Danielle Eyssens

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

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

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.

Michelle Chin

Veterinarian

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!

Jim Kennedy

Veterinarian

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.

Nicole Skolnick

Veterinarian

Nicole was born and raised in Ontario, Canada before relocating to Melbourne in 2022 to pursue her veterinary studies at the University of Melbourne. Following graduation in 2025, the warm weather influenced her enough to stick around for a while and she joined our team right out of school.

Nicole has a loving golden retriever back in Canada named Gordie and an Australian foster-fail kitty named Ozzy.

In her spare time away from her four-legged patients, Nicole enjoys traveling the world, wildlife/nature photography and watching ice hockey (Go Leafs Go).

Emma Buckley

Veterinarian

Emma graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2001 and has since practiced in both the UK and Melbourne. She is a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in feline medicine and is a certified CAETA peaceful euthanasia veterinarian. Additionally, she has completed postgraduate studies in ultrasound and feline medicine.

Outside of the clinic, Emma enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her household includes Freya, a retired assistance spoodle; Slinky, a friendly black cat; Peggy, a shy tabby; and two chickens, Effie Trinket and Princess Peach.

Courtney Elliott

Veterinarian

Courtney graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2020 and started her veterinary career in mixed animal practice in the Yarra Valley. In 2025 Courtney and her husband set off for a 12 month trip around Australia, where they worked in various clinics as locum vets and got to see more of our beautiful country. Courtney began working as a locum at Croydon Veterinary Clinic in early 2026, but loved our clinic so much she decided to stay permanently!

Courtney enjoys delving into medical workups for unwell patients and performing soft tissue surgery. She loves learning new things and getting to know her patients and their people - she is always up for a puppy cuddle! Away from work Courtney enjoys travel, good food, walking and hiking, and riding her horses.