Dr. Balbir Gidda, DVM — Veterinarian

In 1989, Dr. Gidda obtained his Degree of Veterinary Medicine from Saskatoon’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Gidda was a mixed animal and critical care veterinarian for the first four years before spending several years as a food hygiene veterinarian with the federal government. Since 1998, he has been established as a small animal practitioner, where he enjoys all areas of veterinary medicine and especially internal medicine. He has a Yorkshire Terrier named Tino and enjoys reading and travelling during his free time.

Dr. Katherine Sparkman, DVM — Veterinarian

Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. Katherine Sparkman completed her Undergraduate Honours Degree in Ecology while residing in Quebec. In 2007, she moved to Calgary and attended the new veterinary school at the University of Calgary. While in the city, she fostered interests in wildlife medicine and management, as well as small animal medicine. As part of the first graduating class from UCVM in 2012, she worked as a locum for a year before joining our team at Centre Street Veterinary Clinic in May of 2013. Katherine brings a positive, “never quit” attitude to our team, which she also applies to her work every day.

Katherine enjoys outdoor activities, especially skiing, hiking and soccer. She also volunteers at the Calgary Humane Society, where she also fosters sick kittens. Katherine currently lives in Calgary with her family.

Dr. Dawn Magrath — Veterinarian

Dr Magrath graduated with honours, from the University of Liverpool, England in 2002. After graduating,
she moved to rural Manitoba, where she worked in a mixed animal practice. Working with a variety of
species, allowed Dr Magrath to cultivate her love for small animal surgery.
Since moving to Alberta in 2005, Dr Magrath has worked in small animal private practice, swine practice,
feedlot practice; as well as owning her own practice for 11 years. Just prior to joining us, she also
worked in emergency medicine. Dr Magrath is always excited to meet new patients and their families.
She is the proud mother of two daughters and her most favourite title will always be “Mom”.
Dr Magrath is also a professional bodybuilder, cyclist and avid golfer.

STEPHANIE BAIRD – practice manager

A part of our family since 2012, Steph joined as a Veterinary Assistant but quickly discovered her love for rescues, and now works closely with many animal rescue foundations. She was born and raised in Calgary, surrounding herself with animals every step of the way.

Steph is the proud mother to her chocolate Lab, Knox, and a long-haired cat named Kathy.

Sarah dawson — Veterinary Technologist

Born and Raised in Calgary Sarah graduated from Olds College with a diploma in Animal Health Technology in 2019. She loves animals of all shapes and sizes and looks forward to learning new things everyday while working at her first clinic.

Shae-lyn yakymyk — VOA

Shae-Lyn joined our team after completing her practicum with us for her VOA program. While she is from Calgary, she likes to spend any free-time she has during the summer helping at her aunt’s cattle and equine ranch in Caroline. She herself has 2 pets; her Pomeranian Keeta, and cat named Rainbow.

Amber Cliffe — VOA

Amber is currently at the University of Calgary studying biology and biological anthropology. She loves animals of all kinds (especially her dogs Chevy, Buffy, Tuff, and Pheebs!), and hopes to one day pursue her dream of veterinary school. 

Trish Sweett — VOA

Before joining our team in the fall of 2010, Trish was a hairstylist for 14 years. As a part-time staff member, she founded her own pet services company called Sweett Babies Pet Care in 2010. Trish has worked in other veterinary clinics, holding roles in reception and as a technician’s assistant. For the past two years, Trish has also worked at the Calgary Humane Society, helping with animal in-takes and adoptions.

Trish has two cats of her own, which are her “Sweett babies.” In her spare time, Trish also photographs wildlife and any other subject that strikes her fancy. So, many of the pets she looks after are also featured in her photography.

Tara houle — VOA

Tara was born and raised in Calgary where she received her MOA diploma from Robertson College in 2020. After finishing her practicum in a medical clinic, she decided that a vet clinic is her passion. Over the years of owning, fostering, and dog/cat sitting, she has finally found her calling. 

She loves hanging out with her brothers cat, Squeakers, and her mom's two dogs, Meggie and Tiah. In her spare time, Tara enjoys watching hockey (Go Flames Go!) and also attending the Firefit competition and cheering on her brother and his crew as they compete. 

Bianca kumar — VOA

Bio coming soon!