Our Team

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of Westwinds’ beloved founders, Dr. Jennifer McConnell, on April 3rd, 2025. Dr. McConnell, the founding veterinarian of Westwinds, graduated with her DVM from the University of Guelph in 2005. She had a particular passion for horses of all breeds and sizes and a deep interest in surgery across all species. Dr. McConnell gained extensive experience in bovine spays, equine hernia repairs, cryptorchid castrations, lump removals, and much more. We often described her as a "walking dictionary," always ready to lend a definition or share her vast knowledge and experience. With over 18 years of experience in small animal medicine, Dr. McConnell also brought invaluable cattle experience from Ontario, where she practiced in equine, small ruminant, dairy, and beef medicine for seven years. Her true passion, however, lay in equine reproduction and surgery, though she was always eager to help with the "smallies" in between. Dr. McConnell was also the only bee veterinarian in our region. Her fascination with bees led her to maintain thousands of bees in her hives, and she worked closely with local bee inspectors, offering help wherever needed. In her spare time, Dr. McConnell enjoyed riding her horse, driving her mini cart, and gardening. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. McConnell was deeply inspired to share her knowledge with veterinary and veterinary technician students. She was a remarkable mentor to young professionals, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Dr. Forster’s journey in the veterinary industry began over a decade before she earned her DVM, working her way up from receptionist to Veterinary Assistant. This deep, hands-on experience laid the foundation for a well-rounded and compassionate approach to veterinary care. She completed her veterinary degree at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatchewan in 2022. During her clinical training, Dr. Forster completed externships and rotations at Moore Equine, Paton and Martin Veterinary Services, and MeadowLane Equine. These experiences fueled her growing passion for equine locomotor health, ultimately leading to her membership in the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (iSELP). She is currently pursuing continuing education in Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning through the University of Tennessee, with plans to complete the program in July 2024. Dr. Forster has a strong professional focus on equine lameness, combining sharp diagnostic skills with a commitment to ongoing mentorship and collaboration across Canada. Her interests also extend to internal medicine and urgent care for horses, where her calm demeanor and critical thinking prove invaluable. Known for her natural ability to teach and inspire, Dr. Forster thrives on sharing knowledge—whether with clients, students, or colleagues. She’s an enthusiastic mentor and an active member of the BC Interior North Pony Club, where she volunteers her time educating and supporting local youth in animal care and horsemanship. An NSERC research recipient during her undergraduate studies at UNBC, Dr. Forster blends scientific inquiry with practical experience. In her free time, she enjoys life with her dog, Kubota, and fiancé, with plans to one day establish a small hobby farm. We are proud to have Dr. Forster as a key member of our veterinary team—her passion, professionalism, and dedication make a lasting impact on both animals and the people who care for them.

Dr. Bader grew up on a small wilderness resort in Lac La Hache, where she spent her summers riding horses and deepening her love for animals. After earning a Bachelor of Animal Biology from UBC in Vancouver, she followed her dream of becoming a veterinarian by pursuing her studies at Melbourne University in Australia. She completed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in December 2023. During her final years of study, Dr. Bader volunteered at the University Equine Centre, where she had the incredible opportunity to work with international racehorses, some of which competed in the prestigious Melbourne Cup! Her final clinical placements included several mixed practice clinics in both Australia and Canada, as well as specialty equine hospitals. Dr. Bader is eager to begin her career in mixed practice and has a special interest in large animal medicine, particularly equine and bovine. She is thrilled to be joining the Westwinds team! After traveling around the world, Jenilee, her husband Brody, and their two dogs, Willa and Charlie, along with their cat, Ophelia, have made Prince George their home. With a bit more convincing, Brody will soon be welcomed home to a farm filled with cows and a couple of trusty ranch horses.

Dr. Isa Gasser brings a unique blend of international experience, agricultural expertise, and a deep passion for animal care to her veterinary practice. Born in Switzerland and raised on a sheep dairy farm in British Columbia, Dr. Gasser’s early life was rooted in hands-on animal husbandry and rural living. She first pursued a diploma in Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife Technology in Canada before returning to Switzerland to complete a diploma in Agriculture. There, she worked on a Swiss dairy farm, spending summers in the Alps milking Brown Swiss cows and making traditional alpine cheese—a formative experience that further deepened her connection to animal care and farming. After starting a family and running a small dog boarding facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Dr. Gasser returned to McBride, BC to help manage her family's sheep and cattle farm. Recognizing the pressing need for veterinary services in rural areas, she made the life-changing decision to return to university and follow her lifelong dream of becoming a mixed animal veterinarian. Dr. Gasser is currently in the process of purchasing a farm outside of Prince George, BC. This move will not only allow her children to grow up immersed in farm life, but also provide space for her beloved five dogs and two horses. With her strong background in livestock care, small animal management, and hands-on veterinary experience, Dr. Gasser offers a compassionate, practical, and knowledgeable approach to animal health—rooted in real-world experience and a lifelong love of animals.

Dr. Kelley is a dedicated mixed animal veterinarian with a passion for Equine health, performance, and welfare. Hailing from the ranch-lands of Southern Alberta, Dr. Kelley grew up fostering a love for animals alongside her father, Dr. Peter Kelley DVM. She strives to excel in equine sports medicine, lameness diagnostics, and emergency care for horses of all disciplines. A graduate from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Kelley completed advanced training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and therapeutic injections, including cervical vertebrae, thoracolumbar vertebrae, tendon/ligament injuries, and sacroiliac (SI) joints. She has worked extensively with both pleasure and performance horses, including racehorses and western athletes. Known for a calm, compassionate approach, and a strong commitment to evidence-based care, Dr. Kelley partners closely with owners, trainers, and farriers to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans. Dr. Kelley is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), aims to pursue certification with the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (iSELP), and regularly attends national conferences to stay at the forefront of veterinary advancements. Whether managing the health of high-performance athletes or providing care to beloved backyard companions, Dr. Kelley brings skill, dedication, and genuine love for animals to every case.