Meet the i-Care Team
Learn more about the veterinary team who is looking after your pets
Dr. Rhett Mortenson
Clinic founder, Medical Director, and Senior Veterinarian and Surgeon
Dr. Mortenson started Coombs Veterinary Hospital in the spring of 2008 (now i-care Veterinary Hospital), after graduating from New Zealand’s Massey University in 2006. The hospital is still independently owned by Dr. Mortenson and his Wife.
Dr. Mortenson successfully completed the GPCert Small Animal Surgery program through the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) in September 2022. He is currently working towards an advanced certificate in Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery (GPAdvCert Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery) in combination with a post-graduate Advanced Practitioner Certificate from Harper Adams University and ISVPS.
Dr. Mortenson’s veterinary interests include Ultrasound and Surgery, with a particular focus on Minimally Invasive and Orthopedic surgeries. He has been performing orthopedic surgery and minimally invasive surgery for more than 15 year and enjoys teaching his associates and nurses.
He is married to his beautiful wife, Andrea, and lives in Coombs. Dr. Mortenson has three children; Brooklynn, Kaylee and Jonah. Their fur family consists of 2 dogs (Lloyd and Mildred), and 1 cat (Pluto).
Nena Henriksen
Practice Manager
Nena joined the Coombs Vet family in the fall of 2021. She has experience in the human medical world, having worked for 10 years in the cardiology department at Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Nena is originally from New West Minister, but is happy to have relocated to the Island.
Nena has 3 grown children, and multiple fur grand-children. She currently lives in Qualicum with her partner Kyle and their 2 boisterous kitties (BB8 and Boba Fett).
Dr. Alastair Westcott
Veterinarian, Surgeon, Ultrasonographer and Designated Registrant
Dr. Alastair Westcott received his Veterinary Medical degree from the University of Guelph in 1997. He spent over 20 years practicing on Bowen Island after creating Bowen Veterinary Services in 2001. He was also the founder and Medical Director at Mountainside Animal Hospital in Vancouver starting in 2014.
His most recent experience is in emergency medicine, ultrasonography, and diagnostic/interventional endoscopy. He enjoys orthopedic surgery, and is especially excited to provide a local option for TPLO surgeries.
Dr Shaelyn Vallotton
Veterinarian
Dr. Chris Milligan
Locum Veterinarian
A native of Robin Hood country in the UK, Chris graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010 and returned several years later to undertake research into blood clotting disorders. Since then he has worked mostly in emergency and critical care medicine and has particular interests in ultrasonography, endoscopy and interventional radiology, as well as a love of exotic pets.
Chris and his wife Hannah fell in love with Vancouver Island after visiting on holiday and moved to Nanaimo to enjoy everything the BC Coast has to offer. An avid wildlife photographer, outside of work he is usually found in a kayak or walking the stunning beaches the island has to offer looking for whales and bears. He has three cats; Nimpkish, Tsitika and Skookumchuck who braved the crossing from England and now divide their time equally between charging through the house and sleeping.
Dr. Erynn Buhr
DVM
Dr. Erynn Buhr received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Spring of 2024. She originates from Brandon, MB, but has spent two summers on Vancouver Island, including time at i-Care as a veterinary student. Dr. Buhr’s areas of interest include spectrum of care, preventative health, and internal medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and swimming with her dog, reading, and pottery.
Lindsey Gilbert
Lead Technician
Lindsey has been in the veterinary industry for over 13 years, working on the Island and across the Country. She is currently upgrading her skills and knowledge through the Penn Foster veterinary technician program, and plans to become a registered technician.
Her main hobby outside of work is spending time with her husband and 2 adorable children. They enjoy being outdoors in almost any way including hiking, fishing, camping, and biking.
Noelle Eddington, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Noelle is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Grande Prairie Regional College in 2021 before deciding to move to Vancouver Island. Noelle has been working in the veterinary field since 2017 and her favourite part of her job is running diagnostic tests to find out what’s wrong, so we can help your pet get on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
When not working, Noelle can most often be found on her mountain bike hitting the trails, hiking, skiing, or reading a good book near lakes and rivers.
Jasmine Niewiadomski, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Emily Rathbone
Technician in training
Emily, a Vancouver Island native, is currently preparing to pursue her RVT certification at TRU. Her passion for animal care was ignited during an internship at a farm animal sanctuary in California, where she developed a deep appreciation for both farm animals and animal rescue. Emily enjoys engaging with the diverse personalities of pets at the hospital, finding joy in every interaction.
Outside of work, Emily cherishes time spent with her partner, Daniel, and their lively household of pets: Tofu the cat, Maybe the dog, and their three tarantulas—Flinch, Kitty, and Gohma. And finally their cockatiel family including Romeo, Aloy, Toto, Aria, Beaker, and Granny, each adding their own unique charm to their home.
Laurie Andrews
Technician in Training
Laurie has been working in the veterinary field since 2018 and brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role at i-Care Veterinary Hospital. In 2024, she and her husband moved to the island with their two dogs, Hodor and Kruger, and three cats, Fresa, Pepperoni, and Nymeria. Laurie is currently pursuing a degree to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), furthering her commitment to animal care. When she’s not working or studying, Laurie enjoys spending time with friends, hosting game nights and murder mystery evenings.
Alexia Silva
Technician in training
Alexia joined the i-Care family in September 2022. She came to us with six months of assistant experience, and quickly began training as a technician. She is now enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at TRU to become a registered Vet Tech. Alexia is an equestrian who also loves all the small floofs and just wants to hep animals.
Annaleesa Leach
Veterinary Assistant
Natasha Morse
Veterinary Assistant
Chandra Cutforth
Veterinary Assistant
Chandra resides just outside the small town of Qualicum Beach with her two fur kids, Nina and Rue. She began her journey in the veterinary field in 2022 as a receptionist. Through her passion and dedication to helping animals, Chandra has advanced to become a veterinary assistant, a role she finds deeply rewarding. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature through hikes, reading books, playing video games and spending quality time with her dog and cat.
Hannah Beatty
Veterinary Assistant
Based in Qualicum Beach, Hannah leads a fulfilling life surrounded by family and furry friends. With a beloved dog and cat always by her side, Hannah balances her time between hanging out with loved ones and exploring the great outdoors. An avid hiker, she revels in the natural beauty of her surroundings. In addition to her current role as a Veterinary Assistant, Hannah is excited about the next chapter in her journey: enrolling in Veterinary Technician school. With a deep passion for animal care, she is dedicated to advancing her skills and making a positive impact in the field.
Faith Hiersemann
Veterinary Assistant
Residing in the community of Coombs, Faith is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant. With two beloved cats at home, Faith has a deep-seated passion for working with animals and is excited to further her career by pursuing a Veterinary Technician program in the near future. Outside of her professional aspirations, Faith treasures quality time spent with family and friends, making the most of life’s moments in her close-knit community.
Rylee Williams
Veterinary Assistant
Hayley Stuart
Lead Receptionist
Hayley joined the team in January of 2022. She has come to us with eight years of customer service experience. She is excited to help clients and patients, and to learn everything she can about the Veterinary profession.
She has been around, and has loved, animals all her life. Hayley is the proud pet parent of two porky house cats (Bear & Cleo).
Cece Everett
Receptionist
Cece was born and raised right here in Coombs. Ever since she could remember, she has wanted to work with animals. Cece graduated from Vancouver Island University’s Animal Care Aid program back in 2021 and has a few years of experience in the field at previous clinics. Cece plans to continue her education in the veterinary field as well as explore her interest in cardiac diagnostic sonography.
Cece has grown up around animals her whole life, from farm animals to companion animals; she has experience with them all. Currently, Cece lives with her husband, two cats Tesla and Boots, and their ball python Naga. You can find Cece on days off curled up on the couch with her cats, a cup of tea and a good book or out with her sister’s children at the park.
Madi Jacobson
Receptionist
She grew up participating with the 4H club and doing rodeos with her horses. She has even completed her Horse First Aid course.
She joined our team in April of 2024 and has been eagerly learning everything she can about the animal care industry.
Raven Dunbar
Receptionist
Join our growing family!
Here at i-Care we are growing and expanding to help meet the needs of our Island community. We are always looking for hard-working individuals who are passionate about animal care and client communication. If you would like to join our team, please email us a your resume today!
Veterinary Technicians* ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
We are looking for more technicians to help us expand our hours and services. New graduates are welcome, as we love to mentor and teach. Registered technicians, as well as on-the-job trained techs are welcome to apply. View current RVT job posting
If interested, please send a resume/CE to info@icarevet.com.