The Vet HQ Team

Geoff Golovsky – Director

Special area of interest: Surgery (memberships) and Diagnostic imaging
Vet HQ was a dream of mine for many years. On Boxing Day 2006 we opened our doors for the first time. This year we will be celebrating 15 years of Veterinary Service to the Eastern Suburbs, what a ride it has been. My wife and I still joke about the first staffing decision we made – 2 nurses not one. Now with a full time team of 37 in Double bay and 5 in Darlinghurst, Vet HQ has exceeded all of my expectations.

It is with thanks to everyone on my team that we continue to provide you our clients with highest quality pet care and be an integral link in the bond with your pet. Several years ago the team came up with some core values that dictate the way we go about our work.

These are:

• We provide your pets with the highest standard of professional and ethical Veterinary care
• We offer a complete, balanced and individualised health care service to you and your pets
• We provide supportive and clear communication to you
• We maintain the highest level of learning and continuous education for staff and clients

And what about me? I grew up here in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs. I am an Old Boy of Bellevue Hill Public School as well as an Old Cranbookian. I graduated with honours from Sydney University in 1998. My first job was in mixed animal practice on the South Coast of NSW. I then went to Thailand and worked as a Veterinarian at the University of Khon Kaen on an AUSAID/AYAD development program. After that I worked in London for 2 years. Upon return to Sydney I spent three years at North Shore Veterinary Hospital ( Specialist Hospital and Emergency Centre) refining skills to be able to accomplish my Memberships in Small Animal Surgery.

I have a keen area of interest in Surgery of all shapes and sizes. However, my passion as most of you know is my general practice talking with people (often too much) and having a laugh.

When I am not at work I get to spend time with my family. My wife Tammy and I have been very lucky to have 2 wonderful boys Zac and Sol, and daughter Talia who keep us entertained. And in 2021 we welcomed baby Troopy to our family. Unfortunately our beloved Snap (much loved family member and friend to all) passed away at the grand age of 13. We hold Snap always in our memories, and we look forward to Troopy growing into the very big shoes Snap has left behind.

I hope to see you all soon.
Geoff

Dr. Jessica Green – Director, Darlinghurst

Special area of interest: Internal medicine and Preventative Health
Dr. Jessica Green is the head veterinarian at VetHQ Darlinghurst and has been at the Darlo clinic since its inception. Jess Graduated from the University of Sydney in 2008. She has worked in New York, Melbourne and Sydney in both general practice and emergency clinics. She is a motivated, dynamic veterinarian with a special interest in top level medicine. She has completed further education in internal medicine through the University of Sydney. Jess loves the Darlinghurst community, she is so awed and inspired by the love and dedication this amazing village shows it’s pets. In her spare time she loves to spend time with family and friends, travel and hit the beach. Often, you’ll find her enjoying the cafes and shops around the Victoria street clinic with the apple of her eye – a stunningly beautiful rescue Chihuahua named Céline.

Kate Fahy – HR Manager

I am the HR manager at Vet HQ. I have been in the veterinary industry for 25 years and at Vet HQ going on 10 years. Born and bred in the eastern suburbs, I have worked in multiple small animal practices including working at the University of Sydney Vet Teaching Hospital.

I started at Vet HQ as head veterinary nurse when there were 9 staff members. Since then the practice has grown and between the two practices, we now have 40+ staff members. I decided to do a degree in HR and I now deal with the staff on a daily basis.

Megan Thomas – Operations Manager

Hi my name is Megan Thomas

I’ve been working in the veterinary industry for the past 16 years as a Business Manager. I came across to Vet HQ in 2018 as Geoff’s Executive Assistant / Vet HQ Operations Manager. I’m very passionate about animal welfare and am the proud owner of a menagerie of animals – 3 cats, 2 dogs, 2 snakes, 8 lizards, 15 parrots (lorikeets, conures, Amazon’s, Macaw’s, Galah’s and Eclectus), and lots of fish. In my spare time, I enjoy MMA, running, bodybuilding, cooking, and reading. Oh and talking in-depth about my home zoo (please ask me about my zoo!).

Dr. Caryn Wun – Senior Vet

Special area of interest: Diagnostic imaging and Medicine
Hi, my name is Caryn Wun.
Hi, my name is Caryn Wun. I graduated as a Veterinarian from Sydney University almost 30 years ago. After starting my Veterinary career in Port Macquarie in mixed practice, then working in the UK, I have spent the last 22 years working exclusively for the pets of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. During that time I have amassed a great deal of clinical experience in the diseases seen both locally and nationally. I have completed two post graduate courses in Internal medicine and one in radiology and continue to stay abreast of current changes and updates in Veterinary medicine with interest and enthusiasm. I have a keen interest in Internal Medicine, dentistry, radiology and animal behaviour. I am committed to the ongoing development of younger Vets through the Sydney University Mentor program. During my spare time I like to stay fit, swimming, running and pretending to surf. I love food, cooking, my little furry friend Marlo and my wonderful husband Frank.

In August 2021 Dr Caryn was proudly named the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (ASAV) Practitioner of the Year for 2021. Practitioner of the Year is a prestigious award that recognises an ASAV member for their outstanding service to the profession and the public in terms of academic qualifications, standard of practice, professional profile and altruism. It is awarded at the national level, meaning Dr Caryn beat out a field of distinguished veterinarians from across the country to take the honour.

Dr. Nicky Goldberg

Special area of interest: Internal medicine (memberships)
Hi, my name is Nicky Goldberg.
I graduated with merit from the University of Sydney in 2012. I’ve been part of the Vet HQ family since 2008 when I started working as a student and have always been passionate about the health of animals.

After completing a year-long post-graduate course in Small Animal Medicine through Sydney University, I attained my membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination. During this period, I spent time with and was mentored by a number of specialists and have been able to bring many new skills, experience, and knowledge to general practice at Vet HQ.

I enjoy the challenge of complex medical cases, dermatology, soft tissue surgery, and my role in mentoring our newer vets and educating our wonderful nurses.

In my spare time I enjoy exercising and spending time with my husband, sons, and 2 very spoiled miniature schnauzers, Rocky, and Chelsea

Dr. Tony Knapp

Special area of interest: Feline medicine, Cardiology, Oncology
Vet HQ cat advoacate for the Veterinary team
Hi, My name is Tony, I graduated with distinction from Liverpool university in the UK in 2010, I spent 3 years working in the Lancashire hills before moving to Australia in late 2013. I worked in Penrith for 2 years before settling closer to home at VetHQ in 2016.

I have an interest in cardiology, soft tissue surgery and feline medicine, the latter in no small part due to my 2 little terrors at home Luna and Malachi who managed to worm their way in on a fostering gone wrong (aren’t you meant to give foster animals back?!)

In my own time, I love to travel, I am a mediocre climber, dangerously experimental baker and compulsive winter knitter.

Dr. Polina Tan

Special area of interest: Feline medicine
Hi, my name is Polina Tan. I joined the Vet HQ team in July 2020, and I am absolutely loving being with such an enthusiastic and passionate team.

A little bit about me……since nine years of age, and a few “A Country Practice” episodes (a show in the 1980s), I knew I wanted to be a vet. So, after some mixed practice experience and four years in the UK, I have practiced in the Eastern Suburbs for the last 13 years. I love all aspects of being a vet- but my main priority is helping families give their pets the best quality of life that is possible.

My husband is also a vet so we have an assortment of rescue cats, ‘Zara” and “Mr. Darcy”, and a rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Gypsy”, who is a great dog with kids and very patient.

Outside work you may find me down at Coogee nippers, cheering on a netball court or jogging through Centennial Park. Make sure you come and say hello!

Dr. Brianna Ritota (Darlinghurst)

Special area of interest: Feline medicine
We are delighted to welcome Dr Brianna to the Vet HQ Darlinghurst team.

Bri grew up in Florida, but having a mum from Melbourne and plenty of family holidays here in Australia inspired her to move here permanently and complete her veterinary degree. Before beginning her vet career, she graduated with a Bachelor of Animal Science from University of Florida in 2015 where she played water polo competitively. She graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Sydney in 2019. In her first year out as a vet she completed an intensive equine internship, but has since decided to take on the smaller furry friends! She has a special interest in small animal surgery and dentistry, but enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.

When she is not working, you can find her either at the beach, hiking for waterfalls, bouldering or baking/cooking up a storm at home with her ginger kitty, Buddha, and her partner, Ivan, who’s also a vet!

Dr. Ivan Duong

Special area of interest: Emergency medicine and Palliative medicine
Ivan spent the first 2 years of his vet career working at the RSPCA, caring for both beloved pets, homeless animals and advocating for animal welfare and rights. He originally hails from Hong Kong (thus speaks fluent Cantonese and some Mandarin), he then completed his undergraduate degree in America where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biology. After that, he travelled to Australia to study at the University of Sydney where he graduated as a veterinarian in 2019. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice but has a special interest in emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging and senior palliative care. Ivan cannot wait to meet you and your pet whether it’s for a new puppy or kitten consultation, an annual check up or for something that’s concerning you. When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending time with his partner (also a vet at VetHQ Darlo!) vegging on the beach, exploring the outdoors, trying new sports and activities and cuddling his 2 rescue foster-failures, Buddha and Olive.

Dr. Vanessa Yu

Special area of interest: Ophthalmology
Vanessa joined Vet HQ in February 2022 as a new graduate Veterinarian. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree was Vanessa’s second degree – she previously finished a Bachelor of Science in animal physiology. Her veterinary interests lie in emergency and small animal medicine. I have practical experience working in busy small animal practices as a veterinary nurse. Vanessa is very passionate about lifelong learning and giving back to the community

Dr. Maddy Eustace

Special area of interest: Preventative medicine and Dentistry
Hello! My name is Maddy, I am a kiwi who moved to Sydney to follow my dream to be a vet, and therefore graduated from the University of Sydney. Prior to this I completed a Bachelor of Science double majoring in Marine Biology and Zoology, but over the last few years decided to follow my love for furry creatures rather than scaly ones. I have an interest in all parts of small animal medicine and surgery, and find it hard to pick my most favourite part of the profession (since it is all great). I also have two mini lop rabbits at home Bun & Hun (not very original), so have a soft spot for pocket pets. In my free time I take on any opportunity to get into the ocean, and specifically go scuba diving. I also love to travel and spend time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and your furry loved ones!

Dr. Angelene Woo

Special area of interest: Preventative medicine and Dentistry
Hello! I’m Angelene but you can just call me Ange. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and have recently joined the Vet HQ team in February 2023, so I’m super keen to meet your fur babies! If you notice a foreign accent, it’s because I went to international schools growing up in Malaysia and Shanghai. In addition to our furry best friends, I love all oceany creatures and have been scuba diving since I was 12 years old. My special veterinary interests are in small animal surgery, especially orthopaedics. When I’m not petting all the cute animals at work, I love to keep active exploring coastal walks, feast like a foodie, and lift heavy things at the gym.

Dr. Alexa Lee (Darlinghurst)

I graduated from the University of Queensland in 2020 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons). I originally hail from sunny QLD where I worked at a busy animal hospital before deciding a change of scenery was in order and found myself a new home at Vet HQ Darlinghurst. I’ve developed a keen interest in all things surgery but am passionate about pet wellbeing and working with owners to ensure all of their pet’s needs are met. I have three fur babies of my own that keep me in line. I report to a border collie named Bobby, another border collie who is blind called Stevie and a ginger manx called Moët. When it’s time to ditch the scrubs, you’ll find me either at the beach, exploring new places with my dogs or eating my way through the Sydney suburbs. I openly welcome any good food recommendations so please, don’t be shy and say hello!

Zoe

Bio Coming Soon…

Natalia Zarebska

Bio Coming Soon…

Brooklyn Penniall

Bio Coming Soon…

Bree Nancarrow

Bio Coming Soon…

Trishla Barmecha

Bio Coming Soon…

Julie Moorhead

Bio Coming Soon…

Hannah Bartlett – Receptionist

Currently on Maternity Leave

Kayleigh Leadbetter – Receptionist

Bio coming soon…

Katie Veale – Head Nurse

Hi my name is Katie. My career with animals started nearly 3 years ago. I completed my Certificate 2 in Animal Studies and I’ve nearly finished my Certificate 4 in Vet Nursing. I have previously worked in hospitality and retail and also studied Children’s Studies where I worked as a nanny for 4 years. This took me to London where I lived for 2 amazing years and opened my eyes to a bigger world. Being a lover of travel, new experiences and meeting new people, my love for animals has always been present growing up with cats, dogs and horses! Finding my dream job later in life has been a huge success and I am proud to be part of the Vet Hq Family!

Jenna Luskey

Vet HQ cat advoacate for nursing team

My name is JJ. I am a senior nurse at Vet HQ. I have been at Vet HQ since 2013. I have been a nurse for over 13years, I have always had a passion for animals. I have completed a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in Critical Care & Emergency Medicine. I have five cats and one dog.

Neta Bligh (Darlinghurst)

Reception Manager
Bio coming soon…

Mariko Shimizu

Hi, my name is Mariko Shimizu.

I am a Veterinary Nurse at Vet HQ. I have been a grooming assistant since 2012 and a vet nurse for nearly nine years. I am originally from Japan and have worked as a vet nurse in Japan and Vancouver, Canada. I really enjoy working with animals and that was my lifetime dream. I have joined the team at Vet HQ in 2012.

Rebecca Cahill

Bio Coming Soon…

Ella Rouiller

Bio Coming Soon…

Elena Ruiz

Bio Coming Soon…

Mia Peters (Darlinghurst)

Bio Coming Soon…

Annabelle Lopez

Bio Coming Soon…

Isobel Fuller

Bio Coming Soon…

Emily Bebbington

Bio Coming Soon…

Courtney Oldfield (Darlinghurst)

Bio coming soon…

Kristie Ashworth

Dog Day Care and Cat Boarding Manager

Hi I’m Kristie, I started working at Vet Hq in 2015, my roles at Vet HQ are managing our beautiful cattery and doggy day care.

I have completed my Animal Studies Cert 2, Companion Animal Studies Cert 4 and a diploma in Crazy Cat Lady Studies.

I have 2 cats named Tilly and Tofu and in my spare time I do pole dancing for fitness!

Sara Tooley

Animal Attendant and Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Hi my name is Sara. I’ve been working at Vet Hq since 2018 in our Dog Daycare and cat boarding. I have a dog named Jackson and a cat named Slinky Malinki!

Caitlyn W

Hi my name is Cait. I have worked at Vet HQ in the dog daycare for seven wonderful years and loved every minute of it. I am a dog lover with a special interest in behaviour. I have a beautiful big scruffy mix breed rescue dog named Tully who is my world! Always looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of your wonderful fur children.

Chang Liu

Bio Coming Soon…

Intera Johnstone

Bio Coming Soon…

Sami Taylor

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Lexie Kildey

Bio Coming Soon…

Grace Dacres

Bio Coming Soon…