Dr. Claire Ainsworth grew up in Lamont, Alberta, a small town not unlike Mayerthorpe.  Following in her dad’s footsteps…Claire always knew she would grow up to be a Veterinarian, and that mixed animal practice would be her focus.  She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005 and came to practice in Mayerthorpe that year.  It was here that Claire met her now husband Grant, with whom she has two boys, Carson and Jace.  In 2011 she, along with Janelle became owners of the practice. Since then she has strived to bring more advanced veterinary care to our rural community such as TPLO’s and fracture repair.   

Dr. Janelle Gauthier, a Saskatchewan native from Birch Hills, graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2006. She moved to Mayerthorpe shortly after and in 2011 became a practice owner along with Claire. She takes great pride in providing exemplary veterinary care to our rural community, whether it be personalized herd level care to our livestock producers, performing advanced orthopedic procedures on dogs and cats, and even integrating new therapies such as acupuncture. If she's not in the clinic, Janelle's probably out gardening or attempting to break the giant pumpkin record with her husband Cory, and two boys, Jack and Charlie. 

Dr. Sarah Wahlert graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 at which time she moved to Canada to join our practice. Born and raised in Idaho and Montana, Sarah feels right at home in a small community like Mayerthorpe. Her areas of special interest are soft tissue surgery, equine and small animal dentistry, small ruminant herd health, camelid medicine, and even the occasional reptile or pet bird. To recharge, Sarah enjoys camping, paddle boarding, and traveling to new places with her dog, Tucker. 

Carmen Astle is our head RVT and has been a vital part of our team since graduating from NAIT in 2010. Born and raised in Whitecourt, Carmen has a special place in her heart for our clients and their pets. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for patient care and client education elevates the client experience to new levels. It’s rare to find a gem like her. She dedicates herself fully to ensuring that all your questions and concerns are addressed, and that your pet receives the best care possible (even coming into the clinic late at night to ensure your pet is tucked in). When not at work, she is a proud and dedicated aunt to her nephews SeVIIen and Nathan; and mom to her critters Fenton, Jitters, and Muffin.  

Shanissa is the newest member of our team and we are lucky to have her. After graduating from Olds College in spring of 2021 as an Animal Health Technologist, she returned home to Mayerthorpe and became part of our Hilltop family. When not busy at work, she enjoys riding horses, camping, gardening, and spending time with her dogs Gemma and Piper, and three-legged cat Elliot. 

Karen Disney has been part of the veterinary community for many years and joined our team as a receptionist in 2018.  Born and raised in Whitecourt, Karen is the one who seemingly has a connection with every client, even before they step through the doors!  Karen describes herself as someone who likes dry humour and dry wine, along with sunshine and good conversation. She is the proud mom of two kids, Myles and Daryn, and her dog Lynryd. 

Autumn was born in Wainwright, AB and moved to Whitecourt when she was four. She joined our team in January 2022 and quickly found her place amongst our quirky clinic family. Autumn, her dog Bentlee (aka her son) and her fiance Tyler Brandt love spending time outdoors camping, fishing, hunting, spending time with family and friends. 

Stewart found his way to our clinic in 2012 as a stray, orphaned kitten from Fox Creek. Suffering from wounds and frost bite of his feet and tail, Stewart was hospitalized for treatment which included amputation of his tail. Having stolen a piece of our hearts, Stewart became part of our family and has evolved over the years into something like an annoying, grumpy brother. But we love him anyway.