Dr. Serge Gotovac

Veterinarian
Owner

Dr. Serge (Srdjan) Gotovac graduated from the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1988 and went on to study small animal medicine at the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (in Croatia). After settling in Canada with his family, Serge earned his Certificate of Qualification from both the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations and went on to attain his license to practice veterinary medicine Ontario. In 2008, Dr. Serge and his wife Edita opened up Rouge Valley Veterinary Hospital, a dream come true for their family. 

Dr. Serge has his own family of rescued fur babies, otherwise known as the “Gotovac Zoo”. In 2015, Dr. Serge and his family adopted Donny and Ruby from Duga, a home for stray dogs in Bosnia (see “Our Cause”). Although this troublesome duo love to dig holes in the yard and bark at the mailman, the love and joy they bring to the family is irreplaceable. The family also includes 3 cats – Katarina (the Queen Bee), Ellie (the bravest of them all), and Lucy (the cuddle bug).

Dr. Nevena Gotovac

Veterinarian

Dr. Nevena graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology (Honours) from the University of Guelph in 2014. In June 2018, she graduated from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College, and earned her license to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario.

Dr. Nevena’s special interests include diagnostic imaging, pain management, and preventative healthcare. Since joining the team, she has completed the Fear Free certification Program and is passionate about eliminating the stress, fear, and anxiety that patients may feel when coming in for veterinary visits.

Animals have always been an important part of my life, and becoming a veterinarian has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to go to work every day and do what I love—it still feels surreal at times. I also get to work alongside my father and colleague, Dr. Serge, who has always been my biggest inspiration—I’m surprised that scientists have not yet isolated the “veterinarian gene”!

Kirstin Muir

Registered Veterinary Technician
Lead Technician

In early 2021, Kirstin graduated from the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus with an associate diploma in Veterinary Technology. She then went on to become a member of the OAVT and reached her goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician.  

I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with animals and have never considered another career path. I am lucky to have found my passion so early in life. –Kirstin

When Kirstin is not working, she is usually spending time with her friends, family and pets. She loves riding her horse, Sianna, and going on long hikes with her Australian Shepherd, Calia.

Alyssa Batista

Veterinary Care Specialist

After completing her co-op with RVVH in 2017 and falling in love with our clients and patients, Alyssa decided to become a permanent member of the RVVH team. She always knew she wanted to work with animals one way or another, especially since she grew up surrounded by pets of all species. 

Although it's a difficult job, it's a job I enjoy coming to. Getting to know patients & clients every day and seeing sick pets become better again brings a lot of joy and happiness to me. Just knowing I have a hand in helping animals to be healthy is more than I could ask for. –Alyssa

 On her down time, Alyssa enjoys Netflix with her husband, camping, hiking, and travelling. She also enjoys live streaming and playing video games. She loves cuddling up with her Schnauzer/Yorkie mix, Pebbles, as well as her two chubby, food-loving, sweet rats—Moose & Roach.

Eva Lam

Veterinary Assistant

In 2021, Eva graduated from Seneca College (King’s Campus) with distinction in the Veterinary Assistant program. She chose this career because she wants to care for animals that gave her comfort during challenging situations. Eva joined the team at RVVH in 2021. She is always willing to assist in various tasks around the clinic, including preparing patients for surgery and pampering our clinic cat, Heidi.

The power of love (no relation to any song), but what can happen from the human-animal bond is what I consider fascinating about veterinary medicine. All of my pets are strays that have found me while doing international humanitarian work in Africa and Bangladesh. –Eva

On her days off, the alarm is turned off. She goes swimming at the YMCA, or does volunteering as a dog walker for owners who are homebound. Afterwards, she splurges on European-style coffee. Since joining the team, Eva has become a Harry Potter fan and belongs in the Hogwarts house of Ravenclaw (along with Dr. Nev). #RavenclawStrong