The Vets

Dr John Aspley Davis
Dr John is the Principal and senior surgeon of the practice and still revels in the challenges and joys with which his patients and clients present him. He graduated from London University in 1970 where one of his jobs was as a bouncer at a Rolling Stones concert! After several years of practice in mixed animal clinics all around the United Kingdom, he met his wife-to-be Carol who was a vet nurse. They migrated to Australia. In 1977, they moved to Canberra and set up a veterinary clinic on Southern Cross Drive. Originally operating from their laundry, they progressed to a six-room surgical suite. In 1989, Dr John designed his dream practice, opening in1990 the current hospital in the Kippax shopping centre. It has won many accolades including ASAVA Inaugural Hospital of the Year in 1993 and Practice of Excellence in Customer Service 2003. The practice has been a Teaching Hospital of the University of Sydney for 25 years. Dr John was made a Chartered Member and also a Fellow of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) in 2005. He is involved in several committees including: the ACT Division of the AVA of which he has been President, Policy Councilor for the AVA, Inspector of ASAVA Hospitals of Excellence, Member of the Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee, Member of the University of Canberra Animal Ethics Committee, President of the Australian Veterinary Christian Fellowship, Deputy Chairman of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of the ACT and Vice Chairman of the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council - its national equivalent. He is a Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne and studying for a Masters of Veterinary Science at Murdoch University. He was Captain of the local Boy's Brigade Company for 23 years, inaugural secretary of the Australian Veterinary Practice Management Association for 6 years and founding Chairman of the Animal Emergency Centre, Canberra. He is ecstatic that his daughter has joined in the practice, dabbles in watercolours, loves music by the composer Sibelius and MAY be slowly converting his staff to listening to ABC FM – or at least they condescend to listening on his operating days!

Dr Michael Archinal
Mike is one of the partners in the practice. He graduated from Sydney University in 1987 and after five years in country practice, started the Bateman's Bay Veterinary Hospital. He is also a Senior partner at Canberra Veterinary Hospital. After completing his distance education in 1997, Mike is our resident dermatologist and is also a qualified acupuncturist having been awarded the IVAS diploma in acupuncture in 2002. Mike has achieved amazing results in both of these challenging areas. He is married to Jodie, whom he met on the high seas during the First Fleet Reinactment in 1988, and has three sons and a Labrador named Rosie. How he combines family life, cricket coaching, a single digit golf handicap, major commitments in his local church, a television career and veterinary practice remains one of the great secrets. You can catch Michael every Thursday on 'Mornings with Kerri-Anne' on the Nine Network and every second Saturday on ABC radio.

Dr Cara McNally
After graduating from Murdoch University in Perth, WA, I moved across the country to join the team here at Kippax. I like dogs but I love cats! I have two cats of my own, Bailey and Mina, who were brought in as kittens for our cat adoption program. They are otherwise known as 'the monsters' and can be usually be found causing mischief and mayhem. My main interests are dermatology and internal medicine - I have just finished a course on emergency medicine. I have a weakness for coffee, and for baking - I often bake goodies for the staff to eat. I hope to see you all around soon!

Dr Calista O'Neil
I grew up in Canberra in the Tuggeranong Valley. Becoming a veterinarian was a life long dream for me but one that I fulfilled at a mature age. I graduated from Murdoch University, Perth, WA in 2004 with the help of a supportive husband and my four children. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine but most of all enjoy meeting new people everyday and facing new challenges whatever they may be. In my spare time I like spending time with my family, volunteering and horse riding.

Dr Kate Pickles
I'm back! Many of you may remember me from 2000-2001 when I worked here for 18 months, and when I spent some time as a locum here in 2003 and again in 2005. In between work, I spent part of 2004 cycling through India, and have also been on a trek through Patagonia. I have spent the last year working in some scenic locations around the United Kingdom. I have an interest in Internal Medicine, I completed a post graduate course in 2005. I loves both cats and dogs, and especially my own dog named Moya. You may see me cycling around town, battling the morning traffic. Otherwise I am likely to be found bushwalking, or cooking lots of goodies to keep the staff fully fuelled!

Dr Michael Riethmuller
Michael graduated from Sydney Uni in 1994 and initially worked in mixed practice in Goulburn NSW. After 3 years he traveled to the UK for a change if scenery. He locumed and traveled around Europe for 2 years then took a full time position at a busy small animal practice in Liverpool in the northwest of England. After 6 years here, Michael decided it was time to return to his home town if Canberra and he is very happy to have joined the team at Kippax. Michael is interested in all aspects of small animal internal medicine and surgery and enjoys working as part of a large group. Outside work his interests include swimming, fishing, listening to new music and following Liverpool FC in the English Premier League.

Dr Alison Taylor
Graduated in 1998 from Sydney University. Spent a year in mixed practice in Gerringong before moving to England. Practiced in a very busy small animal practice for 9 months a year and traveled the world for the rest of the time. At the end of 2003, decided to come home and grow up. Spent a year in Ulladulla in mixed practice before moving to Canberra to prepare for the birth of first child, Jack ( how can you possibly prepare for that!). I have a husband, Bill, who is also a vet. I have been practicing in Canberra for a year and recently took up the opportunity to practice here in a big, good quality and progressive clinic. Interests include dentistry, internal medicine and given the number of small furries I saw in England, I am reasonably comfortable with seeing them too. I am currently enjoying studying diagnostic imaging including radiology and ultrasound. Although I have only been at KVH for a short period of time, I am thorough enjoying it and am looking forward to the many challenges that this busy practice will provide.

Nurses

Megan Haines
Hello my name is Megan and I am the Head Veterinary Nurse here at Kippax Veterinary Hospital. I also run Puppy Preschool and behavior consults. I was born and lived in Darwin for 13 years then move to Mackay in North Queensland and lived there for 10 years where I started my nursing career. I have been a Veterinary Nurse for 6 years. I am certificate 4 qualified with the AIRC and am currently studying for an advanced certificate. I have a dog of my own “Jessie” who is a silky terrier x mini fox terrier. She is an epileptic needing lots of medication and love (which she gets plenty of). I also enjoy Artistic Roller Skating, Golf, and Kayaking as well as lots of other things.

Jarrod Male
G'Day my name is Jarrod Male and I am one of the Senior Nurses at Kippax Veterinary Hospital. I have been working as a Veterinary Nurse for 11 years 8 of which have been with KVH. This is an exceptional practice overflowing with the best of modern equipment and a highly skilled staff. I have recently started my own business providing 24hr on call emergency transport to sick pets in the Canberra region. Pet Ambulance Services can be contacted on 62540547 night or day. On a personal note I am married with two beautiful children and a very excitable 8 year old Rottweiler cross. I enjoy playing and watching most forms of sport and love to get out in the bush on my trail bike as much as possible.

Nicki Ogilvie
Hi. My name is Nicki and I have recently joined the team at Kippax Veterinary Hospital. I have just returned from a trip to South Africa for 3 months volunteering with a horse safari company. I met some lovely people and had a wonderful time. Prior to my traveling, I worked at Canberra Veterinary Hospital for 1 and 1/2 years. I have several horses and ride in Endurance (long distance) rides as much as possible. I also have a kelpie called Gypsy and 2 cats called Cheeky and Misty which I love dearly.

Receptionists

Yvette Douglas
I have been at Kippax since early 2006. I have had a late career change; having spent most of my employment in the Community Sector supporting families in crisis. I love working with animals; it has always been my dream to do so and 15 years of working with humans is definitely long enough. I also run a small cattery at my home; housing a small numbers of cats at once with maximum personalised care and attention for all my “guests”. I am owned by my Ragdoll cat named “Harmony” and we now have a new baby called “Bouncer” – a little tortoiseshell kitten – who was saved from being burnt by awful humans. She is now happy and healthy and being spoilt rotten. I look forward to meeting all our KVH clients and spending time helping to care for all your beloved pets.

Louellen Fischer
Hello, my name is LouEllen. I have been working at Kippax Veterinary Hospital since 1999 doing reception work. I thoroughly enjoy the friendly atmosphere – especially working with a group of people whose main aim in life is to help animals and reduce their suffering. My husband and I own a bit of land outside of Canberra. We try to spend as much time out there as we can, working and enjoying the peace and serenity. We hope to build and move out there soon. Our children have left home which has left me with a bit more time to focus on other things; hence I am half way through obtaining my certificate IV in veterinary nursing. I am enjoying the extra challenges and have restructured my life to include the hours needed to study and do assignments. I have three cats at home, all of them surrendered as kittens and in need of homes. I also have an aviary with budgies, cockatiels and quails.

Debbie O'Donovan
Hi my name is Debbie O’Donovan, I started working at the clinic in September 2006. Originally from County Claire in Ireland I moved to Australia in 2000. I have a strong background in equine nursing but have decided to pursue my passion of small animals. I am currently completing a Certificate III in Animal Companionship at the Canberra Institute of Technology. I have a small cat named Amy (or ‘Me Me’ to those who serve her).

Pip Milford
Hi my Name is Pip. I have just joined the team here at KVH. I completed my Veterinary nursing certificate at TAFE NSW Orange Campus in 2003. Since moving to Canberra from the central west NSW around 2 years ago, I have worked in pet shops, and leading boarding kennels in ACT. During my training I worked in a large and small animal practice in Forbes. I have a great love for animals, large and small including my 2 cats Milo, and Megs and crazy 8yr old German Shepard Zoe. I must say that going on safari in Africa has been most rewarding of all. I look forward to getting know everyone and their beloved family members.

Sara Eastley
Hi, my name is Sara and I have just recently joined the KVH team as a Veterinary Nurse/Receptionist. I’ am currently studying Veterinary Nursing at C.I.T and completed my Animal Technology Certificate 3 in 2006. I have 2 cats; Demon and Tia, 2 rabbits; Cutie and Bun and a guinea pig named Pig. I love all animals but cats are my favourite. =)

Bronwyn Augustin
My name is Bronwyn and I joined this awesome team of people some 4 months ago. My family and I live on a property where we get to enjoy the abundant wildlife. Lizards, snakes, all sorts of beautiful birds, possums, turtles and kangaroos are right on our doorstep. I look forward to meeting and greeting you when you arrive at Kippax Vet Hospital

Casual Staff

Jennifer Coonan
My name is Jennifer and I’ve been a casual here since the middle of 2006. I am currently studying at Hawker College and I hope to become a veterinarian. I love working with animals and working at Kippax Veterinary Hospital. I live on a farm and in my spare time, I enjoy going bike riding, horse riding, and walking my dogs.

Bethany Tullis
My name is Bethany and I have been a casual here since October 2004. I love working with animals and hope to one day become a Veterinarian. I am currently studying at Copland College. In my spare time I love to sing at my church Canberra Christian Life Centre and I am a kids entertainer for a band called "Uptime". I love working with the kind and friendly staff at Kippax Veterinary Hospital.

Samantha Damiano
Hi everyone! I’m Samantha, aka Sam. I’m 15 and have been a part of the friendly ‘n’ fun KVH team since early March 07. Starting as a casual was a whole new experience, but very interesting. Now I am being trained as a vet nurse, and currently studying journalism at uni. Working with big cats and other exotics is my ultimate dream, and working at KVH is my first step to achieving this goal. I love watching your pets thrive under our care, and of course treating all the puppies and kittens with too much food! =)

Adelaide Burnett
Adelaide has recently joined us. She originally came here as a work experience student, but enjoyed herself so much that she was happy to start working here too. We are delighted to have her on our staff.

Administration Staff

Carol Aspley Davis
Carol is the backbone of the practice. She runs the practice from behind the scenes ensuring that staff requirements are met and finances run smoothly. She is John's wife and a mother of three. Without her knowledge and skills, the practice would not be operational.

John Wells
My name is John Wells. I have worked for John and Carol for several years in a variety of roles. I am currently the Bookkeeper/Accountant. I have a background in Banking over many years. I am married with 3 adult children, and 3 grandchildren.

The Van
The van is our trusty transporter. When ever there is an emergency this little beast makes sure we get there quickly!

Clinic Pets

Bomber
Bomber is the Rainbow Lorikeet with attitude! Bomber is actually a girl.

Gracie
Gracie is a Domestic short hair. She arrived at KVH in March of 2004 as a stray that had been involved in a traffic accident. X-rays showed that Gracie had a broken pelvis which luckily would sort itself out with lots of cage rest. After 4 months of cage rest Gracie was let out to have small walks in the treatment room. At this time her personality started to show and the staff quickly fell in love with her. Gracie can usually be seen sleeping in the gardens around the clinic or on a chair in the staff room waiting for Megan to share some of her tuna with her at lunch time.

Kira
Kira is an old girl, and her days consist of sleeping under John's desk. Kira is the matron.