Dr. Barry Alvarez, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Barry Alvarez has called Lethbridge his home for the past 15 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 dog, Ove.

Mindy Belisle, RVT

Registered Animal Health 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!

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 and visit us. Wendy is 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, using her passion to provide the best customer and patient experience possible. Wendy is the CSR at our clinic and our Office Manager, she 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 kids. She is also owned by 2 rescue cats, Marble is 4 and Gracie is 2. She loves her 55 gallon aquarium that houses a variety of beautiful freshwater tropical fish that all have names. The newest member of her family is Coulee, a Labradoodle puppy, who completes her family.  In her spare time she enjoys baking and decorating cakes, going on trail rides on horseback at our nearby national parks, camping at Stafford lake and boating and Jet skiing with her family and friends, or just sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows with her kids.

It has been an honour of hers to be working alongside Dr.Barry and Mindy for so many years and she looks forward to being part of the “Dream Team” at Coulee Veterinary Clinic. She loves coming to work with her second family and can often be seen smiling, interacting with our wonderful clients and our amazing patients. Wendy is looking forward to welcoming you to our family at Coulee Veterinary Clinic. 

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 2 cats, Hulk and Luke.

Taylor

Medical Admin Assistant

Taylor is an experienced medical admin 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.

Brooklyn

Veterinary Medical Assistant

Brooklyn is a freshly graduated Veterinary Medical Assistant who has just begun her career in the veterinary field pursuing her passion of working with animals.  Coulee Vet was lucky enough to be her practicum placement and we are so happy to get to keep her on as a permanent employee!

Born and raised on a farm, Brooklyn’s favourite thing was always the animals. She has two miniature horses, Angel and Jezzy, a cat named Kitkat, a bunny named Izzy, and her life long best friend Keyda, a yellow Labrador. Her family keeps busy running two agricultural businesses growing crops, producing feed products, and raising beef cattle.

Ever since Brooklyn was three years old she has been in figure skating. She is coaching CanSkate at the Lethbridge Skating Club, hoping to inspire the next generation of up and coming skaters.  If Brooklyn ever finds an extra minute to spare in her busy lifestyle, she finds happiness in exploring the beauty of the outdoors, camping in the mountains, and spending time with her family, friends and pets.

At Coulee Vet, Brooklyn loves helping her team members. She eagerly jumps into any situation that requires an extra set of hands. Whether that may be up in reception making sure that each and every client is helped, or in the treatment area assisting in giving all of our patients the best veterinary experience, Brooklyn is a breath of energy and fresh air and we all think she’s worth her weight in gold!