OUR TEAM

Directors

Kim Mc Pherson
BVSc Veterinarian

My family come from Longreach QLD where I was raised on a sheep and cattle property.

I graduated from Queensland University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science way back in 1990. I enjoy being a part of the local community since we opened in 2001.

Ben Brightman
BVSc Veterinarian

I grew up in Mackay going to school at Slade Point Primary school and Mackay North State High School. While growing up I spent most of my time on my family’s cattle and cane block out near Finch Hatton. I particularly enjoy Cattle work and small animal orthopaedic surgery.

Chloe Watson
Practice Operations Manager

I re-joined Valley Vets in February 2020 after 2 years break working and traveling overseas in the UK. I am locally from Mackay so having the opportunity to return after 2 years has been amazing. I have over 12 years experience in Vet Nursing and hold a Certificate 2 in Animal Studies and Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. Outside work I enjoy spending time with my family.

Veterinarians

Cameron O’Neil
BVSc Veterinarian

I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University in 2010. I work mainly in the small animal field with a love for surgical cases. I have developed my skills in orthopaedic surgery and am now able to perform TPLO, Hip Toggles and Fracture repairs.

Cassie Harper
BVSc Veterinarian

I was born in Atherton, but grew up in Sarina on a cattle & cane property with my family. I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at James Cook University in Townsville in 2015 & I am now completing my degree in Zoology.

Annie D’Netto
BVSc Veterinarian

I studied veterinary science at James Cook University in 2015 and have worked as a vet in Mackay since then. I love Mackay for it’s beautiful beaches and laid back feel, very different to were I grew up in Sydney. I started working at Valley Vet in 2020 and thoroughly enjoy it. My interests are in small animal medicine and ultrasonography.

I enjoy spending time with my family including my two dogs and three legged cat.

Emma Errington
BVSc Veterinarian

I love living in Walkerston with my husband and our many animals! We have two dogs; Domino, my rescue boy, and Chester, my crazy cattle dog. We also have a large Maine Coon named Mowgli and a lovely moggie named Sylvester. I also have a few hand raised Cockatiels!

I graduated from James Cook University in Townsville in 2020. I have an interest in all animals- large or small but I love exotic pets, particularly birds!

I am your vet of all species!

Meghan Stephenson
BVSc Veterinarian

Breeanna Smith
BVSc Veterinarian

I grew up locally in Mackay and travelled up north to Townsville to complete my veterinary degree, which I finished in 2021. Being able to move back to this beautiful hometown and work at Valley Vets is a real dream!

I’ve loved every moment of this crazy career so far and can’t wait to learn and connect with this team and community more as time goes on.

Jessica Saunders
BVSc Veterinarian

I am a Mackay local with two Bachelor degrees from the University of Queensland. As a vet with the Valley Vet team, I love meeting new people and their pets in the region. I am passionate about supporting owners and helping their pets live their best lives. Since graduating in 2021, I have completed my Fear Free Certification and have an interest in behaviour and dermatology, but am keen to keep learning about all things small and large animal. I enjoy playing sports and traveling, but always love coming back home to my three senior rescue dogs.

Courtney Perna
BVSc Veterinarian

I’ve grown up in Kuttabul my whole life on a small cane farm. Growing up we always had a variety of animals from dogs, horses, cows, chickens, guinea pigs and birds. Here I found my love for animals! My favourite dog breed is border collies and I have a love for birds.

In the future I hope to pursue my passion for birds. I’m extremely excited to be working at Valley Vets and can’t wait to meet everyone who comes through our doors.

Jordan Laffer
BVSc Veterinarian

Katelyn Shannon
BVSc Veterinarian

I graduated from James Cook University in 2023 which is when I started working for Valley Veterinary Surgery. I grew up in Brisbane, but after 5 years spent living in Nth QLD I loved it too much and couldn’t leave! I love working with both companion animals and production animals. I am excited to have started at Valley Vets with a fantastic team and I am looking forward to sharing my passion with our clients and their pets. Outside work I am enjoying meeting new people and exploring this beautiful area and its surrounds.

Alina O’Connnor
BVSc Veterinarian

Veterinary Nurses

Kirsten Ford
Nurse Coordinator & Veterinary Nurse

I first started at Valley Vets way back in 2005, when the surgery was half the size, the paper files were still in use and there was only 2 vets. I have now had 3 boys with my husband since then and I have recently started back after being away for 7 years.

Myste Mellor
Nurse Coordinator & Veterinary Receptionist

I originally grew up in Moranbah & then relocated to Kuttabul on a farm with cattle, horses, dogs & cats. Since starting at Valley Vet Surgery in 2006 as a school based trainee I have become a qualified certificate II veterinary nurse. I really enjoy both small and large animal nursing and have learnt so much here over the last 10 years. This is definitely a job where you can learn something new every day.

In my spare time I enjoy all outside activities mainly camping, fishing, water sports, horse riding & hunting!

Kara Lyon
Nurse Coordinator & Veterinary Nurse

I have been a Veterinary nurse at Valley Vet Surgery since July 2013. I love working with animals and enjoy helping owners to better understand the individual needs of their pets. I am a Mackay Local who loves video games, board games, musicals, anything to do with Batman…

Bec Wallace
Veterinary Nurse

I was born in Mackay & have always lived up in the pioneer valley region. I have been with the Valley Veterinary Surgery from the day we opened in 2001. I have a son called Charlie who is 14 years old. I have been a qualified nurse for 20 years.

Katherine Socrat
Veterinary Nurse

I graduated with a Diploma in Applied Veterinary Technology in 2017. I moved to Australia from Boston Massachusetts USA to live in this beautiful country Australia.

I have a passion for the Australian wildlife and my hobbies include photography and bird watching.

I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new places and working with the team at Valley Veterinary Surgery.

Cassie Tanner
Veterinary Nurse

I grew up in Mackay and have always had a love for animals big and small. I started working at Valley Veterinary Surgery in December 2019 and have completed my Certificate 3 in Animal Studies and my Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. When I am not at work I enjoy going to the gym, enjoying a good platter and spending quality time with my friends and family.

Jayden Jones
Veterinary Nurse

I became a veterinary nurse straight out of high school in January 2021. I’ve grown up locally here in Mackay and have always had a passion for caring for animals both big and small. I love being a part of the veterinary industry and adore my role here at Valley Vet Surgery.

Hannah Porter
Veterinary Nurse

I grew up in a small rural town, Dysart. In my Highschool years I would always do work experience at veterinary clinics because of my love for animals. I moved to Brisbane with my partner and perused my studies completing my Certificate 2 through an internship programme. After this I started studying my Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing which I completed in November 2021. I then, moved back to Mackay and secured a position at Valley Vets! I absolutely love my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

Rene Dormehl
Veterinary Nurse

I was born and grew up in South Africa where I was in the South African Air force. In 2008 I moved to Australia and found my new love for Vet nursing which I started in 2009. After becoming a qualified nurse I worked in Tamworth, Newcastle, RSPCA, Animal Referral Emergency Centre Newcastle and Hervey Bay over 8 years, then moved to Mackay in 2022. I have a special interest in Orthopaedic and Reproductive nursing. Outside work I enjoy camping, horse riding, fishing, watching footy and cricket and spending time with my partner, 2 Jack Russel terriers and my frenchie.

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Jordin Campbell
Veterinary Nurse

I started at Valley Vets in July 2021 and currently completing my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. In my spare time I enjoy fostering dogs, spending time with my family, friends, horses and my dogs.

Krystle Bowden
Veterinary Nurse

I started at Valley Vets in 2021 and have since completed my Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. I have always loved animals and am happy I get to help them. When I’m not at work I like to spend time with friends and my animals.

Jessica Vassallo
Veterinary Nurse

I was born in Mackay and live on a cane farm with my family. I started working at Valley Vet Surgery in November 2021 and am currently studying a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. I always wanted to work with animals and becoming a vet nurse seemed like the perfect career choice for me.

Natalie Symonds
Veterinary Nurse

I was born in Nebo where I was fortunate enough to grow up on my families cattle property. I began my employment with Valley Veterinary surgery in 2022. I have since completed my Certificate 2 in Animal Studies and have begun studying my Certificate 4 in Vet Nursing. I have grown up with a love for all aniamls, large and small and really enjoy the diversity my role has each day. In my spare time I enjoy being in the company of family and friends.

Deon Punter
Veterinary Nurse

Felicity Harvey
Veterinary Nurse Receptionist

Jaimie Lovell
Veterinary Nurse

I am a Certificate 4 Vet Nurse, originally from Perth WA, I have been nursing for 10 years and have loved every bit of it. I have a soft spot for Dalmatians as they are my favourite breed, I’m keen to get involved with all animals and take any opportunity to learn. Outside of work I love making crochet items and baking.

Amber Blanch
Veterinary Nurse

I grew up in Bundaberg and was lucky enough to own many animals, from fish to a horse. I have always had a love for animals and have been lucky enough to work in the Veterinary industry for 7 years. I have completed a Certificate 3 in Companion Animal Services and Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. I enjoy working at Valley Vets as there are so many different patients to see and help and the variety of species means you never stop learning! Outside of work I enjoy going for outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.

T’Shayah Shardlow
Veterinary Nurse

Nelly Sandral
Veterinary Nurse

Jordyn Vella
Veterinary Nurse

Kerrie McEvoy

Receptionist

With a diverse background spanning from the dairy farms of Eungella to a variety of professional roles, I bring a unique blend of experience to my current position. After graduating from Mirani High School, I pursued a career path that led me through various industries, including hairdressing, massage therapy, sales, and property management. Driven by my love for animals and dedication to customer service, I found my niche in the past six years as a veterinary clinic receptionist. I recently completed a Certificate III in Business Administration, ensuring that I am equipped to provide the highest level of support and service to our clients. Outside of work, I am deeply involved in my hobby as a small breeder of Border Collies and enjoy expressing my creativity through acrylic and resin art. I am excited about the opportunity to serve you and your beloved pets, providing exceptional care and support every step of the way.

Kennel Hands

Lachlan Ford
Kennel Hand

I am a student at Mirani High School. When I’m not at school, playing sport or doing homework (jokes!), I enjoy hanging out at the Mirani surgery. I can’t say I’m going to be a vet or nurse but I enjoy spending time with everyone there. It certainly is an interesting job and place to work.

Paige Zeller
Kennel Hand

I have been a kennel hand at Valley Vet Surgery since October 2021. I’m an aspiring Vet and am very grateful for the learning opportunities presented at the clinic. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Chloe Ewart
Kennel Hand

Sarah Kucks
Kennel Hand

Montana Pisani
Kennel Hand

Hayden Peatey
Kennel Hand

Admin

Tanya Radke
Practice Business Manager

I grew up on a cotton farm in Central Queensland and went to university in Rockhampton before starting my career in Canberra working in the Department of Finance. I love learning and have a Master of Business (Research), Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management and a Diploma in Project Management. I am married to a Mackay local and have 3 children.