All our nurses are either fully qualified or completing their veterinary nurse qualifications. They are dedicated to helping you care for your pet and can advise you on nutrition and quality pet products.

Melissa - Veterinary Nurse

Melissa originally started her veterinary nursing in Portland in 2001, before moving to Geelong in 2006, and starting at the Highton Veterinary Clinic. Apart from her duties as head nurse she enjoys surgical cases and pathology. Her pets include a charming Great Dane called Harvey and two cats, Tigger and Dash.

Melissa is a ardent pet lover and during the spring and summer months Melissa becomes a foster mum to unwanted and orphaned kittens, looking after them until they are big enough to find good homes. Melissa has been fantastic with caring for the kittens that come through the clinic and looking after them until they are able to be adopted as part of our Adoption program.

Joanne - Veterinary Nurse

Jo became involved in veterinary nursing after years spent as a dog groomer and a wild life keeper at a sanctuary. Jo became a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse in 2009 and has really enjoyed the change in vocation. Jo loves travelling but animals are never too far away even then, she has managed to do volunteer work with many animals on trips away including elephants and lions in Africa.

Although Jo currently has no pets of her own she is a regular pet sitter for several dogs and cats while their owners are away, which means she can spread her love to many different animals.

Sarah - Veterinary Nurse

Studying at the same time as Jo, Sarah also qualified in Veterinary Nursing in 2009. She is a very capable nurse and enjoys the larger things in life like Great Danes. Sarah is a dedicated nurse and enjoys being involved in the nursing of sick animals in the clinic back to good health.

Sarah owns a carpet python called Montana which she's had since she was 13, a bearded dragon named Rockie, a Great Dane cross called Sala, her son called Lestat and the family dog Bailey who is a Doberman. Sarah also has an arty side which she likes to indulge in when not at work, she is especially partial to music, cooking and art. Sarah also helps to run our adolescent dog training classes with our dog trainer Lisa.

Simone - Veterinary Nurse

Simone qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1986, and is often quoted as saying she loves veterinary nursing so much she would work for free. Kept busy with her family and pets Simone is very experienced in caring for pets and imparting advice for owners. Simone can be a bit of a chatter, which means she is always happy to answer any queries clients may have and pass on her wealth of knowledge. Simone has a soft spot for Pugs and has bred several litters. Currently she has four dogs, two cats and two rabbits. 

Sabine - Veterinary Nurse

Sabine has a plenty of experience as a Veterinary Nurse, and in recent times has started to get involved with Hydrophysiotherapy since the arrival of our Hydrotherapy Unit. Sabine is more than capable in assisting patients with hydrotherapy for post-surgical rehabilitation and weight loss. Sabine has recently returned from attending an Austrian Hydrotherapy Centre in Vienna and now is equipped with the latest training protocols from Europe.

Sabine as well as having three children that keep her busy, has two cats called Snowy & Cinder and two cockatiels. Cinder was lucky enough to be adopted by Sabine after being abandoned at the clinic as a kitten; she has found a very good home with Sabine.

Annie - Veterinary Nurse

Annie has recently started working part time at the Highton Veterinary Clinic and is thoroughly enjoying veterinary nursing. Being little herself, Annie prefers the smaller dogs and she owns two little Papillions called Paris and Saxon, who although small still have lots of attitude. Annie considers herself lucky to work at a vet clinic as she has a million dollar dog Saxon, who has a medical history a mile long and needs lots of love and care. 

Sharon Morell - Groomer

Sharon is originally from Highton and started working at the Highton Veterinary Clinic in 1979. She was employed as the clinic's first veterinary nurse for seven years before having a break and then returning as the Professional Groomer in 1995. She has been here ever since. Sharon is an expert groomer and manages to make many dogs look their best.

When not grooming Sharon spends time at her successful Friesian Horse Stud called "Gramayre" which has purebred stock from Vienna, Austria. She also has two poodles Schimon and Rain to occupy her time, and more recently her beloved cat Miss Norris who was adopted through the clinic's Kitten adoption program.

Lisa Blackwell - Puppy Class and Dog Behavioural Consultant

Lisa has over 30 years experience in training dogs, 18 years of which has involved her taking puppy and training classes. She has the reputation of being one of the best dog trainers in Geelong. She is fantastic at educating and helping clients manage their dog's behaviours so that they can become well-mannered companions. Lisa understands that every dog, and its family are different which is why she loves the challenge of solving any behavioural hiccups that a client may encounter with their pet.

Lisa and her husband have two children, seven dogs (Rottweilers, Welsh Springer Spaniels & a Field Spaniel).

Lisa is also involved in "Aussie Truffle Dogs" A company that breeds & trains dogs to hunt for truffle. In her "other job", Lisa works for the Department of Primary Industries "Responsible Pet Education Program".

Lisa coordinates and runs our Puppy Classes and Adolescent Dog training classes in the evenings and always gets great feedback from the clients.