Our Team

  • Dr. Sarah Ort

    Dr. Sarah Ort

    Practice Owner & Veterinarian

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    Dr. Sarah Ort graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2018 and relocated to the East Kootenays, drawn by the rugged charm of ranching life in the Rocky Mountains. She quickly knew this place was home and, in 2022, launched a start-up mobile veterinary clinic to serve the region’s rural communities. As demand grew, the practice evolved into a full-service veterinary hospital, which officially opened its doors in 2024.

    Dr. Sarah enjoys practicing rural mixed-animal medicine, as it allows her to build long-term relationships with clients while managing a diverse and complex caseload. Through these strong client connections, she is committed to ensuring that every animal receives the personalized care they deserve.

    When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Sarah enjoys spending time at the lake, gardening, biking, hiking with her dogs, and helping her fiancé with farm chores.

  • Dr. Mattie Smith

    Veterinarian

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    Dr. Mattie earned her veterinary degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and has since dedicated her career to keeping animals healthy. She has enjoyed working with many cow-calf producers, and at the age of 12, she fostered her love for horses while working as a wrangler in the backcountry of Jasper. Since then, she has spent time working with racehorses and has developed a keen interest in equine medicine. Dr. Mattie is committed to providing experienced, compassionate, and personalized care for every animal — large or small — and their families.

    Outside the clinic, Dr. Mattie has a passion for the outdoors and loves exploring the trails with her dog, Juniper, and her horse, Chinook.

  • Dr. Bailey Brazeau

    Veterinarian

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    Dr. Bailey completed her veterinary training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and is excited to call the Columbia Valley home while providing care to the animals and families of this community. 

    Her lifelong connection with animals began with horses, including her own Palomino gelding, Blondie, with whom she spent years riding and competing in rodeo and drill. Alongside experiences in trail guiding, youth horse programs, and participating in the Calgary Stampede, these experiences shaped her appreciation for the partnership between horses and their owners and inspired her passion for equine medicine. While horses hold a special place in her heart, Dr. Bailey enjoys the variety of rural mixed practice and the opportunity to care for animals of all species, from beloved family pets to equine companions and livestock.

    Dr. Bailey believes every animal is an important member of the family and that veterinary care should be tailored to each individual patient. She strives to build trusting relationships with owners by listening to their concerns, understanding their goals, and discussing available options so they can make informed decisions that best support their animals.

    Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bailey enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé Corey, and their two rescue dogs, Holly and Harvey. Whether camping under the stars, exploring new trails, or spending a day out on the lake, she loves embracing the lifestyle and community that make the Columbia Valley such a special place to call home.

  • Angela W.

    Lead Client Care Coordinator

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    Angela, a lifelong resident of Canal Flats, has over 25 years of dedicated customer service experience. She is known for her warm demeanor where everyone is greeted with a smile and kind words.

    Beyond her passion for great customer service, Angela nurtures a deep-rooted passion for animals that began in childhood and has persisted throughout her life. Her ultimate aspiration was always to build a career in the veterinary field.

    Outside of work, she thrives in the backcountry, enjoying activities such as hiking, backcountry horse trips, camping, hunting and fishing. Or just relaxing with her husband and dogs and friends on weekend picnics.

  • Heather Walterous

    Heather W.

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Heather has a lifelong love of animals, having grown up on a farm just outside of Kamloops, BC. Her love of critters big and small has taken her on a meandering path, as she first studied and worked in the field of wildlife ecology before deciding to shift into the world of veterinary medicine to work more hands-on with animals.

    Heather has been living in the Columbia Valley for 3 years and worked at another clinic prior to her current position as a veterinary assistant at the Columbia Valley Veterinary Clinic. She is currently preparing to apply to veterinary school and loves having the opportunity to gain experience working with the beloved pets and livestock of the Valley while she pursues her dream of working in this field long-term.

    When not in the clinic, Heather can be found mountain biking, trail running, backcountry skiing, gardening, or curled up with a good book and her very cuddly dog and two cats.

  • Angela K.

    Inventory Manager

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    Graduating from Olds College in 2002 with a diploma in Veterinary Technology, she spent 14 tail-wagging years as a vet tech. After realizing that organizing supplies could be just as thrilling as rescuing a wayward puppy, she transitioned into inventory management, where she ensures the clinic never runs out of squeaky toys or essential medicines. Outside of work, you can find her embracing her inner adventurer with her husband—hiking, running, biking, or camping under the stars. When not planning her next travel escapade or getting lost in nature, she is also proud to share her home with the lovable dog, Pinto Bean, a curious cat, and a few clucky chickens, along with a charming rooster, who keep her life just as exciting as work! 

  • Cali E.

    Lead Registered Veterinary Technologist

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    Cali was born and raised in Cranbrook, and she didn’t stray too far, settling into the beautiful Columbia Valley.

    In 2022, Cali graduated from the Animal Health Technology Distance Education Program through Thompson Rivers University. This unique three-year program allowed her to gain valuable hands-on experience while continuing her education.

    Cali thrives on taking on challenges and achieving goals in all aspects of her daily life. Her animal family keeps her busy and happy: Whinny, her liver-and-white border collie; Loka, a liver chestnut Quarter Horse mare; and Casino, a grey Quarter Horse gelding.

    Her favorite quote? “Live each day like it’s your last.”

    While Cali loves all animals—big and small—her passion lies with her equine athletes and bovine ruminants. She approaches every challenge with a smile and an unwavering positive attitude. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find Cali on the back of a horse, exploring the outdoors, or out hunting with her partner.

  • Sophia B.

    Registered Veterinary Technologist

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    Sophia has always had a passion for science and animals. Upon completing her bachelor of science, she decided to further her education and completed the Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology program in December 2024. Sophia moved to the Columbia Valley in 2023 and is excited to spend her career caring for animals in the valley and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. 

    During her spare time, Sophia enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping with her husband, her dog Kyla, and cats Fernie & Toast.

  • Agnès L.

    Client Care Coordinator

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    As an outdoor enthusiast, Agnès moved to the beautiful Columbia Valley in early 2022 to be closer to the mountains, lakes, and forests that remind her of her native home. She grew up in the Savoie region of southeastern France, surrounded by cattle pastures and vineyards—a place that nurtured her love of animals and the outdoors from a young age. With extensive experience in customer service, she takes pride in creating positive and meaningful connections. Agnès is excited to bring her skills and energy to support pets and their owners in a friendly and helpful way.

    When she’s not working, you may find her hiking local trails, camping with her husband and their cat, Felix, kayaking on Columbia Lake, skiing in winter, or cooking a delicious meal to share with friends.

  • Bronwyn T.

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Bronwyn was born in Kimberley, BC, and raised along the breathtaking BC coast, Bronwyn has always felt a deep connection to animals and the outdoors. In 2006, she and her husband settled in the welcoming community of Canal Flats, where they raised their family and embraced the beauty of small-town life.

    From an early age, Bronwyn’s love for animals of all kinds was clear—she even grew up sharing her home with a boa constrictor named Dillon! Today, she brings that same passion, along with years of customer service experience. Her warm smile, cheerful energy, and genuine kindness is always welcoming.

    When she’s not caring for animals or connecting with clients, Bronwyn enjoys life’s simple pleasures—taking walks with her French Bulldog, Cricket, curling up with a good book and her Scottish Fold, Blue, or soaking up the serenity of the water while paddle boarding, boating, or simply relaxing by the river.

  • Maya F.

    Registered Veterinary Technologist

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    Maya graduated from Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta in 2024 and has been working as a mixed animal RVT ever since. Born and raised in Alberta, she has always had a passion for animals, with a special interest in livestock medicine. While she enjoys working with patients of all kinds, her favourite days are spent caring for cattle, horses, and other large animals. She is passionate about providing high-quality hands on care to all.

    Having recently relocated to the Columbia Valley, Maya is excited to be part of the community and continue growing as an RVT in mixed animal practice.

    Outside of the clinic Maya loves everything ranching, riding, and outdoors. She looks forward to building relationships and her animal family here in the Columbia Valley.

  • Paris S.

    Registered Veterinary Technologist

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    Paris graduated from Northwestern Polytechnic as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT). She is new to both veterinary medicine and the Valley and is excited to begin her career while building relationships with clients and their animals.

    Her passion is caring for animals of all ages and sizes from the smallest patients to the largest. She’s especially interested in equine and large animal medicine, small animal surgery, nutrition, and calving and lambing seasons. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is being part of an animal's recovery.

    Outside of work, she enjoys gardening and soaking up the sun during the summer. She likes home cooking and trying new things. She has three cats, two she grew up around and one sweet tuxedo cat who is new to the family. She hopes to welcome her first dog in the near future.

  • Norbert L.

    Maintenance Man

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    Norbert is a full-time rancher, full-time husband to Sarah, and part-time maintenance man at Columbia Valley Veterinary Clinic. He is our go-to guy for all things electrical, plumbing, equipment repairs, and the many unexpected challenges that come with running a busy veterinary clinic. His skills, hard work, and willingness to help make him an invaluable part of our team!