Dr. Dirk deGraaf

Dirk decided to enter veterinary medicine during the 1980’s after a 12 year career as a biologist which took him all over Canada.  He completed his veterinary education at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and joined Nanton Veterinary Clinic in 1991.  He has been co-owner since 1993.  He enjoys the diversity of mixed animal practice and has special interests in surgery (including orthopedics) and small animal dentistry. Another special interest is dealing with emergency and trauma cases including dealing with injured wildlife; he provides first treatment to several hawks and owls every year before sending them on to rehabilitation.  He has cut back on hours and is enjoying semi-retirement as well as still getting some time at the clinic.

Dr. Kaitlyn Matters

Dr. Kaitlyn Matters grew up in Vermilion Alberta on her parents small farm.  Her love of animals started at an early age and she knew that one day she wanted to be a veterinarian.  Kaitlyn graduated from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.  She spent her first two years working in Claresholm before joining the team at the Nanton Veterinary Clinic as a part time Veterinarian.  Kaitlyn enjoys the variety that mixed animal practice has to offer as no two days are the same.

Dr. Michael Rhodes

Mike was born and raised in the Brant area.  He graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 1980.  Mike has practiced in Nanton for over 30 years and has co-owned the practice since 1993.  He enjoys mixed veterinary practice, with special interest in equine dentistry and bovine herd health.  Mike lives in Nanton with his wife Sandy.

Dr. Shannon Wesley

Dr. Shannon Wesley is a local girl who grew up in Claresholm, AB on her parents ranch west of town. Her love of animals started at an early age and she spent 9 years of her youth as a member of the Claresholm 4-H Beef Club.  She decided to enter veterinary medicine after a 15 year career as a Registered Veterinary Technologist, including a 7 year career as a Canadian Food Inspection Agency Meat Inspector at Cargill Foods in High River.  Shannon graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2019.  She joined our team at the Nanton Veterinary Clinic as a new graduate Veterinarian and has been working with us since.  Shannon enjoys the diversity of mixed animal practice and has a special interest in surgery including orthopedics.  Outside of work she is an active board member of the Nanton District Animal Protection Society.  Shannon lives in Nanton with her partner Brandon.

Dr. Stephen deGraaf

Stephen grew up around the Nanton Vet Clinic since elementary school.  An agriculture degree from the University of Alberta was followed by graduation from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2009.  For the first five years after vet school, Stephen worked at a mixed animal veterinary clinic in Innisfail before returning home in 2014.  He has bought into the clinic as an owner along with Drs. Mike Rhodes and Dirk deGraaf.  He enjoys the mixed challenges of mixed practice: particularly enjoying bovine cases, and dentistry both equine and small animal.  Outside of work he is active as a Scout leader and enjoys many outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping, though much spare time in recent years has been dedicated to his participation in the Innisfail Legion Pipe Band.  At home his cat Nata may be found sitting on his lap or begging for more food, unless the bagpipes come out, at which point she cannot be found.  He also has another cat Oreo, who despte his “outdoor” status, spends most of his time in the back entry.

Bridgit

Bridgit graduated from NAIT’s technician program in 2014. Having grown up with animals becoming a RVT has been the dream job. She currently has four dogs – 3 of which were acquired through work, a cat – also adopted from work.

In her free time Bridgit helps her parents on their acreage where she spends time riding her horse and doing general chores, or is at home sewing or watching movies with her husband and critters.

Sara

Born and raised in Okotoks, Sara has always wanted to work with animals: she has worked in clinics from a young age, and graduated from the Tech program at Olds.  She feels that mixed animal practice has always been where she belongs, as she loves the variety of patients and cases that it brings.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. S he is often found snacking at any time of day.  She is very excited to be part of the Nanton Vet Clinic team!

Kate (Katelyn)

Growing up on a Cattle/Grain farm in Saskatchewan Kate always had a passion for Animals.  Graduating SIAST in 2011 she worked in several clinics before moving to Alberta.  Now residing on a small farm near Stavely she breeds Purebred North Country Sheep and Toggenburg goats with her 2 daughters.  When not busy with 4-H and showing livestock Kate also finds time working with leather creating many western inspired products.

Debbie

Debbie grew up on a farm in Nanton and graduated from L.C.C. in 1984 with a diploma in secretarial sciences.  She has been a part of the team at the clinic since 1991, so has seen lots of changes in the clinic, one of them being our new purpose built clinic.  She appreciates being a part of the clinic’s growth over the years, and has learned a lot of useful things and met many wonderful clients and their animals.  Debbie lives in Nanton with her daughter Kayla.

Heidi

Heidi is our vet/tech assistant who has been at the clinic since 2010.  She spent 6 years as a receptionist along side Debbie before moving back to her current position.  Heidi is a Mum to amazing young adults and together with her husband Shawn they live on a small acreage with their 2 boxers and 3 cats.  With her two kids grown and attending university in Calgary Heidi has started to dabble in watercolor painting in her free time.

Tammy

Tammy is happy to join the reception team at the Nanton Vet Clinic. Her love of animals, especially horses, has always drawn her to work in veterinary practices: she has had many years of previous experience both as a veterinary receptionist and veterinary assistant in large, mixed, and small animal practices in High River and Okotoks.

Tammy has enjoyed showing her horses in AQHA, Cattle Penning, Working Cow Horse, and Cutting. Currently she is having fun showing her gelding “Cheeseburger” with the Alberta Ranch Horse Versatility Association

Jenn

Jenn grew up with her family in High River before moving with her husband and 2 small boys to their acreage just outside of Cayley. She has always had a love for animals so has a full house hold of fur babies including 2 indoor cats, multiple barn cats, 3 large farm dogs and 4 horses. Jenn has joined our team as a part time receptionist.