CHVH - Staff

"Because pets are family"

STAFF

Our animal care team is dedicated to providing excellence in veterinary care.

Our staff are highly trained and experienced, and dedicated to caring for your pet as if it were our own, as we value the uniqueness of the human-animal bond.


Dr Vicky McClure Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) Johne's Accreditation in Goats & Cattle AQIS Companion Animal Export Accreditation The lady with all the answers! For the past 10 years, senior veterinarian and business owner, Dr Vicky, has developed the Coffs Harbour Veterinary Hospital into a proficient and renowned centre for animal care. A veterinarian more devoted to animal health and well being you will not find! A business owner this caring and passionate is hard to come by. With an incredible retention for knowledge and skills, Vicky has been able to rise to the top of her game, treating both small and large animals for an endless diversity of conditions both on-site at the hospital an on location throughout the Coffs Harbour area. A particular interest in both veterinary dermatology and dentistry means that Vicky's long list of expertise continues to grow and you can always rest assured that your pet is in the most capable of hands, with many of our clients considering her as part of the family! At home you might find Dr Vicky singing happily in the garden surrounded by her veritable menagerie of 3 dogs, 1 cat, 4 horses and 3 kids!! She is one busy lady! And yet, for all the responsibilities she holds upon her shoulders, she still some how manages to calmly and confidently take each and every client and patient under her wing until every concern is heard and every problem is solved.


		Dr Karen Willmer Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery Certificate - International Veterinary Acupuncture Society A woman of many talents, Dr Karen came to us by a stroke of luck. Originally engaged in a short term locum position, Karen fast became such an integral part of CHVH that we simply couldn’t let her go! When she joined the team in July 2006 she brought with her a long history of veterinary experience from around the world including a qualification in Veterinary Acupuncture and has been relieving pain in our arthritis suffering patients ever since. Concentrating solely on small animal medicine has allowed Karen to hone her knowledge and skills to provide an exceptionally high standard of veterinary care for all of CHVH’s “littler” patients. Harnessing skills learned from different places and professions, Karen has now settled in to become a valuable part of our local community, volunteering for worthwhile causes and continuing her professional development as an accomplished veterinarian through continuing education. Not only does she bring a sense of professionalism to the hospital but also a holistic approach to patients and an environmental awareness that helps us all to make the world a better place.


Cathy Hoschke Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing The longest standing member of the CHVH Vet Nursing team, Cathy started in 2001 as a kennel assistant. Realising her passion for the care of animals she quickly progressed up the chain to full time employment, graduating with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2003. The natural “mother” of the CHVH family, Cathy takes on many responsibilities including writing our informative seasonal newsletter and running Puppy Preschool (each new class bringing squeals of puppy delight)! She volunteers in the S.P.O.T. program, educating our district’s youth in the ethical treatment of animals, is a veterinary dental nurse and a licensed radiograph assistant…is there anything this girl can’t do? When not caring for your much loved pets at CHVH she surrounds herself with many a diverse creature at home including Alpacas, pigs, guinea fowl, cockatoos, dogs and cats + many more furry and feathered friends including her husband and children. Now that’s real animal dedication!


		Darlene Henderson-Jones Certificate II in Animal Studies An enormous love and respect for animals inspired Darlene to start her vet nursing career at CHVH in June of 2006 and she’s never looked back. Straight into the study she gained her Certificate II in Animal Studies and attended many courses including Dog Grooming and Puppy Training. Being a vet nurse has allowed her to fulfil her dream of providing support and care for animals of all shapes and sizes. With a collection of qualifications under her belt, including Painter & Decorator & Art Teacher, she's useful in more ways than one and brings a diverse approach to everything she does. While her gorgeous (and cheeky!) Beagle “Lennie” keeps a smile on her face, all the many and varied patients who come and go through the doors of CHVH inspire her to learn more and more and continue to raise social awareness about the importance of having animals in our lives.


Laura Orr Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing Certificate II in Animal Studies Laura was invited to join the team at CHVH as a kennel assistant in 2004 after proving her substance and her love for animals by undertaking 2 weeks of Year 10 work experience (that’s when the girls fell in love with her and could see her potential). After completing her HSC in 2006, Laura took on her vet nursing career full throttle and gained a permanent full time position at the hospital. She began studying part time by correspondence at TAFE gaining herself a shiny new Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2007. She furthered her education by tackling Veterinary Nursing Certificate IV, which she completed in 2011. At home Laura has two fun-loving Labradors called Honey & Charlie. Just like salt and pepper they spice up her life and represent all the love and affection she has to give when it comes to family of the four legged kind.


		Ashlee Challinor Certificate II in Animal Studies Ashlee is extremely passionate about Veterinary Nursing, animal health and welfare. She completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2009 and will be starting her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2011. Ashlee joined our team in 2009, bringing a passionate and bubbly attitude to Coffs Harbour Veterinary Hospital, taking every situation with any animal to heart. Ashlee shows a great dedication to her position, making sure that she fulfils her role to the best of her ability. She is a certified groomer, having attended workshops lead by some of the best in the business. She has a particular interest in Equine Medicine and Nutrition and has always been completely horse-mad. Ashlee has a lovely Anglo-Arab Gelding named Storm, a Jack Russell named Tam, a Sharpei-cross-Staffy named Harley, 2 cats - Mooey and Lenny, and some Siamese Fighting Fish. She has a soft spot for strays and homeless animals and is always fighting to find them a second chance at love. Ashlee has donated some of her time to animal refuge work, but focuses mainly on her Veterinary Nursing and client education. Her amazing daughter Bella shares the same love of animals as she does.


Aleisha Barr Under Construction


		Helen Urquhart Our favourite number cruncher! Helen visits us every Wednesday and weaves her accountancy magic over endless folders of bills, receipts, accounts and bank statements. We don’t envy her but we do love her!


Katie Gardiner We couldn’t ask for more when it comes to our kennel hand Katie! Helpful and efficient she helps to keep the hospital clean and well stocked, ensuring that everything is in its place and ready to go. Most clients don’t get to see her but she leaves her invaluable trace on every clean surface! Katie has been with us for 3 years now and has recently expanded her knowledge and skills by volunteering for WIRES.


		Abbey March Certificate II in Animal Studies Abbey joined the CHVH as a kennel hand in 2009. She is currently at high school and completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies at the end of 2010. She has proven to be a valuable asset to the team – always working hard, being a thorough and careful cleaner, compassionate in her care for hospitalised pets and a great nurse on the weekends. Abbey’s enthusiasm for animal care shone through when she started her Animal Studies night course within months of commencing work at CHVH. Abbey has enormous passion and love for all animals, including her large range of animals at home – from turtles, to rabbits, to dogs.

Compassion ~ Healing ~ Vision ~ Honesty