Meet the team

Dr Michelle M Nicholson
DVM, MSC MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

Veterinarian/Owner

Dr. Michelle Nicholson is a licensed veterinarian with a focus in veterinary behaviour.

​Originally from the east coast, she graduated from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in 1990 with the very first class of the newly established Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island. After practising near Halifax for many years, she moved to the Ottawa Valley and continued practising companion animal medicine in rural and urban settings. 

Throughout her veterinary career Michelle has always had an interest in animal behaviour and has advocated for their welfare.  Veterinary behavioural medicine focuses on pets’ mental health and the creation of an improved understanding of owners about their pets which strengthens the bond between them.  In particular Michelle is interested in how animals learn, how they interact with us, and the mental health issues that animals may develop along with the impact this has on their relationships with us. ​
  
Credentials:
Michelle is licensed by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and is a member of the following:
  • Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
  • Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
  • American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour
  • American Association of Feline Practitioners
  • International Working Dog Breeding Association
  • British Society of Veterinary Behaviour
  • Cat Friendly Veterinarian (certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners)
  • Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in Veterinary Behaviour through examination

Michelle completed a post graduate course in veterinary behavioural medicine from the Centre for Veterinary Education through the University of Sydney, Australia. She has taken further studies in behavioural medicine including participating annually in the week-long North American Veterinary Community Institute veterinary behaviour course and workshop.

Additionally, Michelle is fear-free certified which means she is educated on techniques in reducing fear, anxiety, and stress while creating a positive experience for both you and your pet.

Most recently she has successfully sat examination and become a member of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Science (Veterinary Behaviour).

Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and their small menagerie of pets. 

Jamie Wolfe Phillips
RVT, KPA-CPT

Registered Veterianry Technician/Certified Trainer

Jamie has been in love with veterinary medicine since she was a child bandaging stuffed animals. She jumped into being a Registered Veterinary Technician right out of high school and graduated from Algonquin College in 2011.

Jamie quickly realized that behaviour was her passion and devoted many years to learning about cat behaviour and kind handling in the clinic. After adopting a very challenging parrot with a tendency for drawing blood, Jamie dove into positive reinforcement, and consent based training.

She now specializes in teaching collaborative care training for veterinary visits and approaches each situation with understanding and compassion.

Credentials: 
Jamie is licensed by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and has the following: 
  • Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians 
  • Low-Stress Handling Silver Certified 
  • Fear Free Certified (Not current) 
  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
​
Jamie met her husband at a veterinary conference (he’s a veterinarian) and they have enjoyed life with three parrots, a very opinionated cat, and a small jungle of tropical plants. They are currently navigating parenthood of a two year old with grace and humour (and lots of caffeine)!

Lisa St. Jean

office administrator

Lisa’s love of both animals and people is what started her in the veterinary field and has and kept her in it for the past 33 years. 

She is comfortable and experienced in all areas of the clinic, but most recently has focused her career in office administration. Lisa's passion has always been in the social aspect of the workplace, making it a brighter place to be with her positive attitude and great sense of humour. 

Lisa met Dr. Nicholson over 24 years ago when they both worked together at a small animal clinic outside of Ottawa. They have remained friends and kept in touch over the years and there were no questions asked when she was invited to join the OVBS Team.

Lisa’s enthusiasm, expertise, and personality are a welcome addition to the OVSB team.

Lisa lives in Kemptville with husband and their dog Frisco and cat Ozzy.   ​