Dr Nicole Cook

Lead Veterinarian

Nicole joined the Hawthorn East Vet team in January 2018, after a five and a half year stint on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. After many years of a long commute, Nicole is very happy to be working in our busy inner city practice (and being much closer to home!). A Methodist Ladies College and University of Melbourne 2006 Veterinary Science Graduate, Nicole has a special interest in small animal medicine and diagnostics. She completed her Memberships in Small Animal Medicine via the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2012. She also has considerable experience with abdominal ultrasound.  She lives with her husband, Nico and when not working, she enjoys yoga, reading, cooking and eating out. Whilst she does not have any animals of her own at present (yet!), she loves meeting you and your animals, and is excited to be part of the team.

Dr Alison Simmons

Veterinarian

Alison joined our Hawthorn East team in July 2018 following work at a busy group of clinics in Adelaide and then Melbourne.

Her interest in animal medicine started after work on her family’s sheep and cattle farm. She is now excited to be working with slightly smaller animals! She enjoys getting to know the families that come with them to work together to ensure each pet receives the best care.  When not at work, Alison enjoys helping out on her family’s farm, playing tennis, running with her Groodle, Scout and baking.

Dr Cameron Wilson

Veterinarian

Cam joined the team in 2017, having just moved back to Melbourne after working in the UK. Cam unfortunately has no pets of his own so like to shower his furry patients with pets and cuddles. Cam has great interest in medical cases and diagnostics particularly in dogs and cats suffering from gastrointestinal issues. He is also passionate about pet weight management and the impact carrying a few extra pounds can have on your pet’s health. While not at work Cam revels outdoors in hiking, canyoning and skiing or catching up with friends for some unusual board games and beers.

Dr Cassie Shortal

Veterinarian

Cassie joined the team in July 2018, after spending the past 2 years working in Yorkshire in the UK. Prior to this, Cassie spent 3 years working in a rural mixed practice in Echuca. 

Dr. Mark Matthews

Veterinarian/Practice Principal

Mark has 20 years’ experience in veterinary practice, initially in New Zealand (or New Ziland as he pronounces it!) followed by a number of years in a busy practice in London. Mark is passionate about ensuring every pet receives the best possible care and is interested in all aspects of medicine and surgery. When Mark’s not at work, the fitness fan(atic) can be usually be found running, playing tennis or at the gym. He recently completed his fourth (and last, he swears) marathon – but never say never! At home, Mark and his partner are at the beck and call of their very spoilt cat, Luke. These days Mark splits his time between clinical work at Hawthorn East and administrative work.

Jo

Business Manager/Veterinary Nurse

Jo started work as Veterinary Nurse in 2004, and completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing in 2007. She joined Hawthorn East Vet in 2012 and has taken on the role of Business Manager after completing a Certificate IV in Frontline Management in 2016.

Jo and Mark the Vet worked together in a previous life at another Vet clinic, before Jo took some time out to have two children.   Jo is enjoying the challenges of practice management but also loves being still involved in the nursing side of the clinic too.  Along with a husband and two children at home, Jo has two cats Emmylou & Ianto.

Eliza

Lead Veterinary Nurse

Eliza joined the Hawthorn East Vet team in 2011, after having taken some time out of the workplace to be a Mum.

Eliza started Vet nursing in 1997 and has a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and fresh ideas. Her ‘can-do’ attitude has been a great asset to our team.

Eliza currently works on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, keeping busy the rest of her week as a wife, and Mum of two children of the human variety and of course the ‘fur kids’ Luna and Rolly.

Dani

Veterinary Nurse

Dani knew she wanted to be a veterinary nurse from eight years of age, although it took her crossing the Tasman to make her dream come true.

Dani completed her Veterinary Nurse qualification in 2009 and continues to complete short courses and seminars to keep up to date with all the latest knowledge.

She finds working with clients to provide the very best care for their pets extremely rewarding.

Melissa

Receptionist

Melissa has worked in the Veterinary industry for over 20 years both as a nurse and receptionist. She has also worked abroad in busy New York City as a Veterinary technician. Mel loves being a receptionist the most because she enjoys meeting clients and their pets, and chatting about how much we all love our fur kids. She is here to help you with any questions you have and assist you any way she can with your pet’s needs, sharing the knowledge she has gained over the years. At home Mel has 3 chickens, a rabbit, 3 cats, a cockatiel, 1 dog and the occasional orphaned possums that she hand rears until release, you could say she has her own mini farm!

Aimee

Vet Nurse

Aimee joined the Hawthorn East team in 2017, coming to us with three and a half years working in fast paced Vet clinic in Melbourne’s North. At home, Aimee is kept busy caring for her 3 dogs Indi, Hamish and Buckley, 5 cats Hugo, Dior, Mimmy, Bobby and Terror, and a mini lop rabbit Phil.  Aimee is a just a whisker away from completing her certificate IV in veterinary nursing and has a special interest in emergency and surgical nursing (Oh, as well as fostering and hand rearing orphaned kittens!)

Caitlin

Vet Nurse

Caitlin started in early 2018 and works between the Kew and Hawthorn East clinics. Her favourite part of the job is ensuring hospitalised patients and patients recovering from surgery are as comfortable as possible during their stay. When not at work Caitlin loves planning her next big trip overseas with her most recent being 7 weeks travelling around South America! She has a cheeky and spoilt 2 year old British Shorthair who runs the house!

Coco

Receptionist

Coco joined the team in July 2018 working as a receptionist. She moved from the country to Melbourne to continue studies in Biochemistry with a passion for biology.

She loves working with clients and their animals and is always up for some furry friend cuddles.

When not working she enjoys cooking, horse riding and taking her dog Alaska for long walks.