The Executive Team

Maria-Victoria Walker-Genovese HBSc, MSc

Hello! My name is Maria-Victoria and I am so excited to be CPVMA’s President! From a very young age I fell in love with veterinary medicine and in order to learn more about it, I came to appreciate the importance of communication. Whether it is through talking to veterinarians or your fellow peers, there is so much to learn from one another! During my undergrad at the University of Toronto, I realized this need for more crosstalk specifically between Canadian pre-veterinary students. I thought to improve this, the first step was founding UofT’s Veterinary Medicine Club, to create a space on campus at my university for those interested in vetmed. But I didn’t want to stop there so welcome to CPVMA! Now, with the help of this incredible team, we hope to extend that beyond our respective universities: to connect students from across Canada and offer resources to inspire the next generation of vets!

Zara Chioran

Hi everyone! My name is Zara and I’m this year’s Vice President of Events for the CPVMA. I’m currently in my third year of my undergraduate studies in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph. I’m hoping to attend veterinary school abroad, and would like to specialize in small animal emergency and critical care. I look forward to supporting the goals of many pre-vet students through my role in the CPVMA, and I am super excited to share many amazing resources with you all! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or suggestions regarding what the CPVMA can offer you.

Elise Mohler

Hello, my name is Elise Mohler and I am currently attending University of Alberta. I am so excited to be a part of CPVMA and to be its first trip director! I hope through this association we will help create lasting connections with individuals across Canadian interested Veterinary Medicine.

Ashley Howald

Hello! My name is Ashley, and I am the Vice-President of Outreach for CPVMA. I am a third-year student in the integrative biology specialist and applied statistics minor at the University of Toronto – Scarborough. Currently, I am also involved in research with the UTSC Biodiversity and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Laboratory. Also, I’ve been the president of UTSC’s Pre-Vet Outreach Club since I founded it in my first year. My ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian that works in forensic science or ophthalmology, however, my route toward vet school has been rather unique. I attended school for veterinary technician first and wrote my licensing exam. If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me!

Liliana Cheung

Hi! My name is Liliana and I’m honoured to hold the role of Vice President of Public Relations within the CPVMA for the 2022/2023 year. As a part of the team, I will be working towards expanding our reach in educating future veterinarians. I am a first year student at the University of Toronto, with intent to double major in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience. Currently, my interests are spread between wildlife medicine, ophthalmology, neurology, and animal law. I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing team of people and I’m looking forward to the progress the CPVMA will make this year! Please reach out to me or the team with any questions, concerns, or opportunities.

Esha Patel

Hey there! My name is Esha and I am thrilled to be the Vice President of Media for CPVMA this year! I am in my third year at the University of Toronto and am pursuing a double major in Nutritional Sciences and Stem Cell and Developmental Biology. I have been a part of UofT’s Veterinary Medicine Club as a general member, media coordinator and now Co-President. My future career goal is aimed at becoming a travelling and wildlife conservation veterinarian, as I have a very large interest in animals and how they interact in their environments. More specifically, I really want to help animals in underserved areas and improve the welfare of them in all parts of the world. I am super honored to be a part of this terrific team of individuals who have a mission to help Canadian pre-veterinary students fulfill their dream goal. We will provide many resources and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to myself or any other member of this team!

Phoenix Irwin

Hi everyone! My name is Phoenix and I am excited to be the Vice President of Merchandise for CPVMA this year! I am a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of Alberta and I am in a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health. This is my first executive position but I am more than ready to create and manage the merchandise of CPVMA! In terms of my career, I aspire to be a general practice or specialized veterinarian. My ultimate goal is to make a difference while also educating the public. I am so happy to be a part of this team and I look forward to helping many pre-veterinary students. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

Saneh Saini

Erin Huang

Hi guys, my name is Erin and I am the VP Sponsorship this year. I am currently in my second year at the University of Toronto and double majoring in Animal Physiology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. I’m hoping to go to veterinary school in the US and specialise in zoological or reptile/amphibian medicine.

Shadi Zadeh

Hi everyone! My name is Shadi and I am thrilled to be your VP of Fundraising this year! I am in my third year of the Animal Biology major at the University of Guelph. I am hoping to become a mixed animal veterinarian, working with companion and food production animals. I am honoured to be part of CPVMA’s amazing team and help connect pre-vet students across Canada to grow our community and support each other on our academic journeys. I can’t wait to meet you all! Please feel free to reach out to myself or the CPVMA team with any questions or ideas!

Maggie Zhang

Hey everyone! My name is Maggie and I’m this year’s Member Director. I am in my third year at the University of Toronto doing a double major in Animal Physiology and Psychology
with a minor in Biology. My passion is in small animal surgery. I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with pre-veterinary students across Canada!

Alex Czudner

Hello everyone! My name is Alex Czudner and I am a third year pre-veterinary student in the Arts and Sciences program at the University of Guelph. I am the current secretary of the Future Vets Club at the University of Guelph, and I am also the secretary of the CPVMA for this year. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing initiative to provide resources to pre-veterinary students across Canada. I have loved working with all types of animals, but my long-term career goal is to become a small animal veterinary surgeon. I would be more than happy to answer any questions, so feel free to reach out to me!

Neshani Gunendra

Hello! My name is Neshani Gunendra and I’m currently VP Administration of the University of Alberta Pre-Vet/Animal Health Club. I am in my fourth year of my Bachelor of Science in Animal Health. My major is companion animals, but I have developed a growing interest in livestock and large animals. In my free time I love to read, listen to music and go longboarding. I’m super excited to be part of the CPVMA and help out as a Committee Member! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Isabella Principe

Hello everyone! I’m Isabella Principe and I am very happy apart of the CPVMA this year as a General Committee member. I am currently in my third year of Animal Biology at the University of Guelph. I have aspirations of attending veterinary school in the future. I am interested in becoming a mixed animal veterinarian, but I also have an interest in small animal surgery. I look forward to be apart of the events this year! Please feel free to contact me with any questions 🙂

Talia Kertes

Hello! My name is Talia and this is my first year as a CPVMA general member! I am currently in my second year at the University of Toronto majoring in Animal Physiology and Biology with the hopes of attending veterinary school. I’ve been working as a veterinary assistant in a few small animal clinics across Toronto and I volunteer at free rabies vaccine clinics. I’m passionate about making animal healthcare more accessible. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!