ABOUT THE ISLAND RESCUE VETERINARY SOCIETY
The Island Rescue Veterinary Society's primary purpose is to increase access to veterinary services on Vancouver Island for animals requiring human assistance, such as unowned and surrendered animals.
Additionally, the Island Rescue Veterinary Society aims to help Vancouver Island animal rescue organizations to achieve their goals/purposes by connecting them with expert advisors in the veterinary, management, and accounting fields.
Meet our board:
Miquel Gavar Miguel has been working in the animal health/veterinary practice for almost 20 years prior to joining the veterinary pharmaceutical sales industry. He has been involved and has volunteered with non-profit organizations and animal rescue society on Vancouver Island. He has a 15 year old Boston terrier-Pug cross, Hercules that he and his wife adopted from a clinic when he was a year old.
Andria Lopes President Graduated in 2016 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana in Brazil. Worked in Brazil for 1.5 years as a veterinary doctor representative. Moved to Canada in 2017 and have been working as a Veterinary Technician since then. Has experience with exotic pets, general practice and clinic management. Her focus in joining IRVS is to give more opportunities and medical care to rescue exotic pets on the Island.
Sitara Alahan A vet with experience in emergency medicine, with a beautiful growing family.
Jenna Bella Vice President Bio coming soon
.png)
Rachel Aube Secretary Rachel is a non profit specialist who has served on many Boards in BC and Internationally for over 20 years. She brings expertise in nonprofit governance and management, and a love for animals.
.png)
Rachelle Neufeld Treasurer Animal rescue advocate, foster & Vet Assistant devoted to accentuating the wellbeing of every animal as well as the community that homes them. A professional rooted in passion and innate empathy, Rachelle has an extensive background supporting all areas of the animal welfare sector.
Wendy K Wendy has worked in the nonprofit social services and animal welfare sectors for over 20 years and has an extensive background in organizational leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, animal welfare, fundraising and community relations.
Sergey Miranda Graduated in 2016 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana in Brazil. Moved to Canada in 2017 and has been working in the Aquaculture industry since 2020. Became a member of IRVS in 2022 and is looking forward to bringing accessible animal care through the organization.
Cathy Gretsky Bio coming soon
Advisors to the board:
.png)
Jennifer Riopelle Rescue Liaison Jen is an Operations/Sales Manager with over 20 years of experience serving the public. She moved into the veterinary field 2 years ago and now owns a new veterinary clinic as Practice Manager.
Meggie Beal Medical Advisor Dr. Meggie graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She built a new vet clinic in Parksville called Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services in order to focus on preventive medicine, staff training, and building a sustainable connection with the non-profit animal rescue sector.
.png)
