Our Team

Keri Evers

BSc, DVM, CCRP

I graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Atlantic Veterinary College (PEI) in 2003 with special interests in neurology and surgery and I have been practicing in the Niagara region since 2005. Thanks to the high energy rescue Boston Terrier, Molson, that came into my life in 2002, I developed a great passion for dog sports and have been competing in flyball with my dogs since 2004.

In 2010, I discovered that Molson had a completely collapsed disc space, an injury which could have been severely debilitating had he been unfit and overweight. Instead, he continued to race another 4 years before taking his well-earned retirement at the age of 13. For this reason, I have always been a strong advocate for keeping pets active and healthy.

This led to a keen interest in canine rehabilitation and sports medicine, a discipline which also relies heavily on knowledge of neurology and surgery. It was the perfect fit, enabling me to combine all of my interests for the advancement of my professional life. In 2014, I completed my certification in canine rehab through the University of Tennessee and am now a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP).

I love going to work every day to see what challenges may greet me with my patients. When not there or taking courses to further my knowledge in the field, I am either camping with my husband Joel and our pups, Bacardi Breezer and Coca Cola, or at some sort of dog sport competition whether that be flyball, dock diving or any other sport that Breeze and I think we should try out. Although dogs tend to be my focus, I love cats, too. We currently share our home with Lentil, an orange tabby, and Quill, a Bengal mix.

Barbara Lee

PT, Dip. Canine Rehab

I graduated from Salford School of Physiotherapy in England and worked in the UK as a Physiotherapist until leaving to come to Canada in 1985. Since then, I have worked in private practice, homecare and in long term care. Over the years, I have always used my physiotherapy techniques on my own pets when they have injured themselves and loved to see how well they responded to those treatments.

Through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), I joined the Animal Rehab Division (ARD) to further my knowledge in animal rehab. In 2005, I went to Red Deer, Alberta for 4 days, where I took the Introduction to Equine Rehab. I loved every minute of it and was able to use the skills I had learned on my own horses. After that, I decided I wanted to do animal rehab as the final chapter of my career.

Once my children were moving on to higher education in 2012, I started to work in animal rehab and I took the opportunity to do my Diploma in Canine Rehab through the CPA, completing it in 2014. I have also completed the Advanced Canine Spine Certification and attended many conferences to further my knowledge in animal rehab.

As a physiotherapist, I feel extremely lucky to have practiced in many areas of my profession and I have honestly enjoyed all of it but, I love animal rehab and cannot think of a better way to practice for my final working years. It is so rewarding to see how well animals respond to physiotherapy and how happy their owners are when their pet has recovered.

I am married to David (retired Pharmacist) and have 2 adult children, who, of course, have multiple pets! In my spare time, I am either riding my horse, Malone, or walking my Flat Coated Retriever, Stuart. We also have 2 cats, Bella and Brodie, at home who keep Stuart in line! David and I also love to travel whenever we get an opportunity.

Michelle

VT, CCRP

I graduated from the veterinary technician program at Georgian College in 2005. I have always had a passion for helping animals in need and did not want to see them in pain, which is what led me into my career as a veterinary technician. Prior to joining the Canine Conditioning Centre, I worked as a veterinary technician in general practice for 16 years.

After bringing my own pets to the Centre, I decided to further my education and I am now certified in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee. When I am not working on other people’s pets, I am at home with my Dalmatian, Maze, and hairless cat, Orbital Socket.

Natalia

Veterinary Assistant

My love for helping animals started before I moved to Canada in 2009, when I was volunteering at a shelter in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico.

With a background in Dog Socialization and Training, getting certified in June 2018 as a Vet Assistant and taking extra courses in Dog Food Nutrition, I was given the opportunity to work for the Niagara SPCA as an Animal Care Technician in April 2019. A couple of months later, I had the chance to become a part of their Spay/Neuter Clinic as a Vet Assistant. More recently, I also started my journey with the Canine Conditioning Centre as an Animal Care Assistant. I’m proud to work for organizations that share the same visions and goals as I do and that has immensely helped me grow professionally.

I am currently living in Port Colborne with my husband, a.k.a. partner in crime, Rick and when I’m not helping animals, you can find me outdoors, ready for an adventure… You name it! Rollerblading, hiking, canoeing, etc., with my 2 rescue dogs, Chula, an Akita X, and Balám, an Elkhound X.

Al

Veterinary Assistant

As far back as I can remember, I knew I had a special connection with and understanding of dogs. I remember playing with my grandmother’s dog, Clancy, and always asking questions about him, from how and why he wagged his tail to why he walked on four legs and not two. I was fascinated with every unique characteristic and personality each dog had. This interest only grew stronger as time went on, especially after my dog Charlie found me.

After working at a pet store and earning certificates on pet wellness and nutrition, I knew I was headed in the right direction, but I wanted to learn more and gain hands-on experience. I started dog walking and working at a doggy daycare. I still did not feel I was doing or learning enough, so I decided to go back to college.

During this time, I was also volunteering at the Toronto Wildlife Centre, feeding and cleaning the animals. That is where I learned the importance of animal rehabilitation and how every animal deserves our time and commitment to heal.

I graduated from the Animal Care program at Sheridan College, where I learned canine anatomy, biology, handling, behavior, enrichment, and many other skills that helped prepare me for my dream job at the Niagara Canine Conditioning Centre. The staff here have such a deep passion and knowledge of animals—it’s wonderful to be part of this amazing team!

Carlea

RMT, CCMT

I graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (Newmarket) in 1997 and have been practicing massage therapy for people for the last 25 years. I went back to school and became certified in Canine Massage Therapy in 2012. I love what I do and I love dogs!

Being able to put the two of them together has been a dream. Seeing dogs benefit from massage just like people do makes me very happy. My goal has always been to help achieve and maintain healthy and active dogs. I rescued and adopted my girl Lexi, a terrier mix, from Mexico in 2020 and she is the love of my life. When I’m not working, I like to go for walks and car rides with her.

Nicki Cunningham

PT, Dip. Canine Rehab

I graduated from St Mary’s Hospital School of Physiotherapy in London where I developed a special interest in cardio-respiratory and intensive care. I have worked in diverse acute care hospitals in both England and Ontario, after moving to Canada in 1993, in a variety of health care roles. I have had a very rewarding career working with patients, families and health care teams who have challenged me to be the best healthcare provider I can be and allowed me to contribute to making a difference in the lives of others.

My love of animals comes from growing up in rural England, surrounded by farms and having dogs always within my family. In Canada, I have been a proud cat owner, along with finally getting my first family dog, Meg, in 2014. I have seen firsthand the ability of animals to benefit from rehabilitation as part of their recovery from injury and/or surgery. This sparked my interest in combining my love of animals along with my chosen physiotherapy path.

Over the last 5 years, I have worked very hard to extend my physiotherapy into animal rehabilitation. I completed my Canine Rehabilitation Diploma through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Animal Rehabilitation Division (ARD) in early 2020. I have gained practical experience in working with animals on land and in water through volunteering opportunities at veterinary offices and through the Rehabilitation Department at the Toronto Humane Society. I love to learn and have recently completes my Level 4 certification in canine hydrotherapy for veterinary physiotherapists that is offered in the UK.

Behind me, I have an amazing family supporting my love of dogs: my wife, Tracy, and our two teens, Kieryn and Jayden. In my spare time (what spare time?!), I enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and tennis. In the summer, I love to be on the water, either on a paddleboard or in a kayak.

Music is a “key” part of our family. My wife loves to sing, my son plays the drums and I tinker on the alto saxophone and clarinet. Community and giving back is important to me; I volunteer as a foster for rescue organizations, support ElderDog’s elderly/marginalized clients with their dogs and sit as a Board of Director for the National Service Dogs of Canada.

I am thrilled to be a part of the team at NCCC and to work with an amazing team that is focused on making a difference in the lives of our animal clients and their families.

Victoria

Client Care Specialist

My love and passion for animals started at a very young age, owning dogs, cats, guinea pigs and even fish over the years. In 2015, my best friend and Doberman, Copper, suffered a spinal injury that left him paralyzed in all four limbs. Following his surgery, I learned firsthand the importance of animal rehabilitation and am proud to work in a facility that helps to improve the quality of life for so many animals. Copper went on to regain mobility in all four limbs and live a long life filled with hiking, swimming, and pretending to be a lapdog.

I graduated from Brock University with my BBA in Accounting in 2014 and possess nearly 20 years of experience in the customer service industry. I am excited to merge my passion for animals with my professional experience. When I am not working, I feel very lucky to be able to spend my days at home raising my daughter.

Charity

Client Care Specialist

Growing up, my family always had cats and dogs, whether they were rescues from the humane society or strays I brought home. I learned early on the importance of providing a healthy and nurturing home for our pets, considering them part of the family. This upbringing instilled in me a deep love and compassion for animals, driving me to ensure they receive the care and love they deserve.

With over 22 years of customer service experience, I am thrilled to be working at The Centre, where I can combine my passion for animals with my professional skills. I am eager to continue learning and collaborating with this amazing team. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my pets and husband, whether it’s taking my rescue Bear (Akita mix) for outdoor adventures or cuddling at home with my cats, Evie and Lola.

Cathy

Client Care Specialist

My interest in Canine Physiotherapy stems from my involvement in the conformation dog show ring as an elite handler, breeder, and owner of English Bull Terriers. Since the earlier 2000’s I have progressed from novice to the World Stage where I achieved both North American and World Championships. To reach that pinnacle required persistent conformation training, a precise diet regimen, and an ongoing course of physiotherapy treatments to ensure exceptional movement, physical conditioning and overall physical health. These are critical components to achieving World Class status. Nigel, Silverstone, Shugart and Lotus keep me busy in and out of the clinic.

I am very excited and privileged to be an integral part of the NCCC Team of dedicated and exceptional professionals where I can continue to expand my knowledge of canine health while at the same time helping all our patients and their owners achieve optimum health and well-being.

Debbie Wood

PT, CCRT (retired) – Clinic Ambassador

I graduated from Manchester Royal Infirmary and worked for over forty years as a physiotherapist in acute medicine, surgery and ICU in the UK and Canada. My lifelong love of animals led me to take many courses with the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA).

This opened the door for me to provide physiotherapy services for seven years to canine patients of the orthopedic surgeons and neurologists at the Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital. In 2013, I achieved certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in the U.S. after which, I provided home visits to canine patients in the GTA.

I also recently completed two years of voluntary work in the rehabilitation department of the Toronto Wildlife Centre, which admits over 270 different species of mammals, birds and reptiles annually. I live in north St. Catharines with my family, which includes Artie and Sally, two puppy mill rescues.