Meet the Staff

At Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital, we love what we do and couldn’t imagine a world without our animal companions! Meet our compassionate Veterinary Professionals, who will treat your traditional or exotic pet with the care they would give their own.

Veterinarians

DR. DAREN MANDRUSIAK, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Daren was born and raised in Northeastern Alberta. He attended the University of Alberta, where he met his wife, Dr. Hayley. They both completed veterinary school together at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Dr. Daren loved spending time with his family dog and has wanted to be a veterinarian since high school.

Dr. Daren’s case load is limited to exotic animals and wildlife. He will see birds, reptiles, amphibians, exotic companion mammals, fish and invertebrates. His professional interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, exotic animal dentistry, and endoscopic diagnostics. He is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians. He is a former president and ongoing volunteer with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Daren often describes himself as a ‘bird nerd’ and is always happiest when examining or treating a feathered patient. He is particularly interested in implementing Fear Free avian techniques to decrease the stress of providing medical care to these unique patients. If you stop by the clinic on a Friday, you will likely find him wearing one of his flashy trademark “bird shirts.”

Dr. Daren’s interest in exotic pets and wildlife began while working as a zookeeper at the Edmonton Valley Zoo prior to veterinary school, this is also where he became friends with his friend and colleague Dr. Ogle. Later during his time at the veterinary teaching hospital at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine he was employed in the zoo’s exotic animal and wildlife department.

These experiences evolved into a passion for providing high-quality treatment to pets that are sometimes considered strange or challenging, such as birds, pocket pets, amphibians and reptiles. Dr. Daren believes that standards of care should be equally high for exotic animals as they are for other pets. If we can do it for a person, a dog, or a cat, we should try to do it for a budgie, a gecko, or a rabbit, as they deserve the same care, attention, and compassion.

Dr. Daren and his wife and son enjoy the outdoors in their free time – hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and skiing. They share their home with their dog, Barrel, and a gorgeous red-tailed boa constrictor named Kaa.

DR. SUSANNA OGLE, DVM

Veterinarian

Fellow Edmontonian Dr. Susanna’s career path has been an adventurous one, from her experience as a young zookeeper to her university education and fulfilling calling in veterinary medicine. She has a special interest in reptile and amphibian medicine, although she loves working with all animals. She is a member of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarian, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and both the Canadian and American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.

Dr. Ogle has always been an Edmontonian. She left briefly for her undergraduate studies at Red Deer College, where she played volleyball for her college team (Go Queens!). After returning to Edmonton to finish her Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta, Dr. Ogle went on to complete veterinary school at the University of Calgary. She has been practicing veterinary medicine in Edmonton ever since.

Growing up, Dr. Ogle owned a corn snake and a bearded dragon, which kick-started her interest in exotic pet care. Before veterinary school, she worked as a zookeeper at the Edmonton Valley Zoo (where she and Dr. Daren became friends) and this further spurred her interest in exotic animal medicine. Dr. Ogle loves working with exotic pets because every day is different, and she enjoys the challenge of providing excellent care to every species that visits her. Her goal is to improve all her patients’ lives, whether they be a dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, hamster, parrot, lizard, snake, or any other creature!

On her “days off” from the clinic Dr. Ogle is usually working at her other job – as a staff veterinarian at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Here she appreciates the challenge of providing veterinary care to a unique variety of wildlife through all stages of their lives.

When she’s not working, you’ll almost always find Dr. Ogle on the volleyball court! She also enjoys travelling, scuba diving, and enjoying the company of her cat, Cora, two dogs, Kilo and Kölsch, and a leopard gecko, Poncho.

DR. HAYLEY MANDRUSIAK, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Hayley has loved animals her whole life—so becoming a veterinarian felt like a natural fit. She’s especially passionate about building strong relationships with her clients and their pets, and believes that the best care comes from collaboration and communication.

She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Prior to that, she attended the University of Alberta, where she met her husband, Dr. Daren. Dr. Hayley sees both dogs and cats, with interests in nutrition, allergy management, and palliative care. She is a member of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association and volunteers with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. Her approach is practical and personalized, focused on helping pets feel their best at every life stage.

Originally from Sherwood Park, she’s proud to be practicing in the community where she grew up. Her career has taken her through a variety of roles, including an equine internship, work in both traditional clinic and house-call settings, and a role with a veterinary nutrition company. This experience has deepened her knowledge and shaped her relationship-centered approach to care.

In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Hayley also helps manage the practice, working closely with the team to ensure smooth operations and a supportive environment for both staff and clients. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their son, and their labradoodle exploring the outdoors.

DR. TERESA BOUSQUET, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice)

Veterinarian

Dr. Bousquet grew up taking horseback riding lessons and owning a myriad of pets (a cat, fish, gerbils, anoles, degus, and even a llama!) When she was in high school, she adopted her beloved Mini Rex Rabbit, Hazel (named after the main character of “Watership Down”). It was Hazel who made her decide that what she really wanted to be was an Exotic Animal Veterinarian.

Dr. Bousquet attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan. While she was there, she did everything “exotic” that she could – being a member of the Wild and Exotic Animal Medicine Society (WEAMS), taking multiple rotations with the Zoo/Exotics/Wildlife Service, an externship at the Calgary Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic, as well as rotations in Laboratory Animal Medicine and Game Ranching. After graduating in 2007, she moved to Edmonton to pursue her career in small and exotic animal medicine.

Dr. Bousquet has served a number of years on the Board of Directors of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV), as a Member at Large, and Chair of a number of committees. It was her honour to serve as President of AEMV in 2020-2021. She is also a member of the American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV), and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). She has a deep passion for exotic animal medicine.

Dr. Bousquet has published academic journal articles about exotic companion mammals. In 2024, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in Exotics Companion Mammal Practice.

In her spare time, Dr. Bousquet enjoys traveling, scuba diving, birding, gardening, quilting, puzzles, escape rooms, and reading. She absolutely loves all things Harry Potter, and is a proud Hufflepuff! Dr. Bousquet lives with her husband, Peter, her cats, Katniss and Mirabel, and her guinea pig, Tonks.

DR. KATE MCEWEN, DVM

Veterinarian

As a new veterinarian, Dr. Kate is thrilled to be joining such a wonderful, compassionate team of mentors and colleagues. Born and raised in Edmonton (go Oilers!), she has always had a deep love and appreciation for animals. As a child, she adored her pets of all kinds, including mice, hamsters, gerbils, tree frogs, dogs, and a sweet little conure. Kate’s passion for the care of all creatures great and small was sparked during her time working at WildNorth, where she treated everything from baby mice to moose!

Dr. Kate completed a Bachelors of Science at the University of Alberta, then headed to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian. While there, she continued her work with wildlife through her involvement in the Wild and Exotic Animal Medicine Society (WEAMS) club. While at school, she was also involved in the WCVM DIVERSE club, WCVM Pride club, and student government.

Kate has a passion for the health and wellbeing of all pets, people, and the environment. She believes in taking a holistic approach to animal healthcare, where the physical, mental, and emotional needs of our furry friends are all tended to. She is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care for all of our beloved pets.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling, kayaking, and spending time at the lake. She shares her home with her boyfriend Connor and her adorable feline friend, Kipper.

DR. EMILY TUNG

Veterinarian

After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022, Dr. Emily began her career practicing in the North before returning to Edmonton to be closer to friends and family. Her love for animals started at a very young age—first with three budgies she grew up with, and later with her first cat, whom she met and treated while working at her previous clinic.

She adores all things furry, fuzzy, feathery, scaly, and shelled, and has been passionate about working with exotic species since her days in vet school. With a strong interest in wellness and preventative care across all species, she enjoys empowering pet owners with the knowledge they need to support and prolong their companions’ health—whether through nutrition guidance or enrichment strategies to encourage healthy behaviours.

Outside the clinic, she loves collecting blind boxes, building 3D wooden puzzles, and exploring new foods whenever she can.

Management Team

ANDREA EDWARDS, RVT

Hospital Manager

Andrea has enjoyed a diverse career as a registered veterinary technologist. She has a passion for business and HR, so it’s fitting that she has taken on the role of hospital manager at Harvest Pointe.

Born in Alberta, she was raised on an equine farm where she raised and showed black Arabians. After graduating from the NAIT Animal Health Program, she worked as an RVT in mixed animal practice for 5 years.

After having her 3 children, she went into small animal practice and found she liked leadership and numbers and took on the role of Hospital Manager.

Andrea has been on the board of both Alberta Veterinary Associations (ABVMA and ABVTA) and is now on the Alberta SPCA Board to help make a difference in animal welfare.

In her downtime she enjoys spending time at the lake with family, dog Remy, and her cat Stella.

SAMANTHA SHEPPARD

Registered Veterinary Technologist Team Lead

Born and raised in Edmonton, Samantha knew her entire life that she was going to be an RVT. She grew up watching animal and veterinary shows and that’s where her love for animals begun.

Samantha graduated from NAIT as a Veterinary Medical Assistant in 2019 to help better her education/knowledge/training for upcoming Tech School. She has worked in the veterinary community for about 5 years, with experience with equine, small animal, and exotics. Samantha got into tech school shortly after VMA and graduated in 2021. She has always had an interest in exotic medicine and joined the Harvest Pointe Team in March of 2022 to further her skills with avian and reptile medicine. 

She has an orange tabby named Steve French and two leopard geckos, Yoshi and Peach. Outside of the clinic in her spare time you can find her in the gym, gaming, riding her motorcycle, camping, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

SHANNON GRAHAM

Customer Service Team Lead

Shannon Graham is one of the newest members of the Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital team. She started her career in an exotics clinic in 1999 as a receptionist and worked her way into management. She graduated with honours from University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus as a Veterinary Medical Office Administrator.

Shannon is extremely proud to say that she has been in this profession for over 20 years and still loves going to work every day. She relocated from Ontario a few years ago and feels blessed to have found her forever place here in Alberta. She currently only has a one-eyed cat named Willie, but she is patiently waiting for her new furry, scaled, or feathered members to be added to her family!

Team Members

MEG NILES

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Megan’s early interest in nature evolved into a career working with and helping a menagerie of creatures. Today, she focuses her time and energy building her exotic animal medicine skills.

Born in Fredericton and raised in Edmonton, Megan Niles is a Registered Veterinary Technologist. Megan was interested in all organisms from an early age, and that fascination followed her throughout her school years. Her family had a bit of a pet menagerie, including two dogs, a cat, ferret, hamster, salamander, fish, and some budgies. In her teenage years, Megan also began working with horses. And if all the animals in the house were not enough, she took her interests outside in nature, finding and studying any animals that she could get her hands on. After high school, Megan knew that a career working with and helping all creatures was imperative. She began working at pet stores, then graduated in 2015 from the Registered Veterinary Technologist Program at NAIT, where she also developed a passion for the medical field. Hungry for more knowledge about lesser-known pets, Megan began focusing her time and energy on building her exotic animal medicine skills.

Megan is the happy owner of: two dogs, Porkchop and Rackham, a leopard gecko named Polo, and an array of isopod varieties. She enjoys travelling, hiking, reading, making terrariums, and volunteering for spay and neuter programs abroad in her downtime. Usually, though, she can be found at her family’s farm with the dogs or training and jumping her horses.

MARLEY CASTOR

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Marley has always had a fiery passion for caring for animals of all shapes and sizes. Starting her journey in the veterinary medicine field as a volunteer, she has come a long way through training and education. She graduated from NAIT’s VMA program in 2014 and then the AHT program in 2021. Her working experience has included shelter medicine and private practice, working with a large variety of different species. Additionally, she has special interests in surgery and exotic animal medicine.

Some of her favourite activities include seeing live bands, watching horror movies, and frequenting themed cafes, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She’s well known for her high energy, fun-loving attitude, as well as her casual obsession with BTS.

SARA MOSSELMAN

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Sara’s career in animal health began after graduating from NAIT in 2017. Her life-long love for nature lead her to complete a summer internship in 2017 at WILDNorth Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue in Edmonton.

Her goal is to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible with wildlife and exotic medicine to further her career as a Wildlife Technician. She continues to dedicate her weekends assisting our wild neighbours, and has a special interest in animal behaviour and personal development.

BECKY KING

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Vet tech Becky has a love of everything with a heartbeat. From a young age her parents knew she was born to work in vet med and as soon as she learned about Vet Techs, she started working towards that career. In 2010 she graduated from NAIT and moved to Edmonton where she dived headfirst into everything exotic medicine she could get her hands on. She fell in love with the creative aspect to medicine needed when your patients are way smaller and more flexible than the standard dog or cat.

In Becky’s career she has had the privilege of working with amazing creatures from the Edmonton Valley Zoo and West Edmonton Mall and feels she has finally found her forever hospital helping the wide array of amazing creatures seen at Harvest Pointe. She has a special interest in emergency medicine and a soft spot for the wildlife that occasionally come through the hospital. When not at the clinic you can find Becky spending time with her favourite creatures: husband Tyler, energetic 4-year-old Emmett, one-eyed rescue cat Tatters, and 2 Maine Coon kittens, Stephen and Nessie.

BELLA MONTGOMERY

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Bella was born in Calgary and raised in Edmonton, where her love for animals began at an early age. Bella’s true passion emerged when she discovered veterinary medicine, particularly in the care of reptiles and small animals. Bella graduated from the Animal Health program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in 2024. Growing up, she shared her home with a variety of creatures including hermit crabs, hamsters, guinea pigs, and bearded dragons.

Outside of her professional life, Bella enjoys quiet moments at home. You’ll often find her curled up on the couch lost in a book with her two Sphynx cats, Rigor Mortee and King Java, snuggled under the blankets beside her.

Ashleigh Dickson

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Ashleigh was accepted into the Animal Health Technology program at Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB in 2018. After her first year of AHT she worked as a summer student at a small animal practice in Gimli, MB where she learned so much about the veterinary field. In 2020 she graduated from the AHT program and began her pursuit for a job as a tech. Over the years she has worked at various clinics caring for dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents, fish, and more! In her spare time she enjoys swimming, running, playing piano, and scuba diving.

MOLLY NELSON

Customer Service

Molly is a born and raised Edmontonian who grew up in the heart of the river valley with her large family. Molly’s love of small animals started at a young age. Unable to have cats or dogs as pets growing up, she found companionship with hamsters, some praying mantises, and made friends with her neighbour’s tarantula and hermit crabs. She currently has two pets an adopted bird named Confetti, and a leopard gecko named Titan.

Molly decided to pursue a career in animal health after watching a presentation put on by NAIT’s Animal Health program. She graduated in 2014 as a veterinary medical assistant and has been working full time in small animal practices since then. She loves that working at Harvest Pointe gives her hands-on experience with the exotic pets she has grown to love, allowing her to build lasting relationships with each owner that comes through the door.

SAMARA HUGHES

Customer Service

Samara lives in Calmar with her partner and 5 kids. they have 2 dogs, Lily and Diesel, A Cat named Milo, and 2 leopard geckos named Mike and Jill. She has previous hands-on experience working in a vet clinic and working with rescues which increased her love of pets and people drew her in.

She is a very busy woman, who works full time here at the clinic and runs two home businesses, Luxe Bath and Beauty and Butterfly Nails. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and animals in the mountains, quadding and camping.

SHELDON BAKER

Tech Assistant

Sheldon may have begun his career path as a machinist in the oil field, but animal care has always been his true calling. As a child, there were always furry, feathered, and scaled creatures in the house to keep him entertained. Young Sheldon fell especially in love with reptiles, including bearded dragons and his 5.5-foot green iguana named Iggy!

Over time he owned many beloved animals, from dogs to birds, even as he got his certification as a machinist. But after years of working in the trades, Sheldon knew it was time to follow his passion. He applied for Ashworth College’s Veterinary Assistant program and started working at a pet store to get any and all exposure he could. He quickly rose to the position of Fish & Reptile Manager as a result of his constant drive for knowledge. It wasn’t long before he became a veritable encyclopedia of exotic animal facts and husbandry insight.

When the opportunity to work in a veterinary clinic turned up, Sheldon jumped at the chance. As a Tech Assistant at Harvest Pointe, he gets to challenge himself and learn new things every single day. There’s nothing more thrilling to him than working with animals alongside Harvest Pointe’s compassionate team of coworkers and mentors.

Sheldon is the proud father of two boys who he hopes to instill the same love and respect for exotics and wildlife as he experiences. Aside from children of the human variety, Sheldon houses a plethora of unique animals. These include his dogs Opie and Merlin, mountain horned dragon Yoshi, and hedgehog Chai (short for Tchaikovsky). On his off days, Sheldon is happiest simply chilling with his Argentine tegu, adding more live plants to his freshwater tank, or hitting up hiking trails with the family.