OUR TEAM

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DR URSULA RETCHFORD
BVSc(Hons)

Director / Senior Veterinarian

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 over the years.

her downtime is enjoyed spending time with family and friends, or at home gardening, reading and sewing. Cato the cat keeps her busy with his shenanigans also.

DR DANIELLE EYSSENS

B.V.Sc (Hons)

Veterinarian

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, becoming part owner in 2023.

She has completed a course in Diagnostic Imaging and enjoys medicine and emergency and critical cases.

In her spare time, for the past 16 years, she has been volunteering with the Victoria State Emergency Service. She loves spending time with family in the fresh country air and growing her collection of plants. She has 2 cats at home, George of the Jungle and Pippy, who was originally our clinic cat

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DR Helen Van Der Wel

B.V.Sc (Hons)

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.

DR Kate Harslet

B.V.Sc (Hons)

Veterinarian

Kate graduated with honors from the University of Melbourne in 2010. She's passionate about providing excellent patient care, and enjoys both soft tissue surgery and the challenge of managing complex medical cases.

Kate joined the team in 2023 and works part time. When she's not working she's kept busy running around after her three children. Their household includes two rabbits, Coconut and Popcorn, who are almost always causing trouble.

DR Michelle Chin

B.V.Sc (Hons)

Veterinarian

 

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TARA

Nursing Manager

Veterinary Nurse

Tara is a qualified veterinary nurse with over 15 years experience. She joined our clinic in early 2012 and is now leading our nursing team. She has a wealth of surgical and medical nursing experience. She enjoys all areas of nursing but particularity has a passion for patient care and making the team environment a great place for our staff to work within.  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family on their farm with her menagerie of animals dogs, cat, chickens, sheep, cows and deer.

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ANTHEA

Veterinary Nurse

Anthea is a qualified veterinary nurse. She joined our clinic in 2013. She has a special interest and a great deal of experience with rabbit medicine and surgery. But she still loves working with all animals big and small. She has special interest in nutrition and is always happy to advise our clients on their pets needs. Anthea also volunteers her time with Big Ears animal sanctuary in Tasmania. She lives at home with her two rabbits Hamish and Poppy who are very spoilt.


Lily

Veterinary Nurse

 

 


JESSIE

Veterinary Nurse

Jessie joined the Croydon Veterinary Clinic in 2017 as a Kennel Hand and is now a qualified Veterinary Nurse. Jessie has a keen interest in Animal Nutrition & Behavior. She grew up in Tasmania and has spent time living in Darwin & Adelaide Hills. At home Jessie has a Kelpie Cross called Moody, Border terrier Albi and menagerie of chickens. In her spare time Jessie enjoys Horse riding, Camping, Bush walking and 4X4 driving.


Chelsea

Veterinary Nurse

 

 

 


MELISSA

Veterinary Nurse

Melissa joined our team just as Covid hit us! She is qualified and has been nursing for approx 9.5years. Melissa's special interests in nursing is Imaging; things like ultrasounds & X-rays. At home she has a little 9 year old Jack Russell Terrier who keeps her busy. During her spare time she enjoys camping with her partner.

Sarah

Veterinary Nurse

 

Miah

Veterinary Nurse