OUR TEAM
At The Northside Veterinary Centre, we believe in a team based approach for the care of your pets. Libby and Winston have worked together in Canberra for over 21 years, and our team of 11 vets have over 90 years combined experience. All medical and surgical cases are discussed by the vets each day, so every patient gets the benefit of at least five minds, not just one! We strive to deliver a compassionate service for both our patients and their owners. In addition to the vets, our dedicated receptionist team and qualified nursing team love working together to make every visit as comfortable as possible, for both owners and pets.
Directors
an
Dr. Libby Adamson
BVSc (Hons), BAnSci, MACVSc (feline medicine)
Dr Libby Adamson graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1995, after a childhood on a beef and sheep farm surrounded by a farm menagerie. Libby worked in mixed practice in rural areas, first in Victoria and then for a further 5 years in the UK. After a short stint in the Northern Territory, Libby settled in Canberra. She is now well established in the North Canberra community as an experienced small animal clinician. In 2005, her passion for cat health led her to undertake membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in feline medicine (MACVSc). She has pursued further study since, specifically in ophthalmology and behaviour medicine. Libby has volunteered in Morocco and post-tsunami Sri Lanka in veterinary health programs. In recent years she has participated in indigenous dog health programs in central Australia with the Canberra Mob. Her time outside work is spent hanging out with a young and exuberant cattle dog cross, Frankie, and riding bikes.
Dr. Winston Oakes
BVSc (hons), BSc(vet), MACVSc (small animal dentistry and oral surgery), MANZCVSc (small animal internal medicine)
Winston grew up in Canberra, where he decided (at the age of eight), that he wanted to be a vet. In 1999 he became one, graduating from the University of Sydney, then worked in large hospitals in Adelaide and Sydney as well as in the UK. In 2004, Winston returned to Canberra, and settled there with his Siamese-cross cat Mehitabel, three labradors (Casper, Cedric and Molly), several chooks, a bearded dragon, and four children. Winston’s veterinary interests include internal medicine, cardiology, ultrasonography and dentistry. In 2008, Winston was admitted as a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal dentistry and oral surgery. Then in 2011 he was also awarded membership in small animal internal medicine. He often sees referral cases for advanced dentistry, ultrasonography and internal medicine, and has given lectures to other veterinarians at the AVA conference and College Science Week.
Vets
Dr. Jenny Coonan
BVetBio/BVetSc (Hons) GC SAUA
Jenny graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2013, and for the past 9 years has worked in small animal practices around the Canberra region. She is a self professed “cat person”, and is currently completing a year long distance education course in feline medicine. Jenny has a soft spot for all cats, but particularly loves working with cats to help keep them comfortable and well during their senior years. She enjoys cat dental procedures and loves to see cats behaving like kittens again once they have pain free mouths. She also has an interest in ultrasound, and that it provides a non invasive way to get more information. She has recently completed a postgraduate course in abdominal ultrasound and is also developing skills in ultrasound of other body systems. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time outdoors and watercolour painting.
Dr. Emma Lee
BVBio BVSc (Hons)
Outside of work, Emma enjoys soccer, gardening, and wrangling her menagerie – she currently shares her home with 2 cheeky kelpies (Roxy and Ruby), a sassy three-legged kitty (Skip), 2 naughty pet sheep (Lambington and Rosie), a handful of chickens, and her partner Nic.
Dr. Natalie Meads
BApplSc, BVBio BVSc (Hons)
Natalie grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand gaining an applied science degree at Massey University. After graduating vet school from Charles Sturt University in 2017 she began working in Canberra. She has a strong interest in all things dentistry and oncology but particularly loves making great relationships with pets, and especially their owners. She is currently studying a master of veterinary medicine through Massey University. Outside of work you will find Natalie taking advantage of the amazing Canberra outdoors, as well as sampling the great coffee and wine Canberra has to offer. She has two great loves of her life; a golden retriever Boston, and a cat, aptly named Winston!
Dr. Stephanie Harrop
BVSc (Hons), BAnSc&Mgt, MVCS, PgC (Small Animal Ultrasonography)
Stephanie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2011 and has been working in small animal general practice since. Canberra born, Stephanie has returned to the A.C.T and joined the Northside Veterinary Centre team in April 2021. Stephanie has completed a Masters in Veterinary Studies with Murdoch University focused on internal medicine. She has also completed a Postgraduate certificate in Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound. Stephanie’s veterinary interests include internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, cats and senior petcare. Outside of work Stephanie enjoys bushwalking, bird-watching, Amigurumi (the Japanese art of crochet toys) and fine dining. At home she lives with her husband Huw and their senior cat Spike.
Dr. Heidi Beruter
BVSc (Hons) Grad Dip VSt
Heidi graduated from the University of Sydney in 2001, and joined the Northside Veterinary Centre team after returning home to Canberra from the USA. Heidi has completed further study small animal nutrition and thrives on longterm patient care.
Dr. Clare McCook
BVSc
Clare graduated from James Cook University in the class of 2020, after growing up in the tropical heat of North Queensland alongside dogs, cats, chooks, horses, and lots of wildlife. She worked in mixed practice in Canberra before joining Northside Vet Centre in January 2022.
Clare’s veterinary interests include clinical pathology and soft tissue surgery. When consulting, she loves puppy and kitten visits (because they’re cute, as well as helping owners give them the best start in life), but she is also devoted to helping older pets remain as comfortable as possible. She gets a special treat watching older animals rediscover their inner puppy or kitten after arthritic pain is relieved.
Having adapted quickly to Canberra’s much colder weather, when not working Clare is often enjoying the many outdoor pursuits our region has to offer like bushwalking, skiing, mountain biking, and kayaking.
Dr. Jess Divall
BVSc (Hons)
Jess is a proud graduate of the University of Sydney, where she obtained her veterinary degree in 2016. Her commitment to academic excellence earned her the prestigious University Medal for her outstanding achievements during her studies.
After graduation Jess worked in two busy small animal practices, in Canberra and Sydney, before starting at NVC. She is glad to be back in her hometown, Canberra. Jess has a particular interest in small animal medicine and passion for improving the human animal bond.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jess leads an active life outside of the clinic. She enjoys playing hockey, exploring her culinary skills, and spending quality time with her own pets—a charming Golden Retriever named Dug and a lively Kelpie named Nala. Jess has a particular soft spot for these breeds.
Dr. Ashley Cheang
BAgSc (Hons) DVM
Ashley, originally from Singapore, pursued her higher education in Animal Science at University College Dublin in Ireland before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of Sydney in 2023. With a keen focus on biosecurity, health and welfare education, she is dedicated to building lasting relationships with both you and your furry companions, supporting you through both the good and the bad times. She shares her life with her partner and pets – Simba, a cat, and his little brother Monte, a dog. They bring immense joy into her life. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys brunch, golfing, and spending quality time with friends.
Dr. Joyce Yung
BVSc
Joyce joined the team at Northside Veterinary Centre in 2023. She enjoys all aspects of small animal general practice, and is especially interested in veterinary dentistry. Joyce qualified from the University of Melbourne in 2007, moved to Canberra in 2009 and grew her little family to include herself, husband and 3 gorgeous cats. Joyce feels incredibly lucky being a vet, never a day is the same, there is new knowledge everyday, and she’s constantly blown-away by the unconditional love shared between pets and their owners. Joyce looks forward to meeting you and your fur babies.
Dr. Alex Holdsworth
Nurses
Renée
Tanya
In her spare time, Tanya enjoys horse archery (swipe to see a picture!), running, and chasing 3 kids everyday. At work, Tanya enjoys the big dental procedures and orthopaedic surgeries. Tanya knew very shortly after meeting a stray kitty that we had at the clinic that she was going to adopt her – her name is Luna.
Mel
Mel is our Head Nurse and has been with us since our humble beginnings in 2014. Mel thrives on order and organisation and likes to keep us all on our toes. S/he has extensive experience in general dentistry and is passionate about ensuring our patients have a comfortable and fear free hospital experience. Outside of work Mel enjoys food and long road trips.
Tash
Tash started with us in 2018 as a receptionist, she then moved through the ranks as a kennel hand, junior nurse, senior nurse, and in February 2024 became our Practice Manager. As a nurse, she loves managing emergencies and challenging procedures, and while her new role does not have as many life or death scenarios, she is finding them to be equally as important in running a smooth clinic. Whenever she gets the chance you’ll find Tash seeking out puppy cuddles, especially from our beloved boof-headed bully breeds. Tash spends most of her free time coaching and playing volleyball and hanging out with her rescue pups, Roland and tiny Daphne (who you may be lucky enough to meet in clinic).
Glenn
Glenn changed careers back in 2018, starting out in the veterinary Industry as a receptionist at the Northside Veterinary Centre. Since then he has become a highly valuable member of the nursing team as well as running some of our Puppy Classes. With his best friend Bickley and faithful Molly, he can be seen walking the parklands around Southern Canberra.
Kit
Kit started at NVC in 2020 as an animal attendant and is now working as a junior nurse and studying veterinary nursing. She has a special interest in weight management and has a soft spot for Spitz breeds including her own Husky X and Norwegian Elkhound. In her spare time, she can be found playing clarinet, training for her black belt, or hiking with her dogs.
Felicia
Felicia started practising nursing in July 2019 whilst completing her Certificate II in Animal studies and Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing. Felicia has now been a AVNAT Registered Veterinary Nurse since June 2021 and since then joined Northside in November 2021.
In her free time Felicia enjoys playing with her Australian Kelpie Mishka and spending time playing all sports with extra interest in HIIT Training and League Tag.
Sarah T
Diana
Di relocated to Australia from Ecuador in 2022 to be with her Aussie partner. She studied veterinary science in Ecuador and is loving learning all about our different treatments and procedures here. In her spare time, Di enjoys self-care in the form of dancing, yoga, reading, and walking her partner’s dog Ollie. She really misses her family dogs back home, Kumah and Mnella.
Clelia
Clelia is one of our nurses and joined the team in November 2022. At work she most enjoys clinical nursing including monitoring and treating our hospitalised patients. Clelia enjoys working with all furry friends but she especially loves cats. In her free time Clelia likes reading and hiking in nature reserves. Clelia lives with her partner and their much loved cat Koda.
Wendy
Wendy started her vet nursing career 23 years ago training at Canberra CIT and developing her skills before moving to the NSW South Coast working with both small and large animals growing her confidence and passion caring for a variety of species, before returning to the ACT 6 years ago.
Wendy enjoys educating junior nurses and teaching our future care givers and has an interest in wildlife nursing and nursing the geriatric patient. In her down time she enjoys spending time with her family, organising the kids’ social lives, bushwalking and immersing herself in nature.
Lucy
Lucy joined the team in 2023 as an Animal Attendant and is now one of our Junior Nurses while studying for her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. At home Lucy has a cherished and spoiled dog and a few cats running around. Her dream is to work with wildlife in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Lucy’s hobbies include hiking, surfing, reading and escaping Canberra to go to the beach.
Sarah B
Claire
Taylor
Jess
Animal Attendants
Natasha
Ruby
Reception Team
Ashli
Thy
Thy (pronounced “Tee”) is a proud dog dad of Jaja, an unspecified breed from Cambodia, and happy bird dad of two Zebra finches – Borey (who was rescued and has one leg) and Bonnie (who has both of her legs). When Thy isn’t working at Northside, he’s busy writing and researching for his PhD.
Bec G
Lucy