Dr. Maegan Melillo, Owner & Veterinarian

"Dare to be different."

Veterinary medicine is, simply put, the coolest profession. I have always loved animals and enjoy the critical thinking and problem-solving aspect of practicing medicine. As a practice owner I am able to create a hospital environment that I am proud of, with a team that shares my passion for facilitating and fortifying the human-animal bond. With every client and patient that comes through our door I hope comes a sense of comfort and trust. I want all pet parents to feel informed in the recommendations I present and confident with the decisions they make for their pet. We want everyone to feel like they are as much a part of our AVS family as my team is.

Although Maegan grew up in Toronto, she has always preferred the atmosphere of a small community. She spent her summers at her cottage on Chandos Lake, which is what drew her to set up practice in Apsley. She has worked in a veterinary clinic since she was 16 years old - starting as a kennel attendant, becoming a receptionist and then working as a veterinary technician through university. Maegan focused on applying and getting into vet school while completing a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of Guelph. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College and began working in small animal practice as an associate veterinarian in the Hamilton area. Her areas of interest lie in internal medicine, emergency medicine and surgery. When Maegan isn’t practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her dog Gretchen, cats Mick & Zepplin, and her horse Maggie.

Dr. Karen Shearer, Locum Veterinarian

“Animals are indeed persons, they are just not people.” - Terry LaBlanc, Native American Theology

It was my mother’s idea for me to become a veterinarian.  I didn’t have a better idea, so I became a veterinarian.  It’s a great career, and I’m glad that she came up with the idea.  My goal with every patient visit is to develop a plan to make the patient better; to make their life more enjoyable and enriched, to help people to keep their pets healthy, safe, happy, engaged, comfortable, and satisfied.  There is always room for improvement.  I throw everything I have at it. 

Dr. Karen Shearer graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 1995. She loves researching and collaborating; having two published papers, one on Leptospirosis and the other on euthanasia. Dr. Shearer serves on environmental committees including the OVMA sustainability committee and she founded Citizens for Alternative Transportation in Trent Lakes. When not working as a locum veterinarian, researching, and helping her community, Dr. Shearer enjoys cycling, crochet and sewing, building rustic furniture, learning to play banjo and bird watching. Her home is made up of 2 people and 2 pets.  She has a Lab who lives for retrieving and running around the woods, a Basset hound who doesn’t appreciate what a great sister she has, and their “Dad”.

Stephanie, Practice Manager

“Love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of mankind.” - Charles Darwin

Growing up, I was surrounded by animals – wild and domestic. My family worked with the St. Thomas Wildlife Rehabilitation Program for many years, an experience that taught me discipline, patience and respect. I remember going with my parents to the veterinary hospital with my own pets and thinking, I am going to be that girl behind the desk someday! I knew I wanted to be an advocate for those that cannot speak for themselves, and what better way to do that than in the veterinary field. Being a part of the AVS family is a dream come true. I hope every client and patient can see and feel the pride we all have in what we do, and the atmosphere we have created at AVS.

Stephanie started her career as practice manager at Breslau Animal Hospital in October 2013 through 2021 and joined AVS in 2019. Stephanie has worked in the veterinary field since 2010. She received her Veterinary Office Management Certificate from Mohawk College in 2012. Stephanie believes in the importance of continuing education and that there is always room for improvement. She shares her life with husband, Shane and their son, Maverick. They enjoy spending time with their fur family; Goose (Great Pyrenees), Cricket (Frenchie), Tacoma (DSH) and Spike (DSH).

Angela, Office Manager

‘Be kind, always.’

I love animals and cannot imagine a life without a home full of pets. My veterinarians have always given me a sense of confidence and comfort in my pet family’s health and well-being. I am so happy to now be a part of providing that experience to others. I love making connections with every patient and pet parent while fostering life-long relationships.

Angela joined our AVS family in 2020 and has proven to be an asset to our team. Her positive attitude is contagious and we are thankful to have her as a part of our family. Angela lives on a hobby farm with her husband and two daughters. Their farm includes a menagerie of species; Wilbur (pig), Bridgette & Bonnie (miniature donkeys), Olivia (Collie X), Jewels (Rottweiler), Rummi (Maine Coon) and Selfie & Camo (ducks).

Robin, Client Service Representative

“Be kind, always.”

I chose to work in the veterinary industry so that I can make a positive difference in the world. I believe that pets enhance the well-being of their owners. For all the love and joy they bring to us, caring for them is our way of bring love and joy into their lives. My goal with every patient is to ensure they feel the genuine care and concern we at all at Apsley Veterinary Services have for them.

Robin joined our team in November 2023. Though new to the veterinary industry, she has shown an eagerness to learn and will no doubt be a wonderful addition to our work family. Robin shares her home with two crazy canines - Magnum (Beagle) and Saxon (German Shepherd).

Kelly, Registered Veterinary Technician

‘Life if short. Do what you enjoy.’

Is there a better career than helping improve animals’ lives? I don’t think so. An interest in biology and medicine, shared with a love of animals lead me to my career as a veterinary technician. I treat every client and patient they way I wish to be treated, while offering the best medical care possible.

Kelly has been a valued member of our AVS team since 2019. She graduated from Georgian College with her veterinary technician diploma and quickly became Registered. Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and cat, Phoebe.

Laura, Registered Veterinary Technician

‘Take what you are good at and make it your superpower.’

I’ve always loved animals and knew that I wanted to help them. When I was younger, I thought that meant I had to become a veterinarian, but then I discovered there are many careers that would allow me to follow my passion and soon found my calling as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Being an R.V.T. allows me to use many different skills while working with closely with animals. I also enjoy educating our clients every chance I get. Through education I can help our clients and patients form life-long connections.  try to ensure each patient has as positive an experience as possible and receive the best care that I can give.

Laura graduated as from the Veterinary Technologist Program at St. Lawrence College in 2016 and has been working with us since 2018. Laura loves spending time with her large family. She has a son, Elijah who is my world, as well as three dogs, a cat and three horses. My dogs are Nahla, a happy golden retriever, who is always there to catch every crumb of food that might hit the floor. Noah, an Eskimo X Chihuahua, who demands that she carry him everywhere and Theodore, a Pomeranian X Poodle who loves to go on adventures. Her cat Pekoe, a domestic medium hair, thinks she is a dog and loves to stomp around the house. She also has three horses; Dahlia, Pepper and Nettle.

Angie, Veterinary Assistant

‘Everything in moderation.’

I love animals and always hoped to find a career that would allow me be a part of their care and well-being. I am very happy to be a part of the AVS team! It is very important to me that every single patient that comes through our doors is respected and loved as if they were my own pet. It comforts me to know all of my AVS colleagues feel the same.

Angie joined AVS in February 2021 and quickly became a part of our family. Angie lives at home with her husband Jay and their two fur-kids, Thor and Mr. Leroy.

Jeff, Veterinary Assistant

‘I believe in leaving the world a better place than you found it.’

I spent most of my career working as a journalist, but I decided I was ready for a change and a new challenge. I knew working in the veterinary industry would be a good choice for me because I love being around animals and helping people, and being part of the team at AVS is a job that I can really be proud of.  My goal with every patient is to ensure they are always as healthy and happy as possible. A visit to the vet can sometimes be stressful for both pets and pet parents, so I want to do everything I can to make it a positive experience. From taking my own pets to the vet, I know that veterinary professionals can make a real difference through the quality care and compassion they can provide, and that’s what I want to do for others.

Jeff joined the AVS Family in January 2023. He shares his home with his mom, Nancy, and their dog, George. Jeff always looks forward to visits from his three young nephews. When not working at AVS, Jeff continues to pursue his other passion, writing.

Narcisse, Veterinary Assistant

‘You never know what will happen until you try. If you try and fail, try again.’

The human-animal bond and the deep relationships they form made me want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Being in the presence of animals makes me feel whole. I am currently working on furthering my education in hopes of becoming a veterinarian. Working alongside the AVS team is giving me valuable insight into the field. I want every patient to feel safe and comfortable when visiting us. For some that means a comforting touch or snuggle and for others it means offering them space. Just like people, all pets are different. Creating positive, fear free experiences is critical to our success as healthcare providers.  

Narcisse has been a part of our team since 2019. She graduated from the University of Guelph with her Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology. She is currently studying to become a Veterinarian at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. Narcisse adores spending time with her family; Mom, Dad and sister, Ciara, who is also her best friend. She has a mischievous and lovable ragdoll cat named Milo.

Bigsbey

“If I fits, I sits.”

Bigsbey is our live-in su’purr’rvisors! He is by far our most dedicated team members; he never leaves! Whether he is watching from his cat tree, sitting on the keyboard, or batting our pens on to the floor, he is always there to ensure we are doing our best work.