Staff
These are the people that bring love, compassion, talent and dedication to work with them each and every day!
Dr. Lilian Hidalgo, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Dr. Lilian Hidalgo grew up between South America and the United States. She obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine from La Salle University in 1998. After working in various locations in Alberta, the development of Ryder’s Square Shopping Centre presented a great opportunity to practice what she loves in the town she calls home.
Her passion is companion animal medicine, which has only grown more since completing the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course, examinations and required internships. She lives with her husband Juan, an equine veterinarian, her two children Catalina and Daniel and an adorable but stubborn Westie named Thomas.
During her free time Lilian enjoys reading, cooking, eating and yoga. She is also part of the team at her husband’s practices, Santa Fe Veterinary Services and Santa Fe Equine Clinic, where she applies acupuncture and Chinese Herbal therapies to equine patients.
Callie Demchenko, Animal Health Technologist
Callie is a graduate from the Olds College Animal Health Tech program 2008. She grew up on a ranch in southwest Saskatchewan where she helped raise Hereford cattle, had many horses, cats, and a border collie dog. It was there that her passion for caring for animals came at an early age, so it was only natural that she would choose a career where she could work with them each and every day. Outside of work her life involves playing volleyball competitively, golfing, and teaching children’s swimming lessons. She also enjoys photography and scrapbooking, and anything to do with her horses. She is extremely excited to get her career underway as an AHT, and looking forward to her future in the field of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Juan A. Garcia, Veterinarian
After 22 years of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr.
Garcia has had the opportunity to experience many interesting scenarios
dealing with an array of patients, from pigs to horses, sheep, llamas,
cattle and of course cats and dogs! Dr. Garcia brings wide personal and
professional experiences including 5 years as an internal medicine and
surgery professor. He is passionate about equine medicine and surgery,
and is currently pursuing certification through ISELP (International
Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology). His hobby is reading about,
learning about, living and breathing veterinary medicine!
Dr. Garcia is the owner of Santa Fe
Veterinary Services and Santa Fe Equine Clinic. You can find more
information about these practices at www.santafevet.ca
Bettie Demers, Practice Manager
Bettie was born and raised in Calgary, AB. Twenty five years of married life were spent on an acreage NE of High River where she raised her children, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats and horses. In 2002, she moved to Sylvan Lake to the lot next to the one her family owned for 50 years. Her children are now grown and gone, there are no more pigs and chickens, but she still has 4 1/2 horses (one is in foal), one dog and a cat.
Cyndi Amendt, Animal Health Assistant
Cyndi was born in Saskatoon, SK. the youngest of 3 children. At age 4 she found a love for animals after her family welcomed a stray kitten into their home. In later years, dogs, birds, cats, rabbits and a horse became part of her growing family. Cyndi is now married to a wonderful man and has two teenage sons and a pre-teen daughter. She moved to Rimbey in 2006. She enjoys walking trails with her husband and dogs in the summer or snuggling under a blanket in winter. Cyndi also loves reading, travelling, camping and is especially excited to be working in an environment where she is able to help and learn more about animals!
Audrey Vizena, Animal Health Assistant
Audrey was was born in Michigan, but lived in Atlanta, Georgia most of her life. There, she attended college at The University of Georgia, and, obtained a degree in Biological Sciences. She worked as an Animal Health Technician in the States for nearly ten years. Audrey moved to Red Deer with her husband, Jamie, one year ago. They live with an English bulldog named Cadbury, who was born with neurological problems and various other “special needs” Much of Audrey’s time is spent caring for and spending time with Cadbury. Cadbury loves to play with her kitty cat, Mr. Biscuit, and sometimes they can bee seen cuddling on the couch together. Audrey and Jamie also have a husky mix named Hush, who loves to go for walks, and, is learning tricks, with Cadbury’s help. In her free time she enjoys cooking, going for walks, nature watching, and watching hockey and college football.
