About Us

Dr. Kirsten Riphagen grew up on a farm in southern Alberta, and graduated from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She has lived in BC since then. For the first few years in practice she worked in a busy emergency practice in Kelowna, then working in general practice as a locum before starting Uptown Animal Hospital with Dr Cass in 2020. Dr. Riphagen has worked with several volunteer veterinary projects and groups to provide veterinary care to underserved communities in Canada and internationally and has worked very hard to become Level 2 Fear Free certified as well as holds a Low Stress Handling Silver Certification. Dr Kirsten loves to spend time outdoors and with her husband and cat 'Sir Winston'.

Dr. Taryn Cass has been a devoted veterinarian since graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. With a heartfelt passion for nurturing the bond between pets and their people, Dr. Cass believes that every animal deserves individualized care tailored to their unique needs.

In her practice, Dr. Cass prioritizes open dialogue and collaboration with pet owners, ensuring that every decision is made together. She understands that a trusting relationship between caregivers and pet parents is vital for effective care, and she works diligently to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable.

When she’s not at the clinic, Taryn enjoys spending quality time with her own pets and children, exploring the outdoors. Whether it’s a hike in the woods or a stroll through her farm with her family, she cherishes these moments of connection with her furry companions. Dr. Cass looks forward to partnering with you to provide the best care for your beloved pets!

Dr Megan Phillips graduated this year from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatchewan. She grew up in Kelowna and had dreams of being a veterinarian from a young age. She had worked as a summer student at Uptown Animal Hospital last summer and enjoyed it so much she decided to come back. She enjoys spending time with her four cats and fostering kittens. She has a passion for feline medicine.

Dr. Nicole Gostkowski is a compassionate veterinarian dedicated to providing high-touch, low-stress care for pets and their owners. A proud graduate of the University of Melbourne in 2022, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to her practice.

Having relocated from Australia, she brought her beloved cat, Pym, along for the journey. Their bond inspires Nicole's commitment to creating a comfortable and trusting environment for every pet that walks through our doors. She believes that a strong relationship between veterinarian, pet, and owner is essential for effective care.

Outside of the clinic, Nicole enjoys exploring the local area, discovering new hiking trails, and meeting fellow pet lovers. Her goal is to ensure that every visit is as stress-free as possible, making both pets and their owners feel at ease. Nicole looks forward to meeting you and your furry family members!

Dr. Maureen Hollinshead, is a compassionate and skilled veterinarian with a deep dedication to improving the health and mobility of animals. A graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2004, Dr. Hollinshead has gained extensive experience working in diverse veterinary settings, including mixed animal practices, emergency clinics, and companion animal care.

Her passion for animal well-being led her to specialize in rehabilitation, earning certification in this vital field. Dr. Hollinshead uses advanced rehabilitation techniques to help animals recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions, offering customized care plans that prioritize mobility, pain management, and overall quality of life.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Hollinshead enjoys an active lifestyle that includes running, skiing, hiking, and horseback riding. She also treasures time spent with her family, embracing both her personal and professional passions.

With her comprehensive expertise and warm, approachable demeanor, Dr. Hollinshead is a trusted partner in veterinary care, committed to helping animals thrive at every stage of life.

Lindsey graduated her Veterinary Hospital Assistant program in December of 2013. She was born in the Lower mainland and grew up mostly in Kelowna before settling down in the Shuswap. Lindsey’s crew consists of her fiancé Cam, and her two furry, rambunctious, with a zest for life dogs Barley and Beans. They enjoy the outdoors and a variety of activities no matter the season. Lindsey left the Veterinary field for a few years to pursue human health care but came back as her true passion is animal healthcare.

Ashley is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Veterinary Technologist, having graduated in 2024 from the Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology program. With a genuine passion for helping both people and their beloved pets, she is committed to providing exceptional care in every aspect of veterinary practice. Ashley believes in building strong connections with pet owners to ensure their furry family members receive the best possible care.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s exploring nature or tending to her hobby farm. Her love for animals extends beyond her professional life, as she finds fulfillment in the hands-on care of her farm and animals. Friendly and approachable, Ashley is always eager to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge with others.

Michelle graduated from Thompson Rivers University in 2005, completing the Veterinary Technician program. Even with a passion for veterinary medicine, Michelle has always been up for an adventure, including enjoying her time as a wildland volunteer firefighter in 2003 and traveling to Louisiana for relief work after Hurricane Katrina.
Her love for travel as well as work has provided many Michelle a variety of travel opportunities, allowing her to work in Jasper, Grand Forks and even Newfoundland!
While a large focus of her career was spent in emergency medicine (where she met Dr Cass and Dr Riphagen), Michelle found she wanted to make her career more client focused and this is what brought her to the fabulous Uptown Animal Hospital team! Michelle is an integral part of our in-clinic Veterinary Technician support team as well as our remote support team.

Marina is a dedicated veterinary assistant currently completing the Low Stress Handling Silver University program. She recently made the move from Kelowna to Salmon Arm and has been enjoying the adventure of exploring her new surroundings with her little family.

In her free time, Marina loves fishing and hiking with her dog, Elliot, embracing the great outdoors and all it has to offer. Her passion for all things animal has been a lifelong journey, and she is excited to continue this path.

Marina will soon be starting the Veterinary Technician Distance Learning program through Thompson Rivers University, where she will further pursue her career in veterinary medicine with enthusiasm and dedication. Her commitment to providing compassionate, low-stress care to animals is evident in every aspect of her work, and she looks forward to making a positive impact in the field.

Growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan, I developed a deep love and respect for animals from an early age. That passion led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, and in 2021, I graduated from the Veterinary Technologist program at Thompson Rivers University.

I believe that every patient deserves compassionate, low-stress care. I take pride in making vet visits as gentle and fear-free as possible, using calm handling techniques, plenty of treats, and lots of patience to ensure pets feel safe and comfortable. My goal is to create a positive experience not only for the animals but also for the people who love them.

When I’m not in the clinic, I’m usually hiking, traveling, or spending time with my five rescue furbabies—two dogs and three cats—who constantly remind me why I do what I do. I’m also passionate about giving back and regularly volunteer with spay and neuter clinics in rural communities around the world.

I look forward to meeting you and your furry family members and helping them live their happiest, healthiest lives!

Marni didn’t just choose veterinary medicine—veterinary medicine found her. Drawn in by the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the field, she discovered a career that keeps her engaged and mentally stimulated every single day. No two days are the same in veterinary medicine, and that’s exactly why Marni loves it.

Marni has a special passion for helping pets that feel nervous or anxious during their veterinary visits. With her calm demeanor and patient approach, she strives to make every pet feel as comfortable and cared for as possible. Whether it’s offering a gentle touch or finding creative ways to ease their stress, Marni takes pride in turning a scary visit into a positive experience.

With a dedication to learning and providing compassionate care, Marni is an integral part of the veterinary team. Her ability to connect with animals and their families is at the heart of her work, and she’s always ready to tackle whatever challenges the day brings.

Favorite Motto: “Helping pets feel safe is the first step toward healing.”

Maleah is a compassionate and hardworking veterinary assistant with a true passion for helping animals and the people who care for them. Her journey into veterinary medicine was inspired by a lifelong love of animals and her desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

When she’s not in the clinic, Maleah spends her time embracing the great outdoors. Whether it’s fishing, hiking, or exploring nature, she’s always accompanied by her beloved dogs, who are her constant companions and greatest source of joy.

Maleah is on an exciting path toward becoming a Registered Veterinary Technologist. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and skills to provide even greater care to pets and their families. With her warm personality and unwavering commitment, Maleah is a valued member of our veterinary team!

Favorite Motto: “Caring for animals means caring for the people who love them.”

Haley is a dedicated veterinary assistant, where she passionately works to ensure the health and well-being of animals. Recently, she made the move to Salmon Arm after completing her Bachelor of Science degree at UBCO. Haley has always had a deep love for animals and finds fulfillment in advocating for their care and helping them live happy, healthy lives.

Outside of her professional life, Haley enjoys a variety of activities. She is an avid sourdough maker, often experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. Haley also loves the thrill of dirt biking and playing softball. Above all, she cherishes moments spent with her friends and family, creating memories that enrich her life.

Haley’s compassionate nature and enthusiasm for both animals and her personal interests make her a well-rounded individual with a strong commitment to making a positive impact in both her career and personal life.

Brooklyn is a veterinary assistant with a strong passion for animal care. She is currently attending Thompson Rivers for undergraduate studies in preparation for veterinary school. With a love for diverse and dynamic work, she enjoys the fast-paced world of veterinary medicine, where no two days are the same.

Outside of her work life Brooklyn is an avid barrel racer and enjoys camping and being in the outdoors. At home she cares for a menagerie of 11 animals, including 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 alpacas, 3 goats and a horse.

She is committed to ensuring animals receive compassionate low stress care. She looks forward to continuing her education and advancing her career in the field.

Taylor grew up in Kelowna and has recently moved to Salmon Arm. She is very excited to explore her new city. She has a love for all animals of any shape, size, and breed. She comes from many years in a health care background but has decided to pursue a career working with animals as well as their owners. In her free time she is often out hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and enjoying the outdoors with her little family and her dog, Ruger.

Robyn started her dream career all the way back 1999. Starting out as a kennel assistant, Robyn has been fortunate to experience and work in many areas of the veterinary hospital setting. After a move to the Shuswap, from the lower mainland, she finds so much enjoyment being outside and exploring the lakes and trails of the North Shuswap and surrounding areas.

Born and raised in Salmon Arm, Angela is proud to call the Shuswap her home. Angela’s crew consists of a dog named Harvey, 2 cats – Cardi and Mason and 2 wild children. When not at the office, you can find her either out in the garden, walking her dog on the many trails around Salmon Arm, or painting under the watchful eye of her cat Mason.

Makayla grew up in Kamloops but spent her summers here at the shuswap with her grandparents and has been enjoying the Salmon Arm lifestyle with her husband for the past 5 years. She grew up as a competitive dancer and has been a dance instructor for 10 years. Working at a variety of different jobs over the years, from day care attendant to sawmill worker, she has always been most happy working with animals. Makayla has a diploma in dog obedience training and used to take dogs on adventure hikes. Makayla was a ranch manager mainly working with horses for 3 years. She has always had an interest in veterinary medcine and helping animals in need and was happy to have the opportunity to come aboard the team at Uptown. In her free time, Makayla enjoys horseback riding, hiking with her husband and 3 dogs, kayaking, and cross country skiing.