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Our People

We are proud to be a community of professional and compassionate animal lovers dedicated to providing quality products, a positive experience for our donors, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of quality and excellence. Our team is passionate about transfusion technology and we continuously strive to be industry leaders and educators in our field. Each member of our pack plays a vital role that enables us to meet our mission statement.

Our team is integral to the success of CABB and we value their diversity in background, ideas, thoughts, and experiences. At its core? CABB culture consists of the collaboration and dedication of our pack members to making a difference in the lives of animals and their families across Canada.

Canadian Animal Blood Bank
Board of Directors

Dr. Ken Mould
CABB’s Founding President

For over 25 years, Dr. Ken Mould made an impact on the lives of thousands of Canadian families through his work as a dedicated veterinarian and groundbreaking leader in the development and support of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. A retired Manitoba veterinarian, Dr. Mould took up a challenge presented by a guest speaker at a veterinary conference in 1995 and pioneered the development of the Manitoba Animal Blood Bank. Supported by the volunteer efforts of veterinarians, veterinary technologists, and companion animal owners, Dr. Mould’s initiative and continued volunteerism are a testament to how the dedication, foresight, and conviction of one man can make such an impact on Manitoba, and now all of Canada.

Spearheading the recruitment of over 2000 volunteer donors (past and present), Dr. Mould has continued to recruit and support this charity not-for-profit organization. His commitment to volunteering exemplifies both his vision of quality animal care and personal involvement. Today, the Canadian Animal Blood Bank owes its donor base; volunteer commitment by veterinarians and veterinary technologists; and nationally known quality products to him. Over 30,000 canine blood donations later, Ken’s commitment to volunteering does not go unnoticed by staff, volunteers, or Board members. As the only President of the Board of Directors, he has been instrumental in the evolution of the blood bank from its humble beginnings.

CABB Board

The Canadian Animal Blood Bank is governed by a board of directors. These are dedicated and passionate individuals that “steer the ship” of CABB. The CABB board is responsible for protecting CABB’s interests, establishing policies for management, hiring and recruitment, oversight of CABB, and making decisions about the important issues we face.

Operations/Financial Committee

Dr. Ken Mould, Dr. Catharine Moir

Public Relations and Special Events Committee

Dr. Jonas Watson

Policy Committee

Dr. Catharine Moir, Alex Bainov

Professional Education Committee

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Quality Control Committee

Dr. Marie-Claude Blais

Development Committee

Dr. Chandra Hickling

Additional Board Members

Lindsay Allan, James Krahn, Sasha Latimer, Jayne Takahashi

CABB Foundation Board

Established in 2019, the Canadian Animal Blood Bank Foundation’s main goal is to raise awareness and funds in support of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. 

Chairperson

Dr. Ken Mould

David Quinton

Dr. Catharine Moir

Dr. Lynn Webster

Carolynne Pitura

Ace Burpee

Our Staff

Alberta

Regional Unit Manager (Edmonton)

Ashley Kaban, RVT

Ashley joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 2021 as the Edmonton Regional Unit Manager. She has worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician in the Edmonton area for 15 years. Her experience has provided her with a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance of blood products for our veterinary patients. Having blood products readily available can mean the difference between life and death for a critical patient. Ashley joined CABB to ensure high-quality, life-saving blood products are readily available for patients within the community and beyond. In her free time, Ashley lives on a farm with her husband and three children. She also has two dogs, and yes, they both donate.
Regional Unit Manager (Calgary)

Laurie Dyrgas, BSc RVT

Laurie joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank as the Regional Unit Manager for Calgary in October 2023. Laurie has always loved animals and knew from an early age that her future career would involve them in some way. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Alberta then went on to complete her Veterinary Technologist diploma from Olds College. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of caring for a variety of animals through her work at small animal practices, the University of Calgary, and her volunteer work at a wildlife rehabilitation centre. She now looks forward to celebrating the human - animal bond with host clinics, volunteers, pet parents and their special companions.

When not working, Laurie enjoys spending time with her husband, their daughter and two pampered cats, Griffin and Oliver.

Regional Unit Manager (NAIT)

Dustin Portelance, RVT

We are excited to welcome Dustin as our newly appointed Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Canadian Animal Blood Bank Coordinator. Dustin is the proud owner of 3 Dalmatians, and has had the privilege of showing a variety of other dog breeds. He has been in the veterinary industry for 8 years, the 2 most recent as an RVT. As a NAIT graduate, Dustin had the opportunity to participate in NAIT's CABB clinics and you better believe he was the student that signed up for extra shifts!

Prior to his career in veterinary medicine, Dustin had a successful career as a massage therapist and massage therapy educator. As an educator, he successfully developed/designed/taught course material to approximately 70 students.

Dustin's combined enthusiasm for veterinary medicine, the CABB, and teaching will serve him well as NAIT's CABB Blood Bank Coordinator.

Manitoba

Central Operations Manager

Michael Philippot, RVT

Michael joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 2016 and is the Central Operations Manager. He started his career as an RVT in 2011 and has gained much experience in general practice. After joining the CABB, he has had a chance to further develop his skills and learn new ones along the way. He enjoys interacting with our many clients, and animal caregivers, as well as bonding with our furry donors. Michael handles much of the day-to-day operations of CABB. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, two cats, and retired CABB donor Meiko.
Business Manager

Sarah Dalrymple, BA(Hons.)

Sarah joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 2020 as the Office Manager in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Sarah has over 8 years of experience in the administrative field and is excited to be a part of an organization that aims at providing excellent quality and service to our clients and canine companions. Growing up in the small town of Minnedosa, Sarah has always had pets of all shapes and sizes. She knows first-hand the impact they can have on our hearts and lives.
Laboratory Director

Beth Knight, BT MLT QAQCPI

Beth joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 2015 as the Laboratory Director. She is responsible for the day-to-day office operation of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Reporting to the Board of Directors, Beth is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

Beth’s last and present pet dogs are donors, and she appreciates both the commitment and loyalty of our donor companions in participating in this unique and altruistic activity. Her 25+ years in human transfusion medicine could not prepare her for the wonderful industry that is veterinary transfusion medicine.

Regional Unit Manager (Brandon)

Paige Orser, RVT

Paige Orser joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 2021 as the Regional Unit Manager for the Brandon area. She attended school at Lakeland College to pursue her dreams of becoming an RVT. After moving to Brandon, Paige discovered the Canadian Animal Blood Bank through her veterinary clinic. She most enjoys working together with animal caregivers and donors to help save lives nationally. Paige’s fur family currently includes her two rescue dogs and two cats who run the household.
Administrative Assistant

Marina Cabezas

Marina joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in January 2023 as the Administrative Assistant. Marina completed college at Red River in April of 2022. She graduated with a Business Administration Diploma and majored in Human Resources. Marina also has experience and background in social media management and content creation, she’s eager and excited to film and produce animal based content and media to the CABB online platforms and community.

Communication, people, and animals have always been a big and special passion of Marina’s, so she is happy to start her journey with and be part of the CABB staff.

Ontario

Quinn Moyer and her dog
Regional Unit Manager (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge)

Quinn Moyer, RVT, CCAR

Quinn joined CABB in 2023 as the Regional unit manager for the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge expansion. Quinn has been in the industry for over 12 years, 8 of those as an Registered Veterinary Technician. She specialized in canine rehabilitation after graduating from tech school. Her service dog Tobey has donated blood since he was 2 years old! Quinn never stops, when she isn't working she is either dog sitting or helping individuals with finances. If she isn’t busy doing those things she’s usually curled up on the couch with Tobey and a good book.
Breann Irwin and her Dog
Regional Unit Manager (Burlington)

Breann Irwin, BSc, AHT, RVT

Breann joined CABB in February 2024 as Regional Unit Manager for the Burlington area. Breann has been in the Veterinary industry for over 10 years and has been a Registered Veterinary Technician for 2 years. Breann has worked with different species throughout her years! When Breann isn’t working she enjoys going for hikes with her dog Rosie, who is a donor, and going on adventures!
Development Manager - Eastern Canada

Nicole Arruda

Nicole joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 2023 as the Donor Clinic Manager in Burlington, Ontario. She has years of experience in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine, during which she met many canine and feline patients in need of blood products.

Nicole found genuine interest in canine blood donation after adopting Cloud, her beloved husky mix, who received a plasma transfusion as a puppy with parvovirus! She has a weakness for big dogs, and enjoys spending her free time with her own pack of three (two of which are donors), whether that means venturing on a road trip, or hitting the couch for a movie marathon day.

Canadian Animal Blood Bank Ambassadors

Just like humans, dogs need blood too! Each day, ill and injured animals rely on transfusion therapy to support a variety of conditions, from cancer therapy support to surgery and times of trauma. A recent survey by Vet Record shows that 70% of animal caregivers weren’t aware that dogs and cats can donate blood. Let’s change the facts!

Our paw-some ambassadors help us to spread the word about pet blood donation. We hope that future surveys will one day show that 100% of animal caregivers will know that their pets can save lives by giving blood.

Ace Burpee and Bally

Ace Burpee is widely recognized as the host of the Ace Burpee show on Virgin Radio 103.1 and has volunteered extensively to help raise awareness and funds for worthwhile causes. 

John Rush and Bone

John Rush is well known for his position as a former Canadian Football Fullback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, his support of charitable organizations, and as a rescue dog dad.

Sunny Szpak-Holly

Sunny Szpak-Holly is well known for her volunteer work, love of dogs, and photography skills in the Winnipeg area. Pictured with her three pups, both Mindy and Sophie have helped over 100 dogs nationwide by donating blood. 

Randy Parker and Rue

Morning show host for Calgary’s New Country radio station, Wild 953, Randy Parker is often seen out in the community, contributing to causes, making a difference, and spending time with the loveable Rue.

Join Our Team

We offer unique opportunities to become professional, compassionate community leaders. 

Volunteer

Are you passionate about saving dogs’ lives? Discover the many ways you can volunteer and help us make a difference in your community.