Our Team - Chester Basin Animal Hospital

Veterinarians

Dr. Lisa Welland, DVM
- Veterinarian
Dr. Lisa Welland, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr Lisa is a local Maritimer, originally from Port Clyde on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Her dream of a career in veterinary medicine began at a very young age, telling anyone who asked that she wanted to be a vet when she grew up.

At the age of 20 after years of hard work and dedication, Dr. Lisa was offered an early acceptance to the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island. After graduation in 2003, she accepted her first associate position at Shaw Pet and Equine Services in Victoria, British Columbia where she continued to practice for nearly a decade.

After spending many years away, Dr. Lisa was anxious to return to her Maritime home, so in the fall of 2012, she packed up and headed East. She decided to settle in the beautiful seaside town of Chester. In July 2015, Dr. Lisa purchased Chester Basin Animal Hospital from long time owner Dr. David Evans.

At work, Dr. Lisa maintains special interests in Veterinary Dentistry and Feline Medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, golf, curling, travelling and culinary arts.

Dr. Lisa and her husband’s fur (and not so furry) family consists of a Siamese cat named Kevin and a Hermann’s tortoise named Oswald
Dr. Karen Gormley, DVM
- Veterinarian
Dr. Karen Gormley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Karen Gormley grew up in Harrington, PEI. She planned to become a veterinarian from a young age, and eagerly watched the construction of the Atlantic Veterinary College when she was in early elementary school. She obtained her B.Sc. (hons) and M.Sc. from the University of Prince Edward Island, and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2009.

Upon graduation, Dr. Karen and her husband Kevin moved to Upper Tantallon, and has been practicing in the local area since that time. She joined the CBAH team in March 2018.

Dr. Gormley has continued her veterinary education with advanced courses in dentistry and surgery. In addition to these fields, Dr. Karen is particularly interested in behaviour and pain management.

Dr. Karen lives in Upper Tantallon with her husband and their two children. Their fur-family includes two kitties Nelson and Myles and their black lab, Darcie.
Dr. Cortney Jones, DVM
- Veterinarian
Dr. Cortney Jones, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Cortney grew up in Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. She became part of the CBAH team in March of 2021. It was always her dream to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Cortney completed a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University, finishing her final year of the program with a special project training pet dogs to detect low blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. After completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. Cortney was accepted to the Atlantic Veterinary College where she graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in May 2020.

Following graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Cortney bought her first house and moved to Chester where she now lives with her fiancé, two cats, Oscar and Minnow & yellow lab, Roslin. In March of 2023, Dr. Cortney and her fiancé welcomed a baby girl to their family.

As a Veterinarian, Dr. Cortney maintains special interests in radiology and surgery. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, travelling, spending time in her garden, and adding to her collection of house plants.
Dr Julia Case
- Veterinarian
Dr Julia Case
Veterinarian
Dr. Julia is originally from Newfoundland but has lived all over Canada before eventually settling in Alberta. She received a Bachelor in Science from the University of Lethbridge before starting veterinary school at the University of Calgary, graduating in 2020. Just prior to graduation she realized she missed her east coast roots and decided to move to Nova Scotia to be close to family. This resulted in a move to the East Coast in April of 2020 – an unforgettable experience travelling across Canada in a UHaul in the height of the pandemic. Julia has been practicing on the South Shore since 2020 and joined the CBAH team in 2024.

At work, Julia holds special interest in reproductive services and working with breeders and is always continuing to learn – like attending specialized courses for trans cervical insemination and canine breeding. In her free time, she enjoys making bespoke buttercream floral cupcakes and cakes and has been asked to be a judge at the Big Ex in Bridgewater for cake decorating. She is also greatly involved in dog sports and events in the province with her younger Keeshond Segg who she shows in conformation and will be taking to rally obedience, barn hunt, trick dog, and other sports available here! Her older dog, a Belgian Malinois named Valla, is a retired Search and Rescue dog who is enjoying the retired farm life after 5 years of active training and service in Alberta with Julia as her handler.

Other than the two dogs, Julia also lives with one cat and two goats and may be adding more animals to the hobby farm in the future. She lives in Fauxburg with her furry crew and her husband Cameron. They also welcomed a baby girl into their family in August, 2023.

Care Team

Kelly, Manager
- Manager
Kelly, Manager
Manager
Kelly grew up on the Eastern Shore and always had a passion for animals. She followed her other passion for travel and gained a degree in Travel and Tourism Managment from Holland College in 2004. She developed her Customer Service knowledge through managing hotels in and around Halifax. She spent 2 years living in England and travelling Europe. But the East Coast called her home. Her extensive Customer Service experience, passion for animals and love of rural communties lead her to Chester Basin Animal Hospital. She currently lives in Lower Sackville with her 2 boxers Callie and Chloe.
Jenn, RVT
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Jenn, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Jenn has been with the Chester Basin Animal Hospital team since 2004. She worked as a veterinary technician for 18 years before stepping into the roll of hospital manager in 2022. After 2 years as hospital manager, Jenn stepped down from the position and returned to where her heart really was, working with the patients and clients as a veterinary technician.

Jenn’s special interest is in dentistry and end-of-life care.

Jenn currently lives in Chester with her husband, three cats (Xena, Kiefer, and Carson), two American Pit Bull Terriers (Kaluah and Corona), and an assortment of chickens.
Kim, RVT
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Kim, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Kim has been a member of the Chester Basin Animal Hospital team for over thirty years. During that time, she has seen the practice continually grow and evolve.

You can find Kim working in all aspects of the hospital, from greeting patients and clients at the front desk, to taking history in the exam rooms, performing x-rays in radiology, running diagnostic tests in the lab, and assisting in surgery where needed.

Kim maintains special interests in feline medicine, oral care and dietary therapy.

Originally from Mill Cove, Kim now lives in Mahone Bay with her 3 cats Barnaby Biggs, Rhubarb and Tiberius.
Mandi, RVT
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Mandi, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Mandi grew up in Milton, just outside of Liverpool. As a youngster, she spent most of her spare time at her uncle’s barn with the family cow Half Pint and horse Tony.

It was Mandi’s interest in animal welfare that led her to apply to the Veterinary Technician program at Dalhousie Agricultural College. She graduated from the program in 2016 and joined the CBAH team in November 2017.

Mandi loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, but has a keen interest in cytology, and can often be found in the lab next to the microscope.

Outside of the hospital, Mandi can be found singing and playing music with family and friends, walking her Boxer Cali, or cuddling her cats Kidden and Ash. In March of 2023, Mandi and her fiancé expanded their family by welcoming their son, Walker.
Erica, RVT
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Erica, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Erica grew up on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, where she found herself becoming involved in volunteering at Hope for Wildlife from the age of 11 years old.

Erica’s passion in caring for the natural world led her to pursue a BsC in Animal Science at Dalhouise’s Agricultural Campus. After graduating in 2018, she returned to the campus to attend the Veterinary Technician program to allow her to further her ability to care for animals, domestic or wild.

Erica loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, but has a keen interest in surgery and nursing care.

Outside of the hospital, Erica can still be found caring for wildlife, gardening, exploring the forest or wandering a beach.

Erica moved to Martin’s River and joined the CBAH team in 2022. She lives with her partner Josh, 2 cats Buddy and Gizmo and their newest addition Beau the German Shepherd.
Emma, VA
- Veterinary Assistant
Emma, VA
Veterinary Assistant
Emma knew she wanted to help animals ever since she was a little girl. She graduated the veterinary technician program at Maritime Business College in 2019 and since then has been growing in this profession. She’s currently working on obtaining her RVT status . She spends her free time with family and friends and let’s not forget about her two rescue dogs, Bruce and Frankie. Emma also spent many years learning and teaching art lessons. After a long journey she made her way to the Chester Basin team!
Jessica, VA
- Veterinary Assistant
Jessica, VA
Veterinary Assistant
Jessica dreamed of being in the veterinary world from a young age. After going through DalAC for her animal science degree and AVC for her DVM, she found her place here, at Chester Basin Animal Hospital, as a veterinary assistant. She has a special interest in dentistry, surgery and low stress veterinary visits. Jessica resides in Chester Basin with her dog, Lucas, and two cats, Toulouse and Berlioz. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, crafting, cooking, and is thankful to have found herself living near the beaches of Nova Scotia’s south shore.
Emily, VA
- Veterinary Assistant
Emily, VA
Veterinary Assistant
Emily grew up immersed in the veterinary world, thanks to her mother being a veterinary technician. She spent much of her childhood in clinics, helping to care for animals and keeping them entertained. With a house full of pets, her love of animals naturally extended to horses, where she discovered a passion for Jumping and dressage. Over the years Emily has worked with animals in various capacities, and it was the deep rooted connection that led her to pursue a career in the industry, a role she cherishes.

Emily lives in Bridgewater with her beloved Golden Retriever, Zarya. When she is not at the Animal Hospital you can find her riding horses, swimming or enjoying long walks with Zarya.
Liubov, VA
- Veterinary Assistant
Liubov, VA
Veterinary Assistant
Liubov dreamed of being a veterinarian since childhood, caring for her own dog and spending many days at her Grandmothers small farm with many domestic animals. This developed her keen interest, sympathy and a desire to help them.

In 2009 she graduated with a Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the National University of Life and Environmental Service of Ukraine. From there she worked in Veterinary clinics in Ukraine and Russia focusing on Dentistry and Nephrology. In 2002 Liubov and her family moved to Canada, She currently lives in Halifax with her husband and 3 children.

When she’s not at the Animal hospital you may find her with her family discovering the breathtaking landscapes and ocean coasts in their new Nova Scotia home.
Morgan, Client Services
- Client Services
Morgan, Client Services
Client Services
Growing up in a family with a variety of different pets such as; dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, rabbits, horses and chickens, has certainly been the driving factor that sparked my passion and love for all kinds of animals at a very young age. After graduating high school, I relocated to Wolfville, where I studied Sociology at Acadia University for one year before returning to my hometown and current residence, Western Shore, in order to gain more work experience in a variety of different jobs in the years to come.

In November of 2022, I made the decision to leave my current job working in Carpentry, in order to begin pursuing my dreams of working with and helping animals. Since joinging the CBAH team as a Client Service Representative, I have begun making the necessary academic upgrades in order to further my career in veterinary medicine with a dream of one day becoming an RVT. I have a particular interest in working with exotics and wildlife rehabilitation.

In my spare time, when I’m not greeting clients and beloved companions, I enjoy the beach, nature photography, hiking, reading, and guitar. Currently, I have a ball Python named Sweetheart, and two parrots, named Bean and Benny!
Paula, Client Services
- Client Services
Paula, Client Services
Client Services
Paula joined the CBAH team in 2008. Her previous experience of working in a fast paced medical environment has proven to be an important attribute to her role in reception. Whether greeting clients in person or on the phone, Paula’s compassion and dedication to her role are obvious. Her quick wit and sharp sense of humor is sure to get a smile out of just about anyone.

Paula lives in Western Shore with her husband. Her fur-family consists of her 3 cats Penny, Logan and Phyllis.
Savanna, Client Services
- Client Services
Savanna, Client Services
Client Services
Chester Basin Animal Hospital welcomed Savanna to the team in the fall of 2021. Savanna graduated from the Medical Office Administration program at NSCC in 2017, and after working for several years in human health care, she decided to change career paths and follow her true passion of working with animals.

When not at the hospital, Savanna enjoys being outside, spending time at the camp and hanging out with family and friends. She also loves crafting.

Savanna’s fur family includes two dogs, Deacon and Gunner, and one cat, Murph.

Veterinarians

Dr. Lisa Welland, DVM

Dr. Karen Gormley, DVM

Dr. Cortney Jones, DVM

Dr Julia Case

Care Team

Kelly, Manager

Jenn, RVT

Kim, RVT

Mandi, RVT

Erica, RVT

Emma, VA

Jessica, VA

Emily, VA

Liubov, VA

Morgan, Client Services

Paula, Client Services

Savanna, Client Services