Staff

Heather Matheson DVM BSc

Dr Heather Matheson graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon in 1995, and has been practicing in the Comox Valley since 2003. Dr Matheson enjoyed private practice in Victoria for 8 years, practicing primarily Western Medicine. After realizing the limitations of Western Medicine Dr. Heather began to develop an interest in Eastern Medicine.

Dr Matheson completed her acupuncture training in 2004 with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and was a teaching associate for the Canadian Veterinary Acupuncture course in 2008. Dr Heather’s herbal training was completed in 2004. Training in Veterinary Chiropractic Medicine was completed in 2007.

Dr Matheson has dedicated her professional life to holistic and integrated veterinary care. Integrating Western Medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbs, Homeopathy and Veterinary Chiropractic Medicine. The integration of several modalities allows an individual approach to every animal and every illness. “After all every animal & every illness is unique.”

In her spare time, Heather enjoys being with her family; daughters Tineka & Nya, her hubby Rik, four dogs (Joe-Friday, Andy, Kimber & Daisy-do), four cats (Swoooosh, Sheldon, Mac & Jack), one horse (Hotshot), seventeen chickens and three fish. Heather is an avid runner, enjoys horseback riding and, above all, spending time at the family cabin. “The trick is to achieve and sustain balance day-to-day.”

Janice Miller

Janice has called Courtenay her home for the past 13 years and she has 12 years experience working in an integrated veterinary practice. Janice is extremely well versed in the benefits of acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbs and homeopathy, as well as Western Medicine. She is always asking questions and offering suggestions and is an invaluable sounding board for Dr Heather. Janice has a lovely gentle nature which puts both animals and clients at ease. She and her exuberant hound ‘Levi’ are avid runners and rain, shine, wind, sleet or snow they are out there several times a day.

 

 

Stephanie Murdock

Stephanie is a “home grown girl” growing up in the Comox Valley. She has 8 years experience working in an integrative veterinary practice. Stephanie has a welcoming smile and easy going nature. She has a ready answer to all your questions or concerns and always gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Stephanie and her partner Steve are the adventuresome type, after living on their sail boat for the past 4 years they have been blown ashore and landed in a lovely little place in Cumberland. ‘Farlee’, their little jack russell, is still having friends over to show off her new yard! Summer spare time is still spent on the high seas, during the cooler months Steph and Steve are both avid hockey players.

 

Sacha Sommers

Sacha was born and raised in the Comox Valley, and is happy to call it home. She loves the many outdoor activities the Valley has to offer such as camping, fishing and golfing, and enjoying time with her family.

Her love of animals runs deep, and was seeded at young age. She grew up surrounded by dogs, cats and horses. Sacha joined the Balanced Paws team in August 2014; she thoroughly enjoys working with the animals and their people. Her attention to detail and hardworking disposition are a great addition to the team.

 

 

Amélie Schroeder

Amélie comes to us from a land far, far away, the island across the channel, Denman Island. Even though she is an Island girl and loves nothing more than being outdoors, Amélie’s true passion is animals. She has been working in vet clinics for the past 5 years and working on farms since she was a little girl. She has no shortage on animal exposure of all shapes and sizes. Amélie has had the experience of working in both western & integrated veterinary clinics. She has also had the good fortune of working in a hydrotherapy pool for over a year, creating a low impact rehabilitation program for our canine friends. When Amélie is not working at Balanced Paws or on the farm she is out with her two K-9 pals Kato (The fantastic ninja JRT) and Subi (The Hungry) or out riding her horses through the trails.

Risha MacMillan

Risha has called Courtenay home (on & off) for the past 22 years. She has also spent most summers and some winters living in the very remote community of Ocean Falls, where there is more wildlife than people. After learning about the Iditarod dog sled race, Risha became drawn to Alaskan Malamutes and became a registered breeder. Committing fully Risha moved from Courtenay to Quesnel for the superb dog sledding weather and became an avid musher and confirmation handler. Needing a faster canine for sledding, Risha began raising Siberian huskies, their sweet nature and their drive for running, made them a perfect fit. After retiring her K-9’s, Risha became a Mom and moved back to the Comox Valley taking the veterinary medical office assistant program. Risha’s longer term goal is continuing her education and becoming a Veterinary Technologist.

Risha’s current fuzzy-family includes a pure white Siberian Husky, Ocea, and two kitties, Bubbles & Periwinkle.

When Risha is not working at Balanced Paws her time is spent with her daughter, River, and her son, Forest. They enjoy taking Ocea for runs and love hikes where they can take Ocea packing and camping, they also started skijoring and love it! Risha is definitely in her element when outdoors.

‘Buddha-Buddy’

‘Buddy’ joined the Balanced Paws team recently. ‘Buddy’ weighs in at 30 pounds of feline.  Having both a Buddha-belly & Zen-like qualities we thought ‘Buddha-Buddy’ was a good fit.

Due to unfortunate circumstance ‘Buddy’s’ previous owner was unable to keep him & was concerned he would not be adoptable due to his substantial girth. ‘Buddy’ has started his weight loss program… Click here for our article on Feline Weight Management.

So far ‘Buddy’ seems to be a very social guy. He is getting more comfortable with the canine persuasion thanks to Dr Heather’s Great Dane, ‘Andy’.

‘Buddy’s’ daily duties include: