Meet the Team

Dr Michelle M Nicholson DVM, MSC
MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Dr. Michelle Nicholson is a licensed veterinarian with a focus in veterinary behaviour. Originally from the east coast, she graduated from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in 1990 with the very first class of the newly established Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island. After practising near Halifax for many years, she moved to the Ottawa Valley and continued practising companion animal medicine in rural and urban settings. Throughout her veterinary career Michelle has always had an interest in animal behaviour and has advocated for their welfare. Veterinary behavioural medicine focuses on pets’ mental health and the creation of an improved understanding of owners about their pets which strengthens the bond between them. In particular Michelle is interested in how animals learn, how they interact with us, and the mental health issues that animals may develop along with the impact this has on their relationships with us.
Credentials: Michelle is licensed by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and is a member of the following:
-Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
-Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
-American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour
-American Association of Feline Practitioners
-International Working Dog Breeding Association
- British Society of Veterinary Behaviour
-Cat Friendly Veterinarian (certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners)
-Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in Veterinary Behaviour through examination
Michelle completed the post graduate course in veterinary behavioural medicine from the Centre for Veterinary Education through the University of Sydney, Australia. She has taken further studies in behavioural medicine including participating annually in the week-long North American Veterinary Community Institute veterinary behaviour course and workshop. Additionally, Michelle is fear-free certified which means she is educated on techniques in reducing fear, anxiety, and stress while creating a positive experience for both you and your pet. Most recently she has successfully sat examination and become a member of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Science (Veterinary Behaviour).
Michelle resides in the city with her husband and their small menagerie of pets.
Credentials: Michelle is licensed by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and is a member of the following:
-Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
-Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
-American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour
-American Association of Feline Practitioners
-International Working Dog Breeding Association
- British Society of Veterinary Behaviour
-Cat Friendly Veterinarian (certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners)
-Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in Veterinary Behaviour through examination
Michelle completed the post graduate course in veterinary behavioural medicine from the Centre for Veterinary Education through the University of Sydney, Australia. She has taken further studies in behavioural medicine including participating annually in the week-long North American Veterinary Community Institute veterinary behaviour course and workshop. Additionally, Michelle is fear-free certified which means she is educated on techniques in reducing fear, anxiety, and stress while creating a positive experience for both you and your pet. Most recently she has successfully sat examination and become a member of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Science (Veterinary Behaviour).
Michelle resides in the city with her husband and their small menagerie of pets.

Lisa St. Jean
Office Administrator
Lisa’s love of both animals and people is what started her in the veterinary field and has and kept her in it for the past 33 years. She is comfortable and experienced in all areas of the clinic, but most recently has focused her career in office administration. Her passion has always been in the social aspect of the workplace, making it a brighter place to be with her positive attitude and great sense of humour.
She met Dr. Nicholson over 24 years ago when they both worked together at a small animal clinic outside of Ottawa. They have remained friends and kept in touch over the years and there were no questions asked when she was invited to join the OVBS Team. Lisa’s enthusiasm, expertise, and personality are a welcome addition to the OVSB team.
Lisa lives in Kemptville with husband and their dog Frisco and cats Ozzy & Abi.
She met Dr. Nicholson over 24 years ago when they both worked together at a small animal clinic outside of Ottawa. They have remained friends and kept in touch over the years and there were no questions asked when she was invited to join the OVBS Team. Lisa’s enthusiasm, expertise, and personality are a welcome addition to the OVSB team.
Lisa lives in Kemptville with husband and their dog Frisco and cats Ozzy & Abi.

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Elise Bankley, HBSc
Elise Bankley, HBSc
Fully bilingual with over 7 years of experience on a primary care veterinary team, Elise has always had a passion for working with animals. Having graduated from the University of Ottawa with an HBSc in Biology, it is with great interest that Elise plans on pursuing her future in veterinary medicine.
She met Dr. Nicholson in 2017 when they worked together at a small animal general practice. Having also worked with Lisa, it was an easy decision to accept when Dr. Nicholson reached out and asked Elise to join the OVBS team. As a loving dog and cat owner, she knows first hand how pets are a big part of a family. Elise is looking forward to building a professional future in animal care.
She met Dr. Nicholson in 2017 when they worked together at a small animal general practice. Having also worked with Lisa, it was an easy decision to accept when Dr. Nicholson reached out and asked Elise to join the OVBS team. As a loving dog and cat owner, she knows first hand how pets are a big part of a family. Elise is looking forward to building a professional future in animal care.