Dr. Stephens graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1995. She has been involved in large animal and small animal medicine, but her speciality is treating dogs and cats. Diane has over 25 years of clinical experience and has perfected the ability to put pets at ease. Diane and her husband Jeff have owned Westmorland Animal Hospital since January of 2012. She shares her passion for animals with her two beautiful daughters, Emily and Olivia. Her family is completed by their dog Krinkle and her four rescue cats: Tinker, Dobby, Kreacher and Hercules, Westmorland's retired clinic cat. They live in a beautiful old farmhouse just outside of Amherst, N.S. When not caring for her furry patients, Diane's favorite place to be is at her cottage where she searches for sea glass or can be found on the water paddleboarding and soaking up the sun.
Samantha, affectionately known as Sam, is our head veterinary technician. She graduated from Oulton's veterinary technician course in June of 2014, and has been at Westmorland since November, 2014. She shares a cozy home in Sackville with her partner Jon and two bouncy English springer spaniels, Lily and Maverick. Sam also has three cats, Piper, Lip, and West. Sam's nurturing personality and love for animals comes through in her work, where every pet is greeted and adored like one of her own. On her off time Sam loves to kayak, camp with her dogs and travel, especially somewhere warm and sunny!
Alysha is one of our registered veterinary technicians and assistant office manager. She graduated from Oulton College in June of 2016 and passed her national exam in July of 2016. She started her practicum with us and has been part of our work family ever since. She shares a small farm with her husband Brady and daughters Scarlett and Evelyn in Southampton, NS, where she is busy caring for her beef cattle, sheep, chickens, and her goat Gretchen. Alysha has four rescue cats, Jack, Percy, Elmer and Roger; and two Australian cattle dogs, Ruger and Colt and a rabbit named Rosie. This passion for animals translates into her work, where she always makes the time to provide the very best one-on-one care our clients and their pets. Alysha enjoys spending time outside on their farm with her family, as well as grown and raising their own food.
Paige graduated from Oulton's College in November of 2021 and passed her national exam that month. Paige began working at our clinic the following month, bringing along her great smile and her love for all animals, grey male cats in particular. She recently moved back to her hometown of Sackville from the busy metropolis of Moncton. Now she enjoys the quiet small-town life with her partner Mackenzie, two cats Eve and Kovu, two dogs Mars and Rayah, and her velociraptor (actually a bearded dragon named Sriracha!) In her spare time, Paige enjoys travelling and going to her mum's for some fantastic home cooking.
Sam (yes there's more than one!) started with us in May of 2023 after earning her Veterinary Technician diploma from Dalhousie Agriculture Campus. Prior to this she also earned a BSc (agriculture) in animal science and a certificate in animal welfare. Since joining us Sam has also passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam. Sam has 2 cats at home named Bella and Luna, and a gentle giant that she often brings to work with her named Beaufort, a St. Bernard. When needed Sam and her furry family members make room for her partner Matt in their home in Oxford NS. Sam's love for animals extends to her love of the outdoors, as well as riding and training with horses.
Jill is a Veterinary Assistant here at Westmorland, she got her degree from Oulton College in 2019 and has been part of our team ever since. Jill is from Amherst and lives there with her fiancé Josh and son Colson. Thier little family also includes their bulldog mix Axel and crazy orange cat Billy, affectionately known as Kitty. Jill is known at the clinic for her ability to connect with clients and her sense of humor that always lightens the room for a stressed owner. In her free time Jill enjoys adventuring outside with her family or playing softball.
Sue moved to Sackville from England when she was 16 years old, and after a brief stint working in Fredericton, returned to this small community that she calls home. She joined the clinic after a number of interesting careers, including wetland biologist and outdoor educator. From dealing with paperwork to making the best cup of coffee, Sue helps keep our office running smoothly and efficiently. She has adopted three rescue cats, Hank, Jake and Eddie. Sue also has a special dog friend, Woody, and loves being outside watching birds, gardening or just simply enjoying nature.
Nancy has been a resident of Sackville for most of her life, and after a career as a dental assistant brought her customer service expertise to the Westmorland Animal Hospital. She has two daughters and four beloved grandchildren. She often helps out on her son-in-law's beef farm. Nancy has several cats, and helps raise the two rambunctious farm puppies, Tuff and Otis. When she is not at work greeting customers with her down-to-earth warmth, Nancy can often be found working with the eleven horses who are her true passion.
Jeff supports our practice with his amazing business sense and his desire to create a great work atmosphere for our awesome staff! Although Jeff is not here on a daily basis, he will step in and answer phones or deliver our water whenever needed. Jeff shares a home with his wife Dr. Stephens, daughters Emily and Olivia, and all of their furry friends. He enjoys travelling to various sporting events with his daughters, spending time at the cottage and has a great sense of humour!
Krinkle has been at the practice since she was a young pup! She provides affectionate greetings, assistance with garbage cleanup and regularly fertilizes the lawn. She enjoys snuggling, treats, walks and sunshine. She doesn't talk a lot but will give us the occasional "woo-hoo!" when she really has something to say. She lives with Dr. Stephens and earns a regular salary of food, love and trips to the cottage. On her days off she is usually found with Grampy enjoying the occasional cheeseburger or other special treat.