Dr. Barry Alvarez, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Barry Alvarez has called Lethbridge his home for the past 20 years. Growing up surrounded by various animals, he decided to dedicate his life’s work to helping dogs, cats, and other critters.

After graduating from the University of the Philippines – College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, Dr. Barry spent several years practicing as an Associate Veterinarian and Veterinary Locum in and around Southern Alberta. During these years, he developed his interest in preventive medicine, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, urgency and emergency care.

While away from the clinic, Dr. Barry enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with his wife, 2 young children, and their rescue dogs, Ove and Evee.

Dr. Kody, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Kody is the newest veterinarian addition to the Coulee Vet family. He is very proud to be a part of the dream team and to help out the lovely people and pets of Lethbridge. Dr. Kody is fear free certified and he is dedicated to providing high quality care to pets and to treat them and their owners with genuine care and empathy.

He earned a BSc. Degree (Biochemistry) at the University of Lethbridge in 2016 and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan with a DVM Degree in 2024. Dr. Kody was born in Winnipeg, but has lived in a variety of places including Lloydminster, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and even Sydney (Australia). Dr. Kody is happy to be living in Southern Alberta.

From an early age, Dr. Kody had dreams to help others and has felt a special connection to all kinds of pets and is very happy to work with dogs and cats of all types! He highly values clients, their pets and his coworkers. Dr. Kody has an interest in internal medicine, preventative medicine, elective surgeries and associated procedures. He is excited to expand his skills in relation to urgent care, emergency procedures and dentistry. Aside from his work life, Dr. Kody enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, attending farmer’s markets and spending time with family.

Wendy Klassen, VMR

Office Manager / Partner

Wendy is one of the friendly faces that you will meet in reception when you and your pet come to visit us. Wendy is our Office Manager, a Veterinary Medical Receptionist that has graduated from the VMR program at the Olds College in 2011. She was born in Québec and raised in Lethbridge which she calls home. Wendy is fluent in French and in English. She has several years of experience working in the veterinary field and has played many different administrative roles, with a special interest in Veterinary Management using her passion for animals to provide the best customer and patient experience possible. Wendy is always happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Wendy and her husband are very proud parents of 3 young children. She is also owned by two Labradoodles names Coulee and Meadow which are both blood donors at the clinic and one rescue cat named Gracie. In her spare time she enjoys making the most scrumptious charcuterie boards for any occasion, camping and boating with her family.

Wendy is looking forward to welcoming you to our “Coulee Vet Family”.

Mindy Belisle, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technologist / Partner

Mindy is a Registered Veterinary Technician, and has been practicing for about twelve years. She began her career at the Saskatoon SPCA and helping shelter pets remains a passion of hers. She was trained as a veterinary technologist in Saskatchewan and benefited from learning  with the DVM students at the WCVM.  She was overjoyed to come back home to southern AB to finish a BSc and settle down, and has worked with Dr Barry and Wendy in Lethbridge since 2010. She has a wonderful husband and two small children as well as two misfit pets who fill her life with joy! She loves to escape to the mountains as often as possible and you might see her little Boler trailer trundling down Highway 3 heading west in the summer time.

At Coulee Vet, Mindy loves all parts of her job and wears many hats, but she would say the best thing about her job is the teamwork. She loves to help create an energetic, happy atmosphere and work with her team to get everything flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible behind the scenes! There’s so much that goes into each patient’s visit, and Mindy tries hard to help make sure every one she sees has the best outcome possible. You’re most likely to see her running around with a big mug of (often cold!) coffee and a smile on her face!

Leanna, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Leanna has been a registered veterinary technician for over 5 years. After graduating from Lakeland College, she started her fear certification and is now a fear free level 3 certified professional. Leanna enjoys all things that the clinic offers but is happiest when snuggling shepherds or telling ‘dad jokes’ to her coworkers.

Leanna has been a southern Alberta local her whole life, growing up in Milk River.

Leanna has a variety of interests both in and out of the clinic. During the summer she will be found golfing, hiking, kayaking, or camping with her 2 dogs, Sophie and Salli. Over the winters Leanna is often found crafting with friends or gaming on the couch with her 4 cats, Hulk, Luke, Earl Grey, and Thor.

Gerimee, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Gerimee is another one of our superstar RVTs!

She came from the Philippines with her family as a teenager and went to Olds College for her veterinary technology schooling, graduating in 2024.

She loves superheroes and collects comic books and figures, and loves going to the comic con whenever she can.  If she’s not reading comics or watching movies in her downtime, you can find her napping with her baby cat Karma.

She loves everything about veterinary medicine and can’t wait to meet you and your pets!

Liza

Veterinary Medical Receptionist

Taylor B.

Veterinary Medical Assistant

Taylor is one of our veterinary assistants here at Coulee Vet!  Taylor grew up on a farm in the small hamlet of Hays and has always had a passion for being around/helping animals – which makes this the perfect position for her!

As a veterinary assistant, Taylor is typically in the back treatment area helping your pets feel safe and comfortable while at their appointment.. she will also likely be seen in the reception area as she loves to interact with our amazing clients!

In her spare time, Taylor loves to hang out at home with her husband, Josh, and their 3 dogs:  Ollie, Griswold and Minnie!  She is also a photographer and loves to pursue that hobby in her spare time.

Taylor S.

Veterinary Medical Assistant

Taylor is an experienced veterinary medical assistant, and is overjoyed to be able to work at Coulee Vet while she finishes an undergraduate degree at the University of Lethbridge.  

She has an agricultural background and many connections to the people and animal landscape of southern Alberta.  She lives in town while going to school and is proud to be owned and loved by two orange kitties, Tigger and Piglet.  

At Coulee Vet, Taylor loves all parts of her job and does all kinds of things in an average day, but she would say the best thing about her job is the teamwork. She loves to help create an energetic, happy atmosphere and is so glad to be a part of the synergy of the clinic.  And the chance to lavish a little extra love and attention on the wonderful cute patients we get to see every day doesn’t hurt, either!  

You’re most likely to see her happily multitasking up front with a big, genuine smile on her face.