Our Team

Merle has a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Western Ontario (UWO). After graduating with his DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, Merle spent three years in a veterinary practice in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Merle then moved to the University of Calgary for the next 20 years where he published over 200 scientific papers and filed 45 patents.

In 2009, established Alberta Veterinary Laboratories Ltd. to market products for use in animal health. AVL has developed and manufactured over 50 products for farm animals at their manufacturing facility in Calgary.

Dr. Olson created Solvet to market products through veterinarians. Not only are the products driven by veterinarian requests, practicing veterinarians are providing technical support in the field.

Dr. Barbara Olson is the Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs for Alberta Veterinary Laboratories (AVL) / SOLVET. Barbara completed a Bachelor in Sciences at the University of Manitoba followed by a Master of Sciences in Toxicology at the University of Guelph. Deciding to return to Western Canada, Barbara then studied for a Doctorate in the Department of Veterinary Physiological Sciences (WCVM University of Saskatchewan) complemented by a Post-Doc at the University of Calgary.

While teaching at the University of Calgary in the Department of Biological Sciences, Barbara became involved in regulatory work and as a member of a research group involved in conducting contract and in-house research studies for submission to the FDA and Health Canada on medical devices (catheters, implants), biofilms, drugs and vaccines. Development of AVL/SOLVET led to a career change and move to devote full time efforts to the company. Barbara works with a skilled group with both inorganic and organic analytical laboratories ensuring that raw materials and finished products meet the high level of quality demanded for all AVL/SOLVET products. The group has developed a stimulating work environment involving the ongoing effort to coordinate animal research studies in order to register products requested by veterinarians and producers. Barbara works with the group to develop drugs for future manufacture, direct contract manufacturing and work with veterinarians to develop quality drugs needed for Canadian producers.

Barbara continues to love the opportunity to continue field work as an internal QA monitor participating in research field studies with cattle and horses. When Barbara isn’t busy with regulatory work and updating internal systems, she loves to cycle, hike, ski in the mountains, travel, gourmet cook, and train her dog in agility.

Raised on a cow/calf and cropping operation in Acme, Alberta, Lionel is no stranger to the industry we serve. Graduating from Olds College with a Major in Agricultural Business and a Minor in Animal Science, Lionel brings extensive Sales and Marketing management experience to AVL/Solvet. In previous roles, he has led teams in a variety of production and companion animal industries including feeds, feed additives and pharmaceuticals.

Lionel’s most recent position was Director of Sales, Marketing, and Technical Services at Vetoquinol Canada. He has direct experience in business development with key clients, new product acquisitions, and lifecycle management.

Lionel joined AVL Solvet in the spring of 2022. As Chief Executive Officer, he leads day-to-day operations of the overall commercial business, manufacturing, production, business analytics, and financial reporting.

Paul Nigh has been involved in agriculture his entire life. After graduating with a diploma in Animal Sciences from Olds College, he commenced his career in the animal health industry. Paul has held a variety of sales and sales management roles during his time with Pfizer Animal Health and Vetoquinol.

Paul joined AVL/Solvet in June of 2022 as Vice President of Sales. Paul shares the Olson Family’s passion to serve the Canadian Livestock Industry through “Innovation by Request”, “Innovation from Research”, and through “Portfolio Expansion” in partnership with global manufacturers. Paul is motivated by the opportunity to further develop his team of Technical Services Veterinarians and Territory Managers in order to serve Canadian Veterinarians from coast to coast.

Paul and his wife Brita have 3 grown children and have been blessed with 5 wonderful grandsons.

Wendy Dittmer grew up in a Military family, travelling across Canada until they settled in Ontario in her teenage years. Wendy rode horses as a child and until she was a young adult. She married into a dairy farm/cropping family via her husband Dennis in 2004. The dairy was sold in July 2019, at which point the family transitioned to beef.
In addition to her beef and dairy herds, Wendy has owned a sheep flock and is an integral part of managing a friend’s flock. Wendy and her family have a herd of mini silky fainting goats, as well as some beehives.
In 1999, Wendy graduated from The University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Animal Science.
Wendy started her career in agriculture shortly after graduation. Starting in 1999 she worked for Consultant Feeds as a Sales Rep and Nutritionist for dairy, beef, and equine.
In 2006, she left Consultant Feeds to work as Western Canadian Sales Manager for Kane Veterinary Supplies. After a few years in that position, Wendy became National Agriculture Manager for Kane Veterinary Supplies in 2009. Her new position was responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing functions, as well as manufacturing partner support.
In April of 2021, Wendy left Kane Veterinary Supplies to join Solvet as Vice President of Commercial Services and Logistics.

Grégoire Leduc was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. Although coming from an urban environment, Grégoire chose agriculture as a way of life and for a professional career. After graduating from University Laval with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Animal Science, he moved in the countryside where he and his wife Genevieve raised their two daughters Alexia and Adèle. Great family memories where build at the farm between horses, peacocks, goats, poultries etc.

Grégoire started his career in the sheep industry as counselor for producers for a five-year period. In 2005, he then moved into the pharmaceutical industry as a food production animal Marketing Product Manager at Vetoquinol where he held for 18 years many marketing functions and roles.

Grégoire joined Solvet in July of 2022 and he looks forward playing a pioneer role in building today the future of Solvet – a local family-owned company.
Grégoire really enjoys biking and chillin’ at the cabin with friends and family over the weekend.

Shannon Gervais brings a well-rounded wealth of experience to her role as Companion Animal Business Unit Director at Solvet. Starting her career in veterinary nursing, Shannon expanded her expertise into pharmaceutical sales, management & marketing. Her career later led her into clinical operations and business development, building a reputation for driving innovation and creating impactful change. Actively involved in strategic veterinary groups, she leverages her expertise in change management, foundational development, and product innovation to drive growth and success.

Based south of Calgary with her son, Shannon enjoys the mountains and lakes equally and embraces an active outdoor lifestyle with her 3 dogs and horses. Her daughter is currently pursuing a major in animal science in Texas.

At Solvet, Shannon is dedicated to launching innovative products, growing a dynamic sales team, and fostering meaningful connections across the veterinary profession.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Ryan has over 10+ years of animal health sales experience in food nutrition, pharmaceuticals & nutraceuticals in field sales & management roles. Working in the animal health space allows me an opportunity to feel energized every morning about my professional contributions and collaborating with like-minded people.
I joined Solvet in August 2022 and have been enjoying my time learning the ropes on our large animal business. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Erica, our 3-year-old son Nate, volunteering my time and playing golf and hockey.

Brenda was blessed to be raised by awesome parents on their dairy farm in Southern Ontario. Interest in animal health began early, spending her teenage years working with the Vet TEAM at Fisherville Animal Clinic. Brenda graduated from Centralia College with an Honors Diploma in Animal Health Technology. Her externship at Wheatley Hall Farm, an equine sports medicine practice led her to the “Secret Society” of cow people who are passionate about horses…and their health. Life led Brenda and her husband Terry, to New Jersey and Kentucky where he trained standardbred horses and she worked in equine rehab. Their children were born during these years. Upon their return to Canada Brenda joined the Animal Health Industry where she has thrived for 30 years. She started as a Sales and Marketing Assistant and over 22 years became National Sales Manager for a Canadian Animal Health Company whose focus was bovine embryo transfer/reproduction and equine sports medicine.

Her passion remains her horses, riding, driving and most especially sharing this passion with her grandchildren. She and her husband Terry share the love of harness racing as does their son.
Brenda joined the Solvet TEAM in August 2022. She firmly believes this is an incredible opportunity to make a difference for both her clients and Solvet, a true win/win!

Chantal was born and raised in Quebec surrounded by her parents and three sisters. Although coming from an urban life, Chantal quickly fell in love with agriculture and everything that surrounds it. With a diploma in Animal Health Technology obtained in 2002, Chantal began her career in a veterinary clinic for companion animals and then quickly branched out into the pork industry at the Coopérative Fédérée de Québec’s Research Farm. In order to perfect her knowledge of swine industry, she then moved to a private company to work as farrowing manager in a 1,800-sow operation.
With care for animal health and eager to share her knowledge, Chantal then entered the pharmaceutical field by joining the Vetoquinol Canada team in 2005. During her seventeen years as a territory manager, she has developed extraordinary knowledge and understanding of the industry, making her a leader in her field.
It is with great pride that Chantal joined the Solvet team in September 2022 to pursue her career in a family business that cares about agriculture and its producers.
Based in Quebec with her two boys, Chantal divides her time between the pharmaceutical industry, her boys’ many sports, some motocross and snowboarding.

Shannon joined the Solvet team in April 2023 to help grow and innovate the animal health industry.
Born and raised in Montreal, Shannon obtained her Animal Health Technology diploma in 1998 and continued her studies at MacDonald College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Major in Animal Science. Her love of animals led her to work in research and the pharmaceutical industry. Shannon has worked for various companies throughout her career and held several roles, such as Territory Manager, Regional Sales Manager and Key Account Manager.
Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and her two poodles, and volunteering at an animal shelter on weekends.

From a young age Adam knew he wanted to be a cowboy! After a little reflection, some deliberation, and a more thorough understanding of what that meant, he found himself studying Animal & Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan. Upon graduating from the U of S, his career in the animal health industry was born. In Adam’s almost 20 years in the business, he has had the pleasure of working for multinational and global organizations like Novartis Animal Health, Alpharma LLC, and Bioniche Life Sciences in a variety of sales functions.

In the fall of 2024, Adam proudly joins Solvet from Vetoquinol Canada, where his most recent appointment was acting Regional Sales Manager for the Western Canadian large animal business. The opportunity to effect change while supporting producers at the grassroots level was only some of the allure to joining the Solvet family!
With a penchant for fine quality roping horses, Adam can often be found horseback prepping young horses for a career in the arena. Adam, his wife Breann, and their two daughters enjoy the outdoors and all that country living offers on their acreage northwest of Calgary.

Born in Toronto and raised both there and in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Scott first fell in love with rural life while working on a dairy farm in the Ottawa Valley and cemented his interest in dairy practice as an externship student with Navan Veterinary Clinic.
An OVC 86 graduate, Scott was mentored in the practice of high-quality veterinary medicine with Mitchell Veterinary Services during 3 years in mixed practice. However, his interest in practicing strictly dairy medicine drove him to join the progressive and growth-oriented team at Tavistock Veterinarians in 1989. In 2004, Scott completed Guelph’s Dairy Health Management Certificate Program which allowed him to continue to bring the latest scientific concepts to his clients. Scott’s greatest satisfaction in practice was derived from delivering a high level of service to three generations of his clientele while contributing to the growth and success of their dairy operations.
Scott and his wife Linda raised their three children on a small rural property in Oxford County. They particularly enjoy gardening and walks in the woods while keeping a small menagerie of creatures. Scott retired from clinical practice in 2021 and truly appreciates the opportunity to serve dairy veterinarians and their clientele as part of Solvet’s team at this exciting time in its development.

Dr. Denis Nagel was raised on a small ranch in southern Saskatchewan. After obtaining his DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1983, he returned to his roots by establishing Nagel and Company Veterinary Services, a large animal practice serving the horses and cattle north of Calgary. In 1990, Denis shifted focus of practice from a fee for service to a herd-orientated, consultative practice.

In 2002, he began to collaborate with Dr. Merle Olson, running over fifty trials evaluating vaccines, bandages, catheters, anti-inflammatory and various other products. In 2013, he sold his practice to internal employees, continuing to provide guidance as an associate. In the years following, he joined the Solvet team as a veterinary consultant. Dr. Nagel still enjoys working on his ranch; he also spends his free time training stock dogs and travelling. He and his wife Annabelle have three grown children starting the path to their own careers.

Melissa was born and raised in Quebec City, the last of a large family of 4 sisters. She currently lives in Montreal with her husband, their three daughters and their cat Zoé.
In 2000, she completed her Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in marketing at University Laval. Melissa was immersed in the retail and fashion world in her mother’s company for 35 years and she developed a strong sense of entrepreneurship. That’s why she joined the family business in 2002, leading the marketing department for 15 years.
Melissa then transitioned to a completely different field, that of animal health, as Product Manager for the large animal division at Vetoquinol. This 5-year experience introduced her to a new industry and allowed her to make a place for herself in this other big family that is agriculture. She also worked in the human health field as a brand manager for a pharmacy banner.
Melissa joined Solvet in October 2022 as a Marketing Product Manager. She has an assigned portfolio of companion and large animals’ products under her care and leads several related marketing projects.
She shares the Olson’s family mission to serve Canadian producers well and to be dedicated to improving the lives of people and animals.

Esteban has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Mexico, and a Business Administration Management diploma from Canada.
In Mexico City, he worked at Papalote Museo del Niño, the most visited interactive children’s museum in Latin America (over 9 million visitors in 2008-2009) as a Project Supervisor in 2008, and as a Coordinator of Temporary and Travelling Exhibits from 2009-2011. Among his achievements at the Museum, he purchased over 50 interactive exhibits from suppliers around the globe. He also brought international traveling exhibits to Papalote, like the Climate Change exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History in N.Y.
In 2001-2002, he studied at Carleton University, in Ottawa, and that’s when he fell in love with Canada. It took him almost 12 years to accomplish his dream, and finally in January 2014 he landed as a permanent resident in Montreal.
Esteban joined AVL/SOLVET in July 2018 as an administrative assistant, and his role evolved to his current position as commercial service manager. In this position, he assists with all imports and exports, besides taking care of all orders from our valued customers across Canada.
He has several hobbies and passions. As a photographer, he started volunteering in October 2014 at MEOW Foundation, a local cat shelter, and hasn’t missed a month since then. He adopted his two cats from there: Angelino and Ciccio Bello.
Besides photography, he is interested in architecture, interior design, technology, languages (he speaks Spanish, Italian, English, and French), and traveling (US -Alaska and Hawaii included-, Egypt, 15 European countries, and Russia).

Spending much of my childhood with my parents Dr. Merle and Dr. Barbara Olson, learning about science and animal health care was an everyday thing. My love for both animals and people who work in the agriculture industry had the flame in my heart stocked into a blaze.
After graduating with my degree in Finance in 2013, many people would have gone into insurance, banking, or a corporate ladder position. I decided to work with AVL/Solvet as a starting Production Assistant. I knew in my heart from day 1 that Merle’s and Barb’s vision for the future of AVL/Solvet was something to fight for. Starting from the ground up learning all aspects of our production, I rose through the ranks to Production Manager in 2018, where I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of pharmaceutical production including manufacturing under GMP and compounding. Late in 2021, I joined our marketing team to help develop our marketing department with both my finance and production experience. In 2024, I joined the Sales team as the first Territory Manager of the companion animal division for Alberta. Now looking to the bright future that is our wonderful company filled with a family of people who truly care about all aspects of our industry gives me as much warmth as the day my father introduced me to my first cow that started that flame to begin with.

Dave’s love of animals and passion for the industry started in his earliest days working and eventually managing his parents’ dairy farm. He obtained his Degree in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba and continued his education through several seminars and courses. After leaving the dairy farm, Dave joined Elite Swine, a large, coordinated swine group. It was during his 8-year tenure as veterinary assistant that he began his journey in biosecurity. Dave later joined SHP, a major veterinary group, and then worked at Vetoquinol where he was the Biosecurity Specialist for 14 years. In his spare time, Dave enjoys adventures with his wife Melody and spending time with his three grown children and their partners —and being their handy man! Dave is extremely pleased to have joined Solvet in May 2023 as Biosecurity Specialist. Solvet’s philosophy aligns with his own and he loves being a part of the team. “Helping and finding solutions for customers!”

Steve has been involved with agriculture all his life, growing up on a farm and graduating from the Centralia College of Agricultural Technology in 1980. He worked in the crop input and feed business until 1992 when he joined Pfizer/Zoetis and worked with various large animal species sectors over the following years.

Steve joined the Solvet team in 2020 as sales support for their “I Care For Cattle” program and “Innovation By Request” business model, as well as assisting Solvet consultant veterinarian Roger Thomson in Ontario.