Meet Our Veterinary Team
Since 1993, Brentwood Animal Hospital has provided friendly and knowledgeable veterinary care for dogs, cats, rabbits and pocket pets in Sherwood Park and the surrounding Edmonton area. Dr. Shirley Lamberink and Dr. Averell Forbes have more than 40 years of combined experience. Our caring and dedicated support staff work with our doctors to ensure that you and your pet have a great experience during each and every visit.
Our Team
Dr. Shirley Lamberink
I was born and raised in Edmonton. I graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 and began working at this clinic (formerly known as Maplewood Vet Clinic) in 1990. I subsequently purchased it in 1993 from the original owner who had started the practice in 1975! Over the years, I have found Medicine to be an ever-changing and dynamic career; it keeps you learning and on your toes. I have also realized that pets and the people who love them haven’t changed and that my clients will always be the inspiration I need to keep offering my best. My husband and I reside on an acreage in Edmonton and are proud parents of a son who is currently pursuing a career as an EMT and firefighter. We currently share our home with our Bouvier (Zoek) and two horses (Hank and Moose).
Dr. Averell Forbes
I grew up in Sherwood Park and attended the University of Alberta where I obtained my Bachelor of Sciences with Distinction in 1994. I later attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Great Distinction in 2000. Upon graduation, I returned to Sherwood Park where I have continued to practice ever since. In October 2013, I switched practices and joined the great team at Brentwood Animal Hospital as a part-time veterinarian. My husband, Paul, and I live on an acreage east of Sherwood Park with our son, Graison and our daughter, Amalie. We are fortunate to have Rowdy, a sweet old black Labrador who loves to play ball. I have enjoyed getting to know the great clients at Brentwood Animal Hospital and I look forward to working with you to help keep your pets healthy and happy.
Claire Cockman, RVT
Although born in Edmonton, I grew up in Saskatchewan where I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology and worked in a veterinary hospital for over 5 years. I returned to Edmonton to further my education in the Animal Health Technology program, and in 2008 graduated from NAIT with honors. I grew up with multiple pets that included dogs, cats, fish and guinea pigs. Currently I reside with my cat Thermal, the “miniature mountain lion.” I have been a part of the team since 2007 and continue to enjoy working at Brentwood and helping to educate and assist our clients with their pets’ health and well-being.
Patti Okerstrom, RVT
I grew up in Sherwood Park and even at an early age I knew that one of my greatest passions was helping animals. In 2003, I began my career here at Brentwood Animal Hospital as a kennel attendant. I went on to take the NAIT Animal Health Technology program and graduated in 2011. I have a Havanese dog named Cobalt and through him I have developed a deeper understanding of what it means to provide love and care for our 4-legged friends. Outside of work I enjoy going to farmers’ markets and making crafty projects and I love going to the lake with Cobalt where we can both enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.
Bucket
I don’t remember too much of my early life, except some big machine that wasn’t very kind to me. Luckily, a nice man brought me here to Brentwood Animal Hospital, where I spent some time with a big bandage on one of my back legs and ended up losing some toes. In the end everything worked out quite well, but my humans have put me on supplements (glucosamine and chondroitin) to help my joints as I age. Apparently, keeping a healthy weight will help me too, although I sometimes protest about this. I enjoy sleeping, eating, supervising the humans that work for me, and overall enhancing their work environment with my marvelous presence. Did I mention sleeping?
Our Building
In 1998 we outgrew our small location on Brentwood Boulevard, but it was still another 2 years before we could move into our current location on Ordze Avenue, next to the Canadian Tire store. Dr. Lamberink co-designed the building and was responsible for seeing that it conformed to energy-efficient and eco-friendly standards, as well as including many features to improve hospital (and thereby patient and staff) health and safety.
Charitable Donations
Every 6 months our team picks a charity to support. We take a percentage of the sales of our pet treats and cat toys for that period and match the amount with a donation from the staff and doctors. In the past we have donated to the Stollery, the Edmonton Humane Society, Movember, World Wildlife Fund, MS Canada, Tails of Help and Plan Canada, to name just a few. We try to alternate between a people and a pet charity. In addition, Brentwood Animal Hospital donates annually to Ducks Unlimited.
