Danielle Eyssens

Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc(Hons))

Danielle graduated with honours from University of Queensland in 2002 and moved back down to sunny Melbourne to start work at the Animal Emergency Centre. Danielle joined the team at Croydon in 2005 and has been with us ever since, and is now the sole owner of the Practice.

 She loves her 2 cats, the Famous George of the Jungle and crazy Pippy.  She is passionate about all her patients that come and see her even the ones that don’t like her.

In her time away from the clinic Danielle enjoys getting to the gym, finding a great location for a bushwalk and has been volunteering at the Victoria State Emergency Service for the last 17 years.

Helen Barker

Veterinarian (BVSc)

Helen graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2004. She began her veterinary career in mixed animal practice in Gippsland before moving into Emergency and Critical care where she worked for a number of years. Having children made shift work difficult so she moved back into general veterinary practice. She joined Croydon Veterinary Clinic part time in 2022, before coming on board full time in 2023. She has completed post graduate studies in emergency medicine and cardiorespiratory medicine. She has a keen interest in emergency medicine, surgery, management of
chronic medical conditions and palliative care. Outside of work she is kept busy ferrying her 3 children to school and various sporting activities. She is a crazy Carlton supporter who also enjoys camping, music and movies.

Ursula Retchford

Veterinarian (BVSc)

In 1998 Ursula began work for Dr Cooper at the Croydon Veterinary Clinic and after his retirement, took over the practice in 2004. Ursula thoroughly enjoys the relationships she has developed with her patients and clients over the years. Downtime is enjoyed spending time with family and friends, or at home gardening, reading or sewing. Cato the cat keeps her busy with his shenanigans also. She has handed over the reigns of the practice to Danielle but is still enjoying coming to work and seeing all her regulars.

Jim Kennedy

Veterinarian (BVSc)

Jim graduated in 1977 and has been working in general practice ever since. For the last 30 years, he has been working in small and large animal practices around the Yarra valley. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our clinic.

He enjoys the challenges that veterinarians get to deal with on a daily basis, but also really values the relationships with owners that are formed.

In his spare time he is a very keen Geelong supporter and enjoys gardening around his farm.

Michelle Chin

Veterinarian (BVSc)

Michelle graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2012. She began her career in Singapore, where she spent five rewarding years in small animal practice before bringing her expertise to Australia. Now based in Melbourne’s vibrant eastern suburbs, Michelle embraces every aspect of veterinary care, with a particular passion for internal medicine, emergency medicine, and small animal surgery.

When she’s not caring for her furry patients, you’ll find her exploring cozy cafes, enjoying outdoor adventures, and sharing precious moments with her family—including a lively baby and two playful cats who keep life exciting and full of laughter!

Daniel Hutchinson

Veterinarian (DVM, BSc)

Dr Daniel grew up locally around Croydon Hills before moving to Werribee to study his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. He graduated in 2022 and has worked in a small animal practice ever since. He was excited to move back into the area and joined our team in 2024.

Daniel has a keen interest in wildlife and exotic pets ranging from rabbits to reptiles to rosellas. He shares his home with his adorable (and incredibly cheeky) staffy called Dana. In his free time, Daniel likes to cook and work on wood carvings.
  

Tara Hoorn

Nurse Manager (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Tara joined our clinic in 2012 and has been nursing for over 18 years and still very much loves what she does. She enjoys being able to educate new pet parents to help them on the right journey with their puppies and kittens.

Outside of work, she keeps herself very busy with her young family, a menagerie of animals which includes 4 dogs, a cat, chickens, sheep, cows and even some deer.

 

Anthea Woodrow

Senior Vet Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

After graduating with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing from Victoria University in 2012,
Anthea went straight into small herbivorous nursing, following her love of rabbits. Anthea then started nursing at Croydon
Veterinary Clinic in 2013. She enjoys being able to nurse lots of different species. Anthea
shares her home with her husband, and 2 cheeky tabby cats, Prim and Mercy.

Jessie Hahn

Senior Vet Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Jessie has been nursing for 7 years. She started at corydon as a kennel hand and then completed her qualification with us.At home, she has a Kelpie mix called Moody and a border terrier called Alby, as well as a mix of chickens and quails.She enjoys gardening, up-cycling, reading and taking the dogs on outings.

Melissa Hodgson

Registered Veterinary Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Melissa joined our team in March 2020 after working in a busy emergency centre for 8 years.She graduated from Victoria University in 2011 with a Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing.Melissa strives to make the clinic experience great for patients and clients. She has an interest in both imaging & end of life care.
When she’s not busy at the clinic she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and camping. Melissa has a cheeky jack russell at home.

Sarah Flanagan

Registered Veterinary Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Sarah is a qualified Veterinary Nurse who finished her course at the end of 2022. She joined the team in April of 2023. Sarah has a special interest in surgery and patient care. In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her family. Sarah has 2 cats, Missy and Jada, who like to keep her company.

Miah Stern

Veterinary Nurse

Miah finished her studies in 2021 with a degree in Veterinary Bioscience. She started vet nursing in an emergency department, which gave her a good insight into the veterinary world. Since starting with us in 2022, Miah has enjoyed the switch to a family run general practice and enjoyed nurturing her love for animal care. Whether it be big or small. She enjoys making sure the clients feel supported and that their pets are advocated for.

When she is not working, she spends time with her two lovely Maine-coons, Charlie and Spud and her two kelpies.

Lily Lowenstern

Registered Veterinary Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Lily has been with our clinic since 2021 and has been nursing for 7 years previously in mixed practice with all creatures great and small. She thoroughly enjoys treating hospital patients and medical cases that come through the clinic. Lily loves to engage with her patients and is passionate about performing at a high standard of care.

When not in the clinic Lily is busy with her young family, dogs and her performance horse Lulu in between caravanning around the country.


 

Chelsea Witnish

Registered Veterinary Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Chelsea has been working as a veterinary nurse for 4 years now. Her favourite part about nursing is all the cats she gets to see every day and going home to her Maine Coon problem child. In her free time she likes to play footy, run with her Lab x Golden retriever and camping. She is known to the team as the snack queen and will eat all the left-over food.
 
 

 

Brittany Alexander

Registered Veterinary Nurse (CertIV Veterinary Nursing)

Brittany has been a vet nurse for the past 10 years. She is experienced in general practice treating companion animals in surgery and hospital but has also worked with farm animals, native wildlife and reptiles. She feels passionate about animal welfare and ensuring our furry friends are as comfortable as possible throughout their treatment.
Outside of the clinic she enjoys her time with her two boys and tabby cat Ethel. 
She enjoys being outdoors and participating in arts and crafts.

Charlie

Trainee Nurse

Charli is currently completing her animal studies and has 4 years experience as a kennel hand. She enjoys being with friends and family, going to the gym and spending lots of time with her Burmilla cat, Jasper. She is also passionate about ensuring animals are comfortable in our clinic and getting lots of cuddles while being cared for and making sure all owners and animals needs are met.

  
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