TEAM
Meet the team here
Joanna Pytka, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Joanna Pytka was born and raised in Poland, making her fluent in both Polish and English. She graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in Poland and worked for five years in large animal and mixed practice. In 1991, Dr. Pytka moved to Canada and completed the Canadian Certification required so she could continue her work as a veterinarian. She joined a small animal practice in Calgary and worked as an Associate Veterinarian for 27 years. In 2018, Dr. Pytka switched gears and joined the ER team at the Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE). Here she added to her vast experience in patient care.
Over the years, Dr. Pytka has had the opportunity to meet many veterinary colleagues who have helped influence her professional journey. She thoroughly enjoys working in a small animal ‘family-style’ practice and is looking forward to bringing her experience and hard work ethic to the Lake Bonavista Animal Clinic.
Erin O’Brien, B.Sc, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Erin O’Brien is a born and raised Calgarian. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology from the University of Calgary. Shortly after, she moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to pursue her childhood dream of veterinary medicine. Prior to attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, Dr. O’Brien worked in a dairy barn followed by a six month stint at a pig barn; this experience reaffirmed her decision to work with small animals. After completing her DVM degree in 2011, Dr. O’Brien moved back to Calgary and started working at a small animal hospital until 2018. Her clinical interests include preventive medicine and endocrinology.
When not in the clinic, Dr. O’Brien enjoys sleeping…oh and spending time with her husband, two young children, and two rescue cats. Dr. O’Brien is excited to be a part of the Lake Bonavista Animal Clinic team and looks forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting some new ones.
Sonya Kotylak, RVT
Veterinary Technician/Nurse
Sonya was born and raised in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. She attended Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB and completed the registered veterinary technician (RVT) program in 2001. She moved to the Calgary area in 2004 and has worked in small animal clinics for 16 years. In her spare time, you will find Sonya with her family, her pets, or riding her horses. Sonya is excited to join the team at Lake Bonavista Animal Clinic with her extensive years of experience and positive attitude.