Staff

Leena Sandström

Veterinarian

I qualified as a veterinarian in 1997 and have worked as a small-animal vet for almost my entire career.

I have specialized in heart disease and completed the European ESAVS Certificate in Small Animal Veterinary Practice / Cardiology. I am authorized to perform the Finnish Kennel Club's official cardiac examinations (auscultation, ultrasound and ECG). I have trained in abdominal ultrasound on Finnish courses (Fennovet) and in Europe (ESAVS).

My professional interests focus on heart disease and internal medicine in dogs and cats.

Through careful examination and up-to-date knowledge, I aim to ensure that your pet receives appropriate care.

Areas of expertise: Heart disease, internal medicine, cardiac and abdominal ultrasound

Pamela Kvarngård

Veterinarian

I have worked as a small-animal veterinarian since 2013, and today my work focuses especially on orthopedic patients. I have pursued further training in areas including orthopedic surgery (AOVET, ESAVS, etc.) and dental disease (Accesia Academy).

It is important to me to stay up to date with new research, treatment methods and techniques — continuous training is an essential part of providing the best possible care.

My core professional interests are orthopedics, soft-tissue surgery and dental care. I find it especially rewarding to help animals regain their comfort, mobility and a good quality of life, and this motivates me in my work every day.

Areas of expertise: Orthopedics, soft-tissue surgery, dental care

Assaf Wydra

Veterinarian

I have worked as a small-animal veterinarian since 2011, and today my work focuses mainly on dental care, endoscopy and the care of wild animals. I have completed further training in veterinary dentistry (Accesia Academy) as well as in endoscopy and wildlife care.

Following and making use of new technology is an essential part of my professional development and helps me provide my patients with the highest possible standard of care.

My professional interests are especially dental care, endoscopy and the practical application of new technological innovations in clinical work. Alongside clinic work, I actively do voluntary pro bono work with wild animals, which I find a very meaningful and important part of my role as a veterinarian.

Areas of expertise: Dental care, endoscopy, wildlife care, technological innovation

Nina Haglund

Veterinarian

I have worked as a veterinarian since 2016/2017 and have been part of the Saari Animal Clinic team since 2020. It is important to me to combine a calm and empathetic approach with a way of working that emphasizes patient safety and strong clinical skill — I want both the animals and their owners to feel safe at my appointments.

Before my veterinary career I qualified as a pharmacist, which gives a strong foundation for understanding pharmacology and medication. I have complemented my skills with further training in dental disease (Accesia Academy) and studies in soft-tissue surgery (ESAVS).

My professional interests focus especially on surgery, dental care and dermatology. In my work I am motivated by continuous development — and above all by being able to support animal welfare every day.

Areas of expertise: Surgery, dental care, dermatology

Merja Autio

Veterinarian

I graduated in the summer of 2025 from Eesti Maaülikool in Tartu and have worked as a veterinarian since 2024. I have been part of the Saari Animal Clinic team since April 2025. My particular interests are soft-tissue surgery and exotic animals, and my goal is to train further in these areas in the future.

A calm and individual approach, together with reliable, evidence-based care of the animal, is important to me. I find my work meaningful and appreciate its variety and professional challenges.

Areas of expertise: Soft-tissue surgery, exotic animals

Sanna Koskiluhta

Clinic Manager, Veterinary Technician

I qualified as an animal caretaker from Ylä-Savo Vocational College in 2009 and have worked at Saari Animal Clinic ever since. I have complemented my skills with several further training courses, especially in nutrition and anesthesia monitoring. What I like most in my work is its variety.

In addition to animal care and customer service, I am responsible for orders and shift planning.

Interests: Nutrition, anesthesia monitoring, ordering and shift planning

Jenni Ruotsala

Head Veterinary Technician

I qualified as an animal caretaker in 2010 and started working at the clinic in 2014. In 2018 I qualified as a veterinary technician and completed further training in dentistry abroad (Accesia Academy). In 2024–2025 I deepened my skills in anesthesiology, in which I hold a specialist vocational qualification.

My professional interests are especially anesthesia and laboratory work. The best thing about my work is its variety — no two days are the same.

Interests: Anesthesia and laboratory work

Meri Vilén

Veterinary Technician

I qualified as a veterinary technician in 2023, and I also hold a qualification as a horse groom. Animals have been an important part of my life since childhood, and cats in particular are close to my heart.

Interests: Cat care

Susanna Seljas

Veterinary Technician

Animals have always been close to my heart, which is why I decided to make them my profession. I qualified as a veterinary technician in 2023, and I also hold a vocational qualification as an animal caretaker. The best thing about clinic work is its variety and the constant opportunities to learn and grow.

Interests: Varied clinic work and continuous development

Emilia Svahn

Veterinary Technician

For several years I have studied and worked with animals, which has long been my passion. In 2023 I qualified as an animal caretaker, which gave me a strong foundation in animal welfare and care. Even then I knew I wanted to deepen my skills, and in 2024 I trained as a veterinary technician.

During my work I have found a particular interest in anesthesia. I like being able to follow the whole anesthesia process — from preparation and monitoring all the way to recovery. I also enjoy taking part in surgical procedures, where teamwork and precision are crucial.

I also very much enjoy tasks related to dental care. It is rewarding to be able to promote animals' long-term health and quality of life through good oral care.

Working with animals and being part of their care brings me great joy and pride. Every day gives me the chance to grow, learn more and continue doing valuable work for animals and their owners.

Interests: Anesthesia, surgical procedures and dental care

Jennifer Couloigner

Veterinary Technician

I qualified as a veterinary technician in the summer of 2026, having previously trained as an animal caretaker. My particular interests are anesthesia monitoring, surgery and exotic patients.

What I especially value about my field is the opportunities for constant learning and getting to meet both animals and their owners. My goal is to develop my skills comprehensively and to provide animal-centered care to every patient.

Interests: Anesthesia monitoring, surgery and exotic patients

Josefiina Saarimäki

Practical Nurse

I am a trained practical nurse who has always dreamed of working with animals — especially at a clinic with a varied and diverse working environment. I enjoy working in the laboratory and the operating room. My goal is to train further as a veterinary technician in the future and broaden my skills, so that I can better help promote animal welfare.

Interests: Laboratory and operating-room work

Tiina McBreen

Practical Nurse

I am a trained practical nurse, and in the near future I plan to study to become a veterinary technician. Animals have always been a big part of my life, and working with them has been a dream since childhood. I have long done volunteer work with homeless animals.

Working at the clinic is varied and diverse, which makes it especially interesting. Different kinds of surgery, orthopedics and trauma-related conditions interest me especially.

Interests: Surgery, orthopedics and trauma care