Makayla

Lead Veterinary Assistant

Makayla has proudly been working as our hospital's leader since the very beginning and has come to know and love all 4,000+ patients! She began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2020, after becoming inspired by her late kitten, Mr. Shakedown, who was born with Spina Bifida.

During her time here, Makayla has fostered 6 kittens! She is proud to say they are all thriving and fully grown in their forever homes.

When she's not at work, Makayla can be found running on the treadmill, crocheting, watching lots of TV (her favourite show is Glee!), or playing with her dog, Shoresy. She also specializes in painting pet portraits, which you can find around the hospital!

Cayley

Veterinary Assistant

Cayley has been working with animals since 2018, and joined the Burke Mountain team in 2023. She has always had a passion for working with animals of all types, but holds a special place in her heart for dogs and rabbits!

Cayley is currently enrolled at Douglas College for her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology!

At home, she enjoys hanging out with her rabbit, Romeo, who she adopted in 2019. During her spare time, Cayley enjoys drawing, painting, crocheting, or learning a new instrument. She is very passionate about expanding her knowledge about animal care and behavioural training, including positive reinforcement training, and loves teaching dogs and cats new tricks!

Abigail

Veterinary Assistant

Abigail has been a proud member of the Burke Mountain team since 2024. She has learned so much since working in the veterinary world and prides herself on creating a positive impact on all nervous and anxious pets who come through our doors.

Abigail has rescued two dogs, two cats, and a ball python. Her best friend is her 105lb dog, Crash! She has navigated Crash's epilepsy with patience, grace, and care, and they are both thriving together.

In her downtime, Abigail can be found playing with her dog, riding her bike, or cooking with her mom!

Rahaf

Veterinary Assistant

Rahaf began her career in animal care in 2021 at the Edmonton Humane Society as a cat adoption counselor. There she developed an interest in veterinary medicine and has been working as a veterinary assistant since 2022. Before discovering her passion for animal care, Rahaf completed her bachelors degree in Political Science and English at the University of Alberta.

Rahaf grew up around cats her whole life, now she is a proud mother to three senior cats of her own: Leslie, Dai, and Bather! They share her passion for lazy Sunday’s and basking in the sun. One day she hopes to add a chihuahua to the family.

When she is not working, Rahaf enjoys spending time with her feline and human family. She enjoys reading many genres, though her favourites are children's literature and magical realism. More recently she has enjoyed experimenting with new recipes, her culinary specialty is shrimp dumplings.

Maria

Veterinary Assistant

Maria has been a long-time member of the Burke Mountain team since 2022. She dedicates a majority of her time learning about animals and the various ways to train them. She is good at handling anxious dogs and cats, and always treats each animal that visits the hospital as if they were her own.

Maria spends her free time with her beloved cats, Luna and Connor, a Calico and a Ragdoll she adopted in 2022. She also loves trying out new restaurants with her friends, and traveling the world! Maria is fluent in English, Turkish and Korean.

Mahshad

Veterinary Assistant

Mahshad has 10 years of experience working in animal hospitals, having started her journey in Iran. She moved to Canada and joined our team in 2024.

In the future, Mahshad would like to pursue her education in animal physiology. Her dream is to one day obtain her PhD!

When she's not at work, Mahshad loves hanging out with her friends and family, or golfing! 

Neil

Veterinary Assistant

After completing her Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature, Neil has been teaching and translating the English language. She began her journey in veterinary medicine in 2019 and joined our team in 2026.

Her dream is to one day become a veterinary technician and run a shelter to help dogs and cats in need!

When she's not at work, she can be found hanging out with her cats (Fennel and Ares) and her Golden Retriever (Zico). She loves to paint, read, watch TV, and dance to her favourite music.

Caitlin

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant

Every summer and winter break, you can find Caitlin here at Burke Mountain Animal Hospital. She returns to us whenever she has a break from school and has been part of our team since 2023.

Caitlin is hard at work finishing her bachelor's degree at Thompson River University, with plans to apply for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree once she's graduated.

When she's not at work, Caitlin enjoys listening to music, trying out new food places, cross stitching, and playing Sudoku!

Juliana

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant

Juliana first joined our team in 2023 and has returned to us every winter and summer break to help out.

She is currently studying for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Dublin, where she works with cows and sheep almost daily!

When she's not at school or work, Juliana can be found walking her dog, Kiwi, or making sourdough bread.

Shadow

Client Care Specialist

Shadow is new to the Burke Mountain team as of 2026, but is learning quickly and is passionate to be here.

Shadow currently volunteers with Cat Therapy and Rescue and is currently attending a Veterinary Medical Terminology course. They hope to continue their studies in biology, animal care, and anatomy & physiology, throughout their life!

During their free time, Shadow loves to spend time with their friends and family, including their beloved cats: Bella, PePe, Diana, and Grace. They also enjoy taking part in the performing arts, exploring the outdoors, participating in Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, and working on their various creative writing projects.