Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Our Vets
Dr Brett
Veterinarian / Practice Owner
BVSc, JD, GCLP
After graduating from the University of Sydney in 2005, Brett spent several years cutting his teeth in dairy and equine practice on the South Coast of New South Wales before re-locating to Sydney and transitioning into small animal practice. He and his young family moved to Maitland in 2016. Having worked in both emergency and GP clinics in the local area since then, he purchased the Lorn Veterinary Hospital in late 2023. He has also worked as a corporate lawyer for a large national firm but asks that you don’t hold that against him!
His areas of professional interest include small animal surgery, dentistry and behaviour. He has recently undertaken distance education courses in internal medicine and radiology. Brett is a member of the Australian Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Chapter, has served on an animal ethics committee at an Australian University and on the NSW Law Society Animal Law Subcommittee. He remains passionate about advocating for the welfare of animals in society. He genuinely enjoys engaging with his clients and helping them to create stronger, healthier and more fulfilling connections with their animal companions.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his two beautiful children (Jasmine & Charlie), hiking, reading and learning to play a couple of musical instruments.
Dr Alexandra
Veterinarian
BVSc (Hons) PhD
Dr Alexandra has been working as a veterinarian since graduating with Honours from The University of Queensland in 2009. Throughout her career, she has gained experience across a wide range of veterinary fields, including small animal medicine and surgery, emergency and critical care, avian and exotic animal practice, mixed practice, equine medicine and university research.
In 2020, Dr Alexandra completed her PhD, with research focusing on endocrine disorders, insulin and glucose regulation, and investigating treatments for metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
She believes pets are cherished members of the family and enjoys working closely with owners to provide the best possible care at every stage of their pet’s life. Whether it’s preventative healthcare, managing complex medical conditions or supporting pets as they age, Dr Alexandra is passionate about finding the right solutions for both her patients and their families. She values the compassionate, high-quality care provided at Lorn Veterinary Hospital, where every pet is treated as if they were one of our own.
Outside of work, Dr Alexandra is a passionate permaculturalist who loves growing food and regenerating her small patch of land for future generations, the climate and local wildlife. Her little farm is home to more than 40 furry, feathered and scaled animals—and that’s just the domestic ones!
Dr Pam
Veterinarian
DVM BSc (adv), GradCert SAECC
After graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Sydney in 2019, Dr Pam Byron completed a Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care in 2021. She has a passion for small animal medicine and particularly enjoys emergency and critical care, where she can help pets and their families through some of their most difficult moments.
At home, life is just as animal-filled! Pam shares her home with her three children, four cats, two Greyhounds—Zoe and Juke—and a lively German Shepherd puppy. Juke is also a canine blood donor and has helped other dogs by donating blood.
In her spare time, Pam loves camping, beach adventures, photography, and gardening. She believes every pet deserves compassionate, personalised care and enjoys getting to know both her patients and the people who love them.
Dr Natalie
Veterinarian
BCs, BVMS
Natalie studied Veterinary Science at Murdoch University in Perth, graduating in 2008. Since then, she has worked across Australia in small animal general practice and emergency care, developing a particular love for the variety and fast-paced nature of urgent and emergency work.
Natalie’s connection to veterinary medicine began early. Born in Bahrain, she spent much of her childhood there, where her mum ran a veterinary clinic. Growing up around the clinic helped spark her love for animals and the profession, eventually inspiring her to follow in her mum’s footsteps. Her veterinary career has even taken her back to the region, where she spent time practising in the Middle East.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys horse riding and spending time with her partner, Renee, and their three cats.
Dr Ross
Veterinarian
BVSc
Ross graduated from the University of Sydney in 1988 and spent his first seven years in mixed practice before focusing exclusively on small animal medicine.
Throughout his career, Ross has worked in Australia, England and New Zealand. His extensive experience includes six years with the RSPCA and seven years providing emergency veterinary care at the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (AREC) Newcastle.
Ross has a particular interest in diagnostic ultrasound, cardiology, internal medicine and surgery, and enjoys applying his broad clinical experience to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Outside of work, Ross is married with two adult children and shares his home with six cats. In his spare time, he enjoys archery and oil painting.
Dr Marena
Veterinarian
BVSc, JCU
Dr Marena grew up on a cattle and game farm in South Africa before immigrating to Australia in 2008. Surrounded by animals from an early age, she developed a lifelong love of caring for creatures both big and small.
After graduating from James Cook University in 2020, Marena began her career in a mixed animal practice in Tamworth, where she gained valuable experience treating both large and small animals. She later relocated to the Central Coast to be closer to her husband and family, continuing her career in small animal practice. During this time, she developed a strong passion for surgery and internal medicine.
Marena is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary care and believes every pet deserves access to the treatment they need. Having worked alongside a range of charities and pet owners, she enjoys partnering with families to find practical solutions that achieve the best possible outcomes for their pets.
She has a particular interest in small animal surgery and is currently undertaking further study towards her surgical memberships. Marena has also completed her PennHIP certification, allowing her to perform PennHIP assessments to evaluate hip health and screen dogs for their risk of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find Marena helping on the family farm with their Angus stud, gardening, cooking and baking, playing sport, or spending time with her husband, their beautiful Great Dane, Olive, and their flock of chickens.
Dr Caitlin
Veterinarian
BVSc (USyd), 2017
Following her initial employment in country mixed practice, Caitlin spent the majority of 2019 to 2023 working in busy 24-hour emergency hospitals. During this time, she also worked casually with the RSPCA and several local veterinary clinics, continuing to develop her skills in general practice and shelter medicine.
While emergency medicine remains a passion, Caitlin’s focus since late 2023 has been providing soft tissue surgery and dental services to clinics throughout the Hunter–Newcastle region. As part of this work, she has been delighted to join the LVC team since late 2024.
Caitlin is passionate about providing meticulous, thorough and compassionate care to every patient, whether their procedure is routine or more complex. She is equally committed to supporting pet owners through what can often be challenging and emotional times, ensuring they feel informed and cared for throughout their pet’s treatment.
Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, non-competitive horse riding, roller derby (and many other forms of roller skating), supporting local youth in the community, catching up with family and friends, and caring for her much-loved animals. Her family includes rescue pets Rohan and Brioche, horses Caspian and Uno, and an ever-growing collection of freshwater shrimp and fish.
Our Nurses
Claire
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Claire began her career in veterinary nursing after completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Kurri Kurri TAFE in 2011. With experience working in busy veterinary clinics, she particularly enjoyed assisting with orthopaedic surgeries, managing a wide range of medical cases, and helping clients make informed decisions about their pets’ nutrition and wellbeing.
Since joining the Lorn Vets team in 2023, Claire has become one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at reception. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with clients, answering questions, and ensuring every pet and their family feel welcomed and supported from the moment they walk through our doors. Her caring nature and approachable personality help create a warm, positive experience for everyone who visits the clinic.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her 12-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sonny. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll often find her at the beach, exploring local hiking trails, or making special memories with her family.
Kaitlyn
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Kaitlyn has been a valued member of the Lorn team since 2021. After completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2022, she transitioned from the equine industry to small animal practice and joined the clinic full-time in 2024.
Kaitlyn has a particular interest in surgical nursing and anaesthesia and enjoys being involved in all aspects of patient care throughout their treatment and recovery.
Before moving into small animal nursing, Kaitlyn gained extensive experience in equine management, rehabilitation, and grooming. While working as a groom for an Australian eventing rider, she had the opportunity to work alongside veterinary professionals from a wide range of countries and backgrounds, further expanding her knowledge and experience in equine care.
Outside of work, Kaitlyn can usually be found competing in eventing or spending time with her two kelpies, Chilli and Turbo.
Kelsey
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Kelsey joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in 2020 while studying to become a veterinary nurse. Since then, her passion for animal care has continued to grow, and she loves every aspect of veterinary nursing, especially the hands-on clinical work. After completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2023, Kelsey became a valued full-time member of the Lorn Vets team.
Her love of animals began at a very young age. Growing up surrounded by a wide variety of pets—from a pet salamander to horses and plenty of other wonderful animals—sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led her to veterinary nursing.
When she’s not caring for patients at the clinic, Kelsey enjoys unwinding at home and spending quality time with her beloved dogs, Callie and Mia.
Ashleigh
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Ashleigh has been working with animals for over 20 years and completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 2007. Growing up with a mother who was also a veterinary nurse, she spent much of her childhood in veterinary clinics, making the profession a natural fit from an early age.
Throughout her career, Ashleigh has worked predominantly in small animal general practice, while also gaining valuable experience in an emergency and specialist hospital. She joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in 2023 and loves being back in a close-knit general practice where she can build lasting relationships with both clients and their pets.
Ashleigh has a particular affinity for cats and wildlife. She also helps to manage our Facebook page, keeping our clients connected with everything happening at the clinic.
Originally from the Central Coast, Ashleigh lives with her young family, three cats and four rainbow lorikeets. Over the years she has also cared for a wide variety of small animals.
When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find Ashleigh spending time with her son, watching comedies and documentaries, learning about meteorology or enjoying a good coffee. At the clinic, she’s rarely far from a coffee cup, always ready with a joke, and often trying to resist giving our clinic cat just one more treat.
Meg
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
With more than 20 years of experience in veterinary nursing, Meg combines extensive clinical expertise with a genuinely compassionate approach, helping pets and their people feel supported, understood, and cared for every step of the way.
Meg completed her veterinary nursing studies in 2005 and has spent the past two decades caring for animals and supporting the people who love them.
Originally from the Blue Mountains, Meg’s career has taken her through a diverse range of veterinary settings, from local general practice to the Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Along the way, she has developed experience in canine fertility and reproduction, as well as emergency and critical care, working with respected referral hospitals including ARH and AREC.
One of Meg’s greatest passions is helping families care for their senior pets. She understands the unique needs of ageing animals and finds great fulfilment in helping them enjoy comfort, dignity, and the best possible quality of life throughout their golden years.
Outside of work, Meg is an active member of the local community and enjoys life with her husband and two children. Their home is also shared with three much-loved rescue dogs and a rescue cat, reflecting her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll often find her tending to her expansive gardens or enjoying her own little Beatrix Potter moment as her flock of ducks happily wander amongst the greenery as she gardens.
Anita
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing, Bachelor Animal Science)
Anita’s love for animals and the Veterinary industry started from a very young age having multiple pets throughout her childhood which continued through her schooling years and led her to graduating from UNE in 2018 with a Bachelor of Animal Science. Then after Anita stayed in Armidale and completed her Veterinary Nursing certificate (2020) at a beautiful rural mixed animal practice which she gained excellent hands-on experience in a variety of nursing roles. Alongside of this Anita was a part of an Animal Ethics Committee with the University of New England giving her a wide array of knowledge, compassion and understanding of this amazing industry.
Anita joined the Lorn team in 2024 just after her first son was born. She brings a unique background with her as do all our staff making for an experienced, family oriented and genuinely caring team.
Anita has a particular interest in working dogs and currently spends her spare time raising her son Banjo and her kelpie Wally.
Sarah
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Sarah grew up on the Mid North Coast, where her passion for animals first led her into the veterinary industry. Before becoming a qualified veterinary nurse, she gained valuable experience working in boarding kennels and veterinary clinics. She also spent time living in Canada, where she worked for a dog sledding company and a pet store—an unforgettable experience that combined her love of animals with adventure.
After completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2010, Sarah built a diverse career working in both small animal practices and mixed animal clinics, giving her experience with a wide variety of patients and cases.
Sarah joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in late 2023 and has become a valued member of the practice, bringing her knowledge, compassion and calm approach to every patient she cares for.
At home, Sarah lives on acreage with her husband and their two daughters. Their busy household includes three horses, three dogs, two cats and a flock of chickens.
Outside of work, Sarah is passionate about all things equestrian. Whether she’s attending horse clinics, competing in equine events, trail riding or enjoying pony club with her daughters, you’ll usually find her happiest in the saddle.
Kylie
Practice Manager/Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Kylie began her veterinary nursing career in 2007 and joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in 2024. With extensive experience as both a Lead Hospital Nurse and Lead Surgical Nurse, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for providing exceptional patient care.
Kylie enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, with a particular interest in hospital and surgical nursing. She is committed to lifelong learning and is often found curled up on the lounge after hours attending webinars and keeping up to date with the latest advances in veterinary medicine to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care.
She also has a special interest in rehabilitation nursing, having completed further study in this area. She loves helping patients recover from surgery and injury through massage and exercise therapy, while also improving the comfort and quality of life of senior pets.
As Practice Manager, Kylie is passionate about supporting and mentoring her team. She is a strong advocate for continuing education and enjoys encouraging the nursing team to develop their skills, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential. She is equally passionate about fostering a positive, family-friendly workplace where teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support are celebrated every day.
Kylie is incredibly proud of the caring culture at Lorn Veterinary Hospital, where clients are kept informed throughout their pet’s journey and every patient is treated with the same love, compassion, and dedication as if they were our own.
Outside of work, Kylie lives in the Maitland area with her husband and two children. As a family, they enjoy staying active through sport and spending weekends bushwalking, paddleboarding, and exploring the outdoors. Their own furry family includes two Golden Retrievers, two cats, and a flock of much-loved chickens.
Tina
Veterinary Nurse
(Cert IV Veterinary Nursing, Cert IV Training & Assessment)
Tina has been a qualified veterinary nurse for over 20 years after completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Kurri Kurri TAFE. Since then, she has expanded her knowledge with qualifications in Training and Assessment, management, customer service, and critical care and emergency nursing.
She joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in 2023 and is passionate about creating positive experiences for both clients and their pets. Tina believes that building genuine relationships and fostering a warm, welcoming workplace helps provide the highest standard of care for every patient and family who walks through our doors.
With 15 years of experience in mixed animal practice, Tina has developed extensive knowledge of farm animals, particularly horses. She also has a special soft spot for sighthounds and hopes to one day add an Italian Greyhound to her family.
Outside of work, Tina lives locally and enjoys walking her Whippets and Kelpie, riding her horses along Lorn Beach, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves cooking, a good glass of wine, country music, live pub bands, thriller novels and documentaries.
Maddi
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Maddi started working at Lorn Vets in 2025, bringing with her experience from a variety of clinics across the Hunter and Newcastle region, including the emergency centre where she continues to work as an Emergency and Critical Care nurse.
Maddi has a passion for complex and challenging cases and enjoys using her nursing skills and knowledge to help provide the best possible care for her patients.
Being a voice for the voiceless is one of the most rewarding parts of her role, and she feels incredibly honoured to care for animals and support their families during difficult times.
Outside of work, Maddi enjoys scrapbooking, cooking, and spending time with her family — including her three cats (Sarabi, Chester and Misty) and rabbit (Bambi). You can also find her doing her best to expand her knowledge by listening to vet med webinars and undertaking other courses to improve her skills and knowledge.
Indiana
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Indiana completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in June 2025 and joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in 2026.
As part of our dedicated evening team, Indiana enjoys the fast-paced and varied nature of emergency veterinary nursing. From welcoming clients at reception to caring for hospital patients and assisting with life-saving emergency procedures, she loves that every shift brings something new. The unpredictability and teamwork involved in after-hours care are what make the role so rewarding for her.
Outside of work, Indiana shares her home with a lively fur (and feather!) family, including two Border Collies, a German Shepherd, and a much-loved cockatiel. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her feathered companion, taking her dogs for long walks, and heading to the beach whenever the weather allows.
Ella
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing)
Ella joined the veterinary profession after qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse in 2023 and has been dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care ever since. Ella joined the Lorn Veterinary Team in 2025 and enjoys building connections with both patients and their families and strives to make every visit as calm and stress-free as possible.
Ella has a particular interest in surgery and dentistry and loves expanding her knowledge and practical skills while supporting patients through every stage of their treatment and recovery.
Outside of work, Ella shares her home with two lovable Corgis and a horse, reflecting her lifelong passion for animals both large and small. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, riding her horse, and making the most of the outdoors.
Ella looks forward to meeting you and your furry family members and helping provide them with the highest standard of care.
Chloe
Animal Attendant
(Certificate II Animal Studies , Veterinary Nurse Student)
Chloe joined the Lorn Veterinary Hospital team in mid-2024 and has loved being part of the team ever since. In early 2025, she completed her Certificate II in Animal Care and is now in the final stages of her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
She is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient and enjoys supporting pets throughout their visit to the hospital. One of the most rewarding parts of her role is caring for patients as they recover from surgery, ensuring they are comfortable and reassuring them as they wake. Chloe also enjoys building genuine relationships with both her patients and their families.
Veterinary nursing was a natural career choice for Chloe, combining her love of animals with the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives every day.
Outside of work, Chloe enjoys walking her Border Collie, Jedd, surfing, training at the gym, and taking part in Parkrun.
Shianna
Animal Attendant
(Certificate II Animal Studies, Veterinary Nurse Student)
Shianna joined the team at Lorn Veterinary Hospital in September 2025 and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Prior to this, she completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2024 and has gained experience working in both veterinary clinics, pet retail and equine specialist hospitals.
Having grown up around animals, Shianna has always been passionate about animal care and welfare. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, with a particular interest in surgery and equine medicine, and hopes to pursue further knowledge in these areas throughout her career.
Outside of work, Shianna lives on acreage with her two dogs, three horses and a colourful flock of Belgian D’Uccles. As a passionate equestrian, she spends much of her spare time riding and competing with her horses.
