Meet The Team | Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital

Dr Ben Fell

BA. BVSc (Hons) MANZCVSc (Surgery)

ben@yarrarangesvet.com.au

I joined the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2005 and apart from a year of travelling, have been here since. I studied my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland and graduated with first class Honours. I have obtained a Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the area of Small Animal Surgery. This involved intensive post-graduate study over two years and a series of written and oral examinations. In 2014, Kim and I became the full owners of the practice and we are very excited to take over such a successful clinic.

My professional area of interest is that of surgery. I routinely perform major orthopaedic and soft tissue surgical procedures at our hospital and accepts referrals from veterinary colleagues. My particular interest is cruciate ligament injury (TPLO surgery), fracture management, corrective osteotomies for growth abnormalities and reconstructive surgery.

Away from veterinary practice, my interests are sports (I am a keen Brisbane Lions supporter), literature, music, food and wine.

Dr Kim Johnson

BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Medicine of Horses)

kim@yarrarangesvet.com.au

I first came to the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2008 after I graduated from The University of Melbourne with first class honours as the Dux of my year. In 2009 I joined the team at The Veterinary Surgery in Yarrambat and North Warrandyte where I gained experience in all areas of mixed veterinary practice, but focusing mainly on horses. In 2013 I returned to Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital as a co-owner with Ben.

I have always had a passion for horses and I especially loves this particular aspect of the job. I qualified for Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Medicine of Horses in 2012. I have also completed a post graduate course in equine dentistry and attend yearly conferences for continuing education. My veterinary interests involve all aspects of equine work but especially medicine, reproduction and dentistry. I also enjoy small animal medicine and small ruminant work. My pets are a cat named “Bob Dylan” and a wire haired Jack Russell Terrier named “Barney” and a maltese dog “Samir” who come to work every day. I enjoy all aspects of horses and horse riding and have three riding horses, George, Nina and Missy and my old retired horse Amber. I am a member of the Australian Veterinary Association and Equine Veterinarians Australia.

Dr. Emma Thomerson

Veterinary Surgeon

emma@yarrarangesvet.com.au

After a brief hiatus, I was given the amazing opportunity to return to mixed animal practice with Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital. I completed my veterinarian degree at James Cook University in 2009 and have since had a keen aspect in all areas of mixed animal practice. I particularly enjoy equine medicine and small animal medicine and dentistry. I am lucky enough to live in the stunning Yarra Valley with my two freisian horses and dog, Jessica. Outside of caring for my beautiful animals I enjoy spending time with friends and family away camping and also enjoy cooking.

Michelle Davies

Practice Manager

michelle@yarrarangesvet.com.au

I’ve been in the Veterinary Industry for almost 15 years both in nursing and management roles. The majority of that time was spent nursing and managing The Blackburn Vet practice but most recently I was the Nursing Team Leader at The Lost Dog’s Home. I completed my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through the Animal Industries Resource Centre in 2012. What I’m most passionate about is ensuring pet’s have access to high quality health care and that owner’s receive the expertise, compassion and advice they need to be able to care for their much loved pets.

My partner Riaan & I share our home with two big adorable pooches Harper, an extremely affectionate Rottweiler, & Hudson a cuddly Bernese Mountain Dog. Outside of work and taking care of my dogs I enjoy travel, photography, motorbike riding, keeping fit and spending time with my family and friends.

Fiona Morse

Veterinary Nurse (Diploma in Dental Nursing)

I completed my Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 1990 and begun working full time. I joined the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital team originally in 1999 for a short time prior to starting my family. I returned to nursing at a veterinary dental practice for 12 years, where I had the opportunity to obtain my Diploma of Nursing (Dental). I was then lucky enough to return to Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2016. I live locally with my husband and two daughters and we share our lives with a horse, dogs, cats, budgies, lizards and fish. I love horse riding and attending horse events in my spare time.

Louise Birchall

Surgical Nurse/Receptionist

I was originally employed in 1980 as a Technician at the Yarra Glen clinic, four name changes later, (one by me and three by the practice), I am still here. I help with the reproduction side of our practice, but mainly work at our Lilydale Hospital as a surgical nurse.

I am married with two grown up girls and have a black Labrador named Bailey. My interests include netball, walking, reading and the Essendon Bombers. My favourite thing to do is going away with friends.

Jenny Millis

Surgical Nurse/Receptionist

I joined the team at Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in June 2014, and am based primarily at the Yarra Glen Clinic. My earlier years were spent working in accounting, and happily began my Vet Nursing career in 2002. I am also an active member of the Dixons Creek CFA. My spare time is spent enjoying life with my two Australian Kelpie’s Sydney and Siren, together with Quarter Horses Dusty and Rio.

You will likely meet Sydney the kelpie when visiting the Yarra Glen Clinic, as he enjoys accompanying me to work, and making sure all our patients are welcomed to their appointments.

Sheree Falkingham

Receptionist

Born in Auckland New Zealand and moving to Australia in 1985, I met my husband and had three boys and now I have the absolute joy of two grandsons! Working in reception roles for 30 years and 8 in my last employment I decided I needed a change, hence I am now on the front reception at Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital.

I met Ben and Kim through my passion of horse riding who gave me this fantastic opportunity! With my interest in animals having my own horse, cat and my beautiful Rottweiler Kelly I endeavour to offer the best customer service to client and patient alike.

Rachael Simonsen

Veterinary Nurse

I started working at the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in May 2012. I have recently completed Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill Tafe. My passions are surgical nursing and being one of the clinic’s Puppy Preschool Teachers.

At home i have three dogs: Jaffa – Greyhound, Macca- Whippet x Kelpie and Wilson a Jack Russell x. I also have two cats Pippa and Phoenix. My interests outside work include cooking, camping, metal detecting and catching up with friends and family.

Michelle Melville

Receptionist

I joined the team in May 2018, as a part time receptionist at the Lilydale Hospital. I graduated as a Vet Nurse in the 80’s and have worked in various clinics and Boarding kennels since then.

Together with my Husband and Daughter we live on a small farm in Glenburn. We have 3 Showjumping horses, 2 Shetland ponies, 1 Cat named Gretel, 3 Sheep, Hazel the Whippet, Twistie the Heeler x and my awesome little Chihuahua Spud.

When i am not at Work, i am Chauffeur, groom and Mum to my daughter and her horses at the various shows we attend.

Ebony Kellett

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

I joined the team at Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital at the start of the year in 2017. I am currently in training at Box Hill Institute to be a qualified Veterinary Nurse by the end of 2018. I have always had a passion with animals as to why I have chosen this industry to work with.

Outside of work I have my own personal photography business called ‘Ebony Kellett Photography’ that I have been running for 6 years now. At home I have two shelties (Toby and Sprocket), two horses (Castani and Flick) and a cockatoo called Max. Apart from animals and photography I love to travel and eating food!

Barney

Clinic Dog

I was rescued by Starting Over Dog Rescue from a country pound, and adopted by Dr Kim and Dr Ben in 2012 when I was a year old. I live in Yarra Glen and love coming to work every day, whether it is at Lilydale or Yarra Glen, and I particularly love going out on large animal calls in the car. My interests are eating, sleeping, playing and I love people and other dogs. My favourite thing to do is go for a walk. Each month I write “Barney’s Blog” for the clinic’s monthly email newsletter.

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