Dr. Don graduated in 2005 and spent his career in small animal practices mainly in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne. He has undertaken many post-graduates training in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery in dogs and cats over the past 15 years. He attained membership into the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in 2013. Don loves playing cricket and watching sports. He loves getting about with his children and of course spending time with his rescue cat “George”.
Dr. Sam graduated in 2005 and has worked at multiple small animal clinics in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. He also holds a pharmacy qualification and has undertaken further studies in both medicine and surgery. He loves the challenge and variety that general practice offers and has a genuine interest in preventative health care. When not working Sam loves to spend time with his two beautiful children. He also has an interest in photography and loves to get out and take photos.
Duncan has been a vet for 24 years now. During his time as a vet, he has worked in a number of small animal clinics around Melbourne. During this time as a vet, he has developed a keen interest in alternative medicines especially that of Chinese Medicine, both acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. He works with both Eastern and Western medicine and is able to integrate the two, giving you a range of ways to treat your pets and offer as many possible solutions to your pet’s health. In his time off, he enjoys spending time with his own pets and is always reading a good book.
Jayde graduated with honours from the University of Melbourne in 2005. She moved to our local area that same year and never left! The first part of her career involved working in a 24hr mixed practice treating dogs, cats, horses and all other types of farm animals. She enjoyed the daily variation and emergency cases, but ultimately fell in love with small-animal medicine and surgery. Jayde has spent the last 15 years treating dogs, cats, pocket pets (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs) and the occasional bird. A skilled soft tissue surgeon, Jayde performs routine surgeries and many advanced surgical procedures for her patients. When asked what she likes most about being a vet: “I love the relationships I can develop with clients. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to veterinary medicine. Working with owners to optimise the health and care of their pet over the years is incredibly rewarding.” Jayde is busy with her two kids, one dog and two cats when not at work. When time allows, you may find her in the garden.
Kelene graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2010 and has been dedicated to small animal practice ever since. Over the course of her career, she has developed a special interest in behavioral medicine, leading her to undertake additional training in this field. She is passionate about improving the emotional well-being of pets and helping strengthen the bond between animals and their owners through compassionate and evidence-based behavioral care.
Schirelle has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and has been one of our veterinary nurses since 2018. She is dedicated to providing the best care for all the patients that walk through the clinic. She has previously volunteered in Sri Lanka with wild elephants and has a keen interest in large wildlife and hopes to fulfil her dream in working with the Big 5 in Africa in the near future. In her spare time, she loves to go to the gym and read. She also loves spending quality time with her 3 cats Phoenix, Zorro and Little Milton.
Rickie is a senior veterinary nurse and has been in the industry since 2012. From a young age Rickie has always known she wanted to be a veterinary nurse, even completing her work experience in Year 10 in a vet clinic. Rickie enjoys all areas of the industry, she especially loves to greet clients and form relationships with patients. Since starting at The Avenue Vet in 2021 Rickie has adopted two cats, Blue and Goldie. She also has a pet Axolotl named Taco. Outside of work Rickie is busy with her four children and her husband. They enjoy travelling around Victoria, visiting new places and going on overseas holidays.
Tali’s extensive nursing experience started in NSW near 3 decades ago. She then moved to Perth WA working at an emergency centre and later in daytime clinics, including at specialist centre, and overnight care with post operative patients. Outside of work Tali loves Latino dancing, hiking with her family and just spending time together with their 4 guinea pigs and a horse named Sheba
Natalie began her career in veterinary nursing in 2018 when she commenced her Certificate III in Animal Studies, and then completed her Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing in 2019. She completed her studies at The Avenue Vet, and has been working with us ever since. Natalie has two rescue cats at home - Biggie and Winnie, and a Jack Russell named Poppy. On her days away from the clinic she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and pets, as well as baking and playing video games.
Nicole started with us as a student veterinary nurse in 2021. Since then, she has completed her Certificate IV of Veterinary Nursing through Tafe Gippsland and become a permanent part of our team. Nicole enjoys all aspects of her role here with us but also has an interest in behavioural training, having completed a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys going to gym, hiking and spending time with her Kelpie x Border Collie, Abbie.
Becca is a senior vet nurse with 17 years’ experience and a passion for animals that’s taken her around the world. Originally from Scotland, she’s worked with everything from elephants to exotics. Now based in Melbourne, she loves building bonds with pets and their owners, with a special interest in surgery, dentistry, and phlebotomy. Outside work, she enjoys time with her son and rescue cat, beach walks, and art.
Rhi started with us as a cert 111 student in 2022 after always wanting to be a vet nurse, since completing her cert 3 and 4 she currently works with us as a qualified nurse. Animals have always been her passion and along with her 3 kids she has two cats and multiple guinea pigs at home. She enjoys all aspects of nursing but is very passionate about dental health