Meet Our
Veterinary
Team ​

Dr. Nikita Payne

Dr. Nikita Payne grew up in the beautiful valley surrounding Armstrong, BC. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2026 and is excited to be back working in the community that helped shape her.

Dr. Payne has built her knowledge surrounding production animal medicine by focussing much of her veterinary education on beef cattle management and by attending the Summer Dairy Institute at Cornell University in 2024, where she further developed her skills in dairy medicine. She looks forward to a career working with all ruminants in the area. Nikita also enjoys surgery and is passionate about helping pets through times of illness and assisting animals back to living happy, healthy lives.

Outside of work, Nikita is rarely seen sitting still and can often be found playing hockey, volleyball, and golf, as well as getting outdoors for other adventures including camping, paddling, biking, hiking, skiing, and riding her motorcycle.

Dr. Gerry Out

Bio coming soon…

Susanne

Susanne has been working in veterinary medicine since graduating high school in 2019. She grew up always having dogs and cats and knew she wanted to work with them since she was 10. Susanne moved to Salmon Arm at the end of July 2026 from the Lower Mainland where she grew up. When she’s not at work, Susanne enjoys camping, reading, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

Amy

Bio coming soon…

Jamie

Jamie has been working with animals for eight years, with an interest in behavioral training, breeding programs, kennels, and daycares. She attended Robertson College in Calgary, AB, where she completed the Veterinary Office Technician Assistant Program. Jamie’s favorite part of working in the veterinary industry is interacting with Chihuahuas of all sizes and personalities, and she is dedicated to making patient experiences as pleasant and fear-free as possible. In her free time, Jamie enjoys playing with her dogs, Kelso and Ava, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Emmylou

Emmylou graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Red River College in Manitoba before moving to British Columbia in 2025. She loves caring for pets and building relationships with their owners while working alongside her wonderful team. Outside of work, Emmylou enjoys exploring the Okanagan with her friends, paddle boarding, spending time with her horses, Heidi and Tenor, and relaxing with a good latte or a visit to the hot springs.

Juan

Bio coming soon!

Tamieka

I’m a Registered Veterinary Technician who joined the team at Armstrong Veterinary Clinic in October 2024. I graduated from Oulton College in New Brunswick in December 2022 and began my career gaining experience in both emergency and general practice before joining the Armstrong team. I have a particular passion for phlebotomy, cytology, and all things microscopy. I love the opportunity to investigate what’s happening at the cellular level and find answers that help provide the best possible care for our patients.

Outside of the clinic, life is just as full and exciting. I married my best friend, Victor, in June 2025, and we are incredibly excited and blessed to welcome our first child, a baby girl, in November 2026.

When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me baking, crocheting, spending time with friends and family, enjoying time at church, or hiking to discover beautiful waterfalls. I feel very fortunate to be part of a profession I’m passionate about and a community that allows me to care for animals while continuing to learn and grow every day.

Chelsea

Chelsea comes to us from the Island after working with animals in the grooming sector. Her love of animals has transitioned into working as a Kennel Assistant and Receptionist here at our clinic. In her spare time, she enjoys boating, fishing, and swimming on the water, and exploring our interior by back-roading with her boyfriend. When she finds herself at home there is nothing more she loves than to snuggle up with her cats.

Melissa

Melissa joined the clinic as a receptionist after trading in lawyers for puppies in Summer ’26. Born and raised in Amstrong, its both a priviledge and point of pride for her to have the opportunity to serve the people in this community and their pets. Outside of work, Melissa is a loving wife and proud mum to 3 children and 2 furry babies. Her hobbies include reading, puzzles, travelling, and adventures with her family.

Michelle

Michelle joined the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic at the beginning of 2025. Although she is new to the veterinary field, she has had a lifelong passion for animals and has always loved having them as part of her family. Michelle’s pets include her two cats, Lucas and Dawg, and her fish, Remi. Born and raised in the Okanagan, Michelle is grateful to call such a beautiful place home. She is engaged and a proud mom to two amazing boys who fill her heart with love. Family is very important to Michelle, and she enjoys spending her free time with them. Together, they love getting outdoors and making memories through sailing, camping, snowshoeing, kayaking, fishing, and exploring new places and adventures.

Amanda

Amanda is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over 13 years of experience in the veterinary field, starting as a veterinary assistant before earning her diploma from Douglas College. She joined our clinic in July 2024 and thrives on the variety her role offers, with no two days ever being the same. Amanda finds the greatest joy in seeing sick patients recover and return home to their happy families. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, watching movies, and embarking on road trips to discover new destinations.

Mariah

Dr. Kaitlyn Crocker

Dr. Kaitlyn Crocker, born and raised in St-Norbert, Manitoba, graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2021. She spent her undergraduate summers working on a dairy farm in the Interlake region of Manitoba, fueling her passion for ruminant medicine. Dr. Crocker dedicated the first two years of her career as a full-time ruminant veterinarian and attended the Summer Dairy Institute at Cornell University in 2023, an advanced training program for prospective dairy veterinarians. She has a keen interest in preventative medicine and management. Outside the clinic, Dr. Crocker enjoys playing slow pitch, swimming, camping, and hiking.

Jack

Bio coming soon!

Rosie

Bio coming soon!

Angie

Bio coming soon!

Kendra

Kendra joined the clinic team in April 2024 and is currently working toward her Veterinary Technician Diploma at Thompson Rivers University. She has always had a strong love for animals and feels very fortunate to be able to turn her passion into a rewarding career. Kendra especially enjoys getting to know each patient and helping make their experience at the clinic as comfortable, positive, and stress-free as possible.

Outside of the clinic and school, Kendra loves spending time outdoors, travelling the world, and reading. She also has a 10-year-old German Shepherd, Zena, who is the best adventure buddy she could ask for.

Miranda

Bio coming soon…

Dr. Stefan Schwieger

Dr. Stefan Schwieger graduated from the University of Leipzig in Germany and has been practicing since 2004. He enjoys working with our clients and their pets to find sensible solutions for a wide array of problems and concerns with a focus on improving the quality of the pet’s life. Stefan’s time outside the clinic is filled with family activities, mountain biking, skiing, and tending to his hobby farm.

Hannah

This year, Hannah started with the wonderful team at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic. Hannah has enjoyed getting to know the clients, the community, and the education they provide to the public- truly a team she is happy to be a part of. She has had the opportunity to learn under the great staff here in Armstrong and is excited to continue to learn and grow under their guidance. Hannah’s free time is full of truly enjoying the Okanagan- hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, cycling, swimming, road trips, and simply appreciating the landscape of BC. All of this, of course, is alongside her Miniature Schnauzer. Bowie, best friend and adventure buddy. She grew up with five siblings who all live and work in Armstrong. They love their family dinners, holidays, getting together for laughter, food, and games.

Dr. Shaun Tryon

Dr. Shaun Tryon is a mixed animal practitioner and enjoys working with all sorts of animals, from dogs and cats to farm animals, birds and exotic pets. Dr. Tryon received his training at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, as a mixed-practice veterinarian and, after graduating, started working at Armstrong Veterinary Clinic. Over the last 11 years, Dr. Tryon has greatly enjoyed providing care for a wide variety of animals in the Armstrong area.

Dr. Benjamin Potvin

Dr. Ben Potvin grew up in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, later obtaining his Veterinary degree at Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario. Ben has a strong interest in dairy cattle medicine and spent the first part of his 6-year career as a full-time ruminant veterinarian. He now thoroughly enjoys working with creatures, both large and small! Ben enjoys small animal surgery and focuses on preventative medicine to help our patients live long and healthy lives. When Ben has free time, he tries to spend it all outside. He loves running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, camping, and boating. Ben and his wife, Alyssa, also enjoy spending time “playing” on their small hobby farm.

Dr. Rod Gilmer

Bio coming soon…

Dianne

Dianne has worked with the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic since September 1981. She loves working with people and their pets. Dianne feels she has been blessed with great coworkers and veterinarians who truly care for the patients. She loves the variety of cases that come through our doors. Each day is different, and she learns something new every day. Dianne received her diploma from Olds College in Alberta when there were no colleges in BC offering the Veterinary Technologist program. In her spare time, Dianne loves horseback riding, playing pickleball, camping and hiking with her German Shepherds. Dianne enjoys family game nights and playing with her grandchildren.

Katie

Katie has been in the vet industry since 1983 and has been a part of the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic team since 1989. Katie received her Animal Health technologist Diploma from Fairview, Alberta. Katie’s favourite part of working in the vet industry is being able to support animals and their owners during stressful times. Her favourite thing about working at the Armstrong Vet is the support of their staff and great coworkers. In Katie’s free time, she enjoys gardening, yoga, skiing, snowshoeing, and spending time with her family.

Athena

Athena has been a part of the veterinary industry since 2013 and, after graduating with her Animal Health Technologist Diploma from Olds College, became a tech in rural Alberta. Athena returned home to the Okanagan and has been at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic since 2021. Although anesthesia and dentistry are Athena’s two favourite daily activities, her favourite part of working at The Armstrong Vet are all the fantastic patients and our ability to care for a wide range of critters. Athena is very outdoorsy! You can find her with her dog Branch at the lake playing fetch or out camping in her spare time. She also enjoys spending time with her cats, Gus and Grover, at home while painting and baking.

Olivia

Olivia has been working in the vet industry since graduating from Thompson Rivers University in 2020. After completing her Animal Health Technology Diploma, Olivia’s interests are in clinical pathology, cytology, and laboratory diagnostics. During her free time, Olivia likes to read and get out to enjoy nature.

Bailey

Bio coming soon!

Anastasia

Anastasia graduated from Northwestern Polytechnic in Fairview, Alberta, in May 2026 and moved to British Columbia to be closer to her sisters. She joined Armstrong Veterinary Clinic in July 2026 as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) and is excited to begin her career doing what she’s always wanted—working with animals! She loves being part of the veterinary team and helping care for patients while continuing to learn and grow. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her cats, Cleocatra and Burrito, horseback riding, and curling up with a good book.

Hailey

Hailey graduated from Veterinary Technology school in 2025 and has been a Registered Veterinary Technician with the team since May 2025. She has called British Columbia home for the past 12 years and loves being part of the community. Growing up with pets of all sizes inspired her lifelong passion for animal care. Outside of the clinic, Hailey enjoys baking, reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends. She looks forward to meeting clients and their furry family members.

Nikki

Nikki has her Medical Assistant Diploma from Germany and her Canadian Health Unit Clerk Support Specialist Certificate. She has devoted the past five years to helping animals at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic. When not at the clinic, you can find Nikki working out at the gym or walking her dogs. Nikki has two dogs and 12 chickens.

JANEL

Janel joined the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic in May 2023 and enjoys nursing animals and working in the community. She has a Baccalaureate of Nursing with four years of experience in the operating room. In Janel’s free time, she likes to go for hikes with her two dogs.

Maartje

Maartje attended Olds College in Alberta, where she completed her Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Receptionist Program. She completed her Practicum at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic in 2021 and was given a permanent position. Maartje is currently pursuing to become a Registered Veterinary Technologist through the Thompson Rivers University distance Veterinary Technology program. Maartje loves being a part of the many helping hands needed for the treatments and procedures of our patients. She also enjoys working and learning alongside our group of veterinarians and technologists to build her skills and knowledge to treat her own herd of animals. Most of Maartje’s spare time is spent on her farm with all her critters. She loves being out in the barn with her cows or walking with her dogs. When Maartje is not on the farm, she enjoys going to jiu-jitsu to make sure she can keep up with wrangling her calves.

Pam

Pam is a dedicated veterinary assistant at our clinic, with 13 years of experience working as a cardiology technologist in human healthcare. Her expertise and commitment to maintaining a clean, welcoming environment play a vital role in supporting the clinic’s mission of providing exceptional care to animals. Pam thrives in the collaborative and positive atmosphere of the clinic, appreciating the team spirit that drives her work every day. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and pets, as well as working on her property, reflecting her dedication to both animal welfare and a balanced lifestyle.

Bev

Bev has worked full-time in veterinary clinics since May 1983 and has worked as a veterinary assistant for 30+ years. Bev joined the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic in November 1995 and loves helping our clients and their pets. Bev has a wealth of information and loves to share random facts, for example, using dry dog food as rations in emergency situations because you won’t eat it all in one day.

Andrea

Bio coming soon…

Janelle

Janelle has been in the field of veterinary medicine for 17 years and has been a part of the Armstrong Veterinary Team since she moved to the Okanagan in 2020. She loves being a part of our amazing team! Janelle’s spare time is spent with family and enjoying her beautiful 12 acres on the Shuswap River. She also enjoys spending time dabbling in Rally, Obedience, and Agility with her dog Remy.

Jennie

Jennie has been a part of the veterinary industry for a total of 9 years. She started at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic in 2008 and was there for two years before moving to Calgary. Jennie spent three years at an emergency vet hospital in Calgary and eventually returned home to her Armstrong Vet family. In her spare time, Jennie enjoys kayaking and going for walks with her daughter and dog.

Audrey

Audrey has enjoyed working in the veterinary industry since 1995 and has been at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic since 2021. She Thrives being part of an ethical, caring, and positive team here at the Armstrong Veterinary Clinic. This team makes every day a good day! Audrey enjoys the variety of animals and helping clients help their pets. In her free time, Audrey has fun with her vivacious daughters. They enjoy outdoor activities, socializing with friends and family, as well as local community events.