Teachers

Dr. Lianna Titcombe

Dr. Titcombe began her career in veterinary medicine, following her graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1999. She has since worked in emergency medicine and critical care, general practice, and with shelters and animal rescue organizations. In 2000 she took over the Pet Loss Support Group of Ottawa, acting as director and group facilitator. This role, as well as the death of her mother following a long and painful illness, led to the realization of her true calling: to help and support terminally ill pets and their families. She is hoping to lead the veterinary hospice movement in Canada, bringing dignity and comfort to companion animals during their end of life.

Karen Smith

Karen was born and raised in Ottawa and began her career in the veterinary field at the tender age of 15, as a kennel student working in emergency and critical care. She appreciates the special nature of hospice care in looking after both the pets and their owners, in the comfort of their own home. She also enjoys working as a mobile hospice team due to her unusually strong affection for driving.

Nancy Grichen

Nancy joined our team as Office Administrator in May 2017 and brings with her over 30 years of customer service experience and a big heart! Pets have been part of her family since she was a child growing up on a farm in a tiny northern town. She now enjoys working at Claire Place as she gets to combine her compassion for animals with helping our clients work through the difficult process of saying goodbye to their beloved pets.