Our Team
Dr. Michael Kolla, DVM
Dr. Kolla graduated from the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. He joined Westbrook a few years later, and became the proud owner in 1993. Dr. Kolla's dedication is evident in his lasting relationships with countless Westbrook clients and their families. Outside of his practice, he enjoys spending time at the lake with his wife, Carol, and making memories with their sons and grandchildren!
Dr. Boles Makar, DVM
Dr. Makar was born and raised in Egypt, where he obtained his veterinary degree in 2005. He moved to Canada in 2015, where he later obtained his veterinary license, and worked in few clinics before joining the Westbrook team in 2024. Dr. Makar's specialty interest is in internal medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys walking, travelling, reading and trying new restaurants!
Dr. Phillip Deng, DVM
Dr. Deng grew up in an agricultural community in South Sudan, and from a very young age learned to care for animals. He moved to Egypt where he graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zagazig. Dr. Deng is now a licensed veterinarian in Canada with a passion for small animal medicine and surgery.In his free time, Dr. Deng enjoys running and listening to music - he's also a salsa dancer and active volunteer in the community.
Dr. Kerem Karaton, DVM
Dr. Kerem Karaton is a dedicated veterinarian, with a rich background that spans continents and specialties. Originally from Turkey, Dr. Karaton earned his veterinary degree from a prestigious institution in his home country, laying a strong foundation for a career in Canada. With a particular passion for soft tissue surgeries and orthopaedics, Dr. Karaton has distinguished himself in the field of veterinary medicine through his meticulous skill and compassionate approach.
When he’s not in the clinic, Dr. Karaton is own the gym, snowboarding, or skating! Dr. Karaton has a keen interest in fitness and nutrition, which complements his overall approach to health and wellness.
Jessie Milner, Clinic Manager
Carol Kolla, Clinic Administrator
Carol Kolla, Clinic Administrator
Jessie is committed to ensuring Westbrook exceeds your expectations - she's been our hospital administrator for nearly 30 years! She and her husband Duane, are avid golfers and world travelers. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren!
Carol Kolla, Clinic Administrator
Carol Kolla, Clinic Administrator
Carol Kolla, Clinic Administrator
Carol met Dr. Kolla while attending the University of Saskatchewan, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Ecology. She enjoys spending time at the lake with their sons, grandchildren, and grand-pets!
Amelia Matthews, Human Resources
Carol Kolla, Clinic Administrator
Amelia Matthews, Human Resources
Amelia Matthews is often the smiling face and cheerful voice you experience at Westbrook's front desk. Currently enrolled in Human Resources, Amelia is front-and-centre for outstanding customer service but also coordinates team events and schedules.
She is a mama to a golden retriever named Ripley and loves to travel to the mountains in her spare time.
Gayle Bendall, Head RVT
Lisa Duong, Animal Health Tech
Lisa Duong, Animal Health Tech
Gayle is a self-described "Crazy Dog Lady," and proud of it! Gayle is a graduate of NAIT's Animal Health Technology and longtime member (16 years!) of the Westbrook family. When she's not tending to her "sled team of five Pomeranians," she's having fun as a grandma to her two grand-babies! She's also a motorcycle enthusiast and pianist.
Lisa Duong, Animal Health Tech
Lisa Duong, Animal Health Tech
Lisa Duong, Animal Health Tech
Lisa is a graduate of the veterinary technician program at Penn Foster College; writing her final exam for her RVT in a couple of months. Lisa has a cat, rabbit, and a leopard gecko! She's also worked with a variety of animals - from horses and cattle, to penguins and sea turtles. She loves the veterinary profession as it's constantly evolving and there is always room for growth.
Karen Kassian | Customer Service
Alexa Matthews | Customer Service
Alexa Matthews | Customer Service
Karen brings 20 years of clinic experience to Westbook. She is a fur mama to 3 cats; Vlad, Ivan, and one-eyed Scarlette - plus two very big and busy Canadian Inuit pups named Nanuk and Qimiq! Karen loves gardening and if she could manifest any happy place, it would be Tofino while cruising in a '69 Mustang!
Alexa Matthews | Customer Service
Alexa Matthews | Customer Service
Alexa Matthews | Customer Service
Alexa Matthews is our resident crazy cat lady! She has 3 cats at home - Mindy, Molly and Maggie.
She is currently in school to become a veterinary technician (RVT) through TRU University. In her free time, Alexa works out and is a powerlifter for Team Canada. She has won many awards worldwide.
Our Clinic Animals
Turbo
In Memoriam
Marcel
There's no mistaking whether you've met Turbo or not - his HOWL stays with you! We adopted him as our own, and you can this Bengal kitty's LOUD chatter throughout the clinic. If he's not on a chair or counter, he's sleeping in a cupboard!
Marcel
In Memoriam
Marcel
Marcel is a lover, not a fighter. You'll often see him nuzzling clients and nibbling their ears. He came to us through difficult circumstances, but he's now living his best life at Westbrook - our resident Pepé Le Pew!
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Peanut brought so much joy our clinic. She was often seen RUNNING down the halls at Westbrook, begging for treats. Sadly, she passed away not long after her 18th birthday. She will be missed by everyone - especially Tracey, who loved her like her own.
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Gordie was a Westbrook Team Member for 17 years! He would often greet clients in the waiting room, or sneak away to a random spot in the clinic for a nap! We remember him fondly, and know how lucky we were to have him in our family!
FREE Nutrition Consult
Our on-site veterinary nutritionist will assess your pet's current weight and nutrition, then create a customized plan to help your pet feel their best.