About Us
At Central Veterinary Services we are a full service mixed animal practice dedicated to the well-being of your animals. Our team of professionals work with you to provide the best care possible, and, through the art and science of veterinary medicine, aim to strengthen the human animal bond. Whether you have a companion, an athlete, or a herd, we are here to help you along the way.
Closed
Open hours today: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Toggle weekly schedule
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Monday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
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Tuesday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm
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Wednesday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
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Thursday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm
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Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
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Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Sunday
N/A
January 17, 2025 9:08 pm local time
- 4102 - 64 St, Sw Industrial Park, Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8, 52.67060, -113.60238
- +1 204-275-2038
Our Veterinarians
Dr. David Snell
Dr. Snell is a mixed animal veterinarian and practice co-owner with his wife, Dr. Van Deynze. He attended the University of Alberta, in the faculty of Agriculture before attending the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. He practiced for several years in Sundre and Olds, Alberta before coming to Central Veterinary Services in March 2012. Dr. Snell enjoys making farm calls, and has special interests in bovine and equine reproduction as well as small animal surgery. In his spare time he likes to spend with family, and has three wonderful kids Samantha, Rachel and Nicolas. Dr. Snell enjoys playing competitive sports such as hockey in the winter and adventure racing in the summer. Pictured here is Monty, their lab mix.
Dr. Stephanie Van Deynze-Snell
Dr. Van Deynze is a mixed animal veterinarian and practice co-owner with her husband Dr. Snell. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2007 with an Honours degree in Biochemistry, and from the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She practiced briefly in Sundre and Olds, Alberta before returning to Central Veterinary Services in March 2012. Dr. Van Deynze greatly enjoys connecting with clients and their animals every day. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, Samantha, Rachel and Nicolas, and in her garden. Dr. Van Deynze grew up near Holland, Manitoba, and after living in Saskatchewan and Alberta, is happy to be back in friendly Manitoba.
Dr. Ken Johnson
Dr. Johnson is a mixed animal veterinarian. He graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan in 1978 and has worked as a full time veterinarian in the Winnipeg area ever since. Dr. Johnson and his wife Elaine founded Central Veterinary Services in 1981. In 1999, Dr. Johnson was honored as the recipient of the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association. He is past president of the Western Canadian Equine Association, member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (having completed a three year term on the dentistry committee), American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Endurance Riders Conference, and veterinarian for the Morris Stampede. Over the years, he has also found time to take an active role in mentoring hundreds of students in their pursuit of careers in veterinary medicine. When Dr. Johnson is not working, he likes visiting with his friends and family and enjoying time at the lake. Dr. Johnson was born and raised near Domain, Manitoba.
Dr. Jennifer White
Dr. White is a small animal veterinarian. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, and completed a Small Animal Clinical Internship at the Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine in Charlottetown PEI in the following year. She joined Central Veterinary Services in the fall of 2007. Dr. White’s special interests include preventative medicine and dermatology and overall, she is happiest tending to the small animals that come through our doors, extending her compassion and caring to every patient she sees. In her time away from work, she enjoys cooking for her baby, going for walks with her german shepherd named Larry, as well as dabbling in photography. Dr. White and her husband Marc recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Natalie. Dr. White was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB.
Dr. Samyra Stuart-Altman
Dr. Stuart-Altman is a mixed animal veterinarian. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Winnipeg until 2008, and then graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She was honoured with the MVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2017. Dr. Stuart-Altman enjoys all aspects of mixed animal practice, especially the areas of surgery, clinical pathology and diagnostic imaging. She has extensive experience in the realm of ultrasonography and thoroughly enjoys exercising her skills for both in-house and referral abdominal ultrasound exams. Dr. Stuart-Altman is also a member of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA) and has volunteered as a trail veterinarian for many distance races. Her work with sled dogs has taken her as far north as Churchill, Manitoba, as well as into the wilderness of Montana. Dr. Stuart-Altman is also an passionate about animal welfare and the human animal bond. As such, she volunteers for remote spay/neuter clinics regularly with Save A Dog Network and seasonally with Isla Animals. She has participated in multiple feline spay/neuter clinics locally with C.A.R.E, One Health centered clinics with Community Veterinary Outreach, and she is a board member of the Winnipeg Humane Society. Other than veterinary medicine, Dr. Stuart-Altman’s interests include horseback riding, creating custom pet portraits with her modest local business "Ink Naturally", travelling and enjoying live music. She also finds time to spend with her two pets, a trouble-make of a cat named Tucker and her three-legged cat Pearl. Dr. Stuart-Altman was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Dr. Mackenzie Marks
Dr. Marks is a mixed animal veterinarian. He attended the University of Manitoba, in the Faculty of Agriculture before attending the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. After graduation he practiced in Arborg and Gimli, Manitoba before coming to Central Veterinary Services in February 2016. Dr. Marks enjoys making farm calls, and has special interests in small and large animal surgery. When he is not working he enjoys making music, doing leatherwork and spending time outdoors with his wife Sheena (often while on horse back). He also finds time to spend with his two dogs, Remington and Benelli, and feline friend Ella. Dr. Marks grew up in Arnes, Manitoba.
Dr. Lisa Joachim
Dr. Joachim is a mixed animal veterinarian. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba, and then graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After graduation she worked as a large animal practitioner in dairy and swine (where she earned the 2015 Holstein Canada Vet Med Award), prior to joining the Central Vet team in June 2016. Dr. Joachim enjoys all aspects of mixed animal practice, especially the areas of dairy medicine, and large animal surgery. She enjoys meeting new clients, and getting to be a part of their pet's well being all while building strong relationships. Other than veterinary medicine, Dr. Joachim’s interests include fishing, gardening, running, camping, playing hockey, and most of all spending time with family. She is working on filling her homestead barn with various critters, so far she has welcomed into her family a bernese mountain dog named Ernie, and 4 cats named Ray, Alice, Simba and Nora. She also has two birds named Jack and Bobby. Dr. Joachim was born and raised on a small grain farm near Grande Pointe, Manitoba.
Dr. Kristen Wilson
Dr. Wilson is a mixed animal veterinarian. You may recognize Dr. Wilson, as she previously worked for us as a Registered Veterinary Technologist from 2012 to 2014. After enjoying a few years as a RVT, she decided to continue her undergraduate studies at the University of Winnipeg, and then went on to graduate from the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Dr. Wilson joined our team again during Spring 2018, and we are happy to have her here with us once again! Dr. Wilson enjoys all aspects of mixed animal practice, but has special interest in ultrasonography. She completed her Small Animal Abdominal & Cardiac Ultrasound Certification in 2011, and truly enjoys using her skills for our patients and referrals from other veterinary clinics. Dr. Wilson pursued a career in veterinary medicine because she loves working with a variety of animals, and improving their health/performance. When not working, Dr. Wilson enjoys getting outside to enjoy horseback riding, quadding and water sports! She also finds time to spend with her 3 cats, Sparrow, Wilbur and George, her german shepherd mix Sheriff, and her horses Beau and Dakota. Dr. Wilson was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB.
Our Staff
REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNOLOGISTS
Shai Wood
Shai WoodShai has been working with us since 2014, as a graduate of Red River College Animal Health Technology program. Shai has a special interest in canine and equine rehabilitation, and after graduation continued her studies at the University of Tennessee. She is certified in both canine and equine rehabilitation. Shai also enjoys emergency and especially bovine medicine. While not working you can find her working on her truck, doing renovations to her house or playing with her animals. Shai has a english mastiff named Scarlett, a rottweiler named Kilo, a pomeranian named Cleo, and a siamese cat named Arlo.
Amanda Dyck
Amanda is one of our Registered Veterinary Technologist's. She joined our practice in the spring of 2015 after graduating from Red River College with a diploma in Animal Health Technology. Amanda volunteered many Saturdays with us before going to school to become a RVT. She came back to Central Vet for her love of mixed animal practice, and the opportunity to work with a variety of animals. At work, Amanda enjoys performing dental cleanings, educating owners and assisting with surgery. When not at work she likes spending her time outdoors; during the summer months she spends most weekends at her camper with friends, family and her golden retriever Dawson. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB.
Mark Evachewski
Raised in sunny St. James, Mark was consistently surrounded by family dogs. The natural next step was a career working closely with people and their animal friends. He graduated in 2011 with an Animal Health Technology diploma from Red River College and has been involved with Central Vet Services thereafter.
Having worked in various clinical facilities with both large and small animals, pocket pets and exotics, as well as in emergency settings, Mark finds all creatures fun and fascinating. He enjoys being involved with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank collection clinics. Day-to-day in practice, he loves perfecting his technical phlebotomy, radiographic and anesthesiology skills.
Mark is often reading, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, cycling, hiking, and he regularly visits the hot yoga studio for some combined physical/mental challenges and a healthy sweat session in his free time. He shares residence with three cats, Xena, Jughead Jones and Gallifrey, as well as his boisterous pup, Henley.
Callie Hilton
Callie has been working with us since summer of 2016, as a graduate of Red River College Animal Health Technology program. Callie came to join the team at Central Vet for her love of both large and small animals. When not at work you can find Callie at the barn riding her own horse Carmen, or competing competitively in show jumping. She another horse named Pandora, along with two cats named Phoebe and Ozzy, and a fish named Aree. Callie was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB.
Bryan McLean
Bryan is one of our Registered Animal Health Technologist's. He joined our practice in the summer of 2017. Bryan has completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and his Advanced Certificate in Equine Dentistry to go along with his Diploma in Animal Health Technology. His favourite aspects of being a technologist include dentistry (small animal or equine), rehabilitation and geriatric wellness, along with performing nutritional consultations. Bryan has many critters back at his farm in Graysville, MB which he adores being entertained by. In his free time outside of work he enjoys showing heavy horses, and taking care of his 3 dogs (Ally, Ruby and Charlotte), 4 cats (Gracie, Charlie, Jackson and Toulouse), rabbit (Wyatt), 2 horses (Aengus and Fire), 3 sheep, 2 goats, and numerous chickens/guinea fowl. Bryan is originally from Pilot Mound, MB where he was raised on a beef, hog and grain farm.
Courtney Smith
Courtney has been working with us since fall of 2017, as a graduate of Red River College Animal Health Technology program. Courtney's favourite aspect of being a RVT is meeting new people and their pets. She loves to expand her knowledge with continued education to help strengthen the human-animal bond. Courtney's favourite procedure at the clinic are dental cleanings where there is a drastic before & after. In her spare time you can find Courtney kayaking, at the archery range and staying active! Courtney has a few pets of her own, currently she has a horse named Fancy, a cat named Tootsie and a dog named Misty. Courtney is originally from Rorketon, MB.
HOSPITAL ASSISTANTS
Jason Bergen
Jason is one of our hospital assistants; he spends most of his time behind the scenes in the clinic and on farm calls with the vets. He is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba, and is working towards applying to the veterinary school in the future. He began volunteering at Central Veterinary Services in Fall 2012, and became a part of the CVS team in 2016. Jason enjoys getting to spend all day with lovely animals, and helping them heal and lead healthy lives. Jason is heartbroken that due to his living quarters he is not able to own a pet at this time, but this just means that while in the clinic your pet will get extra cuddles. In his free time he sings in a choir called Prairie Voices, he also likes to travel and spend time outdoors. Jason was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Courtney Hudson
Courtney works behind the scenes taking care of in-clinic patients, and assisting the doctors and technicians. She began as a hospital assistant at Central Veterinary Services in October of 2016. Courtney's favourite aspect of her job is equine diagnostic imaging. When not at work Courtney spends most of her time horseback riding. Courtney lives with her shih tzu named Pepper and doodle named Buck. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB.
Nicole Stoesz
Nicole became a hospital assistant with us in September 2017. Since starting she has learned a ton more about animals, and how they are cared for in our hospital. Her favourite aspect of working at CVS is seeing and helping all the animals and their owners. When not at work Nicole spends her time riding and competing with her horse Sophie. At home Nicole also has a dog named Peguis, rabbit named Oreo, fish named Olaf and bearded dragon named Pumpkin! Nicole was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB.
Kayla Robertson
Kayla works behind the scenes in our treatment area with the rest of the team. She became a hospital assistant at Central Veterinary Services in September 2018. Her love for large animals began when she was very young, as she grew up on a cattle and horse ranch. This is what drew her to us, and now her favourite aspect of the job is large animal medicine! In her spare time she enjoys completing ranch work, attending rodeos, fishing and of course horseback riding/training. At home Kayla has a dog named Peter, two horses named Domino and Remi, and 4 kittens named Snap, Crackle, Pop and Charlie. Kayla grew up in Ste. Rose du Lac and now resides in Oak Bluff, MB.
Mission & Values
Provide outstanding customer service through trust, integrity, and dedication to both clients and their animals. We strive for excellence and our commitment will show in the quality of our work, the care of our patients, and continuing education. We believe in family and strengthening the human animal bond, our patients will always be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. We will be leaders in the community, environmentally friendly, and cognitive of the relationship between human health and veterinary medicine.
