Correna Leeder
Hospital Administrator
Hi, my name is Correna Leeder, and I am the Hospital Administrator at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital.
I am a Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA) with a long-standing career in the veterinary field.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of the clinic, my life is centered around my family; I am a proud mother of four and a grandmother to one. I find my greatest joy in spending quality time with my loved ones and friends. When I have time for myself, I love being outdoors, whether it is going for a bike ride or heading out to our family camper. I am also an avid reader and always look forward to curling up with a good book to unwind. I am a huge CFL fan and am always rooting for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
I have three pets. My dog, River, is a two-year-old Rottweiler/Lab mix rescue; she is a sweet, kind soul who loves to play. I also have two six-year-old domestic short hair litter mate cats: Elvira ("Ellie"), who is solid black, and Kovu, who is a black and brown tabby.
Favorite Part of My Job
My favorite part of my role is leading and supporting a dedicated team toward shared goals, while creating an environment where both our clients and patients feel cared for. I find great fulfillment in bringing people together, building strong relationships with my colleagues and clients, and helping the team grow and succeed.
Of course, witnessing the recovery process and seeing pets regain their health and return home to their loved ones is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our collective efforts contribute to providing the best possible care for the animals and people in our community is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
I am passionate about the collaborative nature of veterinary medicine. Whether it is improving operational efficiency to better serve patients or facilitating a seamless client experience, I love how every aspect of our work centers on the health and happiness of animals. The blend of medical advocacy and compassionate care is what makes this field so unique and fulfilling.
Why I Chose This Profession
I have always been deeply passionate about the special bond between animals and their families, which is what drew me to this profession. I began my career as a Veterinary Office Assistant, where I gained a strong foundation in providing compassionate care to both patients and clients. Over the past 12 years in practice management, I have discovered a true passion for the leadership side of veterinary medicine. I find great fulfillment in supporting my team, advocating for our patients, and fostering collaboration to ensure the highest standard of care. Serving as a bridge between our team, clients, and patients is what makes this work so incredibly meaningful to me.
Education
I graduated from Robertson College in 2000 with a Veterinary Office Assistant Diploma.
Professional Background
My training includes Leadership & Management Training, Team Building, Communication & Difficult Conversations, Conflict Resolution, Veterinary Practice Management, Psychological First Aid, and First Aid/CPR.
Work History
I began my journey at the Animal Hospital of Manitoba, where I completed my practicum and spent a total of 14 years as a Veterinary Office Assistant, from June 2000 to December 2013, providing administrative and clinical support to the veterinary team.
I then transitioned to Southglen Veterinary Hospital from January 2014 to June 2018, serving as a Lead VOA and eventually becoming the Office Manager, where I oversaw daily office operations and managed administrative staff.
Following that, I joined Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital & Wellness Centre from July 2018 to June 2026, where I facilitated front-office operations and client relations.
I joined Lakewood Veterinary Hospital as Hospital Administrator in July 2026, directing the comprehensive administrative and operational functions of the hospital.