Dr. Maryam Jajouei, DVM
Founder
Veterinarian
Medical Director
Thank you so much for reading about me and Legacy Veterinary Clinic. I am honored and excited to share my life story with you.
I was born and raised in Iran in a highly educated family. I developed a huge love and respect for animals at a very young age. I always found myself bringing home injured street birds, cats, and dogs in hopes of saving them.
I finished my first bachelor’s degree in engineering in my home country of Iran. At the age of 22, I moved to Canada with the dream of getting into veterinary school. This journey began for me as I finished my second bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Dalhousie. I then moved to Calgary in hopes of being accepted to the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). My dream came true when I got the acceptance call for UCVM on a summer night of 2008. This set me up for a 4-year journey, leaving me with an invaluable learning experience ultimately leading to graduation with my DVM degree.
Post-graduation, I worked in both primary and emergency clinics in Calgary which taught me the importance and strength of the human-animal bond. I have always believed in providing pets with every possible option for good health. Therefore, in 2016, I began my journey of acquiring an education in alternative healing- so that I could give owners a choice in patient care. I received my certification in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2016 and this year (2018), I have become certified in Canine rehabilitation and physiotherapy. I own a loving and faithful mini golden doodle (Luna), and a kind standard poodle (Aida) who have been inspirations for who I am today. They have taught me to live mindfully without judgment and emphasized the importance of compassion and offering a helping hand whenever possible. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Hamed, who you may see around the clinic, and I would not be here without him.
I strongly believe that every single animal deserves an excellent quality of life, and my goal is to use both conventional and alternative medicine to help your pets. I decided to open a pet-centric, stress-free, integrative clinic that creates the veterinary experience that I always wanted for my pets. At Legacy Veterinary Clinic, you can expect an open stress-free environment where you can ask any questions you want. I believe in offering many options for your pets, and respecting whatever decision you feel is best for them. It would be my honor to be your veterinarian, and I’m looking forward to meeting you soon.
Dr. Jennifer Flaig, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Flaig graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science and later returned to the U of C to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2017 and spent the next year and a half in small animal practice in her hometown of Medicine Hat, AB. She moved back to Calgary in the fall of 2018 and spent the next 2 years working in a general practice clinic in the downtown core.
Dr Flaig enjoys kayaking, painting, computer games, and spending quality time with her long-time partner Jeff and their two cats, Zoe and Scooter.
Dr Flaig’s areas of interest include surgery, dentistry, and wellness/preventative medicine. She is very excited to be a part of the Legacy Veterinary Clinic team and looks forward to meeting you and your furry family members!
Dr. Virginia Woo, DVM
Veterinarian
My passion for veterinary medicine grew from my desire to help those without a voice. Prior to coming to Legacy Vet Clinic, I worked at a small animal emergency hospital, a small animal general practice, and a wildlife rehabilitation center. I have also done internships at the Dallas Zoo and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. I have a special interest in wildlife medicine, as well as small animal surgery, emergency, neurology, and ophthalmology.
In my free time, you can find me hiking, camping, boating, and otherwise exploring the outdoors. I live with my American Eskimo dog (Summer), two cats (Lil Nug and Kasper), 1-year-old son, and husband. I am super excited to meet all of the wonderful clients and fur babies at Legacy Vet Clinic!
Dr. Monika Marcakova, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. My journey into the veterinary field began at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Slovakia. Throughout my student and post-student years, I’ve dedicated myself to fostering numerous animals, aspiring to play a meaningful role in their rehabilitation journey. After graduating in 2021, I decided to move to Calgary and joined the wonderful team at Legacy Vet in June 2023. My interests include internal medicine, radiology/ ultrasound, and pathology.
Beyond my passion for animal care, you’ll find me immersed in gardening, tending to my indoor jungle, reading a good book, or embracing the wonders of the great outdoors.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and getting the opportunity to make an impact in the life of your beloved companion!
Dr. Gaiana Bretana, BVMS
Veterinarian
Hello there! Thank you for taking the time to read about me.
I found my love for animals at a very young age, growing up around my grandparents’ menagerie of animals. I took a special interest in wildlife and conservation, leading me to complete my BSc in Zoology from the University of Calgary in 2016. During my studies, I assisted in a bumblebee conservation research lab as well as the curation of invertebrate specimens in the zoology museum, promoting the vital role of invertebrates in our ecosystem. After graduation, I briefly worked in a small animal clinic. This experience allowed me to find my passion for medicine and helped me realize that I enjoyed clinical work more than research.
In 2023, I completed my veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. I returned to Calgary to be closer to family, and in 2024, I joined the Legacy team. My goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of owners and their furry companions as well as help any animal in need that comes through our doors.
My veterinary interests include small animal internal medicine, emergency care, preventative medicine, and — of course — wildlife medicine. In my free time, I stay active through weightlifting and hiking, and also indulge in strange hobbies such as insect collecting. When I’m not out and about, you might find me relaxing with my beloved cat, Mowgli, and family dog, Truffle. I look forward to meeting you and becoming a part of your pet’s healthcare team
Brittany Hicks, RVT
Veterinary Technologist
Director of Medical Operation
Hey everyone! My name is Brittany, I have been an RVT since 2013, and I am so happy to have joined the Legacy Team as one of their RVTs!
I grew up in the teenie-tiny town of Wheatley, Ontario, which is where my love and passion for caring for animals began. My family lived on an acreage, and people from town would drop off their unwanted cats and kittens at our property. Although my parents weren’t thrilled, I certainly was! I adored taming, feeding, and doing the best I could to take care of these abandoned kitties. This is where my parents nicknamed me “Mama B”. In the summers, you could find me leading an assembly line of kittens to their food dish, cleaning the eyes and noses of the poor sickly kittens, or carefully brushing them and making sure they were free of fleas.
I am grateful and proud to have graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Sheridan College in Brampton, Ontario. The program was actually the first CVMA accredited program to use animal models instead of real animals for learning and practice use.
Since graduating, I have worked the majority of my career in Emergency and Critical Care. I have always had a passion for intensive nursing care; seeing your fur babies recover after caring for them has brought my heart so much joy and fulfillment. However, there is another side to Veterinary Medicine that I enjoy greatly but was missing working in ECC; and that is spending one-on-one time with clients and patients to ensure they have a positive experience while getting the best possible care. I am so happy to be able to provide that special attention to you and your babies here at Legacy Vet Clinic!
I myself have four fur-babies. I have Athena (a sassy, Himalayan/Ragdoll mix), Papa John (a big Brown Tabby that enjoys making dough), Pumbaa (a hilarious Chocolate Lab), and Ullr (a snuggly Great Pyrenees). In my spare time, I love spending time with them or doing some of my favorite hobbies; crocheting, crafting, playing soccer, or working out at the gym.
I look forward to seeing you and your babies at Legacy Veterinary Clinic!
Amanda Swanson, RVT
Veterinary Technologist
Hi there! My name is Amanda, I am a Registered Veterinary Technologist who graduated from Olds College in 2019. I was born and raised in Calgary, completing an Undergrad degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Calgary before finding my passion in the Veterinary industry. I always knew that I wanted to work with animals but I believed I would find my love in animal research – I attended field school for my Bachelor’s degree in Belize where I studied primatology but also discovered that research was not for me. I realized that I craved more hands-on experience with animals.
I started my career in Veterinary Medicine at a small Emergency clinic in reception/TA then as a Technologist when I finished my AHT diploma. I gained a lot of great knowledge and experience working with emergency and hospitalized cases but I did not get the opportunity to put my heart and soul into each patient and ensure each animal got the best care possible. I am very happy to be joining the team here at Legacy Vet Clinic because their commitment to the care and well-being of their clients is unmatched. I am lucky that I am able to provide every animal with the best quality of medicine and best experience possible – and I get to smother every cutie with hugs and kisses as well! I can’t wait to meet you and your pets and treat them like my own animals.
I have 3 cats – Maverick, Goose, and Giovanni who are my sweet baby angels and I have a soft spot for Corgi’s. When I am not working, I love creating (I dabble in needlepoint, macrame, clay, planting, painting, drawing, sewing, refinishing furniture, and many more), I love reading, and I love video and board games, and most of all I love snuggling my kitties! I hope to see you soon at Legacy Vet Clinic.
Yuko Sakamoto, RVT
Veterinary Technologist
Hi! My name is Yuko, and I am a Veterinary Technologist at Legacy Veterinary Clinic. After graduating from high school, I pursued my path in the Animal Health Technology program at Olds College, which I graduated in 2022! At Legacy Vet, I started as a practicum student as part of the last rotation of my AHT program, and now I am happily a member of the team.
Growing up, I always had a passion for animals as I was always surrounded by animals including exotics, marine animals, cats, dogs, and horses. My spark in pursuing this path started as I wanted to help and understand my pet’s needs as they aged and provide them with the best life possible and the compassionate care they deserved. I now have a cat named Nug who I adore with all my heart. In my spare time, I love spending time with Nug, watching movies, and enjoying summer activities.
I am so happy to be part of the team at Legacy Veterinary Clinic. I plan to grow as a technician and build my relationship with you and your fur babies! See you soon!
Tiffany Bryce, RVT
Veterinary Technologist
Hi! My name is Tiffany and I am a Registered Veterinary Technologist here at Legacy Veterinary Clinic. I graduated from Olds College in 2020! Right after graduation, I worked in an equine clinic for 2 years. I’ve always loved working with horses since I was very young. In the last year, I decided to expand my knowledge and work with small animals. My interests in the clinic include dental procedures and building strong relationships with the clients and their fur babies.
At home, I enjoy spending time with my cat Frankie. As much as I love my cat, I love large dogs and hope to give one a home in the near future. I enjoy camping, anything outdoors, reading, and drawing. I am so happy to be part of the team at Legacy Veterinary Clinic. I look forward to building relationships with you and your fur babies!
Kayla Hicks, RVT
Veterinary Technologist
Hi There! My name is Kayla and I am one of the Registered Veterinary Technologists here at Legacy Veterinary Clinic. I graduated from the Animal Health Technology program at Olds College in 2024! I got the incredible opportunity to start my journey here as a practicum student and was lucky enough to become a member of the team shortly after graduating.
During high school, I figured out pretty quickly that I wanted to pursue something in the medical field, and when I started to get more involved with my mom’s dog-walking business is when I realized how rewarding working with animals is, which sparked my initial interest in veterinary medicine. I have been surrounded by dogs and cats for the majority of my life and, after finally convincing my parents, was able to adopt my first gecko when I was 12. I currently have a 9-year-old crested gecko, Ember, and a 10-year-old dog, Willow, whom I love spending time with when I’m not at work.
To be able to advocate for the animals we call family is an amazing feeling, and I can’t wait to continue doing so here at Legacy Vet Clinic. I’m so excited for my journey here and beyond proud to be a member of this team. I can’t wait to meet you all!
Jason Finnan
Client Care Specialist
Director of Administration
Hi I’m Jason! I found my passion for working with animals during my undergrad Biology degree at the University of New Brunswick when I had the opportunity to do an independent study on wolves. Shortly after graduating and moving out west, I landed an intern position at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane, Alberta, leading guided tours about wolfdogs and wolves. The internship led to an exciting animal care job in Nova Scotia, so I moved to Dartmouth. I specialized in the care of abandoned domestic pets at Halifax’s pound facility while simultaneously rehabbing injured wildlife with Hope for Wildlife. I adopted my first-ever dog, Casper, a senior palliative care boxer mix from the city pound. After Casper went over the rainbow bridge, I was ready to raise a puppy; a now 4-year-old Shiba Inu named Murphy.
After three years of managing the pound, I returned to Alberta, landing a job at the University of Calgary taking care of medical research animals. At the university. I took care of primarily rats and mice in several important medical studies, including monitoring breeding colonies. I switched roles assisting UCalgary’s Veterinarian team as the SOP Coordinator. When the pandemic hit, my job was cut as a result of the government budgetary rollbacks; with this, I decided to re-focus my professional energy into veterinary medicine. My dream is to own and operate my own vet clinic. After taking a few months off, I spent the summer back at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary as a tour guide. In fall 2021 I joined the Legacy Vet Clinic team as an assistant and love to lead the morning stretches for the team.
Outside of work, I stay very physically active in the gym with weightlifting and in the rink playing hockey. I also volunteer as a hockey coach for beginner adult players. Additionally, I am an avid gamer; board game nights are a weekly thing and I have an extensive World of Warcraft gaming family. Furthermore, I spend lots of quality time with my partner and dog doing various activities. I am a big advocate for the local LGBTQA+ community and a big supporter of individual people’s physical and mental wellness.
Katherine Long-Jones
Client Care Specialist
Hello, My name is Katherine, and I am a Client Care Specialist here at Legacy Vet Clinic. I also help as a technician assistant, which means I get to interact with the wonderful pets we care for. I graduated from Robertson College’s Vet Office and Technician Assistant Program in August, 2020.
I was born in the UK and moved to Canada when I was five. I went to the Alberta College of Art and Design and graduated in 2015 with a BA in Fine Arts. I love to travel and recently returned from teaching English in Japan for two years. Now that I’m back, I am dedicated to following the dream I have had since I was a child; taking care of animals. Since starting with Legacy Vet, I have had the wonderful opportunity of working with Dr. Maryam and her team. Everyone here is so passionate about the health of the animals, and I have already learned so much. In my role as receptionist, I look forward to greeting you all, answering your questions, and meeting your adorable pets!
Speaking of pets, I have a miniature dachshund named Sakura, and I recently adopted a Persian cat named Spring Roll. I have always loved critters of all types, and my dream is to one day own a duck.
When I’m not busy at work, I like to do creative things to relax. I love to sing, play the ukulele, crochet, and draw. My favorite thing to do in the world is taking a long nap. I’ll see you and your pet next time at Legacy Vet Clinic!
Julie Andrusyshyn
Client Care Specialist
Hi there, my name is Julie. I’m extremely excited to be able to join the team at the Legacy Vet Clinic! Ever since I was a child I told people my dream job was working with animals. I graduated from the Veterinary Office Technical Assistant program at Robertson College in 2019 and then took some time off to travel. I volunteered at a spay and neuter clinic in Barra Navidad Mexico where I truly fell in love with my career choice.
I am the proud mom of 5 rescue animals, 2 dogs Moose and Sedrick, and 3 cats Luna, Tia, and Chives. I love all animals big and small and I can tell that working at a vet clinic I might be adding a few more to my growing family!
I can’t wait to meet everyone and all of their amazing pets. See you at your next appointment
Jacqueline Merriman
Client Care Specialist
My name is Jacqueline “Jacq” and I am a Client Care Specialist with Legacy Veterinary Clinic.
I’m a natural caregiver and have a great passion for animals. I have 10+ years of experience in administration, and customer service, and enjoy building relationships! Working with such a passionate team, I believe our clients are happy because the energy and atmosphere of Legacy team are contagious to all! I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!
Outside of work, you can find me on the golf course, playing the piano and obsessing over music. I love stand-up comedy, and being out in nature, and enjoy spending time with my wonderful family & friends.
Jessica Burney
Veterinarian Assistant
Hello! My name is Jessi and I am a Technician Assistant here at Legacy Vet Clinic. I graduated from the Veterinary Office Assistant program at Bow Valley College in the Spring of 2021 and joined the Legacy Team a year later.
I was born in British Columbia and spent several years moving around Western Canada until my family settled here in Calgary in 2012. During that time, we had a Cocker Spaniel Terrier named Princess, and then Mojo (Shih Tzu; Japanese Chin), and later Frodo (Chihuahua mix), were introduced into our family. Growing up caring for them made me realize the passion I had for animals and that kickstarted my pursuit into the veterinary world.
I have a fur baby of my own now; a 10-month-old King Charles Cavalier named Gimli, who I adore. In my spare time, I can be found curled up with a good fantasy novel or playing video games and board games with my friends and family.
I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful team here at Legacy Vet and I look forward to seeing all the animals that come through our doors.
Jayde Morin
Veterinarian Assistant
Hi there! I’m Jayde, and I work at Legacy Veterinary Clinic as a veterinary assistant. Caring for animals has always been a hobby and interest of mine. I began working in the veterinary field by walking dogs as a volunteer at neighborhood shelters. I quickly came to appreciate how much I enjoy hanging out with our animal friends! I subsequently earned a degree in veterinary assistance at CDI College, and I intend to continue my studies in the veterinary field.
Throughout my entire life, I have had the experience of living with pets, and I have no intentions of giving up this way of living anytime soon. I consider myself lucky to have a kitten of my own, AspenForest is her name. Indeed, she is the individual wearing an unpleasant expression in the photograph I took. Even though she chews on my curtains, I love her dearly because she was born on Valentine’s Day.
When I’m not at work, I like to be outside and engage in physical activities like weightlifting and marathons. Because I enjoy trying new things, I enjoy exploring and taking on challenges.
I am thrilled about the future and feel privileged to be a member of Legacy Veterinary Clinic.
Ahliya Penn
Veterinarian Assistant
Hi! My name is Ahliya and I have been working in the Veterinary Medicine for 8 years, it has become one of my greatest passions and joys. When I’m not working, I like to volunteer with Animal rescues like Furball forces and SNARL. I enjoy Walking my Dog and Crafting when I have free time! I’m working towards getting into the DVM program and studying for my MCAT this year.
Alyssa Borden, RVT
Fur-ever Founding Member
Alyssa is a fur-ever founding member of the Legacy Veterinary Clinic. She worked tirelessly alongside Dr. Maryam from July 2018 to May 2021 to establish the clinic as a start-up. During this period, she acted as the Assistant Medical Director and had a tremendous role in the development of the policies and procedures of the clinic. In addition, she ensured all the patients received the best care as she worked as a registered veterinary technologist. Alyssa’s contribution greatly helped to shape the Legacy Veterinary Clinic the way everybody knows today: Always striving for the best patient and client experience.
Alyssa is a graduate of the Animal Health Technology program from NAIT in Edmonton, Alberta. She has a wealth of experience in both primary and emergency veterinary care. She enjoys her time with her Bernese Mountain dog, Ronnie, and her little grey cat, Foster. Ronnie, depicted on the left, is also a furry fur-ever member of the Legacy Veterinary Clinic. She spent most of her time in the clinic from 2018 to 2021 making sure all staff kept calm and devoted to providing the best care to the furry patients.
We wish Alyssa the best in all her endeavors.