Meet The Vets
Dr James Vowles
B.Sc, B.V.M.S.
Owner / Veterinarian
I graduated from Murdoch University in 1997 and started my career at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic. In 2000 I left the clinic and enjoyed a 12 month working holiday travelling through the Middle East, United Kingdom and Europe.
Enjoying the lifestyle and opportunities Murray Bridge had to offer, I rejoined the practice and became a partner in 2001. My particular interests are equine medicine and surgery and small animal orthopaedic surgery.
Dr Bernie Mason
B.V.Sc
Veterinarian
I joined Murray Bridge Vet Clinic in 1981. At that time the clinic operated from the old premises on Verdun Rd and the other two vets were Jack Reddin and Ian Anderson.
My career progressed through various stages and a variety of work, but farm visits to dairy cattle was always a major component. In recent years my work has progressed back towards small animals, which was my original working life before Murray Bridge Vet Clinic.
I currently work part time at Murray Bridge where I enjoy the friendly clients, good facilities and well trained staff. Part time work permits time to for property maintenance and interstate travel for locum work and keeping up with family including our 2 grown up children.
Lyn and I usually had five to seven dogs including some cardigan corgis which we bred and showed. Unfortunately old age has caught up and reduced our dog pack to two spoilt happy geriatrics.
Dr Fiona Warton
B.V.Sc (hons)
Veterinarian
I have been with the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic since 2004. I have a special interest in Animal Behaviour and I am Currently studying the CUE behavioural medicine course.
I have 4 Dogs Meg the Doberman, Zak the Border Collie, Buddy the Black Labrador and CJ the Border Collie X Kelpie. 2 Cats that were both rescued. 1 alpaca, 1 peacock, 6 chickens and 1 Indian Ringneck bird. I am also a wildlife carer for any orphaned Australian natives.
My Personal interests are gardening, renovating, mosaic art, quilting , making jewellery and cooking.
My long term goals are to work in a general practice and gain extra qualifications in behavioural medicine and travel with my husband.
Dr Kathryn Ingram
B.V.Sc (hons), Bachelor of Rural Science
Veterinarian
I grew up in Dubbo in Western NSW and when I finished school I moved to Armidale NSW where I went to uni and graduated with a Bachelor of Rural Science. I did my veterinary training at Sydney University and graduated in December 2008. I then started work at Murray Bridge Vet Clinic also in December 2008. My main veterinary interests are in small animal medicine and surgery. While I was at university I spent 3 years doing after hours emergency work at Guildford Veterinary Hospital and developed an interest in emergency medicine. Since February 2009 I have worked on a casual basis at the Adelaide Veterinary Emergency Centre to gain additional experience in small animal emergency work.
I have 4 pets of my own, 2 dogs - Maddy & Hugo; and 2 cats - Mowgli & Ewok. Hugo is a rather large boisterous black Labrador cross from Labrador Rescue in the ACT and Maddy is an extremely energetic black Labrador from a breeder near Strathalbyn. Mowgli and Ewok both came from Guildford Veterinary Hospital where they were abandoned as kittens and hand raised.
Dr Lachlan Arundell
B.V.Sc
Veterinarian
I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2009, and started my veterinary career at Launceston Veterinary Hospital, working with small animals, horses and cattle. In August 2010 I moved to Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic. I now enjoy small animal medicine as well as cattle medicine and working with exotic pets like birds and rabbits.
Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic is an exciting place to work with a busy schedule and a wide variety of creatures. Being a veterinarian is an amazing profession, being able to bring animals back to health, and very satisfying.
In my spare time I play basketball, enjoy reading and writing, and spending time trying to entertain my moustache parrot, Lady Macbeth , enough that she holds off from destroying any new toy I put in her cage.
Dr Danielle Rathjen
B. Sc, B.V.M.S (hons), B. Biomedical Sc
Veterinarian
I grew up on a mixed sheep/cropping property in the local area. I moved to Adelaide to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Adelaide University and then to Perth to complete a Bachelor of Veterinary Science/Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (hons).
I graduated from Murdoch University in 2010 and was fortunate enough to get a job at my clinic of choice, Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic. As a new graduate I am focused on becoming a confident well-rounded mixed animal practitioner as I enjoy working with both large and small animals. I am specifically interested in production animal medicine/herd health and hope to develop further in these areas.
Over the years I have had many pets ranging from joeys to ponies. I currently have two retired ponies called Spring and Candy, a variety of poultry, one old cat Lester and a little dog called Franki. I have a new Toller puppy called Walter, who I am coaching towards his Canine Good Citizen Award and Obedience titles. I am also looking forward to getting a new pony and starting polocrosse this year.
Dr Phillip Pearson
B.V.Sc.
Veterinarian
Dr Chakira Tosoni
B.V.Sc.
Veterinarian
I was born and raised on a mango and lime farm in Dimbulah, west of Cairns in Far North Queensland. I commenced my veterinary degree immediately after finishing school, and graduated from James Cook University in Townsville in 2011.
I am interested in all aspects of veterinary medicine – both small and large animals, and as a new graduate, am looking forward to honing my knowledge and skills in all areas of veterinary practice, and I am very excited to start getting settled into the Murray Bridge community.
In my spare time I enjoy competing in rodeo events such as breakaway roping, steer undecorating and barrel racing. I also enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends and occasionally throwing a fishing line in when I get the chance.
Unfortunately, I have had to leave all of my pets (2 horses - Bindi and Keith, 2 dogs – Jester and Scout, 2 cats – Fluffy and Mason, and 1 Siamese Fighting Fish named Marty) back in North Queensland, however I am sure it won’t take me long to accumulate some more ‘fur kids’ here in Murray Bridge.
Dr Hannah Smith
B.V.Sc.
Veterinarian
I was brought up in the UK and always wanted to be a vet from a very young age. When I was 17 my family and I moved to Australia and I finished vet school in 2011 at the University of Melbourne. Having missed my family greatly during my studies I was keen to come back to South Australia and am very excited to be starting my career in Murray Bridge. I love all aspects of being a vet, in particular the challenges associated with working with large animals (weather included!) and the satisfaction of helping someone's much loved pet. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball and catching up with friends over coffee.
Vets | Nurses |
Meet The Nurses
Jacqui Kempe
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Cert IV in Practice Management
Cert III in Financial Services
Practice Manager / Veterinary Nurse
I have always had a passion for animals and was very excited when I first became involved with MBVC at 14 years old. I began working as a junior nurse after school and during holidays.
Upon leaving school I began working full time at a small animal clinic in Adelaide while I completed my Veterinary Nursing Certificate. In 1982 I returned to MBVC to work full time as a veterinary nurse. I continued to work full time until 1991.
I spent time at home caring for my 2 young children and 2 step children for the next 4 years.
In Nov 1995 I returned to working at MBVC part time. During this time I have seen a lot of changes at the practice and have done further study in Financial Services and Practice Management and really enjoyed the challenge.
Away from the clinic I have many family and friends in the area and love to spend time with them. I have travelled with my family on some wonderful trips including through outback SA, Northern Territory, Western Australia, North and South Islands of New Zealand and are looking forward to our next trip to Fiji.
Our pets are Oscar the dog, cockatiels Missy and Lee, and Ringo the possum that my daughter and I hand reared.
I feel very lucky to have been involved with MBVC and the veterinary industry; I have seen many changes over the years while working in an area that I love.
Peggy Abbiss
Administration
I started at M.B.V.C. in June 1989 back in the days when we contacted the vets by a very dodgy CB radio set-up! Have been here through 2 major renovations, vets retiring, associates being trained to the way we wanted them & then having them go o/s!, computers coming in to replace the entire wall of paper Patient files we had, dairies being a big part of our daily work & now closing down. How some things have changed.
My job is people contact and I love it – another good part of my job is the puppy cuddling – always fun.
I have lived in the M/B district for over 20 years – Jock & I have a daughter Kelsey & ‘share’ his other 2 daughters. Virtually every animal we have had (cats, dogs, galahs, chickens, budgies) has come through the clinic as strays/foundlings & all have been terrific pets.
Sarah Mobbs
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Studying Cert IV in Practice Management
Veterinary Nurse
I started at Murray Bridge Vet Clinic in 2002 as a junior nurse after school and then started my traineeship in 2003. After completing Certificate III and IV in Veterinary Nursing I continued my education with further studies in Animal Behaviour with Dr Kerstie Seksel and the Delta Canine Good Citizen Program. I enjoy animal behaviour especially puppy development, socialisation and education. I am now furthering my knowledge into practice management.
When I’m not at the clinic I help at a racehorse stable and spend time with my whippets Jake, Izzi and stable cat Jack.
Sheree Buick
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I became part of the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic in 2000 as a junior nurse. Once I finished school I was then employed full time and completed my Vet Nursing Certificate. When I graduated I did various travel over the world including living in Canada.
Growing up on a farm, I always knew I wanted a career in the Animal Industry. Animals have always been a big part of my life be it riding my horse or raising orphaned creatures.
I have 1 Fox Terrier Trixie,2 Labradors Nelson and Mia and a cat named Zac.
Naomi Steele
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I have been employed at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic since 1998, starting out doing work experience and then gaining part time work. I completed my Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing and gained a lot of experience with on the job training. Over these past 12 years I have watched the clinic grow, trained many new nurses and gained such a love for all the animals I am privileged to meet. I have developed a real passion for surgery which is where I now spend my time working.
Also during these 12 years I have had 3 children where I have taken leave and then been welcomed back each time by a great team of vets and nurses. I have a Golden Retriever, a cheeky Schnauzer and tropical fish. I currently work part time at the clinic and keep busy with that and my family life. I enjoy gardening when I can and being outdoors.
Katrina Leske
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I am a Senior Veterinary Nurse at Murray Bridge Veterinary clinic. I started in 2000 and have loved every moment and aspect of my job.
Because of my passion for my job this has allowed me to undertake extra study to better myself in my chosen profession.
I find the variety and diversity of Veterinary Nursing work enjoyable.
Kirstie Kuchel
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I started working at the MBVC in 2003, when I got offered a job as a junior nurse after my week of year 10 work experience. I grew up on a beef and cropping farm, so have always had a passion of caring for animals. After year 12, through a traineeship, I studied at TAFE to complete Certificate II and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
At home I have a loving poodle, Lila and a hansom tortoise, Fritz. My other pets live close by at Mum and Dads farm. I did a bit of behaviour training with Lila and so found an interest in the most questioned category of owning a dog – behaviour.
In 2010 I started to run the preexisting puppy pre-school classes we hold at MBVC. In which I absolutely love, as it combines my love of puppies and the interest of dog behaviour. I love working at MBVC, it is like my second family here. I look forward to going to work each day and hope to further challenge myself with extra studies in the future.
Millissa Hampel
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I have always had an interest in animals ever since I was little. Growing up and living on the farm I have always had hands on work and have been exposed to many different experiences.
I started TAFE in year 11 studying introduction into animal care at Gilles Plains TAFE. In year 12 I studied Certificate II in animal studies when I left school in 2007.I started working at the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic and studied certificate IV in vet nursing. I enjoy working at the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic because there are so many opportunities that come with being a vet nurse. I also enjoy being involved with major surgeries such as caesareans and orthopaedic surgery. I have Border Collie named Jemma who keeps me busy in my spare time, along with all the other farm animals.
Annemarie O'Connor
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Certificate III & IV in Leisure and Lifestyle
Certificate III in Community Service
Veterinary Nurse
Before becoming part of the Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic team, I had been working in aged care for 18 years. When our 5th child started school I decided that it was time for a career change.
Coming from a farming background and being involved in caring for wildlife for a number of years, it seemed natural to start studying veterinary nursing at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic.
I have now completed my certificate IV studies and continue to extend my knowledge through study in various areas. I enjoy being part of the team at the clinic and have gained great satisfaction from helping to educate and support the community on the welfare of our incredible wildlife.
Emily Bartel
Certificate II in Animal Studies (Vet Nursing)
Veterinary Nurse
I have always had an interest in animals, having cats and dogs at home since I was a little girl. Our family have always had horses and I have been riding since I was 4. At 10 I was riding breakers for mum and making my own money once the horses were sold. When I was 14 I started riding track work before school so it was a natural progression to do my work experience at the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic. After completing one school term at the clinic as part of one of my subjects, i was sure it was the career for me. January 2009 I started my traineeship with the MBVC. I am halfway through completing my cert IV in Veterinary Nursing and I am very lucky to be a part of the great team and enjoy my different experiences everyday.
Simone Swansson
Certificate II in Animal Studies
Certificate II & III in Business
Veterinary Nurse
As a child I have always had a keen interest in animals "operating" on my toys in the backyard. I completed work experience at various vet clinics during high school and completed a Certificate II in Animals Studies in 2005 through the Gilles Plains TAFE. I have also worked as an administration trainee at the Murraylands Regional Development Board where I completed a Certificate II in Business and a Certificate III in Business Administration. From there I was fortunate enough to commence work at the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic as a Veterinary Nurse where I am currently studying a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through Tamworth TAFE. I have been working as a veterinary nurse now for 3 1/2 years and I most enjoy consulting and reception work.
I am married to my wonderful husband and have two beautiful children at home, a boy and a girl. I also have 2 Beagles, Wilbur and Ella and one Domestic Cat, Horus. At home I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as going out with my friends to the movies.
Cassie Brion
Certificate II in Animal Studies (Vet Nursing)
Veterinary Nurse
I began my Veterinary nursing career in at the end of 2007 when I joined the Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic as a Junior Nurse working after school. During Year 12 in 2009, I studied Animal Studies Certificate II (Veterinary Nursing) at the Gilles Plains Tafe campus to help me begin my career in nursing. When I finished year 12, I was offered full time employment. So at the beginning of 2010, I began working full time at the clinic, whilst studying Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing part time. I thoroughly enjoy working with animals and in the animal industry, but I especially love surgical nursing, alternative medicines (acupuncture etc.) and radiology. I would also love to become part of the Pet PEP program which our clinic performs in schools when I become more experienced.
In my spare time, I love to do water recreation activities such as waterskiing and wakeboarding, spend time with family, chill out with mates, working out on the grandparent’s farm and travelling to new places. I also enjoy singing and acting, so I thrive on taking part in musicals and being part of one of the local theatre groups in Murray Bridge.
Shavaun Monjean
Certificate II in Animal Studies
Veterinary Nurse
After finishing year 12 in 2008, I went on to complete my certificate 2 in Veterinary Nursing, which allowed me to take part in work experience at the Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic. In 2010 I was employed as a full time Veterinary Nurse. I am currently completing a traineeship to gain my certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing, to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse.
I have grown up with animals all my life and therefore I have a great passion in caring for them. I have two dogs of my own Jondi and Izzy and have recently started hand rearing orphaned possums. Pet nutrition and animal wellbeing are the aspects I love most about my job.
Sally Muir
Cert III & IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I started my vet nursing career several years ago in Adelaide. After completing my studies and gaining experience I decided to work in the UK as a locum nurse and travel in my spare time. This experience was not only fun but it also gave me invaluable experience in the animal field.
After travelling I decided to come home to my family and that is when I started working at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic.
I have 2 dogs, "Mr Smith" and "Tammy" and a very noisy cat "Esme" at home. I also have a small child "Theo" which is why I work part time.
Jenny Catanzariti
Certificate II in Animal Studies (Vet Nursing)
Veterinary Nurse
I was born & raised in Murray Bridge and did all of my schooling here as well. I started riding racehorses before school, at age 15. Altogether I rode race horses for a total of 9 years, including in Alice Springs and Darwin for 6 months. I also worked at Murray Computer & Office Shop for a few years before starting a family. After my second child was born I started studying Certificate II in Animal Studies and started voluntary work at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic. I also did 10 weeks with Andrew Loose in Hahndorf dealing in large animals, mainly equine. After completing Certificate II in 2008 i was employed by MB Vet Clinic on a casual basis. I have since started studying Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and aim to complete it when my 2 girls are at school. MB Vet Clinic is a great working environment with plenty of friendly staff and clients. I love dealing with all things equine, large breed dogs and customer service. Outside of work I love spending time with my family, camping, horse riding and Muay Thai.
Amy Reu
Certificate II in Animal Studies
Currently Studing Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurse
I have loved animals all my life and working at a vet clinic was always my dream.
I started at the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic in 2007 as a junior nurse while I was still at school. In 2010 I had finished year 12 and started a traineeship at the Murray Bridge Vet Clinic studying Cert II animal studies and will continue on with cert IV vet nursing in the following year.
I have hand reared kittens and duckling and would love to continue raising and saving young animals. I enjoy watching the recovery of sick animals and their relationships with their owners. I also am interested in horses. I have 2 Kelpies called Junior and Indi.
Laura Clothier
Certificate I in Animal Studies
Junior Veterinary Nurse
I have grown up on a farm my whole life. I have always had a love for animals, tending to them, putting ribbons in their hair, rescuing and hand-raising them. We have raised many animals on the farm, and currently I have 11 hand-raised calves, 1 lamb, 1 goat, 5 guinea pigs, 3 cats and 3 dogs - our "mini petting zoo".
I began my Veterinary Nursing pathway in October 2009, when I did work experience here at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic. I started working as a Junior Nurse in January 2010. I have completed a Certificate I in Animal Studies at Gilles Plains TAFE in 2010
Outside of work I love spending time with my family and friends and I really enjoy to dance - Jazz and Tap.
Tegan Jacobs
Junior Veterinary Nurse
I have worked at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic as a Junior Nurse since 2010. 
I grew up on a farm with many types of animals and began rising horses when I was 6. I have always loved animals and have wanted to help and care for them.
After completing year 12 I plan to go to University to become a Vet or study at TAFE to become a Veterinary Nurse.
I still live on a farm and own 3 dogs; Bodie, Millie & Penny, 2 cats; a Sphynx called Harvey & a Devon Rex named Dexter, along with 2 horses.
I love working with the great team at Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic.
Vets | Nurses |