Dr. Bob Newfield
Veterinarian

Dr. Newfield graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Zoology and in 1979 from the University of Saskatchewan with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Most recently, Dr. Newfield graduated from the U of M in 2005 with an MBA.

He started McLeod Veterinary Hospital in 1983. Since that time, McLeod Veterinary Hospital has grown to a 5 doctor practice serving thousands of patients and clients offering newer technologies such as laser surgery, laser therapy, ultrasound and direct digital x-rays.

Dr. Newfield previously chaired the Animal Health Technologist Advisory Committee at Red River College, and is a past board member of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Winnipeg Executive Association, as well as a Veterinary board related position.

In his spare time, Dr. Newfield enjoys music and sports with a particular passion for cycling.

Dr. Newfield is now retired.

Dr. Alison Bowles
Veterinarian/McLeod Veterinary Hospital Owner

Dr. Alison Bowles graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba and then in 2002 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Bowles grew up in Winnipeg and always had a special place in her heart for animals. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was in kindergarten! She started her career at McLeod Veterinary Hospital the summer after her graduation from veterinary medicine.

When she’s not at work, Dr. Bowles spends her spare time with her husband and 2 children. She shares her home with an energetic Golden Retriever named Téa. The Bowles family is happy to welcome 2 kittens to their household; Skylar and Charlie. Alison enjoys spending family time at the cottage, camping, baking or practicing photography.

Dr. Jason Kellsey
Veterinarian/McLeod Veterinary Hospital Owner

Dr. Jason Kellsey grew up in Virden, Manitoba. After graduating from high school, he moved to Winnipeg to pursue his post-secondary education. Several years into a career in civil engineering he embraced a change in his personal and professional goals, and began his journey to become a Veterinarian. He graduated in 2008 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and has been with McLeod Veterinary Hospital since.

Jason enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a special interest in soft tissue surgery, ultrasonography and senior wellness. He considers it a privilege to work with wonderful staff and clients who strive tirelessly to nurture the human-animal bond.

Jason shares his home with his 2 beautiful children and 2 energetic cats Olive and Milo.

Dr. Rialyn Combate
Veterinarian

Dr. Rialyn Combate was born and raised in the Philippines, but has found her second home in Winnipeg since moving here in 2009. She always had a strong affinity and passion for animals since she was young, but only realized her true calling to be a veterinarian midway through middle school when her family got their very first "family dog" Yumi - and she has never looked back since! After high school, she pursued her pre-vet requirements at the University of Manitoba as an Agriculture student. She recently graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022, and she is very excited to start her veterinary career with McLeod Veterinary Hospital. She finds multiple aspects of veterinary medicine fascinating, but she holds a special interest in wellness & prevention care, geriatric care and pet rehabilitation.

Rialyn has two loving furry nephew and niece named Torq (Husky/Shepherd) and Beowulf (Pyrenese X) whom she gets to spend most of her time with during the weekends. In her spare time, you'll catch her playing either board games or video games with her family/friends or making traditional or digital artworks.

Dr. Michelle Edwards
Veterinarian

Michelle was born and raised in Winnipeg and is excited to be back home after finishing her DVM. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 after completing 2 years at the U of M in agriculture. She has been enjoying working at McLeod Vet since June of 2023.

Her special interests include internal medicine, dermatology and anesthesia. Though she initially planned on working in mixed animal practice, throughout her schooling she found her passion in working with pets and feels that they have a special place in our wellbeing. She feels privileged to be able to work with the wonderful and compassionate staff at McLeod Hospital.

When she's not in the clinic, she pursues her artistic side and performs in local dance and musical theatre companies. During her weekends she enjoys playing tabletop and video games, horseback riding, crocheting, sewing, drawing and spending time with her dog Finley. She is passionate about LGBTQIA2S+ issues, equity and accessibility, and mental health.

Cindy Sontag
Hospital Manager/Registered Veterinary Technologist

Cindy Sontag graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Red River College in 2002. She came to McLeod during her second year of the program for practical experience, and has been here ever since. Cindy has since also completed the Management Development certificate program at Red River College.

Cindy can be found spending her time camping throughout the summer and gardening while at home. She is always up for watching the Jet’s game in the evenings while spending time with her cat; Oscar.

Zoe Surgeoner
Assistant Manager/Registered Veterinary Technologist

Zoe joined the McLeod Veterinary Hospital team in 2020. She is bringing over 25 years of experience as an RVT. She will be joining our management team in the position of assistant manager.

Zoe has 2 adult children and a passion for running and enjoys spending her free time outside.

Barbe Parke
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Barbe Parke has worked at McLeod Veterinary Hospital since graduating from Red River College in 1986. Barbe has a special interest in dentistry and has years of experience in cytology. She shares her home with a cat named Twig. Thank you for your 37 years of service at McLeod Veterinary Hospital. Your knowledge and tips will be passed on for years to come.

Amy Weir
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Amy Weir started working at McLeod Veterinary Hospital in 2004 and graduated as a RAHT in 2008. Amy and her family share their home with a Siamese cat named Sneaker. In her spare time Amy enjoys reading and working on her house and garden.

Jennifer Peters
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Jennifer Peters graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Red River College in June 2014. She was hired at McLeod upon graduation. Jennifer shares her home with her cat Mink, and a leopard gecko named Sunny. When not at work, Jennifer can be found reading or spending quality time with her boyfriend.

Carolyn Tschernow
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Carolyn Tschernow began her life-long dream of working with animals in 1995. She graduated from Red River College as a Registered Veterinary Technologist in 1999 and has been working in the field of veterinary medicine ever since. She was very excited to join the McLeod team when a position became available in May of 2015. Carolyn spends her free time with her family and their dog Bodhi.

Krystin Sackmann
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Krystin came to McLeod to complete a Practicum placement in December 2020 as part of the Veterinary Technology Program and Red River College. She officially joined the team in May of 2021 upon completion of the program where she graduated with honors and was recognized for treating patients with compassion under her care. Krystin also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Winnipeg. In her spare time, Krystin enjoys camping and hiking with her terrier pup named Pepper.

Jenine Robertson
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Growing up on a farm, Jenine has always felt a connection to animals. After high school, she moved to Winnipeg to pursue a career as an RVT. She graduated from Red River College as a Registered Veterinary Technologist in 2006. Jenine joined the McLeod team in May of 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and their two cats, Kosmo and Squeakers.

Shania Villota
Registered Veterinary Technologist

Shania volunteered at McLeod to complete her prerequisite for Veterinary Technology Program in Red River College. She official joined the team fall of August 2023, and she is currently completing her last year of studies. Shania has a beagle named, Schmoo Benedict.

Martina Korne
Receptionist

Martina has been working at McLeod Veterinary Hospital since 2002, however she has been bringing her pets to see Dr. Bob since 1983. Martina and her husband are foster failures and their house is shared with dogs, cats, and even rescued fish. Away from work Martina spends much of her time with her children and grandchildren. She loves to garden, paint and spend time at the cottage. In the summer of 2022, Martina retired after 20 years of service at McLeod Veterinary Hospital. Thank you for your dedication and service over the years.

Ashley Chwartacki
Receptionist

Ashley Chwartacki joined the McLeod team in July 2010 after graduating with honors from the Veterinary Assistant Certification Program at Robertson College. Ashley enjoys sharing her love for animals with her own dogs Doris and Janis, cats Niklaus and Vladimir, and guinea pigs Paul and Patrick. Look for Ashley at the front desk at McLeod Vet!

Carissa Shaw
Receptionist

Carissa Shaw started working at McLeod in 2008. She graduated from the University of Manitoba as a Dental Hygienist. She enjoys spending time with her dogs; Akira, Gibson, and Noah, and her cats Maverick, Willow, George, and Harriette.

August Sontag
Receptionist

August joined the McLeod Veterinary Hospital team in the spring of 2018. She enjoys camping, traveling and spending time with her cornucopia of animal companions. She plans on pursuing a career in animal or human medicine.

Shanicia Ruddock
Receptionist

Shanicia began as a volunteer at McLeod Veterinary Hospital during her final year of high school. She was then asked to join our staff in August 2020. This coming year Shanicia will be attending a local university in pursuit of a career in medicine.

Taylor Blair
Receptionist

Taylor started off as a volunteer with the McLeod Veterinary Hospital team during her last year of high school. She then went on to complete a veterinary assistant program and practicum through CDI college, and officially joined the team in the summer of 2022. Taylor and her family share their home with one canine companion and four feline companions. 

Kaylee Sleva
Receptionist

Kaylee joined the McLeod team in the summer of 2022. She enjoys spending time at her cabin and everything outdoors! Kaylee spends time in Mexico with her family throughout the winters. She is hoping to further pursue her career working with animals! 

Brianna Sun
Receptionist

Before moving to Manitoba in 2023, Brianna spent her time caring for her community’s furry family members in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Video Game Design with an emphasis on concept art. She has a soft spot for feline patients and loves sneaking in cuddles with them whenever she can. In her free time she enjoys playing and developing games with her husband Zhaoliang, eating hot pot, playing badminton, and spending time with her own cats Ornstein and Saltzpyre.

Romy Scott
Veterinary Assistant

Romy Scott joined the team in December of 2010. She graduated with honors from the Veterinary Assistant Program at Robertson College in June 2010. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Sullivan, and cat Sam. She also enjoys listening to music, reading and swimming.

Sherree Estrada
Veterinary Assistant

Sherree Estrada is a graduate of the Animal Care Program at Sheridan College in Ontario. After graduation, Sherree worked at a busy small animal practice in BC for 15 years. Sherree’s family shares their home a number of dogs, cats and birds, all of which were rescued from shelter life as seniors. In the future, Sherree plans to further her education to become a Registered Veterinary Technologist.

Lindsay Trautwein
Veterinary Assistant

Lindsay joined the McLeod Veterinary Hospital Team in January of 2020. She graduated in 2017 from the Veterinary Assistant program at Robertson College and has been working in a clinic setting since. Lindsay and her family have been bringing their pets to McLeod Vet for over 20 years. The Trautwein house is full of animals from various rescue shelters. Taking care of them occupies most of Lindsay’s time but there is nothing she would rather be doing.

Tate Starkell
Veterinary Assistant

Tate began her employment at McLeod Veterinary Hospital in the summer of 2020. This coming fall she will be attending classes at Red River Community College with the end goal of becoming an RCMP officer. Tate and her family live with a couple of furry feline companions. When not working, Tate enjoys spending her time outside playing basketball.

Peggy
Clinic Cat

Peggy came to us as a stray kitten late in 2016. She quickly stole our hearts with her unique personality and has become an important part of our team. Peggy has health issues which require careful monitoring therefore a home setting is not ideal for her. Peggy enjoys food, morning snuggles, chasing bugs, and lounging in sunbeams.