Our Team

Since a very young age, Dr. Harxhi has always, without question wanted to become a Veterinarian and is truly fortunate to be able to live his dream career. His #1 goal is to provide the best possible care for all his patients, and to help give them the healthiest and longest possible life with their families.

Dr. Harxhi graduated from the Veterinary School of Albania and after graduation spent 4 years in Hanover Germany, where he completed his PhD in the field of Animal Reproduction. Since 2001 has worked at a number of hospitals in Alberta and Ontario. Recently spent 5 years working at the Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic where the long hours allowed him to gain even more experience with emergency work and allowed to form a strong relationship with his clientele. Dr. Harxhi is an active member of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, American Veterinary Dental Society and European Society of Veterinary Cardiology.

Dr. Harxhi’s goal: Building a strong client-doctor relationship and developing a professional bond, one that is unique to the veterinarian. Providing superior veterinary care has always been a passion, with the plan to be on the leading edge of positive changes to the veterinary profession.

My journey towards becoming a veterinarian didn’t start when I went to the university. I was always curious about biology and animals, especially about pets and farm animals. I remember myself spending hours in my uncle’s farm watching cows and cattle when I was a child and I really enjoyed it. This is why I chose to continue my education in veterinary medicine.
I studied veterinary medicine in Iran and was working as a large and small animal clinician for almost ten years. I came to Canada in 2016, and wanted to continue my career as a vet again.
After working as a veterinary assistant in Montreal for almost three years, I had a chance to pass my board exams and restart my professional career in 2021. I am fluent in English, French and Persian.
I am really happy and proud to be joining Stone Church Animal Clinic. I am now part of a well-known veterinary hospital and working with nice, supportive, and a hard-working team. I always try to learn and improve my knowledge because I believe that a human’s knowledge never ends.

Education: Seneca College

Valerie has been a member of the Stone Church Team since 2007! She graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in 1995, and successfully completed her registration with the OAVT.  She started working as a technician in Toronto and the GTA, gaining valuable experience in an emergency facility, a companion animal hospital, and the internal medicine department of a referral practice. Her veterinary knowledge, technical skills, and compassion, have been an asset to our clients and their pets.  As of 2022, she has transitioned to Hospital Manager to assist with the day to day operation of the clinic. Valerie lives in Hamilton with her loving husband and her two wonderful sons.  They share their home with 3 furry cats adopted through various rescue groups, and one hamster.

Sarah graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Northern College in 2012, and completed her registration with the OAVT. Sarah also completed a graduate degree of Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation in 2013. This course focused on the rehabilitation of dog and cats with injuries and joint abnormalities. Sarah lives in Hamilton with her family and her four pets, which includes two dogs and two cats.

Sam graduated from Veterinary Technician program at Georgian College in 2013 and completed her registration with the OAVT. She has a passion for excellent patient care, with a special interest in dental health as well as pet nutrition. Sam lives in Guelph with her significant other and four pets, which include a cat and three guinea pigs.

Ann is a 22 year old registered veterinary technician who graduated from Northern College in 2019 and completed her registration with the OAVT. She has always had a huge passion for animals and being able to come into a great environment everyday and do something she loves is one of her best therapies! She looks forward to seeing the current and future clients and patients at Stone Church Animal Clinic.

Leslie is now enjoying retirement!!

We will miss her dearly but wish her all the best in her next adventure!!

Leesa has had a love of animals from the time she was a child, asking for books about dogs and wildlife as soon as she could read. From there it branched out to training, grooming and finding ways to work around them as many ways as possible. Approximately 20 years in the animal world, and a huge rescue advocate and partner. Leesa is also the proud owner of two pups named Scully and Mulder!

Taryn has worked in the veterinary industry for over 5 years. She has a huge passion for animals and optimal animal care. She lives with her 12 year old son and their 3 pets. Blue their Pomeranian pug mix. Zack the lion head rabbit and Shell the turtle. You’ll see her at the clinic greeting you with a smile!

Isis is one of our new receptionists, she has a love for all animals and will greet you at the door with a smile. She enjoys long walks on the beach with her bearded dragon Sheldon and is a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady.

Jessica graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological science majoring in animal science, with the dream of becoming a veterinarian. She has been a part of our lovely team since 2021 as a veterinary assistant. Over the years, Jessica has shown her passion for animals through her volunteer work on dairy farms as well as living on her own hobby farm. Jessica loves sharing about her 2 horses, chickens, dog and 2 cats.

Lilo will welcome you with a warm meow! She’s our friendly greeter with her favourite being any of our furry friends having a fluffy tail!