Dr. Barkhouse grew up in the beach community of Hubbards on the South Shore. 

With a lifelong interest in medicine and surgery and an affinity for animals, Veterinary Medicine was a natural choice for her.  She graduated from NSAC in 1986 with a BSc (Agr) Honours, majoring in Animal Science, and then graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1990 with her DVM.  Dr. Barkhouse worked as a summer student with Cornwallis Vets in 1989 and then returned full time in 1990.  Over the years she has developed an interest in orthopedics and canine lameness and has taken continuing education courses pursuing this interest.  Dr. Barkhouse lives on a family owned dairy and poultry farm with her husband and children as well as Willie the Border Collie and Oui and Sarah the cats.