Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of East St. Paul Animal Hospital in East St. Paul! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets! Please call us at (204) 661-2183 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Veterinarians

DVM

Dr. Lyle Kjernisted

Welcome to the East St Paul Animal Hospital. My name is Lyle Kjernisted and I have owned and managed the animal hospital since 1998. I grew up in Stonewall, Manitoba, where I lived on a farm and helped my family raise purebred Shorthorn cattle. I went to school locally and kept busy in 4H, multiple sports and life on the farm. A passion for hockey led me to play three years of junior hockey and eventually led me to Dalhousie University where I played Varsity hockey and received my Bachelor of Science degree. Inspired by my father, a veterinarian, I continued my education at the University of Saskatchewan and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine where I graduated in 1990. I returned to Manitoba, newly married, and began my career in a rural, mixed animal practice. In 1998, I opened the East St Paul Animal Hospital and moved to the Birds Hill community with my wife and daughter. In my spare time I enjoy golfing, cycling and spending time at the cottage with my family.
DVM

Dr. Sharon Pydee

I was born and raised in Winnipeg, attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon and graduated in 2007. At my first job posting in Shoal Lake, Manitoba, I enjoyed the challenges of a busy rural mixed animal practice. in 2009, my husband Mike and I moved to Beausejour to be close to family and friends. I enjoy all aspects of working at a rural practice. For me, getting to know new people and discovering the unique personalities of their animals is one of the best parts of being a vet. Ensuring animals are in their best health so that they can live well and be enjoyed by their families is my main goal. Mike and I welcomed our first child, Robyn, to the family in 2012 and Owen in 2014. Our family also consists of an ever-growing collection of well-loved pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, and horses.
DVM

Dr. Suzanne LeBlanc

I grew up and lived in Southern Ontario until graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1994. I am a farm kid at heart that grew up in the city. I have enjoyed Veterinary work in rural practice and small animal clinics throughout Manitoba. I joined the team at East St. Paul Animal Hospital in 2017. I live in the RM of Springfield with my 2 dogs and cat. Bit of an empty nester now. I enjoy preparing meals for when my children come to visit and time outside in all kinds of weather. I keep busy outside of work with gardening, quilting and horseback riding. Cases of particular interest to me deal with behaviour, dermatology, geriatrics and ophthalmology.

Office Manager

Jen Petrowski

I started at East St Paul Animal Hospital in February 2002. I started on a part-time basis as a receptionist while I finished high school in Selkirk, MB. After graduating I started working in construction full-time with my Dad, then opened my own company in 2005 while continuing to work part-time at the clinic, doing evenings and weekends. In April 2009, I decided my passion was in animal care and started working full-time at the clinic. Soon after starting full-time, I became the Office Manager of the clinic and have since completed my certificates in Humane Resource Management and Management Development at Red River College. I grew up in West St. Paul, MB. as the youngest of 5 children in my family and always had a strong love for all animals. My home now consists of my 2 human boys; Cody and Blake, dogs and cats. In my time away from the clinic I enjoy camping and the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, hot yoga and any kind of continuing education.

Registered Veterinary Technicians

RVT

Jenn Pearson

I graduated from Red River College’s Animal Health Technology program in 2011. Over the years, I have worked at veterinary clinics, an animal shelter, and bylaw until recently rejoining the team at East St Paul Animal Hospital. I am Fear Free Certified and really enjoy taking the time to ensure animals have a positive experience while being examined and handled.

I have 2 rescue cats: Koda, an 11 year old Russian Blue and Lexi, a 2 year old Calico whom I rescued. Despite the age difference, they love playing with each other and hanging out in my backyard.

I enjoy fitness and nutrition and regularly attend bootcamp classes. I often sign up for other physical activities such as Mud Hero, Zumba Strong and Bubble Run. I am passionate about travel and escape the frigid winters to somewhere tropical every year. I often locate an animal sanctuary to volunteer at for the day to learn how other countries reintegrate their native species back into the wild.

RVT

Nicole Lipischak

I started working in small animal practice while a student in the Red River College Animal Health Technology program in 2009 and graduated with honors in 2011. I have had experience working in wildlife rehabilitation, shelter medicine and small animal /exotics practice. I love that my job is ever changing and no two days are ever alike when working with animals. I joined the team at East St. Paul Animal Hospital in December 2015 and felt right at home in no time at all.

I currently live in Winnipeg with Egor my 3-legged dog, Zelma and Zoom my senior feline gals, Herman my deaf cat, and Booter – the tabby cat (who I am sure has some Bengal hidden in there somewhere!) that surprises me on a daily basis by eating something that I was certain was inedible!

RVT

Melissa Martin

I began working at the East St Paul Animal Hospital in 2012 as a student and left in 2016 after I graduated with honours from the Red River College Animal Heath Technology program. I have worked full time as a Veterinary Technician since graduating. I rejoined the team at East St. Paul Animal Hospital in February 2020 and felt right back at home. I have experience in Small Animal Practice and Shelter Medicine dealing mostly with Dogs and Cats with special interest in Behaviour, Reproduction, and Pediatric/Neonatal Care.

When not working I am kept on my toes with my family – Mikaiya my Rescued Rottweiler, Kona my Siberian Husky, Kenzie my American Pitbull Terrier and my two Rescued cats Goose and Grizzly. I enjoy spending my free time at my cabin in the Whiteshell and with friends and family.

RVT

Brandy Liebrecht

Always having a passion for animals, I graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Red River College in 2004. I have worked the majority of my career at East St. Paul Animal Hospital, rejoining the team in January 2022. I enjoy dentistry and anesthesia, and I take pride in providing compassion and comforting care to all of our patients. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and the outdoors.
RVT

Breanne Willis

I graduated with honours from Red River College's Animal Health Technology program in 2014. I have worked at a few clinics since graduating and joined the team at East St. Paul Animal Hospital in September 2022.

I share my life with my husband, 2 sons, and a golden retriever named Autumn. When I'm not working and busy being a mom, I enjoy cooking and baking, catching up on TV shows, hiking, and spending time outside.

Veterinary Office Assistants/Receptionists

Ana Siapno

I began volunteering at East St Paul Animal Hospital in September 2019 and was then employed December 2019. I feel very fortunate to be able to work in the field of animal health. This is my first time working in a veterinary clinic and I am very thankful for the opportunity to gain experience before attending the Animal Health Technology program at Red River College this coming August 2021. My goal is to graduate with honours and explore more careers in the veterinary field.

I currently own a Shitzhu Bichon named Oreo who keeps me on my toes. He is my first owned pet and I am very lucky to have him greet me every time I come home. I am an outgoing person who loves to try new things. If I’m not at work, I’m probably out enjoying the outdoors or spending time with my friends and family.

woman dog

Colleen Ormiston

I’ve lived most of my life in East St. Paul and I have always loved animals. I graduated from the Veterinary Office Assistant course at Robertson College in 2011. I started working at the East St. Paul Animal Hospital in March 2015 where I truly enjoy each day working with animals and talking to their owners. I have a diabetic dog named Bailey and 2 cats, Milt and Sweet Pea. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Kayla Freiling

I began working as a veterinary receptionist in early 2016 and have been working at East St. Paul Animal Hospital since September 2018. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone’s furry family members in my time at the clinic so far and always look forward to meeting new faces as they come through our door.

If I’m not at work, you can probably find me at the barn spending time with my two horses, Max and Badger. I also have two lionhead bunnies at home named Kaytee and Ozzy who love keeping me on my toes.

Mason Hughesman

I started out as a volunteer at the East St. Paul Animal Hospital in 2019 and became a full time employee in 2021. I am very fortunate to be able to work in a field that allows me to meet new people and their companion animals and continue to learn about veterinary medicine. I will be heading out to Saskatoon to start my first year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the fall of 2022.

Currently our family includes Kaity: a Golden Retriever who loves to swim no matter what the temperature may be. When I am away from the animal hospital I can be found on a golf course, baseball diamond, hiking with Kaity, volunteering in the community or spending quality time with friends and family.

Simon Pankratz

Hi, I’m Simon. I’ve been working at East St. Paul Animal Hospital since December 2021 while I am studying Physics at the University of Winnipeg.
I’ve been around dogs my entire life despite being a dedicated cat person, one of my big life goals is to finally own my own cat! When I’m not at work (and it’s not winter) I’m likely out riding my motorcycle.

Tristen Witnicki

I graduated from the Veterinary Office Assistant program at Robertson College in the Spring of 2022, I began working at East St. Paul Animal Hospital in July 2022. Ever since I was young, I have loved helping and caring for animals.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work in the Veterinary field. I love getting to know our clients and their pets. When I am not working, I am enjoying the outdoors, spending time with my family and friends and trying out new adventures.

Clinic Cat Assistants

Sushi

I became a clinic team member in the winter of 2010. I was able to live many years in our previous clinic location and with Jynx who taught me all I needed to know about how to be a great clinic cat supervisor. I really enjoy our new clinic and all the windows to explore, I have many hiding spots I like to nap in and will often be found waiting for snacks in the staff lunch room.

Wasabi

I became part of the clinic team in the fall of 2021. I like to wander around the clinic and patrol the front office as furry friends come and go. I can often be seen socializing in our reception area however, I prefer to only observe visiting pets from afar. Lastly, I really enjoy lots of catnip and treats!

Heavenly Clinic Cat Supervisor

White cat staring while standing up straight

Jynx

With heavy hearts, we are sad to inform everyone that our long time clinic cat and mascot, Jynx has crossed over the rainbow bridge in May 2016.

Jynx turned 18 years old at the beginning of May 2016 and has lived with us for 15 wonderful years. He was the greatest greeter at the front desk and made sure our clients were well taken care of. He will be sadly missed by everyone and never forgotten. Rest easy Jynx.