Dr. Dhawala Abeywickrama, DVM
Owner & Veterinarian
Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr. Dhawala moved to Saskatoon with his family when he was 15. Dr. Dhawala attended the University of Saskatchewan and then the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, he worked as a mixed animal veterinarian, treating all animals from cats to cows and everything in between. Dr. Dhawala (and Emma) moved to Vancouver Island in 2020 and have loved it ever since. When not at the clinic, you’ll find him in the water, Scuba diving or fishing or hanging out at home with Emma, their daughter Kaia and their two rescue dogs Asha and Mira.
Dr. Emma Thomson, DVM
Owner & Veterinarian
Born and raised in Victoria BC, Dr. Emma left the island to complete an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University in Calgary before heading further east to Saskatoon for her veterinary degree. Tired of the cold, Dr. Emma (and Dhawala) returned to the Island and has been living here ever since. Dr. Emma loves taking their dogs on long walks and hikes but is equally happy to hang out at home with a good book.
Dr. Lesia Hyzka, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Hyzka worked with Emma at Hillside Veterinary Hospital and was one of her mentors after graduation and have been friends with her and Dhawala ever since. When not working as a Veterinarian, Dr. Hyzka can be found weaving on her loom, taking care of her Irish Wolfhound and cats or spending time with her family. We are so lucky to have Dr. Hyzka join our team.
Dr. Amanda Hauer, DVM
Veterinarian
Recently moved back to Victoria, Dr. Amanda Hauer looks forward to living life near the ocean, and the vibrant west coast community again. When she is not caring for animals, Amanda enjoys travelling, playing volleyball, baking, and exploring the outdoors by bike. She also shares her home with Naula, affectionately known as Kitty Mouse. Adopted at 6 months old, Naula was diagnosed with a rare condition that made her allergic to her own teeth, which had to be removed by age 2. Now 8 years old, Naula is resilient, thriving, and loves to snack on Temptations treats!
Nicole Gibson (she/they)
Office Manager
Born and raised in Victoria, Nicole started her career with animals after completing the VA program at Sprott Shaw in 2021. She enjoys camping, exploring the island and taking her dog Remy to the park. When she is not outside, she’s either playing in her newest Dungeons and Dragons campaign, bouldering or curled up at home reading a book with her cat Gus – who was actually rescued by our team from the ditch beside Garry Oak Vet at 5 weeks old!
Julie
Registered Veterinary Technician
Julie, who also graduated from Claremont, has been a Registered Veterinary Technologist since 1985. She is the mother of Daniel (currently working in Alberta) and 2 cats (Tux and George). She has a hobby farm with sheep and chickens as well as being a long time leader and volunteer in 4-H. She is particularly skilled with handling and care of cats, creating as stress free a hospital experience for them as possible. Her skills and education are put to work assisting in anaesthesia, dentistry, and surgery, and performing all in-house laboratory procedures.
Lynne
Registered Veterinary Technician
Lynne is a veterinary technician that joined our team February 2023. Originally from Ottawa, Lynne moved to the West Coast in 2022 and has been loving the Island ever since. Lynne loves all things outdoors – she loves to hike, camp, paddleboard, etc. In her free time, she is working towards starting her own advertising business. She speaks both English and French (and an extremely small amount of Spanish). When not exploring the outdoors, she will be found snuggling with her curious cat Charlie, reading a book.
Brianna
Registered Veterinary Technician
While originally from Victoria BC, Brianna has spent much of her time travelling the world and working abroad. Following graduation, Brianna set off and travelled to New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Thailand, and many more! Brianna returned to Victoria and completed the Veterinary Office Assistant program before joining our team. Brianna loves anything outdoors and has recently taken to silversmithing.
Elleni
Veterinary Technician in training
Elleni completed her veterinary assistant program at Sprott Shaw College in 2020. Originally from South Africa, her family now has a hobby farm in the Cowichan Valley where she assists with the care of the chickens, sheep, and geese as well as her dog, Benji, and cat, Evie. Her hobbies outside of work include enjoying the outdoors and reading a good book with a cup of tea.
Stephanie
Veterinary Assistant
Stephanie is one of our veterinary assistants. Born and raised in Brentwood Bay, Stephanie completed her Veterinary Office Assistant program at Sprott Shaw College in 2024. She joined Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital as a practicum student and was hired on full time upon completion of her program. Stephanie is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. When not working, she loves to go bouldering and read Stephen King books.
Taya
Veterinary Assistant
Taya was born and raised in Sidney and graduated from the Sprott Shaw Veterinary Assistant Program in 2025. Her love for animals started early and continues at home, where she shares her life with a lively menagerie of pets—Jojo, Bella, Roxy, Comet, Choppa, and her pride and joy, Magnolia. Outside of the clinic, Taya enjoys getting lost in a good book and spending time playing pool.
Jenna
Jenna moved to Victoria in March of 2020 after growing up in Courtenay on a cattle farm. When she was living up island, she was a part of the Comox Valley 4-H calf club for 5 years. She loves the outdoors, fishing, and hiking and is excited to share these hobbies with her new puppy. She is fresh in the veterinary field and is interested in applying to the veterinary technician program at Thompson Rivers University.