Our Team

• Dr Marika Ley

  Principal Veterinarian

  Marika has been with us since February 2010, coming from a mixed veterinary practice and having also worked in the UK. She completed the International Veterinary Chiropractic qualification in 2000 and the Australian veterinary chiropractic qualification in 2004. Marika completed a course an Animal behaviour in 2012 which enthused her to enrol in and then pass her animal behaviour membership exams in 2013.

  Marika is also part of the Australian Veterinary association mentoring program which is designed to mentor new graduates within their first year of practice.

  A person who thrives on physical and mental stimulation, Marika is active both at and away from work. Her holidays may best be described as adventures and include four months cycling across Europe from Greece to Portugal with her husband Greg. The family fur "kids" consist of 2 Golden Retrievers Darwin and Paddy and a few pet chooks. The dogs enjoy visits to work with mum and regular walks and cuddles. Greg, who is allergic to cats means Marika gets her cat cuddles at work!

  
• Dr Samantha Adamson

  Veterinarian

  Samantha joined the team at the start of 2013 soon after graduation. Prior to this, Samantha worked as a Veterinary Nurse at the University of Melbourne Emergency Centre. Samantha has two main passions, she loves surgery and dermatology.

  In 2015 Samantha completed the Centre for Veterinary Education post graduate course in Dermatology. Samantha is currently completing the Centre for Veterinary Education post graduate Surgery course furthering her knowledge in more complex surgical procedures. Samantha is also part of the Australian Veterinary association mentoring program which is designed to mentor new graduates within their first year of practice.

  Samantha is a proud mother to a variety of animals including 5 dogs: Patchca and Potsy both Bichon Frise X, Minique a cheeky Pomeranian, Darby and Percy both German shorthaired pointers; 3 cats: Shadow, a Persian princess, Josie, a domestic medium hair and Mandu, her Maine coon. She also shares her home with Chickens, Ducks, Turtles, Blue tongue lizards, Fish, Guinea pigs, Rabbits, Budgies, Cockatiels and a talking Galah called Regie. In her free time, Samantha loves to travel with her husband, Michael.

  
• Dr Timothy Chan

  Veterinarian

  Tim graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2013 and worked with us as a locum vet. He later moved to NSW and worked in a small animal clinic for a year before returning to Melbourne. Familiar to the practice, he has rejoined the team at Caroline Springs.

  Tim enjoys working as part of the amazing team as he is able to always put his patients first. He loves all aspect of being a vet and especially enjoys "getting his hands dirty" in the surgical theatre. He hopes to further his knowledge in small animal surgery, an area he has great passion for.

  Having settled down in his new home, Tim has been able to adopt a little kitten called Taro. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and catching up on TV series, although nothing beats his love for soccer.

  
• Dr Grace Holden

  Veterinarian

  Grace grew up surrounded by a menagerie of animals- cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and canaries- and decided at an early age that she wanted to be a vet. She studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Health and Disease before completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Previously, Grace has volunteered as part of a team providing veterinary care to outback communities in the Northern Territory and has also travelled to South Africa to volunteer in a lion conservation program.

  Grace is passionate about rabbit medicine and surgery and hopes to build on her knowledge in this area.

  Grace shares her home with two very mischievous dwarf lop rabbits, Maxie and Harper and an irrepressible, old Domestic Short Hair cat, Tabatha. In her spare time she enjoys reading, water skiing and catching up with friends.

  
• Dr Cally Hammond-Tooke

  Veterinarian

  Growing up on a small farm in NZ with many different pets, Cally has always been destined to work with animals. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Zoology, she decided it was time for a change so moved to Melbourne to study Veterinary medicine at Melbourne University. Working part time through her vet degree as a vet nurse, and participating in several animal health programs within indigenous communities, Cally found she was passionate about small animals and caring for peoples pets. She thoroughly enjoys all areas of veterinary medicine, but especially the variety that comes with general practice and is excited to join the Caroline Springs team. Although she doesn’t have any furry pets of her own here in Melbourne, she enjoys pet sitting her friends’ animals, and the company of a variety of tropical fish in her aquarium at home.

  
• Dr Virginia Stobart

  Veterinarian

  Virginia grew up on a small farm surrounded by animals and subsequently graduated from University of Melbourne in 2000. She spent a couple of years in mixed practice in Victoria's south west before travelling overseas to work in England and travel through Europe, Scandanavia and Africa.

  Upon her return to Australia she moved to Canberra where she worked as a locum in various small animal practices eventually finding herself employed full time in one of Canberra's largest and busiest Veterinary practices. A wide and varied case load including some Zoo work allowed Virginia to gain a lot of internal medicine, emergency and soft tissue surgery experience. Virginia returned to Victoria at the end of 2010 with her husband and 2 small children to be closer to family. Since that time they have welcomed another 2 children to their family and also have one dog and one cat.

  Virginia joined Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital as a Saturday Vet (and occasional week day fill in) in 2012 and thoroughly enjoys being part of a fantastic team. The rest of the time Virginia is kept very busy by her 4 small children and her garden.

  
• Dr Diane Van Rooy

  Veterinarian

  Diane graduated from University of Melbourne in 1990 and worked in general practice in Sunbury for 16 years. While there, she developed an interest in behaviour and in 2004 obtained her membership from ANZCVS in behaviour.

  Diane has started her PhD through the University of Sydney in 2010, researching the genes involved in separation anxiety in dogs. After a few years away from general practice, she is very happy to be back working at the Caroline Springs Vet Hospital.

  Diane shares her house with her husband, Darryl, two teenage children, one dog, (Toby who has separation anxiety), two cats (Merlin & Rocky) and two chickens (Kath & Kim). In her spare time, she enjoys badminton, cross stitch and reading.

  
• Judy Rand

  Practice Manager

  Judy has been involved in the Veterinary industry for the last 35 years. She is a fully qualified veterinary nurse and has studied practice management, accounting, marketing and psychology.

  Judy has been involved in setting up Accredited Veterinary Hospitals, worked in Zoos and also was involved in the setting up of the Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital. She has worked with all species of animals from Elephants to mice. Judy has a true passion for the animals and believes in being an advocate for all pets.

  Living on a farm and breeding Stud Red Poll cattle, Judy has names for them all and they come when called. She is also owned by two delightful chocolate Labradors. Kahlua and Tia Maria. “Kahlua who is 9, is a typical Lab and needs to be constantly on a diet! Tia Maria is a one year old very playful pup who delights in jumping into the dam anytime she can- rain, hail or shine! (a true water dog). Tiki a Siamese cat and Cassie a noisy Bengal- are both very spoilt adopted cats that came to live with Judy when they needed new homes! Peacocks, ducks and bantams also wander around her farm. Pets are her passion.

  
• Maxine Wilkinson

  Veterinary Nurse

  Maxine developed her love of animals whilst growing up on her family farm. She has studied agricultural science and has full veterinary nurse qualifications. Her excellent customer service skills stem from her ample experience working as a travel agent. She has worked in the veterinary industry for over a decade and has extensive experience as an anaesthetic technician for a specialist veterinary surgeon.

  Maxine is married with two children and they have two dogs, three cats and three horses. In her spare time Maxine loves to go horse riding with her beloved horse Bruce. Maxine’s goal is to pursue Veterinary Nursing excellence through personal development and continuing education.

  
• Crissey Lascheit

  Veterinary Nurse

  Crissey started her Veterinary career in 2001 and soon thereafter completed her Veterinary Nursing course at Box Hill Tafe. Crissey enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Nursing, especially paediatric medicine and has been a valued member of the Caroline Springs Vet hospital for many years.

  Crissey’s family has many furry and scaly members! These include four dogs, six cats, two water dragons, numerous fish and her beautiful horse named Lady. One of her cats, Tonka, was brought into the clinic as a stray with a broken leg. Unfortunately his leg had to be amputated but luckily for him he found a loving home with Crissey.

  Crissey is currently working part time. In her free time, she is kept busy with her beautiful little boy, Brax.

  
• Melissa Forster

  Veterinary Nurse

  Melissa joined the team in early January 2013 and is a qualified Veterinary nurse. She completed her Certificate IV in Vet nursing from Box hill tafe. Melissa is currently is the process of completing her Diploma in Veterinary nursing.

  Melissa shares her house with Rajah, a 3 year old Staffordshire bull terrier and Squirtle Mr Turtle, a Murray short neck turtle.

  Melissa's keen interests include canine behaviour and getting to know the clients and their pets that come to visit us. Her future goals are to complete the Diploma of Veterinary nursing in General practice, travel the world (next stop: Europe!) and adore every animal.

  
• Renee Doyle

  Veterinary Nurse

  Renee has been working at the clinic with the Caroline springs vet team since 2008 where she worked as a kennel hand.

  Renee completed high school and studied other certificates. In 2011, she decided to trial other career pathways and ended up as a manager in a small store. It wasn't very long until Renee realised that her passion and family was left behind at Caroline Springs Vet Hospital. Renee started back with the Caroline Springs Vet team and is currently completing certificate 4 of veterinary nursing.

  Renee has lots of hobbies including working in the shed on her car and bikes and being around her fur baby's including "Buddy" a boxer x, "Diesel" a golden retriever x and two very naughty domestic cats "Grizzles" and "Puddens".

  
• Sandip Heera

  Veterinary Nurse

  Sandy has been a valued member of the Caroline Springs team since 2008. She started off as a kennel assistant and has now progressed to Veterinary Nurse. Sandy has completed a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Animal Health and Disease at the University of Melbourne before heading to Queensland to finish her Masters in Animal Science. Sandy has also completed her Veterinary Nursing qualifications.

  When she is not working, Sandy enjoys reading novels and playing with her beautiful old terrier Rocky. Sandy’s special interests at the clinic lie in reptile medicine, surgical procedures and animal behaviour. She one day hopes to be able to meet a real live sloth!

  
• Jessica Busuttil

  Veterinary Nurse

  Jess joined us in December 2015 as a trainee and has quickly developed into a wonderful Veterinary nurse. She has a keen interest in patient care and enjoys getting to know all the clients. Jess is currently in the process of completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

  Jess lives with her husband Phill and son, Oliver. Her fur-family includes; Molly her Mini Foxy, Bruce, her Boxer puppy, a senior cat called Bobby, a cheeky galah named Harley and a Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot called Cleo who likes to mimic and sing like Elmo from Sesame Street. Jess has a special interest in developing her skills in Avian Veterinary Nursing and Avian Husbandry.

  
• Adelle Reed

  Veterinary Nurse

  Adelle began working at the Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital in February 2014. She has completed her 3 year Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Animal Health and Disease. She is currently completing her certificate 4 in veterinary nursing and looks forward to exploring her options in the veterinary world in the future.

  Adelle has a very cheeky Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ruby who is a graduate of the Caroline Springs Vet Puppy Preschool Program. Adelle’s future goals include travelling to Borneo and Africa to volunteer with the wildlife. In particular, she has a special interest in Orangutans and hopes to assist with returning orphans into the wild that have lost their mums due to deforestation for palm oil.

  
• Kalynda Langmaid

  Veterinary Nurse

  Kalynda completed her year-long work experience with us as part of her veterinary nursing qualification in 2015. She then went on to working as a surgical nurse at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital before returning to the Caroline Springs family in February 2017.

  Kalynda lives on a farm and shares her life with a very cheeky thoroughbred gelding named “Bon” and “Dorothy” the very active chicken. Her most recent addition is a beautiful puppy named Paisley. When Kalynda is not working, she enjoys competing with her horse and spending quality time with her friends. Kalynda one day hopes to travel to Africa and work with elephants.

  
• Melissa Hansford

  Nursing Assistant

  Melissa has been with the clinic since the start of the year. She is currently taking a gap year before commencing a bachelor of Science and bachelor of marine biology double degree at Deakin university next year. She hopes to one day progress to either becoming a Veterinarian or marine biologist.

  Melissa’s goal is to one day make a change and help with sharks in their ecosystems, to protect them from their increasing risk of extinction. In her spare time, Melissa loves to go to the beach with Monty, her Pomeranian cross breed. Monty loves walks and little adventures.

  
• Kerryn Martin

  Dog Trainer

  Kerryn is a passionate trainer who loves what she does! She enjoys working with all ages of puppies and dogs (ok…she is a bit biased toward puppies). She also enjoys working with their owners (you) to help you learn as much as you can to help you and your dog develop a great relationship and a dog with really nice manners.

  Kerryn has been training for 5 years in a variety of settings including Keilor Obedience Dog Training Centre (a volunteer community club), Responsible Pet Education and the RSPCA. Kerryn continues to upskill herself regular attending many seminars and workshops and in late 2013 travelled to the USA to attend the 5 day APDT Conference – a great experience. Kerryn has trained in Flyball and basic Agility and Trieball and is a qualified C.L.A.S.S. instructor. Kerryn has two spoodles called Bailey and Indy.

  Kerryn is a member of the APDT here and in the USA, the Pet Professional Guild and Dogs Victoria.