Who we are: Staff at the Charing Cross Cat Clinic
Dr. Kelly St. Denis
Dr. St. Denis is also the founder of Charing Cross Cat Clinic & Maine Coon Rescue, dedicated to helping Maine Coon cats find loving homes across the U.S. Her veterinary expertise ensures that every rescued cat receives the best possible care before adoption.
Dr. Kelly St. Denis earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph in 1992, and a Master of Science Degree in Immunology from the University of Toronto in 1994.
She completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Ontario Veterinary College in 1999. As a practitioner in Ottawa, Dr. St. Denis spent several years working at the Bytown Cat Hospital under the expert guidance of feline specialist, Dr. Susan Little, DVM, ABVP (feline practice). Dr. St. Denis opened her own cat clinic in Brantford, Ontario in August of 2007.
In the fall of 2013, Dr. St. Denis was awarded certification with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in the specialty of feline practice. There are currently only 6 Canadian veterinarians and 85 veterinarians world-wide certified in feline practice with the ABVP.
Dr. St. Denis is currently continuing her full time clinical work at her practice in Brantford. She is also an active participant in the ongoing development of the Canadian Cathealthy program (www.cathealthy.ca), as well as participating daily in the Internal Feline Medicine folder on the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Dr. St. Denis is the 2019 President Elect of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She travels frequently throughout North America lecturing to other veterinarians on a variety of specialty topics in feline medicine.
Dr. St. Denis is an active advocate for proper recognition, treatment and management of feline pain. As masters at hiding illness and pain, identifying pain in a cat can be very challenging. Dr. St. Denis also has an active interest in feline dental health care, a much neglected area in feline health. She has over 12 years of experience performing surgical extractions in the feline species, with additional certifications obtained in dentistry & dental surgery in 2007-2008.
Dr. St. Denis currently has 3 cats at home, Mamasita, Nala, and Ava, as well as 3 cats at work, Fuchsia, Mary and Marty. She also has one crazy dog, a labrador mix named Noelle.
In her spare time, Dr. St. Denis is busy parenting her two teenage children. Dr. St. Denis’ favourite past-times include canoe- camping, water colour painting and ballet.
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
- Board of Directors, American Association of Feline Practitioners 2017-2018
- Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Member 1997-present
- American Association of Feline Practitioners Member 2001-present
- International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management Member 2005-present
- American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Member 2012-present
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Member 2015-present
- Proclaw Veterinarians of Canada Director & Founder 2015-present
- American Board of Veterinary Practitioners: 18th Annual Symposium and Delegate Examination.
Our Commitment to Maine Coon Rescue
Dr. Robyn Suderman: Associate Veterinarian
With a prior focus on animal breeding/genetics and animal nutrition during her undergraduate studies at University of Guelph Dr. Suderman graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2010 with honors. As a practitioner initially in the Hamilton region she worked at both the Hamilton Cat Clinic and the Village Cat Clinic for over 5 years under the tutelage of Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien DVM DABVP (feline specialist). In the fall of 2014 she had the privilege to be mentored by one of Ontario’s few other feline specialists Dr. St. Denis and came to work at the Charing Cross Cat Clinic & Maine Coon Cat Rescue. She also enjoys working at a busy Emergency Veterinary Clinic.
In practice she advocates the vital importance and value of preventive medicine including nutrition and environmental enrichment for feline family members. By guiding families to follow the Canadian Cat Healthy program (cathealthy.ca) she sees that not only do these cats tend to stay out of the emergency room these felines also have a longer quality of life. She also really enjoys meeting all the cats with unique breeds and coat colorations coming to The Charing Cross Cat Clinic.
Dr. Suderman shares her home with two energetic cornish rex cats Mercedes and Austen (aka Denis the Menace). These cats are often found sleeping and playing together with her two whippets Rayne and Phoenix.
Dr. Suderman and her husband love spending time with their son Luke. She also enjoys horseback riding, reading and going on long walks with her family. Dr. Suderman is currently away from the practice on maternity leave. We look forward to welcoming her back in early 2019!
Jade: Clinic Manager & Registered Veterinary Technician
Jade became a registered veterinary technician in 2010. She received her veterinary technician diploma from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. She joined us at the CCCC in December of 2011. Jade provides nursing care to our patients and assists in all surgical procedures. Jade has a gentle way with cats, which makes her another critical addition to our team. Jade and Dr. St. Denis have formed a Nutritional Support Team initiative, providing clients with nutritional advice and support for their cat(s).
Jade has 1 cat, Edwin, as well as two dogs, Byron & Athena. In her spare time, Jade enjoys trail riding with her horse Sugar.
Eden: Registered Veterinary Technician and Client Care Representative
Eden became a registered veterinary technician in 2011. She is a graduate of the Veterinary Technology Diploma Program, University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus. Eden joined the CCCC in late 2013 in the capacity of receptionist and veterinary technician. With her knowledge, experience and compassionate attitude, Eden is an excellent member of our team, providing the best up-front care to our clients and their cats.
Her training facilitates her ability to accurately advise and support clients in many aspects of patient care. She is gentle and caring with our patients, improving their visits and reducing their stress levels.
Eden is currently away from the practice on maternity leave. We look forward to welcoming her back in mid 2020.
Casey: Client Care Representative and Veterinary Assistant
Casey graduated from Sheridan College with a certificate in Animal Care in 2016. She joined the CCCC in November of 2017 after moving from the big city of Toronto to be closer to her family, and of course, her pet Dachshund, Lacey. She hopes to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in the future. In her free time, she enjoys going for long walks with her dog, photography and graphic design, and reading.
Nicole: Client Care Representative and Veterinary Assistant
Nicole has a had a passion for animals ever since a young age. She has completed one year of veterinary technology studies at St Clair College in Windsor. Nicole joined to CCCC team late August of 2018 as a receptionist and veterinary assistant. Nicole has two cats, Ozzy and Salem and enjoys painting, hiking and thrift shopping in her spare time.
Danielle: Veterinary Assistant and Boarder Care
Danielle graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2018 with an Honours Bachelors of Criminology and Psychology. She joined the CCCC in the summer of 2017 as a part time veterinary assistant and boarder caretaker. Danielle is gentle with our patients, ensuring they are well cared for and comfortable during their stay at the CCCC. She is now a full time team member and plans to return to school to pursue her passion of animal welfare. Danielle has two cats at home, Lucy and Cheddar, and enjoys playing music in her free time.
Kailee: Client Care Representative and Veterinary Assistant
Kailee has been with the Charing Cross Cat Clinic & Maine Coon Cats Rescue since 2015, when she started as a student, caring for boarding patients. Since then, Kailee has become a valued member of the practice, as a receptionist and veterinary assistant. In the last year, Kailee has returned to her studies at the University of Guelph, where she hopes one day to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Kailee continues to work part time at the clinic on weekends and during holidays.