Pamela

Pamela has worked as a Veterinary Nurse for over twelve years.  She obtained her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in Ireland at the University College of Dublin. She has been in Australia for more than 7 years and is now an Australian citizen. She has an interest in cardiac ultrasonagraphy, loves pugs and running around with her young daughter. Pamela works part time, mainly at our Essendon Fields Centre.

Dr Jacqui Ley

Dr Jacqui Ley was the inaugural Hills TM Resident in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine.  She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1995 and worked in companion animal practice in metropolitan Melbourne.  While studying, she recognised veterinary behavioural medicine as an area that brought together her interests in animal behaviour, animal training and the functioning brain.  She obtained her membership to the Veterinary Behaviour Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in 2000.  Dr Ley completed her PhD, through Monash University, describing a model and building a questionnaire for assessing canine personality.  She has also described the factors that affect the relationships between an owner and their dog.  Other research interests include the human-animal bond and factors affecting this, tests for measuring fear and other behaviours in dogs and the social relationships in dogs and cats.  She was a tutor for the Graduate Certificate in Animal Welfare at Monash University. 

In 2011 she became a diplomat of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine - one of two people to hold this qualification in Australia.  Jacqui was awarded a Fellowship to the ANZCVS in the Chapter of Veterinary Behaviour at Science Week 2013.  She sees behaviour cases on a regular basis at MVSC.

Lauren

Lauren joined the MVSC team in April 2013. Lauren has completed a Certificate lll in Animal Technology. Lauren is very passionate about animals and animal welfare. Lauren has two adorable little pugs - Julia and Ariya, a Labrador Retriever - Nelson and an Indian Ringneck Parakeet - Jasper.

Kirsty

Kirsty joined MVSC team in July 2014.  Kirsty is a qualified Horse Riding Instructor, gaining a British Horse Society Coaching Certificate.  She enjoys coaching students and riding young horses in her spare time. Kirsty has a passion for all animals and has grown up with pets her whole life, she currently doesn’t have a pet at home but is searching for the perfect four legged companion. 

Lynsey

Lynsey joined MVSC in May 2012.  Lynsey is a real animal lover and has has an Australian Shepherd called Maverick.

Kirra

Kirra joined our Client Services team in May 2017. She has grown up around animals and is kept very busy looking after her two dogs Mac and Princess, her horse named Jaffa and lots of tropical fish..Kirra has been a Pony Club member most of her life and in her spare time enjoys snowboarding and travelling the world.

Terri

Terri joined the MVSC team in October 2018. Terri has grown up around animals and has always had a love for them. Terri has a Border Collie named Ollie as well as a Toy poodle x Bichon Frise named Cooper. Outside of work Terri enjoys exercising, playing basketball and socialising with friends and family.

Rohan Lawson

Penny

Penny has extensive knowledge of the workings of the veterinary industry as she has worked in the field since 1988. Penny has been with MVSC since the beginning when the clinic only had Dermatology services (Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic) and the vision of the owner was to develop it into a multi-specialist Veterinary Centre in what was the geographical centre of Melbourne. Penny experienced the excitement of the construction of our current site in Glen Waverley.  While the site was being built Penny worked across the road out of the Animal Emergency Centre as a Dermatology nurse. She then had a break from Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic (MVSC) to do locum work in various clinics including accident and Emergency in Melbourne and then a season at the foal Neonatal unit at Scone in the Hunter Valley NSW. Penny then spent 6 years as the head nurse at a busy vet practice in South East Melbourne. In 2003 she returned to MVSC as a nurse for the Surgery department, then moving to our Medicine department in 2004. In 2009 Penny then made the move into the admin side of the business where she now manages procurement, accounts, stock control,  interstate allergy vaccines and monthly regional  Dermatology clinics as well as occasionally filling shifts in departments to reconnect with the veterinary nursing world. Penny has 2 gorgeous kids and a very spoilt red Burmese named Tommy who’s mug shot you will find on the MVSC brochure. 

Stacey

Stacey joined MVSC in September 2008 as a Client Services representative who then in 2011 became Team Leader of the Client Services Team. Since 2014 Stacey has moved more into the admin side of the business and in mid-2015 Stacey took on the role of our Relationship Manager. Animals have always been a part of Stacey's life and from a very young age Stacey has worked, owned and competed horses and has also completed a Certificate II in Equine Studies.

Outside of work Stacey enjoys keeping fit by playing basketball and hiking, she also really enjoys going out for dinner and socialising with friends and family.

Dr Greg Burton

Dr Greg Burton graduated from the University of Queensland BVSc (Hons) in 1983. He spent 10 years in general small animal practice in Melbourne and became a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery in 1993. He completed his residency and became a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Dermatology in 1997. Dr Burton has been a director of the Animal Skin, Ear and Allergy Service at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre since 1999 and has been the Principle Fellow in Dermatology at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Teaching Hospital since 2001. Dr Burton is responsible for all the undergraduate dermatology training for veterinary students at the University of Melbourne. He has lectured widely in Australia, USA, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and New Zealand. Dr Burton’s professional interests are canine atopic dermatitis and topical therapy in the management of skin diseases.

Dr Rebecca Bassett

Dr Rebecca Bassett has completed two university degrees — the first at the University of Sydney in Agricultural Science in 1992 and the second in Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 1997. Dr Bassett worked in rural mixed practices in NSW before moving to Melbourne in late 2000 to do a residency in Dermatology at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre. She gained her Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Canine Medicine in 2002 and Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Dermatology in 2005. Dr Bassett has written several articles for peer-reviewed journals and has given several seminars for continuing education in Dermatology to veterinarians. Her current professional interests are in hair loss in dogs and ear infections.

Dr David Robson

Dr David Robson graduated from the University of Queensland with honours in 1992 and spent almost seven years in general small animal practice in Brisbane. He moved to Melbourne in late 1999 to commence his residency in veterinary dermatology at the Animal Skin, Ear and Allergy clinic (now part of Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre). He attained Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2005. Dr Robson has lectured in Australia and overseas (New Zealand, United States, Hong Kong, Austria) and has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed scientific articles. His current professional interests include pollens and pollen allergies, otitis diagnosis and treatment, and barrier dysfunction.  

Dr Samantha Crothers

Dr Sam Crothers graduated from Murdoch University in Perth in 2003. She spent 3 years in a busy general small animal practice in Perth before moving to California in 2006 to commence her residency in dermatology at the University of California Davis (UCD).  She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2009. Following the completion of her residency Dr Crothers worked at UCD as a clinical instructor of Dermatology for two years where she was responsible for undergraduate dermatology training for veterinary students and part of the residency training program team. In 2010 she was the assistant professor in Dermatology at Colorado State University where she continued to train undergraduate veterinary students and dermatology residents. Since returning to Australia in late 2011, Dr Crothers has worked in her home town of Perth before moving to Melbourne in 2012 with her husband. Most recently she has been taking some time away from work to raise a family.

Dr Madelaine Guy-Moore

Madelaine graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2012. She then spent seven years in a general small animal practice in Sydney and the United Kingdom. In December 2019 Maddie made the move to Melbourne to join our Dermatology team to undertake an internship in Dermatology. Outside of work, Madelaine enjoys hiking and pampering her very lazy cat, Lord Byron. 

Dr Tian Chee Lu

Tian graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. She spent 3 years in general small animal practice in rural Western Australia before moving to Melbourne in 2019 to work with us at MVSC. She has completed an internship with us in Surgery, and in April 2020 became an intern for our Dermatology team. Tian is currently pursuing further training with us to become a specialist dermatologist.  Peanut is Tian's dear little rescue Chihuahua, an older and sometimes grumpy little boy.

Rach C - Team Leader

Rachael commenced working at MVSC in October 2017. She has completed her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing while working in an animal emergency centre for 5 years before joining the Dermatology department. Rachael has a Border Collie, a Beagle and a Poodle that keeps her very busy at home, as well as a grumpy ginger cat that keeps them all in line.

Mandy

Mandy commenced working at the MVSC in December 2007 after spending some time overseas in South Africa at a monkey reserve and having completed an animal technology course. Mandy is currently undertaking a veterinary nursing course.  In 2011 Mandy and Nina (Internal Medicine nurse) worked at the Veterinary Clinic within the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Mandy has a Griffon with personality plus named “Frank” who you may have seen in some TV ads, a Blue Healer cross named "Cody" and a Sun Conure parrot named "Norman".

Rachel

Rachel started her veterinary nursing journey working in general practice for a couple of years whilst completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and joined the MVSC team in early 2008. Other than loving animals of course, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the sunshine with her family and cuddles on the couch with her chubby ginger cat named Wallace and a cute little Cavalier King Charles named Lucy

Joanne

Joanne joined the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre in 2011. Joanne worked at the Collingwood children's farm, caring for various farm animals, for eight years which then lead to an interest and subsequent career in veterinary nursing. Joanne's veterinary nursing career commenced in 2003 where she worked for an avian specialist practice for three years. Joanne then went on to work at a small animal practice in 2007 before joining MVSC in 2011. Joanne has two cheeky dogs - "Louis" a Boston Terrier and "Jenna" a Pug. 

Lauren

Lauren began working at the MVSC in Feburary 2013 after completing her Year 12 VCE studies in 2012. She is currently a Law Student at Monash University, while maintaining her interest in caring for and looking after animals. Lauren has two Ragdoll Cats named Dexter & Oscar, and a German Shorthaired Pointer named Buzz. 

Jess B

Jess joined the MVSC team in 2014, after spending three years working at an inner city dog day-care centre. She has also done a lot of volunteer work in animal welfare, which she is very passionate about. Jess has always had a passion for animal care and is currently working to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Jess has two spoilt Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who are best friends - 'Lola' and 'Ava' and would love to add a cat to the family in the future.

Lucy S

After always wanting a career working with animals Lucy decided to pursue this and began working to obtain her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2016. Lucy joined MVSC in early 2017 as an Animal Attendant and in early 2018 Lucy acquired a nursing position with our Dermatology department. Lucy has a Griffon Bruxellous named Lenny, who is sure to make you smile.

Sarah J

Sarah joined MVSC in 2018 after returning from the UK, where she worked at a busy animal emergency hospital in London. Sarah completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2013 and has worked in both emergency and ophthalmology clinics in Australia as well as having the amazing opportunity to treat Rhinos and other wildlife in South Africa.
Now settled back in Australia, Sarah spends her time with her lovable but cranky 16 year old ex-street cat rescue named Odin.

Sarah C

Sarah joined MVSC in early 2019 as an animal attendant; in early 2020 she then moved into a junior dermatology nurse role. Sarah is currently undertaking her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Sarah has a Border Collie, a spoodle and a beagle at home, along with a big ginger cat named Tiger. 

Dr Darren Merrett

Darren Merrett graduated from Melbourne University in 1984 and completed internship/residency programs at Melbourne University (where he obtained a Master of Veterinary Studies) and then Bristol University (where he obtained a RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology).   Darren obtained Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Canine Medicine) in 1994 and found a private referral practice that has subsequently grown at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre.

In addition to daily clinical work, Darren has co-tutored a small animal medicine distance education course for the University of Sydney’s Centre for Veterinary Education for over 20 years; he is a frequent conference speaker; regularly examines and mentors for the ANZCVS; and has trained and supervised many residents.  Darren has spent a lifetime in specialist small animal practice and he has taught and mentored hundreds of veterinarians.

Dr Kate Heading

Dr Kate Heading graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science with first class honours in 2000. Kate has worked in a variety of small animal practices in Victoria and the UK. Kate achieved membership in 2007 to the Small Animal Medicine chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.Kate joined MVSC in March 2008 as a Resident in Medicine and attained Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Small Animal Medicine) in 2011.

Dr Shasta Lynch

Dr Lynch is available for consultation every Wednesday at our Glen Waverley clinic

Dr Shasta Lynch graduated from the University of Queensland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with first class honors.

She worked in mixed and small animal general practice before completing a residency in small animal oncology at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom. She then worked in private referral practice as a veterinary oncologist in the United Kingdom.

In 2010 she was awarded membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2015 she was recognised as a European Veterinary Specialist in Oncology by the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Companion Animals and by the Royal College of Veterinary Specialists in 2016.

Dr Lynch is now available for consultation every Wednesday at our Glen Waverley clinic. 

Dr Zoe Sifonios

Dr Zoe Sifonios graduated from The University of Queensland with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2011. She then completed a 1 year rotating internship at Veterinary Specialist Services in 2012. Zoe has worked in a variety of small animal practices in Queensland and was awarded membership of the Small Animal Medicine Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Science in 2015. She joined the team at MVSC in January 2018 and is currently undertaking a residency in small animal medicine.

Zoe loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, but in particular she values the relationships that she forms with her clients and the patients that she is lucky enough to treat and the celebration that occurs whenever a tail starts wagging again! In her rare moments of spare time, Zoe heads out to the wilderness for rock climbing, trail running and hiking adventures with her fiancé.

Jayne - Team Leader

Jayne began her Veterinary Nursing career in 2000, working in a general vet practice and cattery for 5 years.
In 2003 Jayne completed a Diploma of Applied Science in Animal Technology and a Diploma of Applied Science in Biological Laboratory Sciences.  Jayne started working at MVSC in 2005 as an Internal Medicine and Oncology Nurse, she then became Team Leader in 2008. Jayne has a keen interest in Oncology, Anaesthesia and MRI.  Jayne loves dogs (especially Labradors) and also cats.  She has a much loved black & white domestic short hair cat named Memo, who Jayne adopted in 2004 from the cattery at her local vet clinic.    

Nina - Team Leader

Nina has been working in general practice for nine years and has completed her Veterinary Nursing Certificate IV in 2001. She has been with the MVSC since 2008. Nina has an interest in cat and dog diseases and nutrition. During her nursing career, she has also worked with wildlife through various clinics.  Nina and Mandy (Dermatology Nurse) worked at the Veterinary Clinic within the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2011.

Amy

Amy returned to MVSC to work in the Internal Medicine team in February 2012.  Amy has previously worked at MVSC as an Animal Attendant before working in a general practice veterinary clinic for three years. Amy also spent several years volunteering at the RSPCA veterinary clinic. Amy has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, graduating in 2010. In her spare time she looks after her two dogs, two cats and many fish. 

Hannah

Hannah has been working as a veterinary nurse for the last 15 years, spending majority of her time at as practice manager in general practice and has also worked in specialist veterinary ophthalmology.

She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2010 and later her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in General Practice in 2015. Hannah has a particular interest in anaesthesia, oncology, and the education of nurses. She spent time as a state division committee member and secretary of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia. Hannah has a cheeky little Welsh Terrier, Colin, a Siamese cat named Greg Boy and an Oriental Shorthair cat called Judy. 

Stephanie

Stephanie began working as a veterinary nurse in 1995.  She spent five years in a private small animal clinic after which she spent nine years at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.  Stephanie has developed a keen interest in animal welfare.  Stephanie commenced working as a night nurse at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre in 2009 and is commited to an exceptionally high level of patient care.

Henry

Henry completed his veterinary science degree at the University of the Philippines in 2001 and worked at a small animal practice for six years. He migrated to Australia with his family in 2007 and worked as a surgical and intensive care nurse for three years.  Henry commenced joined the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre as a night nurse in early 2010.

Rachel H

Rachel joined MVSC in 2019 as an animal attendant. Rachel has completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies and a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences. Rachel has a Labrador cross Golden Retriever named Cody and a tortoiseshell cat named Lily. Outside of work Rachel enjoys playing football and socialising with friends and family.

Dr Sonya Wasik

Sonya graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Queensland in 2003. After two years in mixed practice, Sonya undertook an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Melbourne. Upon completion of a surgical residency at the University of Sydney, Sonya was based in Adelaide in referral practice for several years, prior to returning to Melbourne. Sonya enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery, including orthopaedics, soft tissue and neurosurgery, with a special interest in orthopaedics. Sonya is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and a registered specialist in small animal surgery. 

Dr Emily Joss

Emily graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Melbourne in 2016. She then spent the next three years in general practice in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne, developing a passion for surgery. In pursuing her surgery passion, Emily joined the MVSC team at the beginning of 2020 as a surgical intern. Emily is aiming to sit exams for Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery after the completion of her internship. Emily enjoys all the aspects and challenges that the surgical field presents, including sharing in the positive impact that we can have on the lives of our patients and their families. Outside of work Emily enjoys reading, visiting the cinema, and also has an interest in painting and photography.

Tina - Team Leader

Tina began working as a veterinary nurse in general practice in 1999 and has been at MVSC as surgical nurse since 2011. Tina has since completed her Diploma in Surgical Nursing, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and is now working to become an accredited veterinary nurse. She also has a special interest in physical rehabilitation therapies and positive reinforcement dog training. At home she loves to spend time with her 2 rough collies, 2 cats and a very cheeky sulphur crested cockatoo.

Millie

Millie started working as a veterinary nurse in a local general practice in 2018 and then began working at MVSC in March 2020. Millie has completed her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing and also has previously completed her Certificate II in Equine studies. Her nursing passions lie in anaesthesia and surgery work. Outside of work she enjoys running and spending time with her dog and rabbit.