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.
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.
Hayley is a Senior Surgery Nurse. She started as a Human Dental Nurse in 2000 before becoming a Veterinary Nurse in 2005. She enjoys all aspects of the profession including Surgical & Medical nursing, Nutrition and Pharmacology. Hayley loves Cats and testing her breed knowledge! She has three cats in the family - Merlot (Somali), Luna (Maine Coon) and Frangelico (Domestic Shorthair). The latest addition though, is a puppy, a Finnish Lapphund named Haku! She spends time outside of work with her 3 kids, helping on the committee at her children’s Little Athletics club, working out at the gym and following her husband around to car shows.
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.
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 Mini Poodle X Fluffy, American Staffy Ramsey, her Indian Ringneck Ringo and her 2 cats Phoenix and Zorro.
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.