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 several years at a Laser surgery exclusive practice and other locations, the development of Ryder’s Square Shopping Centre presented a great opportunity to practice what she loves in the town she calls home.
Dr. Hidalgo has a profound interest in small animal medicine and surgery. She has obtained advanced training in laser surgery and in 2007 became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through IVAS, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
During her free time, Lilian enjoys spending time with her husband and children, travel, reading, exercise, trying new foods and cuddling with her pets!
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.
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.
Dr. Rick Graber, DVM Rick was raised on a small farm in
southern Alberta and graduated from the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 1979. He owned the Lacombe
Veterinary Centre for 22 years. Rick sold the practice to pursue a
Masters Degree in Christian Studies. He and his wife Linda have been
married for 37 years and have four children and eight grandchildren.
Rick and Linda travel to Africa, especially Sudan, taking teams to
serve and encourage churches of different denominations. As
missionaries, their work includes orphanages, schools,
livestock production and evangelism. Rick is excited to be part of the
Pathways Animal Clinic staff.
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
