About Us
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Mission
Vision
Dr. Mike Bondar
Dr. Michael Bondar is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with more than 30 years of hands-on clinical experience, supported by a formal background in neuroscience. A graduate of the University of Toronto (Honours Neuroscience) and the Ontario Veterinary College, he began his career as the owner of a successful small animal practice in the Greater Toronto Area. During those years in practice, his strong emphasis on prevention and early disease detection shaped a lasting interest in preclinical diagnostics and proactive, forward-thinking care, with a particular focus on senior pets.
Dr. Bondar later moved into the role of Veterinary Technical Services Manager with a respected global animal health company, where he worked closely with veterinarians across Canada. In this capacity, he provided education on pharmaceuticals, emerging therapies, and clinical decision-making, while lecturing and training veterinary teams nationwide. He has authored numerous professional and consumer publications and remains actively involved in advancing standards of care within the profession.
As one of the first veterinarians in Ontario to hold a telemedicine license, Dr. Bondar is a strong advocate for accessible and progressive models of care. Both a clinician and a researcher, he is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the practice of veterinary medicine and the science behind it. This perspective allows him to thoughtfully introduce new diagnostic technologies and apply a more comprehensive, data-supported approach to medicine. He is particularly skilled at integrating advanced diagnostics, targeted nutrition, and proven natural therapies with conventional medicine, avoiding heavy reliance on pharmaceuticals. His extensive research in blood biomarker diagnostics has established him as a trusted authority in bringing this emerging technology to veterinary medicine—especially in the areas of early disease detection, prevention, wellness, and longevity.
Ben has worn many hats in his working life. He brings a unique mix of leadership, operational experience, and communication expertise to STEP Animal Health. With a background spanning corporate executive management and business consulting in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, Ben has a proven track record of translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies.
After selling his business in 2014 and consulting for the new owners, he changed directions to embrace his love of language and communication as an award-winning author, business ghostwriter, editor, and writing coach. In that capacity, Ben met Dr. Mike Bondar, beginning a long-standing professional collaboration and close friendship. He shares the clear vision of a more dynamic, pet parent-inclusive, and prevention-focused veterinary industry, and is determined to improve the relationship between that industry and our pet parents.
Benjamin Mccolm
As a former professional athlete, Ben loves a good challenge and harnesses a healthy competitive inner spirit that pushes him to succeed. Over the years, he has raised many furry friends, including boxers, golden retrievers, a Siamese, an Irish setter, and even a silver fox/husky cross. He now dotes on his senior golden and two Chihuahua grand-puppies.
Aaron Eckler
Chief Financial Officer
With a degree in Psychology and an MBA, both from the University of Toronto, Aaron began his career as a management consultant, later moving into human healthcare, before entering the world of veterinary medicine in 2012. After experiencing the passion and dedication of the amazing people working in the profession, Aaron soon fell in love with the industry and has never looked back. He is now a recognized and trusted business leader and subject-matter expert in the veterinary sector, focused on supporting veterinary practices and their teams in helping people take better care of their pets.
Over the past 15 years, Aaron has worked for Canada’s two largest veterinary distributors and has led the country’s largest veterinary group purchasing organization. He has served as a subject-matter expert and presenter alongside industry leaders and has contributed educational content to platforms with national reach. Aaron has engaged directly with hundreds of veterinary practices and thousands of veterinarians and team members, and continues to be a trusted advisor and partner to practices across the country.
As a member of the leadership team at STEP Animal Health, Aaron continues to provide guidance to the veterinary sector, supporting the continued progress and evolution of the space. Leveraging new technologies to elevate medical care and a true partnership model to align successful outcomes, he is committed to the sustainable health and well-being of pets across the country, as well as the people who love them and those devoted to their care.
Jonah has been working in the veterinary field since the age of 15. He graduated in 2023 from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College and became a fully registered technician that same year. Jonah comes to STEP Animal Health with 7 years of experience in a variety of roles, including general practice, emergency, and referral.
Outside his veterinary career, Jonah has a deep passion for the performing arts, having played in professional orchestras and composed music himself.
With a keen passion for medicine and RVT utilization, Jonah believes there are significant unrealized opportunities for RVTs within the profession and is committed to helping them access the full capabilities of that role.
Jonah Barrera
With lived experience in the clinic and urgent care spaces, a medical and technical affinity for veterinary wellness, and an infectious enthusiasm for the role of veterinary medicine in our community, Jonah is a perfect fit for the STEP Animal Health team.
