Meet The Team

Sally graduated veterinary science from Sydney University in 2000. In 2001 she completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Sydney University, obtaining a diploma in veterinary clinical studies.

Sally joined the St Ives Veterinary Hospital in 2002 where she worked alongside the previous owner Michael Eaton for 20 years before taking over ownership of the practice in 2023. Sally has a love for surgery, but also a love for General Practice vet work that sees her develop long lasting relationships with clients and their pets.

When not at work Sally, has her hands full with two teenage boys, two cats and two dogs.

Vanessa graduated from Sydney University in 1999 with first class honours and has completed additional studies at North Carolina State University in USA.

Vanessa has been part of the St Ives Veterinary team since 2003 and has a keen interest in pathology, dermatology, complex medical cases and animal behaviour.

Vanessa has also completed post graduate studies and attained membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour in 2019 and was awarded the Robert Homes award for topping the written and oral exam Australia wide in 2019.

She is available for private behavioural consultations through her behaviour service called Positive Pets Behaviour Vet. Please click here for more information.

Vanessa is a Fear Free certified practitioner and strives to make veterinary visits as positive and stress free as she can for your pet by reading your pet’s body language, using touch gradients and positive reinforcement techniques as well as prescribing pre visits medications and sedation when deemed necessary.

In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys swimming, walking her cheeky Poodle cross and spending time with her family.

Jen graduated from Sydney University with first class honours in 2011. After working as a small animal vet on the Northern Beaches, lower North Shore and in the United Kingdom, she joined the St Ives Veterinary Hospital team in 2022.

Jen is passionate about all aspects of small animal practice, with a particular interest in dentistry and complex case management. She is currently pursuing further training in diagnostic ultrasound.

When not at work, Jen enjoys heading to the beach, trail running, and adventures with her family and groodle pup Rosie.

Ray joined the St Ives Veterinary Hospital team in 2022. A country girl, Ray graduated from Newcastle University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management with Distinction, majoring in Marine Science.

After working in research for several years, she then decided to change direction which led her to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine post-graduate degree at Melbourne University in 2017.

She then spent a few years living and working in Perth but has returned to Sydney to be closer to family after the COVID pandemic.

Ray has three gorgeous chihuahuas named Huey, Miri and Gus. She hopes to one day start up a senior chihuahua rescue in her spare time.

Elise graduated from Sydney University in 2024 and joined St Ives Veterinary Hospital in February 2025. 

Elise has a keen interest in surgery and ophthalmology and enjoys learning from every new case she sees.

She also brings a wealth of fresh knowledge as a new graduate. In her spare time Elise is a keen bushwalker and runner.  Elise doesn’t have any pets so currently gets all her animal cuddles from her adorable patients.

Dr Grace graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience in 2019, before pursuing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, graduating again in 2023.

Grace is pet parent to 3 handsome rescue cats and a cheeky kelpie cross.

Grace loves good coffee and catching a nice sunrise – when she’s not at work you’ll find her at the beach!

She is passionate about all aspects of general practice, with a particular interest in internal medicine. As a self-professed cat lady, she is also passionate about providing fear-free veterinary care to our feline patients.

Caity joined the team in 2015 as a vet nurse to pursue a career with animals.

She has a huge passion for dogs and loves handling the big, anxious dogs in the clinic.

Caity currently owns three dogs of her own and during her free time coordinates a dog rescue called Fetching Dogs. Caity has gone on to study and specialise in canine physical rehabilitation, she brings these skills to the hospital and has implemented laser therapy, compression icing and physiotherapy, particularly for our orthopaedic patients. She is also our orthopaedic specialist surgery coordinator.

Vanessa completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at the University of Vigo in Spain. After graduating she gained work experience in Ireland, Belgium, India and Peru.

In 2013 Vanessa moved to Australia and completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at TAFE NSW.  In 2019 she became an Australian citizen whilst working as an Emergency Veterinary Nurse in clinics across Sydney. She joined the St Ives Veterinary Hospital team in 2023 as a senior surgical nurse.

Cassie is a registered veterinary nurse, with a certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Cassie is passionate about ongoing education and has completed additional training in emergency and critical care, CPR, anaesthesia and wildlife care.

Cassie also works as an emergency nurse at our local emergency hospital, often helping pets when they need it most.

Outside of work Cassie is a proud mum of two amazing kids and two loveable greyhounds who keep life full of joy and cuddles.

Vivian is a vet nurse with a wild love for animals and a flair for the unconventional.

Upon completing a Bachelor degree in Management and spending 10 years in hospitality, her life changed when she stumbled across vet nursing.

Currently in her final months of completing her Cert IV veterinary nurse qualification, she has a keen interest in pathology and internal medicine. When not wrangling wiggly furries or assisting in surgery, you’ll probably find Vivian upside down in the air—literally. As an aerial enthusiast, she trades scrubs for circus arts. Her spirit animal is a black cat. 

Carys joined the team in February 2023, while finishing her Certificate 2 in Animal Care.

She currently works part time while studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney, enjoying all aspects of clinic work, from client care to nursing more complex cases.

Outside of work and university, Carys enjoys going to the gym, spending time at the beach and being involved in her church. She is pet mum to Brick the cattle dog and Betsy the rabbit, who she adopted as rescues.

Charlotte is currently studying a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney, after having completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Health, Disease and Welfare.

With a passion for animals of all shapes and sizes, Charlotte aims to pursue a career in mixed animal practice in the near future.

Outside the clinic, Charlotte is a WIRES rescuer and enjoys playing soccer, camping, and spending time with her two dogs, Archie and Martha.

Anna joined the team in August 2014.  She has completed her Diploma in Horse Industry Management as well as continuing education in small animal anaesthesia and pain management.

Anna has a dressage horse named Castiel and two rescue cats Molly and Ying Yang.  She is known as the official cat whisperer at St Ives Vet Hospital.

Having grown up in regional NSW, Hamish always had a heart for animals.  This passion led him to beginning his veterinary nursing career at St Ives Veterinary Hospital in 2022. 

Hamish has since grown a deep love for the veterinary industry, with a keen interest in surgical nursing and medical care. Hamish is of the firm opinion that veterinary practice is as much about the owners as it is the pets and always strives to bring a caring attitude to patients and owners alike.

Hamish loves tricky surgeries, medical imaging and following complex medical cases.

In his spare time, Hamish loves playing tennis and squash, going mountain biking, reading, playing guitar and spending time with his two cats Catsu and Yokota, his cockatiel Fudge and his blue-tongued lizard Ashley.

Farrah began her journey at St Ives Veterinary Hospital in 2000 as a dedicated veterinary nurse.

While she loved working hands-on with patients, she soon discovered a passion for the management side of the veterinary world.

In 2009 she completed a Diploma of Practice Management through the University of New England and has since taken the reins behind the scenes. Farrah now keeps the hospital running smoothly, supporting both the team and clients with her experience and care.

When she’s not at work Farrah enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Norman, a cavoodle.

Kelly joined the team in February 2023 and has been a veterinary receptionist in both general practice and specialist clinics since 2016.

Ever since she was little, she wanted to work with animals, but she also loves a good chat and finds great joy in helping clients and problem-solving, so the front desk is her happy place!

Kelly is a self-confessed crazy cat person who still loves doggy-cuddles, and her passion is helping all pets and their people.