Our Team

Founding veterinarian of Westwinds: Dr McConnell graduated with her DVM from the University of Guelph in 2005. She has a particular interest in horses of all shapes and sizes. With a special interest in surgery in all species Dr. McConnell has experiance in bovine spays, equine hernia repair or cryptorchid castration, lump removals, and more. As we like to describe her as a walking dictionary Dr. McConnell is always there to lend a definition or a vast plethora of experience. With over 18 years of experiences in small animal medicine she also brings cattle experience from Ontario where she practiced in equine, small ruminant, dairy and beef medicine for 7 years. Currently her passion lie-'s in equine reproduction and equine surgery although she is happy to help the smallies in between. Being the only Bee Veterinarian in our region, she also finds herself with thousands of bees in her heives and works alongside the local bee inspectors to help wherever needed. During her spare time she also enjoys riding her horse , driving her mini cart, and gardening. McConnell also is inspired to share her knowledge with veterinary students and veterinary technician students. She is the best mentor for our young professionals.

Dr. Forster started in the veterinary industry over 12 years ago. From reception to VA to vet right here in Prince George BC, in 2022 she graduated from the WCVM in Saskatchewan. After completing her externships and external rotations at Moore Equine, Paton and Martin Vet services and MeadowLane Equine she became a member of iSELP (International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology). During her first year as a DVM Dr. Forster started continuing education in Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning through the University of Tennessee (still pending completion she hopes to finish this July 2024). Dr. Forster took a special interest in Equine Lameness very early in her career, her innate ability to diagnose lameness as well as her ability to consult mentors from all over Canada has made her a true asset to Northern BC. This of course is not all she seems to be a natural at. Forster also seems to have a passion for internal medicine and urgent care for horses. Again that's not all her ability to teach others shines with clients, students, and coworkers every day. We are truly lucky to have her. A NSERC research recipient at UNBC in her undergrad. Forster is also an active member of the BC Interior North Pony Club and spends her spare time sharing her wealth of knowledge with youth. With her dog Kubota and fiancée Forster plans to have a small hobby farm one day.

Coming Soon !

Dr. Bader grew up on a small wilderness resort in Lac La Hache where she spent all of her summers riding horses and expanding her love for animals. After completing her Bachelors of Animal Biology at UBC in Vancouver, she pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian through Melbourne University in Australia. She completed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program December 2023. During her final years of study, Dr. Bader volunteered at the University Equine Centre. During her time there, she was able to work with some of the international race horses that competed in Melbourne Cup! Her final clinical placements included several mixed practice clinics both in Australia and Canada, as well as specialty equine hospitals. Dr Bader is excited to start her career in mixed practice. She has a special interest in large animal medicine including equine and bovine. She is extremely excited to be part of the Westwinds team! After her trip around the world Jenilee, her husband Brody, along with their two dogs Willa, Charlie, and cat Ophelia, now call Prince George home. With a little more convincing, Brody will soon come home to a farm filled with a herd of cows and a couple trusty ranch horses.

Dr. Sophie grew up on horseback on a cattle farm in rural Australia. After completing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, she graduated from the DVM program in Melbourne with Dr. Bader in 2023. With a special interest in equine sports medicine, Dr. Sophie spent her time involved with FEI veterinary work in Australia, as well as working with international racehorses competing in the Melbourne Cup (and Victorian Spring Racing Carnival) at the University equine centre and the international quarantine centre. She also spent time with equine veterinary specialists in medicine, sports and surgery in her final years and worked schooling and training horses for clients, as well as working as a small animal vet nurse. Despite her love for equine work, Dr. Sophie enjoys all aspects of mixed practice work and is excited to get to know the community and their animals alongside the Westwinds team. Back home in Australia Sophie and her partner Jake have two dogs, two cats and a horse, and look forward to having their own farm in the future.