MEET OUR TEAM
DR. BALBIR GIDDA — VETERINARIAN
In 1989, Dr. Balbir 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 — 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. AMAR DAHIA — VETERINARIAN
Dr. Amar Dahia grew up in India and attended veterinary school before moving to Calgary. He began his employment with us in search of mentorship and support while studying. He achieved his degree in Veterinary Medicine and hones a special interest in Internal Medicine. He is dedicated to providing quality care and developing relationships with his patients.
Dr. Dahia adopted a polydactyl cat named Seven after she was abandoned by her previous owner. She now lives a very spoiled life with him.
STEPHANIE BAIRD – PRACTICE MANAGER
A part of our family since 2012, Steph joined as a Veterinary Assistant, but took on the role of our Practice Manager in 2019. Throughout her tenure, she discovered her love for rescues, and now works closely with many animal rescue foundations and strives to provide education about animal welfare.
She was born and raised in Calgary, surrounding herself with animals every step of the way. Steph enjoys spending time with her husband, Chocolate Lab, Knox, and her Lab/Collie rescue, Lacey.
BELLA RENAUD – VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST
Bella graduated from Olds College with a diploma in Animal Health Technology in 2022, joining our team shortly after. She loves small animal medicine and has a special interest in Emergency Medicine and Radiology. She brings humor to everyday conversation, and always keeps the team in a good mood. We are excited to see her grow in her career.
Bella is the proud mom of her calico cat, Peach, and her black cat, Kiwi.
SARAH DAWSON — LEAD 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 expanding her knowledge in the veterinary industry. Sarah has a professional interest in wildlife and rehabilitation and is looking forward to pursuing further education.
Sarah loves spending time with her family and rescue pup, Preston.
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.
BIANCA KUMAR — VOA
In 2021, Bianca graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of General Science Degree. She is moving forward with the goal of one day attending veterinary school to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. She is passionate about all things furry, scaly or feathery.
Born and raised in Calgary, she is always ready to learn and grow. When not at work she is usually spending some time with her American Eskimo, Prince.
EXCELLENT CARE!
“I’ve taken my Doberman, Baker, here 3 times now, and we have seen both Dr. Gidda and Dr. Sparkman. Both vets are very kind and show a genuine love for animals. 2 of the 3 times I have gone have been for acute issues (a dog bite and a swollen ankle), and they have always offered multiple options for treatment, instead of jumping to the most expensive option. The 3rd time I went was just for vaccines and a general check-up, and I was pleased with the treatment that time as well. This vet is very affordable, but they also provide excellent care. The vet techs are also lovely. I recommend this vet to everyone, I love them so much. A great alternative to the expensive VCA vet offices that seem to be taking over.”
- Anna L.