Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. Faith Banks, CHPV, CCRT, CPEV

Dr. Faith Banks graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 1996, and has been practicing veterinary medicine in Toronto, Ontario ever since. While working in a busy downtown veterinary clinic, she became interested in geriatric medicine and pain management for pets while caring for her own geriatric Bernese Mountain Dog, Smudge. After learning about the developing area in veterinary medicine called animal hospice, Dr. Banks knew she had found her passion.

She has completed numerous courses relating to geriatrics, animal hospice, pain management, canine massage and trigger point therapy. She has completed a Pet Loss and Grief Companioning Certification course through Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, in addition to certification as a Pet Loss Counsellor through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. She has also completed the Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) course through CAETA.

She is amongst the first group of veterinarians to be named as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPV) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). Dr. Banks joined the IAAHPC and attends its conference annually to expand her knowledge of hospice care and continue providing exceptional care and service to her patients. She has written two chapters in a textbook called "Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient." She is a guest lecturer at the Ontario Veterinary College for the Art of Veterinary Medicine course on animal euthanasia. She completed her certification as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Her goal in providing compassionate in-home palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care is to allow people to strengthen and lengthen the bond they share with their much loved pet.

When not working, Dr. Banks enjoys photography, travelling, reading, cottaging, collecting vintage flea powder tins and spending time with her friends and family. She shares her home with her husband, 3 children, Elsie the Bernese Mountain Dog and the cutest little Chihuahua, named Puddy.

Dr. Shannon Shum, CHPV

Dr. Shannon Shum found her passion for animal hospice care after shadowing Dr. Faith Banks, owner of MMVHS, during her time as a vet student. This experience helped to shape her career as she went on to become a Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPV) upon graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2019 and has since joined the team at MMVHS to provide compassionate end-of-life care at home. Dr. Shum is committed to helping pets thrive in their golden years by relieving pain and supporting families through difficult end-of-life decisions made out of love for their pets. Having experienced the loss of her senior Golden Retriever, Money, and orange tabby, Mia, she truly understands the heartbreak and grief faced by pet parents and is honoured to help you navigate this highly emotional time in your pet's life.

When not working, you might find Dr. Shum exploring the city for coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. She also enjoys doing yoga and kickboxing, arts and crafts, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and three cats Micah, Coconut, and Cinnamon.

Dr. Elizabeth Silk, CPEV

Dr. Elizabeth Silk graduated from the University of Guelph with an honours degree in Biomedical Science before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2020. Since joining MMVHS, she has also completed her Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation.

After graduation, she spent one year working in general practice at a small animal clinic in Simcoe County, after which she moved to Mississauga, where she continued to work in small animal general practice for another three and a half years. During this time, she found a passion for providing humane and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care to her patients and helping support families as they navigated through these difficult times. She is honoured to join MMVHS and be a member of such a skilled and compassionate veterinary team that delivers outstanding care to senior and ill pets and their families.

When not at the clinic, she can usually be found planning her next trip abroad, learning a new musical instrument, curling up with a good book, or watching a movie with her partner and her very spoiled Maltese/poodle mix, Ava.

Dr. Tamara Skocylak, CPEV

Dr. Tamara Skocylak graduated as a Veterinary Technician from Seneca College in 2011. She then went on to complete her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2016 and has completed her Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation since joining MMVHS. Over the years, she has worked in mixed, equine and companion animal hospitals in both general practice, as well as emergency settings.

Throughout her veterinary career, she was accompanied by her spirited rescue black Lab Retriever, Tobi. When it came time to say goodbye to her faithful companion of nearly 14 years, she truly realized how challenging this time is for pet owners. Dr. Skocylak feels fortunate to have received guidance from numerous colleagues while navigating end of life care for Tobi. Alongside the dedicated team at Midtown Mobile Veterinary Hospice Services, she endeavours to provide the same level of compassionate support to pets and their owners across the GTA.

During her time off, Dr. Skocylak enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and being on the water. Other hobbies include ballroom dancing, tending to her potted plants and planning adventures abroad with her boyfriend.

Dr. Samara van der Smissen, CPEV

Dr. Samara van der Smissen learned from a young age that animals were her passion. From helping on her uncle's dairy farm and caring for a variety of species to riding horses on her parents' hobby farm near Caledon, animals were always near. Very early on, she realised that she would forever strive to alleviate suffering.

Dr. van der Smissen has always been astutely aware of the intense bond between pets and their families. Having chosen home euthanasia for her own cats, she understands that it allows us to offer this final act of compassion in a familiar and loving setting. As both a veterinarian and pet owner, she has a deep appreciation for the importance and lasting effect of those final moments in a pet’s life. She is deeply honoured to join such a caring and distinguished team at MMVHS, and considers it a great privilege to be able to help animals and their owners during this most difficult time.

Dr. van der Smissen got her first degree in Zoology from the University of Toronto before graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2013. Since then, she has worked in multiple small animal practices in Toronto. She has a special interest in feline medicine and is certified as a Cat Friendly Veterinarian by the Feline VMA. Since joining MMVHS, Dr. van der Smissen has completed her Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, dancing, enjoying nature while camping or hiking and speaking Spanish, French and the occasional Dutch with her family. She shares her home with her husband, two young children and their much loved cat Kejimkujik Seaside (AKA Keji).

Dr. Brett Noden, CPEV

Dr. Brett Noden is a compassionate veterinarian who brings a calm, gentle presence to every patient and family he works with. He graduated from the University of Cambridge’s Veterinary Medicine program in 2020 and went on to serve for three years as a Veterinary Officer with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. There, he cared for the British military’s service animals, delivering both emergency and routine veterinary care with dedication and heart.

In 2023, Dr. Brett moved to Canada to join his wife in Midtown Toronto. He continued to expand his clinical experience through a one-year Companion Animal Rotating Internship at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. He has a special place in his heart for senior pets and is deeply committed to providing thoughtful, respectful palliative and end-of-life care. His calm, reassuring approach helps support animals and their families during life’s most tender moments. Dr. Brett recently earned his Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation, further deepening his ability to serve pets and their people with empathy and dignity.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Dr. Brett in a local dog park or jogging through Toronto’s ravines with Oliver, his playful Italian Greyhound/Whippet mix. He also enjoys cooking, sharing meals with loved ones, and playing on a local pool team.

Dr. George Reisman, CPEV

Dr. George Reisman graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Since then, he has gained experience in both telemedicine and at a busy referral and emergency veterinary clinic. Over time, he discovered a deep calling in the field of veterinary hospice, where his skills and compassion could be used to support families during one of the most profound stages of the human–animal bond. He is honoured to be part of the Midtown Mobile Veterinary Hospice Services team, pursuing his passion to care for pets and their families in their most tender moments, and has recently earned his Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation.

While growing up, Dr. Reisman was unable to join his family at their dog’s euthanasia. That absence left a lasting impression and inspired his appreciation for the comfort and intimacy of being able to say goodbye in person. Today, he is committed to helping families share those final moments together in a peaceful, familiar setting. For him, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to guide families through difficult decisions and ensure every goodbye is calm, meaningful, and surrounded by love.

In his personal life, Dr. Reisman enjoys spending time with his dogs Obi, Benji, and Leni, along with his cat Momo. Staying active is important to him, whether it’s playing hockey, working out, or enjoying the outdoors. He also finds balance in reading and relaxing with a good show or movie.

Dr. Ambre Alléguède, CPEV

Dr. Ambre Alléguède graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Following graduation, she began her career in general practice in Northern Ontario, where she also provided after-hours emergency care and in-home end-of-life care. In 2018, she returned to Toronto and spent several years working in emergency medicine, gaining extensive experience managing critical and complex cases, as well as supporting families through difficult decisions and stressful situations. She later transitioned back into general practice, where she has continued to develop a broad range of clinical interests, including pain management, integrative medicine, and palliative and geriatric care. Since joining MMVHS, she has completed her Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation.

Dr. Ambre's passion for hospice and end-of-life care has been deeply shaped by her experiences supporting patients and their families through peaceful and compassionate goodbyes. Having also navigated the loss of her own childhood dog, she understands firsthand how difficult these moments can be. She believes it is a true privilege to help ease suffering and guide families through this emotional time, and views end-of-life care as a final act of kindness and a way to express gratitude for the love and joy pets bring into our lives.

Outside of work, Dr. Ambre enjoys running, staying connected with family and friends, travelling when she can, and relaxing on her balcony with a good book. She shares her life with her beloved cats, Winter and Diamond, and has a special place in her heart for her extended feline family—Ramsee, Louie, and Jules—who have each found their chosen homes with loved ones.

Dr. Vivek Basu, CPEV

Dr. Vivek Basu was raised in Toronto and earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph in 2013. He completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2017. Following graduation, Dr. Vivek began his career in New Brunswick, before returning to Toronto to work in a small animal urgent care clinic. While in Toronto, he joined MMHVS and found his passion for in-home hospice and end-of-life care. In 2023, he relocated to London, UK, where he continued providing compassionate palliative support to pets while also working at wildlife and exotic animal hospitals. During his time overseas, Dr. Vivek obtained a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, focusing on zoological medicine, from the University of Edinburgh. After completing this program in 2026, he returned to Toronto and is pleased to re-join MMVHS.

Inspired by the recent loss of his own pets, Dr. Vivek is committed to ensuring comfort, quality of life, and peaceful goodbyes at home. From palliative care, to end-of-life discussions and management, and saying goodbye at home, Dr. Vivek understands the importance and gravity of caring for loved ones in their most vulnerable moments. Since re-joining MMVHS, he has completed his Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation.

His professional background includes working at a primate sanctuary in Ontario, teaching wildlife medicine courses in Costa Rica and South Africa, and volunteering with the non-profit organization Global Vets in Tanzania. He published a paper on the treatment of gastric cancer, based on the care of his own dog, Aria. On his days off, Dr. Vivek enjoys cooking, gaming, traveling, and spending time with his elderly British cat, Noel.

Dr. Rebecca Hu, CPEV

Dr. Rebecca Hu graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Following graduation, she worked in small animal general practice, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and built meaningful relationships with many families over the years. Over time, Dr. Rebecca discovered a deep passion for supporting pets and their families through hospice and end-of-life care, and went on to join the MMVHS team full-time in 2026. Since joining, she has also completed her Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) designation.

Having experienced the loss of her own soul dog, Starling, Dr. Rebecca understands firsthand how emotional and challenging this time can be. She feels honoured to support families during one of life’s most difficult moments and is dedicated to providing a compassionate, dignified, and peaceful experience for everyone. She views end-of-life care as a final act of love—a meaningful way to honour the joy and companionship our pets give us throughout their lives.

Outside of work, Dr. Rebecca enjoys staying active through fitness and running, and spending time outdoors hiking with her dog, Duke (and occasionally her adventure cat, Kitt). She also enjoys expressing her creativity through pet photography, travelling, trying new restaurants, and unwinding with family while watching a good show or movie.