Meet Our Veterinarians

Our team of veterinarians at Northwestern Veterinary Hospital are proud to serve the Thunder Bay and surrounding areaa with compassion, quality, and competence. Click on the images below to learn a bit more about your veterinary care provider.

Dr. Brad Sullivan

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Brad Sullivan was born and raised in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick. He attended the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PEI, where he graduated in 1999 and began in practice that year, in Thunder Bay.

Dr. Sullivan has a special interest in geriatric medicine and soft tissue surgery.

Brad loves his dog Ruby, the Boxer X, and Gus, the DSH Tabby Cat. In his free time, his interests include curling, golfing, fishing, biking, and hiking.

Dr. Calli Thompson

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Calli Thompson has been a Veterinarian with Northwestern Veterinary Hospital since October 2010. She graduated from OVC at the University of Guelph in 2009. After graduation, Dr. Thompson completed 1 year Small Animal Medicine/surgery internship in South Florida.

Dr. Thompson’s areas of interest in veterinary medicine include Emergency/Critical care, surgery and dermatology.

With her spare time, Calli enjoys keeping fit with strength training, running and curling. She also enjoys travelling, but is always looking forward to coming home to her Golden Retriever Calum.

Dr. Kathryn Goth

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Kathryn Goth completed her HBSc in Biology at Lakehead University in 2000 followed by the DVM program at the University of Guelph from 2000-2004. She practiced small animal veterinary medicine in the Guelph and Cambridge area for 2 years prior to moving back to her hometown of Thunder Bay.

Dr. Goth appreciates all aspects of veterinary medicine and enjoys meeting clients and new pets.

Dr.Goth is an outdoor enthusiast and in her spare time enjoys camping, canoeing, hiking and traveling, especially with her Husky X named Lucy.

Dr. Sarah Schroeder

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Schroeder obtained her Bachelor of Science at Lakehead University in 2011, and went on to complete her DVM degree at the University of Guelph in 2015. Upon graduation, she practiced at the small animal clinic of Slate River Veterinary Services before joining our team in February 2017.
Dr. Schroeder enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has a special interest in orthopedic surgery.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking and spending time outdoors with her high-energy Golden Retriever, Jasper.

Dr. Sue Bjerkelund

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Sue Bjerkelund completed her BSc (Biology) in 1987 from the University of New Brunswick, and her DVM from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1992. Since then, she has been part of our team.

Sue enjoys many dog sports but has a passion for Agility!

Sue has two dogs named Zest and Quinn, and two cats named Tiger and Chester.

Dr. Nicole Chandler

Veterinarian (DVM)

Originally from Thunder Bay, Dr. Chandler obtained her Bachelor of Science in 1998 at Lakehead University. She pursued her DVM at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2005. Dr. Chandler has 7 years experience from Vancouver Island in a small animal practice.

Nicole’s pets include Sitka the Border Collie X, and two short haired cats named Sibley and Parker. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running, mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and camping.

Dr. Erin McElroy

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. McElroy graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2002, with her main interest in dermatology, ophthalmology and internal medicine.

In spare time, Dr. McElroy is an avid reader, explores new recipes and hot yoga.

Dr. Brittany Robertson

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Brittany Robertson joined Northwestern Veterinary Hospital in the summer of 2018. Her areas of interest in veterinary medicine include pain management, dentistry, imaging, and surgery. She is excited to share her enthusiasm and passion with clients, patients and the community.

In her spare time, Brittany enjoys playing video games, reading, camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends, and her cat Zelda.

Dr. Andrea Storm-Suke

Veterinarian (DVM)

Originally from Thunder Bay, Dr. Andrea Storm Suke joined our Hospital in 2020. Before obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Guelph in 2019, she obtained a PhD in Avian Conservation and Ecology (2012), Masters in Fisheries Ecology and Conservation (2006), and an HBSc in Ecology (2004). She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.

In her free time, Dr. Storm Suke enjoys spending time with her cat Wendel, her Pacific parrotlet Kiwi, and her budgerigars Norman, Joey Jobb, and Flo. She also loves art, puzzles, observing wildlife, and being in nature.

Dr. Blake Grootenboer

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Grootenboer graduated from Lakehead University prior to his education at Ontario Veterinary College where he pursued his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated with his DVM in 2021 and joined our practice in July of the same year. Dr. Grootenboer was raised in Thunder Bay and has a standard poodle named Ellie! He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Lia Birston

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Lia Birston graduated with her Bachelors degree from Lakehead University in 2015. She then spent a few years travelling abroad and eventually found herself in Australia. Once there, she enrolled in the veterinary medicine program at the University of Queensland and graduated in 2021 with honours. Dr. Birston joined Northwestern Veterinary Hospital in January of 2022.
Lia enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, and has a special interest in surgery and pain management.
Outside of work Lia loves spending time with her two Shetland Sheepdogs (Freddy and Sophie), hiking, fishing, and crafting.

Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Hansen

Veterinarian (DVM)

Dr. Katie Hansen is the newest addition to the NWVH team. Dr. Hansen graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Originally from Thunder Bay, Dr. Hansen rejoined our clinic as an associate veterinarian in July 2023 after previously being employed as a veterinary assistant with us. She has a special interest in diagnostic imaging, cardiology, as well as exotic animal medicine. In her spare time Dr. Hansen enjoys camping and hiking with her dog Pekoe and hanging out with her cat Rosalee.