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.

Dr. Olivia Sullivan

I commenced working as a veterinarian at the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in December. I grew up in Lilydale, so it’s great to be working in my local area. I’ve been surrounded by animals since a young age and I always wanted to help them. I worked as a veterinary nurse prior to starting my studies and became very interested in medicine and surgery. This inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a vet.
I have six horses at home. Mystery – a 29 year old anglo-arab who is now retired. Phoenix – an 8yo warmblood cross who I do dressage and some trail riding on. And 4 miniature horse lawn mowers.
Outside of work I enjoy horse-riding and downhill skiing. I’m also a bit of a foodie and love trying out new restaurants and cafes.

Dr Chris Heislers

I graduated my Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree with honours from the University of Melbourne and went on to practice in NE Victoria for 3 years in a large mixed horse, cattle & small animal practice. I then travelled to the UK and worked in North Yorkshire in a large specialist horse reproduction, racetrack, performance and surgical practice.

On return to Australia, I continued to work in both horse and mixed practices prior to co-establishing North Warrandyte Veterinary Clinic; an equine practice. I developed and grew this practice to also incorporate Yarrambat Veterinary Hospital.

I have a special interest in many areas including horse reproduction, neonatal medicine & surgery, performance horse soundness management, general surgery, dentistry, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound) and geriatric medicine. I’m also involved with student teaching and examinations through the University of Melbourne and continue to involve myself in continuing education and have a post graduate diploma.

After selling ownership of my practice at the end of 2017, I am now happy to be working with the team at Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital and providing services to horses (and other species) across the Yarra Valley.

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.

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.

Stacey Hilder

Veterinary Nurse

I have been Veterinary Nursing since 2011 and came to the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2018 after previous roles working in welfare at Animal Aid Vet Clinic and Veterinary Nursing at Boronia Vet and Animal Hospital. I am thrilled to be able to expand on my knowledge and experience as current Nurse Manager at Yarra Ranges while doing a job that I absolutely love. My pets include a 4 year old Australian Shepherd, Vella and a 5 year old Ragdoll x Elanie.

A fun fact about me is that I am the eldest of six daughters, so I have learned to be responsible and lead as well as have a level-headed attitude. My interests outside of work include travel, going to music gigs, camping, fishing, having a drink with family and friends and of course hanging out with my beloved girls, Vella and Elanie.

Emma Noonan

Veterinary Nurse/Receptionist

Growing up in Dixons Creek, I’ve always had a desire to work within the local community and with my passion for animals both large and small, this lead me to the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital. With over 7 years of experience in the animal care industry working as a veterinary nurse and receptionist at a large veterinary clinic in Whittlesea, I was very honoured when I got the opportunity to join the YRAH team in November 2019.

I’ve have a very diverse range of pets at home including Wiggle the pig, Franklin the goat, Mickey a Heeler x and my two rescue cats Noodles & Sophie. And to keep me on my toes even more, I have beautiful but mischievous twin daughters. When I’m not looking after all of them, my other passion is exercise. I love keeping fit, healthy and active.

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, 2 Cats, 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.

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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