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, first in Kelowna, and now in Vernon. For the first few years in practice she worked in a busy emergency practice. More recently she has focused on working in general practice for numerous small animal clinics between Vernon and Westbank. 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!

Dr. Taryn Cass graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Since that time she has worked in many areas including a mixed animal practice in Fort St.John, a small animal specialty practice and emergency medicine. Dr. Cass now lives just outside Salmon Arm on a farm where she spends time with her 5 children, loving husband and menagerie of farm animals. Dr. Cass prides herself on quality medicine and a fear free approach.

Dr. Bhandal is a Board-Certified Small Animal Surgeon and a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of Veterinary Surgery to the Uptown Team!

Ashley is a graduate of the Thompson Rivers University, Veterinary Technician program in 2013. She has recently moved to Salmon Arm and is excited to get to know the community through working with pets and their families. Her interest is in anesthesia, client education, and a fear free approach to handling pets. She enjoys spending her non-working time exploring Salmon Arm and the surrounding areas while skiing, gardening and hiking with her pooch, Wiley!

Leanne grew up in central Alberta and went to school at Lakeland College in Vermilion Alberta. She graduated from the Animal Health Technician program in 2004 and has been licensed 16 years. Leanne has worked on dairy farms, and in mixed animal and small animal veterinary practices. She has lived in Salmon Arm 9 years and is excited to be part of a clinic that also values a low stress approach. Leanne’s areas of interest are animal behavior and nursing care. She shares a home with 3 kids, 2 bunnies, a bearded dragon, a dog, and a very understanding husband.

Jenny grew up in Sheffield, England, and has always loved being outdoors exploring the countryside be it hiking or biking. Interestingly, Jenny studied Law at university but realised that her real passion revolves around animals. Jenny has two miniature shetland ponies that moved with her and her partner to Canada in 2018 that she loves to drive. Stay tuned for more pictures of them. When asked how Jenny likes Canada, she responded: We absolutely adore it here because not only is the hiking and biking outstanding but we can also ski and kayak! I am excited to explore and see all the beautiful scenery and animals Canada has to offer.

Kerri has joined the Uptown team with over 10 years experience as a certified veterinary assistant. She recently moved to the Shuswap and is having fun getting to know the area with her husband and two dogs. In her free time Kerri likes to hike, garden, snowshoe, and go fishing.

Cathy grew up in Alberta, but Salmon Arm has been her home for over 12 years. After graduating with a Science degree many years ago, she stepped into the Veterinary field, fell in love with it and has never left!  Cathy’s family crew includes two cats, a dog, two horses, a bearded dragon and two teenagers! She cherishes outside time with her family, kayaking, hiking and exploring the fabulous lakes of the Shuswap. That “wet dog” smell gives her joy! Cathy is excited to be part of the Uptown team, serving the furry family members of this great community.

Britt was born and raised in central Alberta and just recently relocated to the sunny Shuswap after years of dreaming of making the move. Britt joins us with a diploma in dental assisting and has worked in an administrative role in dental offices for many years, but decided to pursue her passion for animals and jump head first into veterinarian medicine.

Britt’s hobbies include: boating, hiking, snowboarding, consuming large amounts of coffee and living life with her 3 children and husband. She shares her home with a black lab named Rosie and 2 sweet calico kitties.

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.