MACARTHUR VETERINARY GROUP

Aleena is our Nurse Liaison Officer and is responsible for ensuring the right staff is available at the right time at the right place, no easy feat in such a large practice. Prior to this Aleena was our Head Nurse at the Camden Clinic after joining MVG in 2003. Aleena has completed Certificates in Kennel & Cattery Operations, Animal Studies as well as Vet Nursing and can also turn her hand to grooming when the need arises.

Aleena is a life long learner and the support provided by MVG for ongoing education is of particular interest to her. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and to further her knowledge. Aleena has a particular interest in Client Relations and Surgical Nursing.

Aleena attributes much of her professional success to the support provided to her by her husband Robert and children Jasmine and Cooper. The Johnston family live locally and share their home with “Bailey” the Labrador, two cats, “Megsie” and “Byron”, “Daisy” the Rabbit (all of whom were strays) and five chickens.

Brooke joined MVG in 2011 after completing her Certificate II in Animal Studies the previous year during which she undertook work experience at our Mt. Annan clinic. Brooke works as a Veterinary Nurse at our Mt. Annan clinic and is completing her Cert IV in Vet Nursing.

Like many of our nurses, Brooke has a passion for animals and is motivated each time animals in her care return to their family, fit and well (with a bounce in their step and a waggy tail). She has a particular interest in emergency nursing and behaviour and plans to complete further training in these areas in the future.

Brooke lives at home with her mum, her Bull Mastiff x “Codie” and 2 moggies, “Mischa” & “Samson”. Brooke has been riding since 1996 and has her own Quarter Horse named “Bella” with whom she competes very successfully in various events around the area. Prior to joining Macarthur Veterinary Group, Brooke worked in a riding centre.

Chantelle joined MVG in early January, 2011 and works at our Camden clinic as a Veterinary Nurse. She has provided the following back story:

“I grew up on a farm outside Cessnock, with lots of animals, we bred goats for their wool, as well as having cows, sheep, horses, alpacas, geese, ducks, chickens, roosters, cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits. My passion for animals started very young and I knew I wanted to work with animals. But as I got older I found myself drawn into hospitality where I worked as a chef for 5 years. Being a chef was fun but tiresome so I decided to move into an industry that I felt more passionate about. I entered the veterinary industry in 2009 with the completion of my Certificates II and III in Animal Studies followed by my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.

I am happily married to Bo, and with his job we move around a lot. We both hope to stay in Sydney for a few more years. We have two cats, “Xanex” and “Dex”, who have very different personalities and keep us entertained every day.

Deneane joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in 2005 and since the birth of her daughter has worked part time at our Bradbury Clinic. Deneane is a very experienced nurse and enjoys all aspects of her role, and is responsible for much of our in-house pathology testing. Deneane completed her veterinary nursing training with distinction. She lives with her husband, daughter, “Fergie” the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and two ex Racehorses (“Cam and Kootie”) who she rides regularly and with whom she has been very successful in both Hacking and Dressage. In fact, 2003 was a very successful year at Camden Show for Deneane, not only did she win Reserve Champion with Cam, but also met her future husband.

Kate, like many members of staff, grew up in the Macarthur Region and now lives in the area with her husband, Stephen. One of the things Kate particularly enjoys about working at Macarthur Veterinary Group is catching up with people with whom she grew up when they bring their pets in for treatment.

Kate took a while to find her vocation as a Veterinary Nurse. After completing a degree in Environmental Science Kate worked as Waste Education Officer in local government. Fortunately for us, Kate was keen to try new things and took some time out to reflect on what she wanted from her career and life in general. It was during this period, spending time with her much loved pooch, Molly (a rescue pet from the Animal Welfare League) that Kate realised her future lay working with and helping animals.

Kate joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in April 2010 at our Camden branch and has fitted in perfectly from day one. Kate’s cheery, helpful, enthusiastic manner has endeared her to clients and pets alike.

Since her arrival, Kate has joined the ranks of our nurses who have reared a litter of kittens (found abandoned in a box), an experience she very much enjoyed and one of which she is very proud. Needless to say one of those kittens, now named “Checkers” has joined Molly at Kate and Stephen’s home.

Naomi joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in 2006 and currently works at our Mt. Annan clinic as a Veterinary Nurse. She completed her nursing training in 2009. Like so many of our nurses she entered the veterinary industry to make a contribution towards the wellbeing of animals and to encourage responsible pet ownership within the Macarthur community.

Naomi’s special interests include osteoarthritis – particularly how the onset of this debilitating disease can be prevented and those animals most at risk can lead long, active, healthy lives. Naomi is also interested in dental health, and believes she has done a great job when she is able to pass on her knowledge to owners of how poor dental care can adversely effect many aspects of their pet’s life.

When not working, Naomi and her husband, Rowan, spend a lot of time racing after two very active little boys, Joshua and Tyler.

Naomi joined Macarthur Veterinary Group at our Bradbury clinic in late 2010 and has since completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Naomi has always been passionate about animals and also has a particular interest in pathology and hopes to undertake training in this area in the future.

Naomi has two moggies, “Lucky” and “Piper”.

Rebecca joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in April, 2010 as a Veterinary Nurse. She comes to us with five years nursing experience and is fully qualified with her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, (2006). Rebecca is particularly interested in critical care, emergency and surgical nursing and has recently completed specialist training in these areas. In 2010 Rebecca was promoted to Head Nurse at our Camden clinic.

Like many of our staff, Rebecca’s “family” contains a number of dogs “Scruffie” and “Monty” as well as the “boss” – “Cooper” the cat who rules the house with an iron paw and is very spoilt as a result.

Sheridan joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in July 2008 after completing work experience as part of her Certificate II in Animal Studies training. During this initial period her potential was spotted by management and she was offered a full time job on completion of this course. Sheridan has since completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (December 2009).

Sheridan is currently living at home with her family in Bradbury and “Tessa” her 12 year old Kelpie cross. Sheridan is engaged to marry William in the near future.

Sheridan relishes the ongoing opportunities for learning that vet nursing offers – she is currently expanding her expertise in reception where she particularly enjoys interacting with our clients and their pets. Working with a supportive team bringing sick and injured animals back to full health is a constant source of pride and gives Sheridan a great sense of achievement.

Tammy grew up in Young and spent many of her school holidays helping out at her grandparent’s Cherry Orchard.

Tammy’s early career was in tourism and event planning, both in her home town and later for Qantas following her move to Sydney in 2008. Tammy joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in 2010 because we offered great support for her training and the practice is closer to her hometown.  Since joining us, Tammy has completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies and is currently undertaking her Certifice IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Like many of our nurses, Tammy is passionate about animals and loves to watch her patients progress and return home. Tammy believes very strongly that part of her job is to ensure every pet receives the same love and care while they are with us that they receive at home, she likes to “make them feel the best they can in hospital and to keep their spirits up”.  Tammy currently shares her home with Daisy a Jack Russell Terrier she adopted from the local dog pound.

Alex originally joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in 2007 and is currently located at our Bradbury clinic where she not only works as a Vet Nurse but is one of our dedicated “Cat Ladies” - Alex (and others) regularly accept responsibility for raising abandoned (sometimes feral) kittens who have been surrendered. Alex is passionate about animal welfare and works closely with rescue groups in her own time, rehoming unwanted cats and dogs. This passion has expanded her own menagerie which currently stands at 13 rescued moggies, a Staffy x Cattle Dog, a Labrador x Beagle, a Mini Foxy cross and 8 rats.

Cassandra has a Degree in Social Science (majoring in Psychology) from UNE, Armidale. Prior to joining MVG in 2009 Cassandra worked in the dental industry, most recently as Practice Manager of a family clinic in the inner west, requiring 4 hours travel every day. The move to MVG resulted from a re-evaluation of her career and the knowledge that animals are extremely important in her life.

Cassandra’s role of Receptionist at our Bradbury clinic enables her to incorporate that passion with her first class customer service and management skills. Cassandra loves to see the joy on the faces of clients when their animal is returned to them after illness, much happier than when it arrived for treatment.

Cassandra shares her Narellan Vale home with her husband Brett, daughter Keighly Shaye, crazy Spoodle, “Honey Sparkles”, five cats (all originally from Bradbury Clinic): “Shadow, Bella, Custard, Kahlua and Grumbles” and two hermit crabs: “Nip & Spike”. In her spare time Cassandra enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, craft and chasing after her daughter and pets.

Christie joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in 2006 for work experience. Her potential was quickly noted and she was offered a permanent position after completing her Vet Nurse training. In 2011 Christie was promoted to Head Surgical Nurse at our Bradbury clinic.

Christie, originally in administration, took the opportunity of her third (last) child going to school to follow her heart and enter vet nursing. Christie’s love of animals comes from growing up on a farm at Falls Creek. In addition to dogs and ducks, Christie was lucky enough to have her own horse and she also hand-raised a calf named “Aaron”.

Now with a family of three, Christie is still surrounded by dogs including seven Staffy x puppies she hand-raised from the age of 10 days. All the puppies found great homes except “Mollie” who was too cute to let go. She now spends her time with “Blade”, another American Staffy.

Christie is extremely passionate about vet nursing, and leads by example. She loves making sure all her patients are comfortable during their stay and enjoys the reunion with their owners once she has helped them recuperate from their treatment.

Crystal, like many of our Nurses came to us for work experience, unlike others she came with 6 years experience in the hospitality industry. (After six years in hospitality Crystal’s desire to work with animals could no longer be ignored.)

Crystal’s potential was quickly spotted by Management and she joined us as a student nurse later in 2009. Crystal is now fully qualified, having completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2010.  Crystal  loves to see the results of her care as animals return happy and healthy to their owners.

Crystal and her husband, Nathan have two children, “Georgia” and “Boadie” together with two cats “Kia” and “Punkin” and two dogs, “Bobo” and “Mez”. Because of her commitments at home Crystal is currently working part time and shares her time between all our clinics.

Helen started with us in January 2006 as a groomer at Mt Annan, but her passion for Vet Nursing drew her in that direction. Since 2007 Helen has worked part time at all our clinics as a nurse, completing her Vet Nursing studies with distinction in 2010.

Helen enjoys working and interacting with our clients and patients and has a keen interest in hereditary diseases/prevention as well as Pathology and Radiology.

Helen lives on acreage with her teenage son, Braydon who is mad keen on cricket, drums & speedway car racing. Helen is passionate about correct breeding practices and is registered breeder of German Shepherd Dogs using the prefix of “Brayline”. She is also a qualified training instructor with the NSW German Shepherd League.

Her spare time is spent with her dogs - raising litters, competing in Specialty Shows (both locally and interstate), All Breed Shows, Sheep Herding Trials & Obedience Trialing. Braydon doesn’t miss out either, Helen can often be seen bowling to him in the cricket nets to help perfect his batting skills – luckily Helen played Women’s Grade Cricket as an opening bowler which minimises Braydon’s efforts to “smash” her around the park!!!!
Helen’s next goals are her Judges Certificate for Obedience Trialing with Dogs NSW, qualifying as a Tattoo & Microchip Officer with Dogs NSW and the German Shepherd Dog League of NSW. If time allows Helen is very keen to continue her nurses’ education to further enrich her nursing knowledge.

Lindsey joined Macarthur Veterinary Group in January, 2011 as a Veterinary Nurse, she has her Certificate II in Animal Studies, her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing from Bankstown TAFE and is currently studying her Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services through the Delta Society. Lindsey ultimately plans to become an animal behaviourist. She is very passionate about responsible pet ownership and developing a greater understanding of animal behaviour within the community.

Lindsey is a very committed Vet Nurse – to her career, her values and the organisation for which she works but ultimately Lindsey is committed to the care, welfare and flourishing of all animals.

Lindsey has always been passionate about animals, she originally wanted to be a zoo keeper, but work experience a Taronga Zoo watching the dedication, professionalism and focus of the nurses during the treatment of a young wallaby convinced her that vet nursing was her true vocation.

Lindsey shares her life with her high school sweetheart, Robert, Apricot-Jam, her Calico cat who came to her after being found shivering on the median strip of a busy highway at just one week of age. Finally, Beetle Juice, a Calico English Guinea Pig who spent the first few weeks of life being carried around in Lindsey’s pocket.

Renee is the Head Nurse of our Mt Annan Clinic. She has worked for Macarthur Veterinary Group since 2006, initially at Bradbury before her move to Mt. Annan in 2009. Like all our experienced nurses, Renee has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Renee’s career has always been focused on the care of animals since completing work experience at Mt. Annan while in Year 12 at school. Her love of animals developed while growing up on a farm and helping her grandfather care for his racing greyhounds – which included regular visits to the local veterinarian.

Renee has considerable experience in all facets of veterinary nursing but is particularly passionate about looking after animals while they are in hospital, nursing them back to health and being reunited with their owners. Renee also enjoys educating new pet owners about all aspects of responsible pet ownership.

Renee shares her home with five cats (“Cooper” a beautiful Ragdoll and four moggies, “Abbie, Shelley, Billie and Annabelle”); 3 dogs – Shih Tzu’s “Summer & Meekah” and “Charlie” the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; 2 Lorikeets and 2 Sun Conures.

Renee is an avid photographer and many of her photos grace the pages of our website. She operates her own photography business in her spare time, specializing in newborn and wedding photographs (and animals of course!).

Stacey Laws is fully qualified veterinary nurse with over 10 years experience. She is our Nurse Educator responsible for the technical development of the nurses at all our clinics. Stacey’s primary role is to educate and manage the ongoing training of all our nurses to ensure they remain at the cutting edge of their profession. Stacey is also responsible for inducting new nursing staff to ensure they too reach their full potential.

Stacey is dedicated to the development of all our nurses and helps to maintain the high standards of care expected by our clients. As part of her nursing role, Stacey gains a great sense of achievement caring for animals in hospital, assisting them back to health and watching them return home to their families - happy and healthy.

Stacey currently works 2.5 days a week while caring for her young children, Noah and Hayley. In addition to her children and their dad, Stacey’s family includes a fluffy ginger cat named “Ella” and “Tiger” the German Shepherd.