Team

Dr. Uli Helvoigt

Uli is originally from southern Germany and moved to the interior of British Columbia in 1989. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry from UBC/UCC, and then continued on to get her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Uli purchased the North Star clinic at the height of the pandemic in late 2020, and has helped it grow along with the great North Star team ever since. She has done advanced training in both equine and small animal dentistry and has completed a veterinary chiropractic course. She has also been involved in all kinds of activities from endurance and competitive trail riding, natural horsemanship, jumping and dressage to dog agility, flyball and obedience training, to marathon running and mountain biking. In her free time Uli spends as much time as possible with her family – husband Nathan and children Oliver and Miranda. She also has a house full with her two dogs, two cats, horses, and chickens.

Dr. Sarah Barnes

Dr. Barnes was born and raised in the foothills of Alberta, but her love of traveling led her to pursue her veterinary degree internationally. Starting her training at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, she then ultimately transferred to finish her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University, graduating in 2015. She has an interest in medical and surgical cases, dentistry, and exotics. Her goal with every patient visit is to build a trusting relationship with pets, and their owners, and to work towards keeping or regaining health.

In 2022, she and her family moved to Kimberley to enjoy all the great outdoor opportunities.
When not in the clinic, she can be found riding her mountain bike, skiing, hiking, and just
generally adventuring outdoors with her family. Her family is made up of her husband Spencer, daughter Madeline, and dog Brasilito.

Dr. Barnes is proud to be part of the dedicated and caring team at North Star Veterinary since January 2024, and to help support and care for our amazing community, surrounding areas, and their wonderful pets.

Dr. Steven Chapman

Dr. Steven Chapman was born and raised in Fort St. John, B.C. Here, he got his first job at the local vet clinic. In pursuit of becoming a veterinarian, he then went to UBC Okanagan and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then continued to get his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Steven returned to Fort St. John to work as a mixed animal veterinarian for four years, prior to starting at Tanglefoot Veterinary Services in Cranbrook, as well as working part-time at North Star. At work Steven enjoys all aspects of mixed animal practice with a passion for herd health, and surgery. Outside of work he enjoys outdoor recreation with a preference for hiking and fishing. Steven and his partner Jaimie are new parents, with their beautiful baby girl born in 2022. They also have two dogs, Goose and Odin, and are excited for their family to be a part of the East Kootenay community.

Dr. Christine Cater,

Dr. Cater grew up in a small village in Germany. She always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, even though her family wasn’t into animals at all! After graduating from the Veterinary program in Germany, she moved to Canada and obtained her license to practice. Dr. Cater's first job was at a mixed animal practice in Lethbridge, where she spent three years building up their small animal portion, as well as doing cattle (feedlot) work. Her dream of living in the mountains took her to the Crowsnest Pass, where Dr. Cater opened Bellevue Veterinary Clinic, a small animal practice. After 21 years as the main veterinarian for the community, it was time for a change and to slow down the pace. She and her husband had been spending quite a bit of time in the East Kootenays - camping at Surveyors Lake, bringing their horses for riding adventures, and more. She sold her practice in spring 2022 and finally got to move to the East Kootenay in September. Dr. Cater brings with her years of experience with cats and dogs, dealing with medical conditions, surgeries and dentistry. She is excited to be part of the team at North Star Veterinary Clinic!

Tyler Millner

Bio coming soon.

Makayla Munro

Makayla is born in Cranbrook BC and has lived in wasa BC her whole life, parenting horses, dogs and cats since she was little, knowing the love she had for animals she decided to take a step closer to them and work in the perfect place. In Makayla’s free time she is also a photographer on the side… the passion came from her mom and has not stopped since she was little… she is very excited to start her journey here and create a new bond with her team!

Drew Prinn, RVT

Drew lives in the country with her dog, one cat and some fish. She has been a technician in the area since 2014. Her clinical interests include cytology and dental. When she's not in the clinic, you can find her playing music or taking part in some sort of outdoor shenanigans.

Nikita Dalke

Niki was born and raised in Kimberley and resides on a small hobby farm with her husband and 2 kids. Together they have 2 horses, chickens, 9 dogs, 2 snakes and a ferret. She started with North Star in November 2020 and before that she was a dog groomer. On her days off she can be found riding her horses, working their hounds or out in the bush, hunting, fishing and hiking

Anne Cunningham

Anne moved to Kimberley in 2016 from Ontario, where she brings over 10 years of veterinary clinic experience.
"It was time for a change and the mountains were calling!"
Anne has a special interest in animal behavior and nutrition. She loves talking to people about ways to help improve the overall health and lifestyle of their pets. You may recognize her from caring for your pets at the local kennels or pet store.
When not at the clinic, Anne can be found doing anything outdoors with her friends and family, including her dog, Ripley.

Charlotte

Charlotte has been working as a animal health assistant at Tanglefoot Veterinary Services since September 2017. She came on board to help the assist the technicians whenever possible. She started her career back in 2008 in Nelson B.C and has since managed to gain quite a lot of experience with animal health assistant work. Seeing as she has been horse back riding since she was just four years old, she is really excited to be working in a mixed animal practice. Charlotte hopes to bring her horse who currently lives in Nelson to Cranbrook so she can enjoy riding with other people, and finally have more time to actually ride. In her free time she likes to go x-country skiing in winter, and during summer she loves to run. She is so excited to go exploring in Kimberley and Cranbrook, both for running and mountain biking.

Tristyn Passey

Tristyn grew up in Kimberley and enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog Freddie. She is passionate about animals and strives to continue her future in Veterinary Medicine.