Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital

Savannah - VOA, Office Manager

Growing up with all sorts of creatures, Savannah developed an early interest in their care and fostered an enduring love for all animals. She embarked on her career in Veterinary Medicine on the mainland after graduating from Surrey Community College with a Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma in 2015. In an effort to be closer to family, Savannah moved to Vancouver Island and joined the Lighthouse Veterinary team in June 2020. 

With over a decade of experience in the field, Savannah transitioned from her role as veterinary assistant & receptionist to office manager in 2025. 

Savannah's beloved dogs, Louie & Pearl and her cherished kitties, Jade, Daphne & Mr. Beau light up her life. When she's not at the office, Savannah enjoys cooking, paddle boarding, swimming, hiking and exploring everything our island has to offer. 

Roxane - Receptionist

Our lovely receptionist Roxane first started at Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital as a volunteer assistant in 2013. She has since become the friendly, familiar face at the front desk that we all know and love! Roxane’s experience has made her extremely knowledgeable with an incredible ability to triage phone calls and client concerns ensuring that everyone gets the care or advice that they need.

Truly an asset to our team, Roxane is attentive and sensitive to the needs of humans and animals alike.

Ashley - Receptionist

Ashley is a VIU graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and multiple short works published in Portal Magazine. She has worked within the veterinary industry since 2016, and is passionate about creating meaningful connections with the community from her seat at the reception desk.

In her free time, she likes to crochet and train with her SPCA rescue dog, Max. They are currently working on their Trick Dog titles!

Melissa - RVT & Head Veterinary Technician 

Since 1998, Melissa has devoted her life to the care and protection of animals. Like many veterinary professionals, she began her career as a kennel attendant and vet tech assistant. She then went on to graduate with a Diploma of Veterinary Technology from the University of Guelph in 2005. Melissa has since explored many areas in the vast field of veterinary medicine including emergency, rehabilitation, small animal and holistic medicine. Melissa brought her skills and experience to Lighthouse Veterinary in 2014 and has honoured the role of head technician since 2019. Her areas of special interest include veterinary dentistry, anesthesia and dermatology. She is also passionate advocate for pet insurance.

Melissa’s animal family includes her two rescue pitty crosses Sherman & Charlotte and her beloved horses, Sytalo & Storm. 

Lucy - RVT

A lifelong love of all creatures made a career in veterinary medicine a natural choice for Lucy. Entering the Veterinary field as a kennel hand and care assistant, Lucy has been working with animals professionally since 2012. In 2015 she graduated from Douglas College with her Diploma of Veterinary Technology. A true cat lady, Lucy worked exclusively with feline patients both during and after college before later branching into small animal mixed practice. Lucy joined the Lighthouse Veterinary team after moving to Vancouver Island in 2022. She is passionate about pet nutrition and will gladly take the time to discuss your pet’s unique dietary needs.

Lucy's world revolves around her two dogs Muddy & Gorgeous Georgia and her kitties Mo & Moo. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys hiking, gardening and beach walks with her dogs.              

Toni - Animal Care Aide

Toni has been developing her skills as veterinary professional since she began her career on the mainland in 2009. In 2017, she started at Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital and quickly became an indispensable member of the team. Patient comfort and care are Toni’s top priorities. She uses gentle, low-stress handling to help reassure your pet and let them know that they are safe and loved in your absence.

Toni loves all animals but has a special fondness for orange cats. She has three oranges kitties of her very own: Myer, Willow & Winston along with a saucy little Minatare Pinscher X named Winnie. On her days off, Toni enjoys paddle boarding and taking Winnie for walks on the beach.

Erika - BSc, Animal Care Aide

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, surrounded by creatures big and small, Erika developed an early love for animals and a deep respect for nature.

Erika first joined the Lighthouse team as an animal care aide in 2015. She re-joined the team in 2026 after earning her Bachelor of Science from the Vancouver Island University with a special interest in parasite and insect taxonomy and pathology.

In her downtime, Erika can be found at home enjoying the company of her orange tabby, Timothy or exploring the more isolated parts of Vancouver Island with her friends.

Julia - Tiermedizinische Fachangestellte

bio coming soon!

Fred Weasley - Resident Greeter

Fred joined Lighthouse Veterinary in 2025 following a lengthy and accomplished career as an outdoor cat.

Fred is not a terribly productive employee — often found sleeping on the job at the front desk — but he has become a fan favourite with the community and secured his position as a simply irreplaceable asset!

Karen - Former Office Manager (retired)

Karen joined the Lighthouse Veterinary team in 1998 & served this community diligently until her retirement in 2025. Karen's many years of experience and wealth of knowledge as both a receptionist and assistant made Karen a natural practice manager. Her patience and attention to detail could be seen in every task she performed from scheduling and ordering for the hospital to her occasionally rendered pet grooming services.

Words simply cannot express our gratitude for Karen's countless contributions over the years. We wish Karen the very best that retirement has to offer! Thank you Karen!!!