Meet The CHPP Team

Dr. Lynn Henderson has been involved in clinical companion animal practice in many forms since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in 2007. Having worked in general practice, emergency medicine, house-call medicine and hospice and palliative care, she has always been most interested in the areas of veterinary medicine that allow engagement with the human side of practice. Dr. Henderson operated a successful veterinary house-call practice for 10 years, gaining certification in veterinary hospice and palliative care through the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care in 2019. Dr. Henderson also recently completed her Master of Education. She believes strongly in relationship-building, authentic communication and accountability in delivering on promises.  

As Veterinary Director, Dr. Henderson leads the program’s clinical and learning teams who are engaged in community service and service learning and oversees the relationships and partnerships between OVC and many community stakeholders and committed organizations with a focus on improving access to veterinary care.  

Sara’s journey in veterinary medicine began in a traditional small animal practice, where she discovered her passion for working with animals along with a natural inclination for embracing new challenges. Motivated to expand her knowledge and skill set beyond conventional boundaries, she delved into the field of veterinary nutrition, honing functional and technical expertise in promoting health through nutrition and developing a talent for simplifying complex concepts into effective, accessible strategies. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Ritzie has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to volunteer work, with a strong affinity for improving access to care, and supporting underserved communities across Ontario and abroad. In 2023, she embarked on her DVSc Residency in Community Medicine, where her goal is to inspire positive change in the field of veterinary medicine, promoting the well-being of animals, communities, and veterinary teams while emphasizing the importance of accessible care. She is involved in outreach, research, and teaching through the Community Healthcare Partnership Program.  Dr. Ritzie’s role is funded by The Stanton Foundation.

Dr. Ellis received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Montreal in 2016, which he followed with a small animal rotating internship in private practice. In 2020, he completed a shelter medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Ellis then received his board certification in Shelter Medicine Practice from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2021. He currently works as a shelter consultant where he mostly helps shelters across Canada with infectious disease management, population management and working within their capacity for care. He is also a sessional instructor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary and an adjunct professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. 

Dr. Emilia Wong Gordon received her DVM from the University of California, Davis in 2005 and obtained specialty board certification in Shelter Medicine Practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2020. Her early experiences in animal shelters working with animals who were surrendered due to the life circumstances of their human families have driven her career direction for over 20 years. She currently provides mobile and consulting services to animal shelters, rescues, and other animal welfare stakeholders through her practice, Haven Veterinary Services. Her practice operates according to the belief that cross-sector collaboration with a One Health emphasis is essential to the shared goals of the animal welfare, veterinary, and human health professions. Dr. Gordon’s professional and research interests include infectious disease, animal welfare epidemiology, and feline behaviour and welfare. She lectures on shelter topics at several universities in Western Canada and holds adjunct faculty positions with the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Distance Education Program and the Ontario Veterinary College.

Chloe graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan in 2021. She began her career as a small animal veterinarian in general practice on Vancouver Island. While working full-time, Chloe also helped run an organization called Vets for Pets. This organization offers free preventative healthcare to pets in need living in the urban center of Victoria. Her work with Vets for Pets inspired Chloe to take on the internship role here in Guelph with the CHPP team. She is excited to continue her learning in both community and shelter medicine. Her favourite thing about this work is supporting the amazing human-animal bond.

Melanie received her Registered Veterinary Technician designation in 2001 after graduating with honors from Seneca College. During her 21-year career at the OVC, she has worked in the Large Animal Wards, providing patient care. She also has experience working in both small animal surgery and large animal surgery.    

As an RVT in the Community Healthcare Partnership Program, Melanie is responsible for organizing and maintaining the technical aspects of the program, helping to facilitate and develop client communication and community needs, while providing support and functional guidance to veterinary students.    

Renee earned her registered veterinary technician diploma from St. Lawerence College in 2000.

In the last 23 years Renee has worked in a mixed practice, dental referral, the pharmaceutical industry and emergency medicine. In 2012 Renee started volunteering for animal welfare projects in Northern Canada. She worked with temporary field hospitals in the Yukon and Nunavut to improve animal health and help control overpopulation.