Marisa Rutherford, Customer Service Representative, Accounts Manager
A country girl at heart, raised in Orangeville, Ontario, Marisa dedicated much of her childhood to developing horsemanship skills that would prove instrumental in enabling the realization of her equestrian dreams.
As a young adult, she pursued her passion further and in 2010, graduated with Distinction from the University of Guelph’s Equine Studies Program.
Marisa is excited to be joining Gilson Equine Veterinary Services, bringing with her years of multifaceted experience within the industry.
Ranging from equestrian facility management in both Dufferin and Simcoe counties, to being an integral member of the customer service team at Canada’s largest distributor of horseshoes and farrier supplies, Marisa has compiled a rich and diverse background. In turn, this has instilled the value of providing quality care to our equine companions and the importance of delivering supportive customer service to clients.
When not at work, Marisa enjoys spending time with her rescue dogs Jaxon and Cameo.
Keri Storey, Customer Service Representative, Inventory Manager
Keri is thrilled to be a part of the Gilson Equine team! Her fondness of helping animals goes back to 1993 when she started working in a small animal Veterinary Hospital. Keri has worked in various Veterinary practices but shifted her career and started working as a district manager for a corporate pet store in 2013. As time passed, she realized she was missing the fast-paced clinic setting and her passion brings her back, but this time for Equines.
Keri and her partner enjoy horseback riding in their free time. Their Australian Cattle dog Roxy is their partner in crime while exploring the Ganaraska Trials on horseback or on their snowmobiles. Their other two older dogs, enjoy their time relaxing at home.
Keri is looking forward to meeting and learning about all the great clients and patients at Gilson Equine Veterinary Services.
Megan Crockett, Vet Assistant/Stable Staff
Meg was born in Ontario but spent her early years in Alberta. She returned to Ontario as a teenager and started riding dressage at a local stable. This is where her passion for horses grew! Meg got experience working with all ages of horses from foals to adults, and also worked with stallions.
Meg started with GEVS in 2018 as stable staff, but has progressed to be a integral part of the team, working both on the road and also behind the scenes in the office and with the breeding program.
In her spare time, Meg spends time with her pets, riding her motorcycle and tending to her plant obsession.
Meghan O’Riordan, Vet Assistant/Stable Staff
Born and raised on my family’s 200 acre dairy farm in Brooklin, Ontario.
I have been a lifelong rider and my passion and love of horses has opened up many great opportunities in my life from yearling sales in Kentucky to the breeding sheds of Ireland.
My earlier years I was student of Parks & Forestry at Fleming College but got drawn back to my true passion when I took on a position that lasted 3 years at the famous Windfield Farm in Oshawa, my tasks included thoroughbred yearling sales preparation, breaking & training & exercise rider. My time at Windfields Farm took me to Kentucky and Woodbine and gave me a huge exposure to large volume of horses and owners. This exposure and experience led me to my next great chapter.
In 2003 I was one of a select group accepted into the world renowned Irish National Stud Breeding & Stud Management Course. This course gave we an insight and education into various parts of horsemanship such as stable management, mare management, foaling & stallion management among others.
After I came home I went to work for Tara Hills Stud and Hanover Farms doing yearling preparation and foaling their standardbred herd.
My journey has now brought me to The Gilson Equine Clinic where I can bring all my experience, charm and sense of humor which I hope will benefit the staff and clients.
Before returning to my equine passion I worked as a certified PSW for 10yrs in a long-term care facility in Oshawa.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and pets and over the last few years have enjoyed riding my mare throughout the Ganaraska forest trail system.
Kayla Brayley, Barn Manager
Kayla has been working for us behind the scenes for many years. She has now become a key member of the stable team! Kayla loves horses and with her kind and caring nature, she makes every horse feel at home. She takes the best care and treats each horse as an individual. Kayla loves getting to know each horse’s unique personality.
Kayla has a busy schedule, with her partner Jimmy and 2 young children, Brayden and Annaliah and step-daughter Mataya. You may see them hanging around the clinic after school some days.
Nina Van Zoeren, Assistant Barn Manager
Nina has a strong horse background and we are so fortunate to have her smiling and friendly face in the stable. She has horses of her own at home as well. Nina enjoys learning about how we treat injuries and working with the horses in rehab, as well as with the mares and foals. She is a real team player and loves her co-workers. Nina has hopes to be a vet assistant in the future.