Dr. Melissa Gillard
Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa Gillard graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2010. Upon graduation, she practiced in Thunder Bay before moving to Barrie in the spring of 2013. Dr. Gillard is an advocate of preventative medicine, appropriate dental care and enjoys working up complex cases. She takes pleasure in developing client relationships and helping owners understand their pet’s medical needs.
Dr. Gillard’s interests outside of veterinary medicine include paddling and exploring the outdoors with her husband and her son, John and John Jr. At home, she shares her house with her whippet, Infiniti, and two cats, Pixel and Annie. Dr. Gillard looks forward to meeting you and your furry family members!
Dr. Greg McWatt
Veterinarian & Owner
Dr. McWatt earned his degree as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in Guelph 1987, is the Owner and Director of Baywood and Baywood South Animal Hospitals and a partner and past board member of the Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic. He attends numerous conferences related to veterinary continuing education as well as courses in leadership, communication, and personal development.
Greg and his family live in the east end of Barrie where he’s an active community participant. A member and a past President of the Rotary Club of Barrie, a board member on leave for Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (C.O.P.E.) he loves to play hockey, golf, travel and ride the single track mountain bike trails of Simcoe County.
Donni
Hospital Director & Manager
Donni graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1980 and has worked at Baywood Animal Hospital since 1993. She obtained a diploma in Veterinary Hospital Management from St. Lawrence College in 1996 and has attended numerous continuing education events in communication, systems management, human resources, client services and team building.
Donni is constantly striving to ensure that all Baywood Animal Hospital employees have a well balanced work/life schedule, and that Baywood and Baywood South Animal Hospitals remain stimulating environments for all staff. She also continues to train and mentor the staff ensuring that clients and their pets always have the caring and quality veterinary experience they expect.
Donni lives in Barrie and enjoys walking the Simcoe County trails with her dog, Ritz. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, gardening and travel.
Nikki
Hospital Manager
Nikki joined the Baywood South Animal Hospital team in January 2020 as a Client Care Representative. She has always loved working with animals and is happy to be able to combine this with her love of client care. Nikki loves to be involved in all aspects of the clinic and enjoys helping patients and clients in anyway she can. She is always eager to learn more in order to create the best experience for you and your furry family members. Nikki enjoys spending her days off going for hikes with her dog Murphy, cooking, and being with her family and friends.
Dillys
Client Care Representative
Dillys joined Baywood South Animal Hospital in March 2018 as a part-time Client Care Representative. Her passion is forging client relationships along with their furry family members. When not working, Dillys is cuddling with her own dog, Coco—affectionately known as ‘Crazy Coco’. Enjoying the family cottage in the summer is a highlight and spending time with her son, daughter and new son-in-law. Dillys looks forward to meeting you and your family pet.
Amelia
Veterinary Technician
Amelia joined the team at Baywood South Animal Hospital in July 2022 as a new graduate from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College, where she graduated with honours. Before attending school to become a veterinary technician, Amelia graduated from Trent University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Biology. Although her career path took a few twists and turns, Amelia could not be more thrilled to be working as a veterinary technician, and in areas that she loves including surgery, dentistry, patient care and continuing to use her biology degree in cytology. At home, Amelia likes to spend a quiet day with her husband, dog Wynrie, and her "trifecta" of cats: Alphonse, Bosco and Momo. She can often be found reading a book, crocheting (especially cat toys) or getting creative with her Cricut. Amelia can't wait to snuggle with your pets soon!
Taylor
Registered Veterinary Technician
Taylor graduated with honours from the Veterinary Assistant program at Georgian College and is currently in the Veterinary Technician program. She completed her first placement with Baywood South Animal Hospital in the spring of 2021, and was asked to join the team shortly after. Taylor has always had a love of animals and an interest in science so working in the veterinary field was the perfect fit for her. Taylor loves meeting all of our patients and gives them lots of cuddles. When she’s not working Taylor enjoys video games, writing music, and spending time with her “zoo” that consists of her dogs Audrey, Gary and Echo, birds Wilbur and Orville and cat Steve.
Damaris
Veterinary Assistant
Damaris joined the team at Baywood South Animal Hospital in June 2022. She is a recent graduate of the Veterinary Assistant program at Seneca College. Before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine Damaris obtained her diploma in Pre-Health Sciences at George Brown College. Her career took a twist during the COVID-19 pandemic when she had the opportunity to save two baby lovebirds, a baby wild rabbit, and had the privilege to help her brothers guinea pig give birth. After these incredible experiences she came to the realization that she wanted to pursue a profession in veterinary medicine. Damaris likes to spend her free time with her dogs Zola, Cutie, Diamond and Toro. Damaris loves her job and will soon be returning to school to become a veterinary technician. She can’t wait to snuggle with your pets!