Although Jennifer has been working with animals since 1996, it was not until 2008 that she realized her passion had led her to a career in the veterinary field. She began her journey as a veterinary assistant and became a member of the Harwood Pet Hospital team in 2009. Jennifer has a passion for learning and improving her skills, frequently attending continuing education courses to keep her knowledge of the veterinary field current. This extensive knowledge, coupled with her love for animals, has led to her position as Practice Manager for both Dr. Fareed’s clinics: Harwood Pet Hospital in Ajax, and now 16th Avenue Animal Hospital, here in Markham. In her free time, she enjoys sharing adventures with her husband, son, daughter, and their dog, Baxter. They all enjoy being outdoors and love camping, canoeing, and kayaking. Jennifer also makes room in her schedule and heart for fostering animals in need. We are sure she has set a record for the number of animals she has helped.

Joie’s lifelong passion for working with animals was realized during the pandemic. She transitioned from a successful career as an Electrical Engineer, which allowed her to travel the world, to veterinary science. After graduating with honors from CDI College in BC, becoming a certified Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Assistant, Joie pursued further education towards a Ph.D. in Animal Biotechnology. She is very grateful to be a member of Dr. Fareed’s staff, assisting the team in various tasks, including scheduling, organizing records, orders, and medical notes, as well as assisting in surgery, medical procedures, radiology, and lab work. In her personal time, Joie enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Zen, and is dedicated to maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit, as well as giving back to the community.

Darya’s passion for animals is clearly demonstrated in her life, both professionally and personally. She has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Mazandaran in Iran and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Management at Trent University in Canada. As a Veterinary Technician at our clinic, she has five years of experience. Outside of her studies and work at 16th Ave Animal Hospital, she remains dedicated to everything to do with cats and dogs.

Katrina was raised in Latvia amidst numerous animals, and she always envisioned a career in veterinary medicine. She studied Veterinary Medicine at the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology. For five years, she has utilized her extensive knowledge as a veterinary technician, with three years dedicated to refining her skills in an emergency clinic. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Katrina demonstrates her training and expertise most comfortably in surgery, staying abreast of the latest advancements in veterinary technology and techniques. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking with her dog Brie.

Zainab's passion for animals led to her enrollment in the Veterinary Assistant program at Seneca Polytechnic College, from which she graduated with honours. Her training and experience are particularly evident in surgery, where she effectively assists Dr. Fareed. She is recognized as one of 16th Avenue Animal Hospital's most compassionate handlers, and our animal patients readily respond to her kindness. Roxy, our clinic pet, has a strong bond with Zainab, which reflects her calming approach with all of our patients. In her spare time Zainab is an accomplished painter / artist and loves spending time with her cat Dina and her budgie named Kiwi.