Karman & Penny
Registered Veterinary Technologist
Karman graduated from Douglas college in 2011 and has been working with animals since she was 16. She started volunteering at the Vancouver SPCA and then graduated from Granville business college as an VOA. She has worked in multiple different animal practice and have seen her fair share of the good the bad and the ugly. She loves to be involved with the squeamish stuff in the clinic and enjoys educating owners on proper pet care and nutrition. If your pet is on the chonky side Karman will be the first to set them up with a weight loss plan.
During her time away from the clinic she is running after her toddler or trying to keep her orchid plants alive. Her favourite thing about The Barn Door Vet is fancy-dancy medical equipment we have to serve our patients; like the surgical laser machine, capnograph, mobile ultrasound, and much more.
Patricia Mattos
Animal Health Technician
Patricia (a.k.a Patty) graduated from the Veterinary University in her home country of Brazil in 2007 and proceeded to practice there as a veterinarian for 2 years, joining a practice as an associate. 3 years later she took her first post-graduate course in diagnostic imaging for radiology and ultrasound, and began working more closely in that area of medicine including writing radiology reports. In 2014 Patricia took her second post-graduate course for CT Scans and MRI Imaging, then worked in that field of veterinary medicine for the next 10 years. Diagnostic imaging continues to be Patty’s passion in veterinary medicine, and she has even given lectures to colleges, veterinary study groups, and primary schools.
In April of 2022 Patricia and her husband came to Canada with their 15 year old rescue cat, Kuka. She is now studying for her Canadian veterinarian license, and currently is working as a technician at The Barn Door Veterinary Care. The animal world plays a big part in Patty’s life, and one of her other passions includes marine biology. In 2008 Patricia took a course in marine biology and worked at a marine animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Brazil, associated with a community-based environmental education program in fishing villages. In her spare time Patricia can be found practicing her skills as a black belt in karate, or exploring the BC wilderness with her equally adventurous husband.
Colleen & Wolfie
Clinic Co-ordinator/Animal Health Technician
Colleen has a love for animals of all shapes and sizes, currently her hobby farm houses 14 cats, 3 dogs, a couple horses, a donkey (named Donkey; of course), a few roosters and hens, and a 2000 pound steer!! Colleen has never said no to a rescue, most recently she has welcomed a young dwarf bunny named Bun Bun.
Colleen has been with The Barn Door Veterinary Care for a few years now, but she has been in the industry for almost half her life. She is a wealth of knowledge, with a keen interest in veterinary nutrition.
Alex & Luna
Inventory & Pharmacy
Veterinarian Assistant
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Alex has been working at The Barn Door Veterinary Care since it’s opening in 2019, which also marks his entrance into the world of veterinary medicine. Motivated by his love for animals and their welfare, Alex enjoys making connections with pets and their parents that will last a lifetime. With shared parenthood of his best friend and senior family dog Luna, they enjoy going for long walks through the forest in the rain hunting for rocks, followed by cuddles on the couch. In his spare time you’ll find Alex pursuing his passion working as a hairdresser, catering to the LGBTQ+ youth and adults of the lower mainland.
Aleta & Mateo + Kuzco
Receptionist
Resident Crazy Cat Lady
Since entering the veterinary industry in 2014, Aleta has worked primarily in clinics with a holistic approach. She has always maintained a growth mindset to stay informed regarding the wellness of her pets. Aleta firmly believes in advocating for animals who can’t speak for themselves.
Driven by her passion for helping animals, Aleta enjoys making connections both with pets and their parents. In the clinic you’ll find her welcoming you at the front desk, answering your questions over the phone, and assisting you with your pets needs and annual checkups.
Currently living with her husband and two fur-babies, Mateo and Kuzco, Aleta enjoys spending her free time going for walks, and can usually be found in the forest with her kitties on leash. Throughout her life Aleta has enjoyed the company of many beloved pets, from hamsters and fish to, cats and dogs, turtles and even a Senegal parrot named Mojo!
Sylvia & Sophie
Sylvia is a proud dog mama to her precious pug, Sophie. As a young girl in Zell am See, Austria, she spend her summers on the family farm raising chickens, pigs, cows and horses. She has always been a lover of all animals and has found her perfect fit here at the Barn Door! After finishing her degree at a later stage in life, she brings a wealth of corporate and human resources experience to support the staff and clients, respectively.
Natalie & Phoebe
Technician Assistant
Introducing Natalie, our dedicated Technician Assistant at Barndoor Veterinary Care. She graduated from Douglas College’s Veterinary Office and Animal Care program in 2020, Natalie brings invaluable experience to our team, having been part of the veterinary industry since 2018. With a lifelong passion for animals, Natalie shares a home with Phoebe, a delightful 2-year-old cat, and holds a special affection for all dogs. Outside the clinic, you’ll find Natalie exploring nature on walks, enjoying culinary adventures in the kitchen, and cherishing quality moments with her boyfriend and family.
Liza
Registered Veterinary Technologist
Liza is a graduate of the Douglas College Veterinary Technology class of 2019, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our team at the Barn Door. Her career has been marked by many adventures, from working with exotic birds in the Caribbean to assisting with no-cost spay and neuter projects abroad.
As a locum, you’ll find Liza at our clinic every Wednesday and Friday. Whether she’s assisting in surgery, performing dental cleanings, or providing compassionate nursing care, Liza’s goal remains the same: to ensure the health and well-being of every animal she is entrusted with.
When she is not working at the Barn Door, Liza splits her time between conducting house-visits for at-home veterinary nursing, and working at an avian-only specialty hospital.
In her personal life, Liza is a devoted pet mom to her two rescue dogs, Randy and Summer. She also shares her life with a Quaker parrot named Harley, who has been her feathered companion for an impressive 17 years. When she’s not caring for animals, Liza enjoys spending time at the beach, or curled up at home with a good video game.
Brandi
Registered Veterinary Technologist
Brandi has been working for The Barn Door since July 2023. She graduated from the Douglas College Veterinary Office and Animal Care program in July 2011. After working in the industry for several years as a Vet assistant, she decided to pursue becoming an RVT. Brandi graduated from the Douglas Collage Veterinary Technology Diploma program in July 2016 and has been a Registered Veterinary Technologist ever since. She loves being a tech because every day is a different day with new patients and new puzzles.
Even though the job is emotionally and mentally tiring at times, being able to see patients make full recoveries and be able to be a part of that makes it all worthwhile.
In her spare time, she enjoys: Soccer, Softball, as well as other outdoor activities and spending time at her cabin on the Sunshine Coast with her family.
Brandi, her husband, and their daughter all love animals and share their home with two senior cats, Billy jean and Weazley, plus their dog Tuxedo who is a Shih Tzu X Rotti. In the past, she as also shared her home with many ‘pocket’ pets such as rats, degus, and hamsters.
23,458
Sloppy Kisses
19,389
Bellies Rubbed
27,193
Treats Given
