Kirsten grew up on acreages outside of Calgary with many pets. She completed a degree in molecular biology at the University of Calgary then graduated, with distinction, from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2003. Kirsten then traveled to Washington State Veterinary School in Pullman for a small animal medicine and surgery internship. Since then, she spent a year in Grafton, Massachusetts for a year of advanced training in emergency medicine and surgery. The next 2 years were spent in general practice in Woodstock, Vermont. After all that moving around, Kirsten felt it was time to settle down and returned home to Calgary; Kirsten joined the Shawnessy team in January 2007.

Her interests include orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and dentistry. Outside of work, Kirsten enjoys triathlons, hiking and camping.

Kirsten and her family live with a collection of pets: Gwen the yellow Labrador, four naughty cats and many fish!  They are very excited to announce that they are expecting a beautiful baby boy this March.  She will be starting a one year maternity leave in March.