Dr. Erica Gernon
Dr. Erica has always loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was a little girl. Growing up surrounded by cats and one special Portuguese Water Dog, Abby, she always envisioned a career caring for animals. After earning her undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Guelph, she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Erica has worked with cats and dogs in a general practice setting since she graduated.
When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Erica enjoys spending time with her husband, Conor, and their four cats in Ancaster. She loves traveling and exploring new places, especially spending time at the cottage with her family. Dr. Erica is dedicated to providing your pets with the best possible care while keeping you informed and supported every step of the way. Along with Dr. Alanna and Dr. Jenny, Dr. Erica is excited to welcome you to the clinic!
Dr. Alanna Schad
Dr. Alanna has dreamed of being a veterinarian since kindergarten and always hoped to own a practice where she could help animals and their families live their best lives. She is grateful to have partnered with Dr. Erica and Dr. Jenny to make that dream a reality at Maple Vets University Plaza.
Dr. Alanna grew up in a rural community north of Toronto and completed her Bachelor of Science at Queen’s University before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2009. After graduation, she worked in a mixed animal practice in Woodstock before focusing entirely on cats and dogs. Dr. Alanna enjoys both medical and surgical aspects of veterinary medicine, and she loves meeting puppies, kittens, and new pets while helping care for them year after year.
Outside of work, Dr. Alanna enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls, along with their boxer puppy, Ripley. She loves the outdoors, reading, traveling, and playing hockey when time allows.
Dr. Jennifer Burns
Dr. Jenny is originally from the west of Ireland, where her love of animals began on the farm. She graduated from University College Dublin in 2008 and worked in the UK and Ireland before relocating to Canada in 2019 with her husband and two small boys.
Dr. Jenny has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery and dentistry, having completed extensive further training in these areas. Establishing Maple Vets has been a long-held dream, and she is grateful to have Dr. Alanna and Dr. Erica alongside her.
In her spare time, Dr. Jenny enjoys traveling, cycling, and hiking. She’s aiming to complete a triathlon soon and may need a little encouragement!
Lesley Benchina, RVT
Lesley grew up with a love for animals that she inherited from her parents. She graduated from Brock University with a BSc. Biology and went on to the veterinary technology program at Seneca College. She has been an RVT since graduating in 2006. Lesley has worked in both equine practices as well as small animal referral/emergency medicine and has a vast array of clinical experience. Her years in critical care has given her a wide knowledge base and many invaluable skills. She is passionate about caring for geriatric patients, advocating for healthy weights/weight loss in her patients and anything to do with anesthesia.
In her spare time, she is a volunteer for Canadian Blood Services, Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, Victim Services Niagara and is often trying to help her senior pets adopted! She loves to spend time with her Pomeranian Eli, Toby the lab mix, Nicki the lionhead rabbit, Gina the bearded dragon and her 6 hens – Dida, Claudia, Alaska, Willam, Rosalie and Charlene! Lesley is a true advocate for compassionate patient care and the health of all animals.
Matthew Distasi
My name is Matthew and I have been working in the animal field for 20 years. I graduated the animal care program at Sheridan college and since then have worked in a wide range of animal care positions. I have a passion for fostering neonatal or sick kittens/puppies and watching them grow up strong and healthy. I’ve owned a wide range of animals from reptiles, creepy crawlers, pocket pets, and of course dogs and cats!
I currently have 2 dogs, 4 cats, and a tree frog ranging from the ages 1.5-14 years old. As Maple Vets doors open, I am honored to continue my career learning, bringing joy, and caring for our furry friends!
Caring for Pets, Here for You.
Have questions or need an appointment? Contact our team, we’re here to help!
University Plaza
101 Osler Dr Unit #116,
Dundas, Ontario
L9H 4H4
Hours of Operation
Mon- Fri 8am-5pm
Sat 8am-12pm
905-291-3134
Out of Hour Emergencies
Call Hamilton Region Emergency Veterinary Clinic at (905) 529-1004