Dr. Jessica Yenssen grew up on a dairy farm in Bruce County, where she spent a lot of time helping care for the livestock. She began her veterinary career by working at a rural mixed animal practice during a high school co-op placement. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2008 and began practicing in rural Ontario. She transitioned from mixed animal (both large and small animals) to purely small animal in 2010 and has practiced veterinary medicine in Waterloo Region ever since.

For the last year, Dr. Yenssen has also worked at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Waterloo Region; this clinic provides emergency veterinary care to small animals 24/7.

Dr. Yenssen has lived in Wilmot township for over ten years and is happy to be practicing veterinary medicine in the local community. Dr. Yenssen enjoys all aspects of being a veterinarian and loves to see the bond that owners have with their furry companions. She has a special interest in Ophthalmology, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care.

Dr. Jessica shares her life with her husband, three daughters and her “first girl” – a senior dog named Peggy Sue. When Dr. Jessica is not working, she can be found watching her daughters at the pool, dance studio or basketball court. She also loves baking, gardening and camping.

Dr. Cristin McCarty-Van Straaten is an accomplished veterinarian, equestrian, and former elite rower who has dedicated her life to animal health and sports. Raised in Saskatchewan, Dr. Cristin grew up training and competing her dogs in obedience and agility, and her horses in hunter and jumper events across Western Canada. Her dedication to excellence saw her achieve the HA level in the Canadian Pony Club, marking an early milestone in her journey.

Dr. Cristin pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan on a rowing scholarship, where she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Public Health. After her collegiate years, she competed internationally with the Canadian National Women’s Rowing Team, representing her country from 2006 to 2010. Her athletic achievements included winning Gold and Silver at the 2007 Pan American Games, a proud accomplishment for both herself and Canada.

Driven by a keen interest in animal health and biomechanics, Dr. Cristin continued her studies with a PhD in Injury Biomechanics from the University of Guelph, focusing on lameness and joint disease in racehorses. After completing her PhD in 2013, she applied her expertise in biomechanics as a forensic engineer for three years, developing a foundation in injury analysis.

Her true calling, however, lay in veterinary medicine. In 2020, she graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, fulfilling her lifelong dream. She initially worked in large animal practice, focusing on dairy cows, small ruminants, and horses, but eventually transitioned to small animal emergency medicine in 2022.

Dr. Cristin worked at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Waterloo Region from 2022-2024. She founded MVS Equine Veterinary Services in 2022, where she continues to work part-time specializing in equine lameness. She is certified in veterinary spinal manipulative therapy, with a strong focus on preventative medicine and musculoskeletal health and surgery.

Dr. Cristin resides in Guelph, Ontario, with her husband, two sons, and her beloved 15-year-old cat. Together with her husband, she operates a cash crop farm near Mitchell, ON. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys swimming, gardening, and spending quality time with her family

Martha Cook is our dedicated Hospital Manager at Nith Valley Animal Hospital, where her journey began over 30 years ago. After a 20-year hiatus, she returned in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to customer service and service excellence. She is particularly passionate about promoting good nutrition for patients.

Outside of work, Martha enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, along with their four-legged companions, Piper and Poppie. In her free time, she loves reading, participating in her book club, and embracing the great outdoors, whether at home or camping with family and friends.

Emily Stiver, also known as Em, is a caring Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who earned her accreditation in 2012 and has since dedicated over a decade to helping animals, with a particular passion for surgery and patient care. Her journey began at just 10 years old when she tended to her family dog, Mick, with her own little medical kit.

Growing up on a horse farm nurtured her love for animals, and for 13 years, she has cherished her companion horse, Martini, deepening her bond with these incredible creatures. In 2013, while still working, Emily was accepted to the University of Guelph to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology, which she completed in 2017.

When she’s not at work, you can find her enjoying cozy weekends at the cottage, whipping up delicious meals and baked goods, or getting lost in a good book. Travel is another love of hers, and she has even volunteered in Guatemala, assisting with spay/neuter clinics to help animals in need.

At home with her partner, Aaron, Emily shares her life with their two beloved dogs, Kevin and Lily, and a playful cat named Randall. Together, they create a warm and loving environment filled with laughter and companionship.

Sarah Wolf joined the team at Nith Valley Animal Hospital in 2021 and has been a dedicated Veterinary Assistant ever since. Living in New Hamburg with her three children and her beloved furbaby, Bentley, Sarah is passionate about animals and the great outdoors. She loves spending quality time with her family and friends, embracing every moment.

With a strong commitment to excellent customer service, Sarah enjoys interacting with patients and their pet parents, ensuring a compassionate and welcoming experience for all. Her enthusiasm for animal care and her warm personality make her a valued member of our team.