Our Team

Dr Michelle

Principle Veterinarian and Business Owner

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
From as young as five or six, I was saying I wanted to be a vet. I used to watch Dr Harry and say, one day that’s going to be me! In an interesting turn of events, I actually ended up working in Dr Harry’s practice in Launceston for about 12 months, while we lived in Tasmania.

What areas of veterinary care are you most passionate about?
I love helping to solve complex medical cases and get such joy seeing an improvement in my patients after starting on the right treatment path. I love dentistry and all soft tissue surgery and am also very passionate about behaviour and making the whole veterinary experience a positive one for our patients.

What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
I love the relationships that I get to build with not only my patients but their incredible owners. I also love being fear-free certified and working in a clinic that puts the patients wellbeing first each and every visit. This has made my career so much more enjoyable as the patient learns to really trust their veterinary team!

What interests do you have outside of work?
I really enjoy mountain-biking with my hubby and 2 children and our entire family are often competing at MTB events on the weekend. As a family, we also love boating and hanging out with our 3 doggos – Charlie, Indi and Amber!

Aiden

Business Owner/Manager

Summary of life/career and what led you to start Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: Dr Michelle and I met at university in Brisbane and have moved up and down the east coast of Australia for my work before relocating to Cairns and starting NBVC. Having our own vet clinic has always been a long-held dream of ours.

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: I love seeing happy clients and happy staff. It’s always fun in the clinic, with lots of laughs making our environment an awesome place to work!

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: The funniest mishap so far has been a dog walking past my office did a massive projectile diarrhea all over the walls and door. The office has never been the same since..

How many pets do you have?
A: We have 3 dogs – a 16yo golden retriever, a 3yo golden retriever and a 5yo boxer.

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: I really enjoy mountain biking, boating and fishing. Most weekends we’ll be out riding as family on the local trails unless the weather is good for boating and then you’ll find us at the reef!

Dr Chad

Veterinarian

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: I qualified from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2018. I worked as a state veterinarian for 1 year, then emigrated to Cairns, where I have been in private practice for 5 years. NBVC offered a really good work-life balance which I was looking for. I was also very interested in the fear-free approach to veterinary medicine.

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: The team is incredible, very supportive. The quality of services we provide is very high. The work-life balance is great and I enjoy being apart of a clinic that adapts a fear-free approach.

What do you most love about being Fear-Free certified?
A: The clients and patients feel safe and are not rushed with consultations. We take our time with consults to ensure that every issue is addressed. The longer consults help to reduce any fear and anxiety that our patients may experience. The team consulting with nurses makes sure full histories are taken and that nothing gets missed.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: While still working in South Africa, we had to perform a CT scan on a male lion.

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: Whilst doing a house call appointment, I was treating a pregnant dog. While performing the clinical examination, the male dog proceeded to bite me on my bum.

How many pets do you have?
A: I have 2 border collies – “Chase” who is 5 years old and emigrated with me from South Africa. “Storm” is 4 years old and they are both black and white.

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: My wife and I enjoy exploring the Great Barrier Reef on our jet ski. I also enjoy fishing and exploring Cairns with my wife and 2 dogs.

Dr Mel

Veterinarian

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: I am originally from the UK, which is where I did my veterinary training, and have been in Australia for 5 years. I have recently started a part-time masters degree and was looking for a job which would work around that and luckily I found NBVC (I had heard very good things about working here before I applied so am excited to be part of the team!).

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: The team. Everyone is very supportive of each other and we have fun whilst being at work which makes the days enjoyable.

What do you most love about being Fear-Free certified?
A: How every patient is given the time and attention required for their individual needs, most visits are happy experiences for everyone involved. I also love feeding patients treats so all the treat giving involved in Fear-Free is perfect for me!

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: I was working with a vet in South Africa and we treated someone’s pet mongoose which was interesting.

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: A cat was once so interested in the consult room bin he managed to fall in. No harm apart from dented pride when he realised he smelt a bit like rubbish.

How many pets do you have?
A: I have recently acquired two cats from my next-door neighbour called Noodle and Waffle (I cannot blame him for the names though, that was all me).

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: I enjoy spending time outdoors walking and love to chill out having a picnic when the weather is good.

Zan

Head Nurse

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: I was born in South Africa and moved to Australia when I was 10 years old. I’ve always loved animals and growing up on a farm I had plenty of exposure.

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: I love NBVC’s core values as they are aligned with mine and I am so grateful to work at such a true animal focused clinic.

What do you most love about being Fear-Free certified?
A: I love that being fear-free certified means that we care about their emotional wellbeing and truly advocate for their needs.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: An echidna – not something we see every day!

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: I would have to say the time that a dog’s anal glands shot a meter up the wall behind me and went all over everything!

How many pets do you have?
A: I have 2 cats – “Jigga” and “Shady”, my mischievous domestic shorthairs. “Matilda” my American Staffy who is the biggest baby of all.

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love the beach, swimming and trying different restaurants with my husband and son, Matteo.

Vicki

Very friendly Receptionist

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: I grew up in Darwin, travelled around Australia twice – longest being 2 years on the road with family. I have had a very varied career from mining, office admin, waitressing and teachers aide. I was offered the opportunity of a career change to the vet industry and since I was going to do vet nursing at the age of 22 with my love of animals, I jumped at it!

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: I am so lucky to work with animals and get to enjoy cuddles daily!

What do you most love about being Fear-Free certified?
A: The way we engage with the animals in clinic with a gentle and fear-free approach to help reduce stress and anxiety.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: The gorgeous turtles – Squirtle and Snowflake.

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: Love, love, love the extra excitement for life some labradors display when they launch into the clinic and when shown a treat, they are so excited they almost eat my hand along with the treat!

How many pets do you have?
A: A golden retriever called “Ringo” and a large aquarium with lots of varied fish.

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: I love being outdoors having an active lifestyle. I have a passion for road cycling and do the Cardiac Challenge ride to Cooktown every year. I also enjoy trail walks with friends.

Tash

Nurse and our party planner

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: I’m born and bred in Cairns. I grew up in the northern beaches, lived in Mt Isa in my 20’s and came back to start a family. I was lucky enough to be accepted at NBVC to complete my work placement for my studies. I then got offered an amazing opportunity to be a part of this wonderful team.

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: I love being surrounded by amazing furry patients and an incredible supportive team! It’s not a job if you love what you do.

What do you most love about being Fear-Free certified?
A: I love everything fear-free stands for. I am proud to advocate for our patients and be their voice. I love taking time to earn trust and it is truly rewarding seeing the positive response in the patients.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: An axolotl – SO STRANGE!

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: There are way to many! I always live dangerously close to splitting my pants.

How many pets do you have?
A: A 6yo domestic short haired cat named “Palin”, a 2yo blue heeler named “Patch”, and a 6yo large Oscar fish.

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: Spending time with my family, taking the kids outdoors, fishing, gardening and watching AFL – we are avid Collingwood supporters!

Tamika

Very friendly Receptionist/Trainee Nurse

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: Born in Brisbane but have lived in Cairns for a long time. I have always thrived in fast paced roles and have had a dream of helping animals. I was drawn to the team at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic for their personal loving and honest approach to every client.

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: Being a part of a team that is dedicated to making sure that each experience is personal, and each pet is treated as if they are family.

What do you most love about being Fear-Free certified?
A: The safe handling and restraining techniques used in clinic to maintain good animal wellbeing.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: The turtles that have been in clinic have been an amazing, unexpected pet!

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: None as of yet!

How many pets do you have?
A: I have 2 dogs; “Leila” a 7yo pitbull who is ball obsessed and a cuddle queen, and “Tyson” a 3yo mixed breed who loves a chest rub and will dance for his food!

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: I absolutely love to be sitting near open water, a creek or beach, with my pooches! If we’re not relaxing, we’re exploring waterfalls together.

Tatihanna

Veterinary Nurse

Summary of life/career (ie places you’ve lived, training ect) and what led you to join the crew here at Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic?
A: I started volunteering at Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and decided that I wanted to work with animals from then on. I started my Certificate 3 in Animal studies and did my work placement at NBVC where I fell in love with vet nursing, working with the beautiful team and meeting our amazing clients.

What do you love most about working at Northern Beaches Vet Clinic?
A: I love our beautiful team at the clinic and creating meaningful connections with our clients. I think it makes a meaningful difference in the treatment and care we provide to the animals we see.

What do you most love about our Fear-Free clinic
A: I love knowing we’ve done everything we can to provide a holistic treatment plan and/or experience to each individual animal that walks through our doors. We make sure to care for them not only physically but emotionally too and do our best to cater to their individuality.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected pet you’ve ever encountered, either here at the clinic or elsewhere?
A: When I was volunteering at the JCU Eduquarium, I helped look after Lion Fish, Sea Turtles, Octopus, Sting Rays, Rock Fish, Eels and more. It was really interesting learning how to feed and look after all the different species.

Any funny mishaps or ‘oops’ moments you’ve had while working with our furry friends?
A: I misspelt the word Cocci…. Any guesses to how I spelt it?
P.S. It’s a type of bacteria.

How many pets do you have?
A: I have 3 family cats at home and they are the loves of my life, there name’s are Minute, Ragnar and Quintus.

When you’re not on duty, what’s your go-to for unwinding and enjoying life?
A: On my days off, I love any outdoor activity, specifically going waterfall chasing or snorkelling in the ocean. I’ve always been a huge water baby and find it really calming.