved to the East Coast of the Island in 1996 to work at Topsail Road Vet Clinic. Dr. Ryan's interests include education of pet owners on proper puppy and kitten care, management of uroliths (bladdder stones) and dermatology. Also, her passion for cats is easily seen in her tender approach and, because of this, cats feel comfortable in her presence. She is the mother of two girls Ally and Melanie and they, along with her husband Michael, share their home with four furry felines, "Checkers", "Dan", "Zack" and “Cheddar”. She is truly a cat lover at heart. It is with our deepest sympathy that we acknowledge the recent passing of Dr. Ryan’s eldest cat "Jake". We got to know Jake very well during the final months of her life, as Dr. Ryan brought her to work with her everyday. Jake curled up on a bed “fit for a queen” next to the heater in a corner of our ECG room, where we could all watch over her as we went about our day and pause to love and admire her. Jake gave us so much more than we could give her during those last months; determination, strength, courage and so much love. We will miss you "Jakers" and will fondly remember you when we visit Dr. Ryan in her office, where your picture is proudly displayed.    Cat Kisses     Sandpaper kisses on a cheek or a chin that is the way for a day to begin     Sandpaper kisses a cuddle and a purr I have an alarm clock that’s covered in fur! ---Author Unknown

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• Dr. Beth Marshall , DVM

  
  

  A native of St. John’s, Dr. Beth Marshall has been practicing small animal medicine since graduating from the Atlantic Veterinary College with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She joined the Avalon Animal Hospital family in June 2007. Dr. Marshall is a lover of all species, but has a special place in her heart for cats and horses. Professionally, her interests include feline medicine with an emphasis on two challenging areas namely, gastrointestinal disease and problematic urination. Dr. Marshall is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She is also actively involved with the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Marshall and her husband, Bruce, enjoy the companionship of their cats Fergus, Otis, Percy, Tabitha, Olive, Molly and Georgie. During her lunch-hour and on weekends Dr. Marshall relaxes with the other “man” in her life - her horse, Winston. After work hours, she can be found at the barn, riding her horse, feeding stray cats and relaxing with family and friends.

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• Dominic Asenso , DVM

  
  

  AVALON ANIMAL HOSPITAL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF DOMINIC ASENSO AS AN ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN.   Dom has over 17 years experience as a small animal veterinarian with an interest in nutrition, general surgery, homeopathic medicine and acupuncture. He holds the Degree of Veterinary Medical Doctor from Poland, a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Australia, as well as a diploma in Veterinary Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy, Australia.   Dom’s interest in Newfoundland piqued while practicing at the Veterinary Surgery in Doha, Qatar where he met Newfoundlander’s working at The College of the North Atlantic.   The veterinarians and support staff share a common goal of providing excellence in veterinary medical care for our patients, in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. Working together we aim to provide the same care for our patients that we would for our own pets, for it goes without saying that we are all pet owners.   Dr. Asenso, we welcome you to our hospital and wish you every success.

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• Erin Wilson , DVM

  
  

  AVALON ANIMAL HOSPITAL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF ERIN WILSON AS AN ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN.   Erin has worked as a veterinarian in Newfoundland since graduating in 2005. She holds a DVM from the Atlantic Veterinary College as well as a BSC from Memorial University.   The veterinarians and support staff share a common goal of providing excellence in veterinary medical care for our patients, in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. Working together we aim to provide the same care for our patients that we would for our own pets, for it goes without saying that we are all pet owners.   Dr. Wilson, we welcome you to our hospital and wish you every success.

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• Dr. Graham Jones , B.Vet.Med.

  
  

  Dr. Jones qualified as a veterinarian at Royal Veterinary College, London, England, in 1964. After a short career in mixed practice in United Kingdom, and Sydney, Nova Scotia, he "put up his plate" in St. John's and saw his first patient October 7th 1965. Dr. Jones retired from active practice in December 2004, after working in St. John's for almost 40 years. He is married to Elizabeth, who was office manager at The Vet Centre for many years. Unfortunately, the damp climate of St. John's is not good for Elizabeth's arthritis, and so they now live in Calgary, Alberta. The Internet and other modern communications allow Dr. Jones to maintain a supervisory position over the excellent staff members who are resident in St. John's.

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• Debbie Severs

  
  

  Debbie joined us at a very early age in 1973. Apart from a spell with her husband in Calgary, she has been with us ever since. Debbie is our hospital administrator and has a Business Administration certificate from MUN. Debbie is our organizer; her duties include identifying opportunities for improved efficiency, scheduling, motivating and training staff and implementing protocols. But you won't find her hiding behind a desk in a back room. Her desk is front and centre in the reception area, answering your phone calls and "being there" for you and our staff. Her passion is client education and preventive medicine. Debbie lives close by with her husband Richard. Their spitfire cat "Truffles" who was adopted at the age of one from the Calgary S.P.C.A., has passed on at the age of twenty. Unfortunately last year they also experienced the passing of "Spencer", their devoted twelve-year-old German Shepherd, followed shortly by their ten-year-old German Shepherd "Darby" who fought a three-month battle with cancer. Time passed and after many tears were shed and memories and stories shared, it was time when four paws had to be heard again in the Severs home, so along came "Jack", a mischevious black Standard Poodle who you'll meet any morning while visiting us at The Avalon, if he doesn't think you saw him on the way into clinic - he'll make sure you will see him on the way out.

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• Denise Ferry

  
  

  Denise has been a staff member since 1968. She is our office manager and is in charge of receivables and payables. She also meets with representatives from veterinary pharmaceutical companies and serves as a conduit for information to the doctors. Because she's "been here forever", Denise can fill in for any staff member as needed. Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder affecting canine and feline patients. Denise is our diabetic technician, and at lunchtime nearly every day of the week you'll find her attending to our diabetic outpatients, she tests their blood glucose level, adjusts their insulin dose and educates the patient's family on nutrition and homecare. Denise's most important duty at our hospital is to be with you and your pet during the last minutes of their life in a painless and respectful manner. Her heartfelt words will hopefully sooth your aching soul, she knows how important your pet is to you and considers it a privilege to be with both of you through the end. Denise has owned English Bulldogs all her life. Her most recent Bulldog "Quinn" passed away on April 19, 2006. She died in her sleep of old age surrounded by love. Quinn spent every weekday of her eleven years alongside us in our office, asleep under the computer desk, sitting on files or begging for food. We will never ever forget her or the joy and laughs that she brought to each and every one of us everyday. We will always love you Quinn. To all of our devoted clients who threw her a treat and called her "beautiful", we thank-you for loving her too.

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• Lisa McDonald

  
  

  Lisa began life as a farmer's daughter and has always worked with all types of domestic animals. Her singing (even Christmas tunes in July), laughing and smiles help to create a light atmosphere. Lisa graduated from the Veterinary Assistant Program at Lawrence College in 2000 and has been with us ever since.   Lisa has a strong work ethic, she is reliable, dedicated, takes initiative and does the best work that she can possible do. Lisa is our head assistant and is currently working towards the Animal Health Technician designation. She is in her second year of studies in the distance learning Animal Health Technology Program at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. Lisa’s duties include overseeing the health care needs of our patients under the supervision of our doctor’s, she also assists the hospital administrator in training, monitoring and motivating the technical staff. She maintains the diagnostic equipment and quality control procedures, especially in the area of patient health records.   She is dedicated, she is fun and her love for animals is clear. Lisa has, in her home, two mixed breed dogs "Jessie" and "Beau" and a barn full of cats and dairy cows, too many to name.

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• Natalie MacDonald

  
  

  Natalie graduated from the Veterinary Assistant Program at Lawrence College in 2004. She did her work-term placement with us that summer and has been with us ever since.   From the very beginning of her time at the Avalon, Natalie has assisted our doctor’s in surgery. The knowledge gained from her practical experience has earned the respect of all our surgeons both in-house and visiting. She organizes the tri-annual specialized surgical day visit from the surgeons and veterinary students from the Atlantic Veterinary College, a challenging feat! Natalie’s day to day responsibilities include sharing duties and on call with Lisa in overseeing the health care needs of our patients under the supervision of our doctor’s and of course, she is also on her way to becoming a certified Animal Health Technologist at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia.               Natalie is a true professional with a strong sense of moral principles. She makes herself accountable and responsible for all creatures walking over our threshold. She is the voice for those that cannot speak. Natalie is also our OH&S representative and takes the well being of our staff very seriously. But, she also loves to have fun, mention a party and there she is ready to organize the whole event, whether it’s a little get-together at her home to say farewell to a co-worker or an open house/retirement party for one of our doctor’s or a sit down formal Christmas Dinner, there she is taking the lead again and organizing the whole event. Thank-you for looking after us Nat.   Natalie is married to Matthew MacDonald who also happens to be our IT guy, you may see Matthew on occasion in the middle of reception tweaking our computers. Natalie and Matthew share their love with a Yorkshire Terrier "Xena", a sweet Beagle/Shepherd Cross "Jayme" and Maurice and Boo the meowing furballs. Natalie also has a special place in her heart for cancer research.

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• Jen Bruce

  
  

  Jen is one of those people who you seem to have been working with forever, when it's been only 3 months. She is a sponge for knowledge and has already taken 8 continuing education courses since joining us and is pursuing another one as I write. Jen is Dr. Brison's surgical assistant and also assists Dr. Kivlichan and Dr. Ryan during clinic.       Pocket pets are Jen's passion, she can never have enough. She is also looking to adopt a kitten - she's in the right place for that!       Welcome Jen! You've got a lot to learn, but with your enthusiam for knowledge, it'll be you who'll be teaching  us soon.

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• Jessica Delaney

  
  

  Jessica just celebrated her first anniversary with the Avalon team. She graduated from the Academy Canada Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist program in 2007. Jessica started her animal care career as a volunteer at another hospital in the city, then when it was time for her work-term, she chose our hospital in which to gather her much needed hands-on experience. She quickly became an indispensable part of our patient care team and in no time was promoted to serve as Dr. Marshall's surgical assistant.          Jessica's focus this summer will be on advanced patient care, such as pre-surgical examinations, drawing blood samples and placing i/v catheters. During this past year Jessica has completed many continuing education courses such as “Principles of Anesthesia, Radiology and Urinalysis”. Jessica was a vital participant this past May when Dr’s Runyon and Bailey from the Atlantic Veterinary College visited our hospital to perform specialized surgeries on our patients, as well as on patients from around the province. We can’t wait to show off her new found skills to the surgeons when they return in September. Her enthusiasm, smiling face and warm spirit are a perfect combination for a lifetime career in the animal care field. It is truly a pleasure to work with Jessie everyday. During the week Jessica lives in St. John’s with her pets “Harley” a mixed breed dog and her two cats “Lucy” and “Omar”. On the weekends she packs them all aboard her car and takes them home around “The Bay” where they get to enjoy country life with their brothers “Nick” a 14 year old Shih Tzu and “Jack” the crazy Setter and their sweet sisters “Amber”, “Lacey” and “Abby”, all beagles. There are also 2 cats, “Zoe” and “Ella”. Wow Jessie, now that’s a houseful of love.

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• Alyssa Moores

  
  

  Ally Cat (Alyssa) is amazing! On July 10, 2006 we were truly blessed when Ally came into our lives. Her enthusiasm, her drive, her hard work and her attention to detail, allowed her to advance quickly at The Avalon from clinic housekeeper to receptionist to Dr. Ryan’s surgical assistant. All this, while completing the eight month Veterinary Assistant Program through VetMedTeam, our online education resource. Ally skillfully transformed an important but average job into an exciting career.   Ally has brought about many positive changes and protocols for quality control to our hospital and is reluctantly handing over the reins as inventory clerk in order to take on more nursing responsibilities with our patients. Ally has a natural loving nature. You can rest assured that your pet will be cared for with the utmost respect and love when you leave your pet in the arms of Ally.               Ally married Mark Moores on October 25, 2008. We were all there to witness the happy occasion and to welcome Mark into our Avalon family. Ally and Mark share their love with three cats, a boy named “Sylvester” and two girls, “Morgan” and “Spencer” and sweet “Susie” the ferret. Of course we cannot forget to mention “Gilmour”, their dog. He is a mischievous mixed breed, adopted from the S.P.C.A. You’ll see Gilmour on your visits to the clinic sitting proudly in one of the receptionist’s chairs. Now - if he could only go fetch that bag of food for you!

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• Della Marie Lewis

  
  

  Della Marie is a class-mate of Tara’s in the Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist program at Academy Canada and is in the work-term segment of the program. Della Marie’s training at the Avalon will begin in reception where she will work her way through the 4 Reception levels with our “phase training program”. Working in reception, Della Marie will gain knowledge in organization, time management, medical terminology, pharmacology, nutrition, client interaction, parasite, vaccination and surgical protocols. Later, she will have the opportunity to become a personal assistant to one of our veterinarians, where she will take on the dual roles of “clinical receptionist” and “circulating assistant” in pre-op and post-op patient care. Later still, she will assist our veterinarians with patient monitoring and surgical procedures, as well as the administration of patient treatment plans, as prescribed by our veterinarians. Della Marie’s goal is to become qualified as a Veterinary Technician. Della Marie grew up in an “old age home”. Her mother, and before that her grandmother, cared for their “extended” family from their personal care home in beautiful St. Mary’s Bay. On weekends in spring and early summer, Della Marie’s drive back home takes her along the coastline where she has the amazing experience of spotting humpback and minke whales feeding and congregating near the shore on their journey to the Arctic. On these weekend visits home she gives her mom a temporary break from her difficult, yet rewarding vocation. Like her mom and her grandmother, Della Marie has a natural compassionate loving nature and we welcome her to our team, where we hope she feels as fulfilled in her chosen career as her foremothers have in theirs. In St. John’s Della Marie lives with her canine companion “Charlie” whom she takes “everywhere” with her and “Toby” who stays at home in St. Mary’s Bay to look after the family.

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• Melissa Parsons

  
  

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• Shelley Noel

  
  

  Shelley graduated from MUN in 2004 with a Science Degree and from Lawrence College in 2005 with a Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist diploma. She joined the Avalon team October of 2005 after completing the work term phase of the Assistant/Receptionist program at the City Pound. After working in many different areas of the hospital, starting out as Dr. Kivlichan’s surgical assistant and then moving on to be Dr. Marshall’s surgical and clinical assistant, she decided to make reception her permanent home. Shelley is our head receptionist. She is your first point of contact when you phone to make an appointment. She checks your pet’s file before you arrive to make certain all vaccinations and parasite preventions are up to date, refills your prescription order and is our “expert” when it comes to finding the best solution to solving your flea problems. Shelley’s assistance is invaluable to our hospital administrator, completing Debbie’s long list of daily projects, contributing to new ideas and hospital protocols, and bringing them to completion, enabling Debbie to concentrate on training new staff members and to take a vacation every now and then. Shelley is a new bride!!! She married Matthew Noel on June 21, 2008. Her work family welcomes Matthew into our pack. Shelley and Matthew share their love with two mischievous cats, a girl adopted from the city pound named Gypsy and a boy adopted from the S.P.C.A. named Clous.

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• Joan Howard

  
  

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• Samantha Carroll

  
  

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• Allison Taylor

  
  

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• Kimberly Clarke

  
  

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