Leena Sandström
Veterinarian
Our Team
I graduated as a veterinarian in 1997 and have worked as a small animal veterinarian for almost my entire professional career.
I have orientated in heart diseases and completed the European ESAVS Certificate in Small Animal Veterinary Practice / Cardiology. I am authorized to perform official heart examinations for the Finnish Kennel Club (auscultation, ultrasound, and ECG examinations). I have learned to perform abdominal ultrasound examinations through Finnish courses (Fennovet) and in Europe (ESAVS).
My professional interests focus on heart diseases and internal medicine in dogs and cats.
Through thorough examination and up-to-date knowledge, I strive to ensure that your pet receives appropriate care.
Pamela Kvarngård
Veterinarian
I have been working as a small animal veterinarian since 2013, and today my work focuses largely on treating orthopedic patients. I have completed further education in orthopedic surgery (AOVET, ESAVS etc) as well as in dentistry (Accesia Academy).
I prioritise staying up to date with new research, techniques, and treatment options—continuously educating myself is an important part of offering the best possible care.
My main professional interests lie in orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. I find it especially rewarding to help animals regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life, and this motivates me every day in my work.
Assaf Wydra
Veterinarian
I have been working as a small animal veterinarian since 2011, and today my work focuses mainly on dentistry and endoscopic examinations as well as treating wildlife. I have completed further education in veterinary dentistry (Accesia Academy) as well as in endoscopic examinations and wildlife care.
Exploring and adopting new technology is an essential part of my professional development and helps me provide the highest standard of care for my patients.
My main professional interests include dentistry, endoscopy, and the practical application of new technological innovations in clinical work. In addition to my work at the clinic, I am actively involved in voluntary pro bono work treating wildlife, which I find deeply meaningful and an important part of my role as a veterinarian.
Nina Haglund
Veterinarian
I have worked as a veterinarian since 2016/2017, and since 2020 I have been part of the Eläinklinikka Saari team. It is important to me to combine a calm, empathetic approach with a working style that prioritises patient safety and strong clinical competence – I want both animals and their owners to feel safe and comfortable during their visit.
Before becoming a veterinarian, I graduated as a pharmacist, which provides me with a solid foundation in pharmacology and medical treatments. I have also completed further training in dental diseases (Accesia Academy) and soft tissue surgery (ESAVS).
My professional interests focus particularly on surgery, dentistry, and dermatology. What motivates me most in my work is the opportunity to continuously develop – and above all, to contribute to animal well-being every day.
Merja Autio
Veterinarian
I graduated in the summer of 2025 from Eesti Maaülikool in Tartu and have been working as a veterinarian since 2024. I have been part of the Eläinklinikka Saari team since April 2025. My particular areas of interest are soft tissue surgery and exotic animals, and I aim to pursue further training in these areas in the future.
I value calm and individual interactions, as well as reliable, evidence-based care for each animal. I find my work meaningful and appreciate its variety and professional challenges.
Sanna Koskiluhta
Clinic Manager, Veterinary Technician
I qualified as a veterinary nurse at Ylä-Savo Vocational College in 2009 and have been working at Animal Clinic Saari ever since. Over the years, I have completed several advanced training courses covering areas from nutrition to anesthesia monitoring. What I value most about working in an animal clinic is the versatility of the work.
In addition to animal care and customer service, my responsibilities include managing orders and coordinating work schedules.
Jenni Ruotsala
Head Veterinary technician
Veterinary technician EAT, anesthesia 2025
I graduated as an animal caretaker in 2010 and began working at the clinic in 2014. In 2018, I qualified as a veterinary nurse and also completed further education in dentistry abroad. More recently, I deepened my expertise in anesthesiology during 2024–2025, earning a special professional qualification in this field.
My main professional interests lie in anesthesia, and I also enjoy laboratory work. What I value most about this profession is the variety — no two days are ever the same.
Meri Vilén
Veterinary Technician
I graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2023 and also hold a qualification as a horse caretaker. Animals have been an important part of my life since childhood, and cats in particular are very close to my heart.
Susanna Seljas
Veterinary Technician
Animals have always been close to my heart, which is why I chose to make them my profession. I graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2023 and also hold a qualification as an animal caretaker. What I enjoy most about clinical work is the variety, along with the continuous opportunities to learn and develop.
Emilia Svahn
Veterinary technician
I have spent several years studying and working with animals, something that has long been a strong passion of mine. In 2023, I graduated as an animal caretaker, which gave me a solid foundation in animal husbandry. Already then, I knew I wanted to deepen my knowledge, and in 2024 I trained to become a veterinary nurse.
During my time in the profession, I have discovered a particular interest in anesthesia. I enjoy following the entire process of anesthesia – from preparation and monitoring to recovery. I also appreciate being involved in surgical procedures, where teamwork and precision are essential.
In addition, I really enjoy working with dental procedures. I like being able to contribute to animals’ long-term health and quality of life through good dental care.
Being able to work closely with animals and take part in their care is something I feel great joy and pride in. Every day gives me the opportunity to grow, learn more, and continue making a difference for both the animals and their owners.
Jennifer Couloigner
Veterinary nurse
Studying to become a Veterinary Technician
I graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2024 and I am currently continuing my studies to become a veterinary technician, with the goal of graduating in 2026. My key areas of interest include anesthesia monitoring, surgical procedures, and exotic patients
What I appreciate most in this field is the opportunity for continuous learning, as well as meeting both animals and their owners. My aim is to develop my skills comprehensively and provide animal-centered care for every patient.
Josefiina Saarimäki
Practical nurse
I am a practical nurse by training, and I have always dreamed of working with animals — especially in a clinic environment, where the work is diverse and varies from day to day. I enjoy working in the laboratory and in the operating room. My goal is to continue my studies to become a veterinary nurse and to expand my skills so that I can better contribute to promoting animal welfare in the future.
Tiina McBreen
Practical nurse
I am a registered nurse by education and plan to study to become a veterinary nurse in the near future. Animals have always been a big part of my life, and working with them has been a dream of mine since childhood. I have long worked voluntarily with homeless animals. Working in a clinic is diverse and varied, which makes the job particularly interesting. I am especially interested in various surgical procedures, orthopedics, and trauma-related conditions.
