• Red Tree Animal Clinic Veterinary Services

Meet The Team

Dr. Tara Risling

Dr. Tara Risling

BSc, MSc, DVM

Red Tree Animal Clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Tara Risling. A 2013 graduate of the University of Calgary Faculty of veterinary Medicine, Tara has been in practice for over 10 years and is excited to bring past ownership experience to Red Tree. Tara enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has particular interest in surgery, dentistry, anesthesia, and ultrasound. She is always looking for ways to grow in her ability to deliver optimal care to her patients and believes strongly in open, straightforward communication with her clients. When not in the clinic, Tara spends much of her time trail running, mountain biking, and skiing with her family and animals.

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Dr. Laura Armstrong

Dr. Laura Armstrong

BSc, DVM

A born and raised Calgarian, Laura has known she wanted to be a veterinarian her entire life. She graduated from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary medicine in 2018 and has been living her dream ever since. Laura really enjoys getting to know her clients and the unique bond they share with their animal companions. Laura believes strongly in providing a spectrum of personalized care to her patients and works hard to help every animal she sees. Many aspects of veterinary medicine interest Laura, though she is most excited help with behavior cases (particularly reactive canines and stressed felines), dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and preventative care. When not at work Laura enjoys reading, skiing, and spending time with her own pets, a large dog and two cats, as well as her husband and daughter.

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Dr. Madeleine Browne

Dr. Madeleine Browne

BSc, DVM, cVMA

Dr. Madeleine Browne is a small animal veterinarian certified in veterinary medical acupuncture, practicing out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Major in Exercise and Health Physiology, she went on to pursue her Doctorate from the University of Calgary. With a strong foundation in sports medicine and exercise science on the human side, Dr. Browne has translated this unique skill set to veterinary medicine. Her practice utilizes both conventional and integrative medicine, shaped from her first-hand experiences with the benefits of integrative modalities in canine and feline patients. From geriatric care and chronic pain management to active and competing dogs, Dr. Browne’s expertise brings together evidence from both human and animal medical fields, optimizing quality of life, mobility, and comfort for her patients. For resources on integrative medicine and acupuncture therapy, pet parents can be also directed to her website www.balancedpawsvet.weebly.com and Instagram @balancedpawsvet

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Dr. Kathryn McLellan

Dr. Kathryn McLellan

BSc, MSc, DVM

Born and raised in Calgary, Kathryn grew up with many pets and spent time riding horses. She completed both her BSc and MSc at UBC before earning her DVM from the University of Calgary in 2025. Kathryn enjoys all areas of general practice, with special interests in soft tissue surgery, dermatology, and preventative care. Outside of the clinic, she loves hiking, biking, running, and backpacking in the Rockies

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Dr. Justine Maybee

Dr. Justine Maybee

BSc, DVM

Dr. Justine Maybee grew up in Calgary, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Zoology at the University of Calgary before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the U of C Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. After spending the last few years practicing at a busy mixed-animal practice in central Alberta, she is thrilled to return home to Calgary. Justine enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery and preventative care. Outside of the clinic, she loves to cook and spend time outdoors with her husband, their two young boys, and their three cats.

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Dr. Kristi Jacboson

Dr. Kristi Jacboson

BSc, DVM

Dr. Kristi was born and raised just north of Calgary, and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She has a particular interest in geriatric disease management, and helping to ensure senior pets are maintaining an optimal quality of life. She also excels at complex internal medicine cases.

In her spare time Dr. Kristi enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family - which includes three black cats and two dogs.

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Dr. Caitlin Grant

Dr. Caitlin Grant

DVSc, DVM, Dip ECVCN

Dr. Grant is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who completed her DVM, DVSc, and nutrition residency at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). After achieving board certification through the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN), she served as an Assistant Professor at OVC, teaching nutrition across all four years of the veterinary curriculum from 2020 to 2023.

She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Alongside her academic work, Dr. Grant offers nutrition consultations for dogs and cats, working with pet owners to develop practical, evidence-based feeding plans for healthy pets as well as those with medical conditions requiring specialized nutritional support.

Dr. Grant recently relocated to Calgary with her husband, toddler, two dogs, and two cats, and is excited to become part of the local pet community.

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Dr. Anneliese Heinrich

Dr. Anneliese Heinrich

MSC, DVM, DACVB Rockyview Veterinary Behavior Consulting

Dr. Heinrich grew up in Ontario working on horse farms as a stable hand and trainer as well as milking cows. She obtained a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from The University of Guelph before attending the Ontario Veterinary College and graduating in 2012. She moved to Alberta in 2016 with a brief hiatus away working with marine mammals and wildlife. She is currently the only Veterinary Behaviour Specialist in Alberta as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Dr. Heinrich lives in Cochrane with her husband, two children, two Standard Poodles and a lovely grey cat. She also has a Paint mare she has started and trained from a weanling. She has a special passion for starting young horses using positive reinforcement.

Dr. Heinrich will be taking consult appointments out of Red Tree Animal Clinic.

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Laura Beaucage

Laura Beaucage

BSc, RVT

Laura was born in the Netherlands but was raised most of her childhood in Calgary. Growing up she was surrounded by all kinds of animals. She spent a lot of time with horses and competed on the show jumping circuit. After high school Laura attended Olds College where she obtained her Animal Health Technologies diploma. After college she went and graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Laura started her career at an equine practice then transitioned to a small animal clinic. She eventually found her place at mixed animal practices. She enjoys diagnostics and assisting with medical cases.

Laura spends her free time on her funny farm north of Cochrane. She and her husband have a variety of creatures! A herd of dogs and cats as well as sheep, chickens, ducks, quails, and horses.

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Ally Shaw

Ally Shaw

RVT

Ally is a Registered Veterinary Technologist based in Calgary. Originally from a small town in Manitoba, she moved to Alberta to pursue her education at Olds College. She has a strong passion for both equine and small animal medicine and enjoys being involved in a wide variety of cases, from lameness examinations to caring for sick pets. Outside of the clinic, Ally is actively involved in the show-jumping community and competes alongside her husband with their herd of show jumpers. She also enjoys spending time with her red heeler, Ruby, and her cat, Gord.

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Nicole Gilbert

Nicole Gilbert

RVT

Nicole Gilbert is a veterinary technician originally from Ontario. She graduated from St. Lawrence College in 2008 and began her career in Prince George, BC, working at a small animal clinic for seven years. In 2015, she and her husband, along with their two cats and dog, moved to Calgary. Nicole has experience in emergency care and orthopedic surgery and now enjoys working in general practice at Red Tree Animal Clinic.

She lives in Airdrie with her husband and their son. When she’s not caring for pets, Nicole can usually be found skiing down a hill, camping, fishing, hunting, reading, or curled up for a good family movie. She loves being part of the Red Tree family and is passionate about helping pets live their happiest, healthiest lives.

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Sarah Karim

Sarah Karim

RVT

Sarah has worked in veterinary medicine in both emergency and general practice settings. While she gained valuable experience in the fast-paced world of ER medicine, she has found a passion for building lasting relationships with patients and their families in general practice. At home, Sarah is a proud pet parent to three cats and a parrot, giving her a special appreciation for the unique personalities that make every animal so lovable. She is dedicated to providing compassionate care and helping pets live happy, healthy lives.

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Kelsey Sharifzadeh-Najafi

Kelsey Sharifzadeh-Najafi

BSc, RVT

Kelsey entered the vet industry as a veterinary assistant in 2006 while finishing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Calgary. While working in practice she discovered her passion was in the hands-on aspect of veterinary technology. In 2011, she graduated from Cedar Valley College in Texas with an associate degree in Veterinary Technology. She has been working as a technologist ever since. Kelsey currently works full time as a tele triage operator but still enjoys the hands-on aspect of primary practice so joins the Red Tree team weekly.

When not working you can find Kelsey busy with her three young boys and a house full of cats, dogs, and fish.

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Kalina Gochee

Kalina Gochee

Receptionist & RVT

Kalina was raised in Calgary but spent most of her childhood on her grandparents’ hobby farm in northern Alberta, where she was exposed to all different kinds of animals.

She knew early on that she wanted to make a career out of it. She graduated from the Animal Health Technician program at Lakeland College in 2015. However, after a few months working as an RVT Kalina found her true passion was in reception. She has been working as a receptionist in the vet industry ever since.

When she isn’t at work, Kalina is likely listening to Taylor Swift while cuddling her dog McFly!

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Michela Randazzo

Michela Randazzo

Receptionist

Michela was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., where she grew up surrounded by her large Italian family. A few years ago, she relocated to Calgary with her fiancé.

From a young age, Michela was always around animals, though she hadn’t initially planned on pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. After an opportunity arose at a small general practice, she quickly discovered a passion for the field.

Michela not only has a deep love for animals, but also truly enjoys connecting with clients—she’s a natural people person.
When she’s not at Red Tree Animal Clinic, you can often find her working at various emergency veterinary facilities.

In her free time, Michela enjoys hiking, going to the gym, and spending quality time with her family.

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Tami Lambert

Tami Lambert

Technician’s Assistant

Tami was born and raised in Calgary. Before deciding to follow her passion for animals and medicine she was in banking but is so glad she took the leap to change careers. She loves to help with patient monitoring, assisting with surgeries, euthanasia aftercare, patient recovery, post surgery monitoring, and radiographs. She has her certificate in Fear Free Handling. She adores all animals, but her heart holds a huge place for cats (including the spicy ones!) and horses.
In her spare time, she loves to cook, add to her houseplant collection, and watch football and hockey (Go Niners and Flames!) You can also find her spending time with her adult daughter Taylor and her three cats - Belle, Zazzles and Panda… though Belle holds a special place in her heart as her 20-year-old soul mate!

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Kim Schlenker

Kim Schlenker

Technician’s Assistant

Growing up on a farm north of Cochrane, Kim developed a deep love and respect for animals at an early age. This connection with animals has led to a 13-year career in the veterinary field. In her free time, Kim can be found camping and hiking with her dog Phil.

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