Our Dedicated Team

Barry Stark

Kennel Manager

Originally from the UK, Barry moved to Alberta, Canada in 2023, shifting gears from a career in the UK government to pursue a love for animals.
With three beloved pups of his own, he understands the bond between pets and their families. That's why Happy Tails isn't just a dog boarding facility; it's also a wildlife rescue center, providing sanctuary for creatures great and small.
When he's not tending to tails, you'll find him outdoors, often with his dogs by his side and exploring new trails with them.
Barry has been fortunate to see quite a bit of the world and loves to travel - hoping to see as much of Canada as possible. When he does get a chance to wind down at home he enjoys gaming.
While he enjoys watching hockey, he has yet to choose a team to root for. It's a tough decision in a country as passionate about their sport as Canada!

Kat Phillips

Social Media and Outreach

Kat was born and raised in Alberta, spending most of her time in Calgary. At the University of Victoria she completed a dual bachelors in Psychology and Environmental Studies, with a minor in Social Justice Studies. Kat worked in veterinary medicine for 3+ years as a receptionist and technician assistant, handling animals of varying breeds and temperaments.

Kat is our communications and outreach manager, responsible for maintaining volunteers, event planning, site logistics, social media and community involvement. Kat was a wildlife technician at the CEI for over a year and the previous kennel manager.

Kat has the IWRC BWR certification. 

Lisa Campbell

Pet Care Attendant

Originally from Nova Scotia, Lisa-Marie was born with a natural love for all creatures great and small - her favorite childhood activities included caring for the family dog, raising tadpoles into frogs and relentlessly begging her parents for one of every pet imaginable. Many years later she continues to live her dream, having worked professionally with animals for over 15 years in a wide variety of roles, including both pet care and rescue & rehabilitation. She is a CPDT-KA Designated Dog Trainer and P.A.C.E Certified Handler & Instructor, with a genuine passion for animal welfare and environmental conservation she is absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work within the CEI!

Kelsey Baldwin

Groundskeeper

Meet Kelsey! Kelsey is a local river guide and outdoor enthusiast. Kelsey came to live and work at the Cochrane Ecological Institute in the Summer of 2023, and has loved experiencing all there is to learn about wildlife rehabilitation and care. In her free time Kelsey enjoys rock climbing, kayaking, hiking and exploring with her dog Gypsy - as well as anything else that involves being outside!

Kelsey is our groundskeeper and helps to maintain the property as well as our kennel. You can find her all over the property doing different tasks!

Catriona Matheson

Animal Care

Catriona grew up with wildlife, and has assisted with wildlife care since the 1970's. Cat has a B.A. in History and the Classics, and her day job is Recruiting for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Catriona assists with wildlife care and Happy Tails Pet Retreat during evenings, weekends and days off. Her contributions also extend into strategic planning, facility development, fundraising and facility promotion.

Cat has completed the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Certification.

Tolstoy

Kennel Supervisor

Tolstoy is our kennel supervisor. He assumed the position at an early age, about 4 months, and has adapted to his two main duties very well. The first duty is checking that all the dogs know who is in charge and checking that they are all inside at night. The second is rodent control, which he preforms with exemplary skill.