Staff
Karol Szymanska has been the Hospital Manager for Birch-Dan Animal Hospital since April of 2002, but began her career in companion animal care at age 15 in 1999. As well as being a talented manager for our practice, she has a Veterinary Nutrition Advocate Certificate from Hill’s and helps lead our nutritional consultation service.
“I have worked at this hospital for many years and this animal hospital has really given me my start in the veterinary field,” she says. “I love our veterinarians and our team and always look forward to bettering the atmosphere in our hospital as well as the care our patients and clients receive. I also love the fact that we have always been committed to helping rescue organizations within the greater Toronto area.”
Karol has a Boxer named Filos and a Siamese cat named Bo. Her interests include horseback riding, fishing, reading, volleyball, baking, finding new ways to better manage the hospital and spending time with her young son and family.
Veronica is a Registered Veterinary Technician and has been the head technician at Birch-Dan Animal Hospital since April of 2008, but began her career in companion animal care in 2006.
“I enjoy working with the staff at Birch-Dan because we are able to make work fun,” she says. “Dr. Singh is also the best boss I’ve ever had, he teaches me so much and I think he’s a great veterinarian. Also, the clients are great as well as the patients here in our hospital.”
Veronica has a Chihuahua named Tito, green cheeked conure named Loco, and a cat named Pussy. Her interests include listening to music, hiking at Scarborough Bluffs and she says she is obsessed with cleaning.
Cecille Kozminski is an Animal Care Attendant who has been with Birch-Dan Animal Hospital since March of 2008. In addition to her years of experience, she is a graduate of the Medical Office Administrator Program at Everest College.
“I have a great boss and awesome coworkers,” she says when asked what she enjoys most about her work. “We are like a family here and it is always a good feeling to know I have bonded so closely with the people that I work with. I also absolutely admire the work we do here for our community as well as to address the feral cat problem. It is comforting to know that these wild and sometimes abandoned cats are being cared for and that we are able to contribute to that.”
At home, she has a Rottweiler named Chelsey, two rabbits named Thumper and Kiwi, aquatic fish Crush and Tiger and a patriot crab named Crabby.
Veterinary Technician Tamika Samuels has been with Birch-Dan Animal Hospital since March of 2011, but began her career in companion animal care in 2000.
An experienced team player, Tamika says, “I like helping animals and I strongly believe in the benefits of client education and preventative medicine.”
Tamika has a Maine Coon Cat named William, a domestic shorthair cat named Buddy, and a Pomeranian named Maddy. Her interests include biking, gardening, baking, and shopping.
Lori Loretta has the dual roles of Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist and has been with Birch-Dan Animal Hospital since January of 2006.
A people person, Lori says, “I really like the clients here. The doctors are also very knowledgeable and love animals. I also really appreciate how we all pull together to work as a team.”
Lori has a tortoise named Lucy, hedgehog named Eleanor, two chameleons named Pax and Rigby, and four cats named Mia, Oliver, Belle and Jack. Her interests include hiking, boating, canoeing, cooking and spending time with her pets.