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 Diana Kither

Veterinarian

Diana graduated from Veterinary Science with honours from the University of Queensland in 2004. After working in regional Victoria, the UK, here in Melbourne and then for the last 2 years in Brisbane, Diana has recently returned to Hawthorn East Vet. Diana’s main interest in Veterinary Science is internal medicine. Whilst she doesn’t currently have any animals just yet, Diana is looking forward to welcoming a Labrador into her home one day. Outside of veterinary practice Diana’s main interests are marathon running, having completed her seventh marathon in Melbourne this year and football as an avid supporter of the Melbourne Demons.

Dr Weiqi Dwyer

Veterinarian

Weiqi is more fondly known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). She joined the team in Dec 2022 part time after returning from maternity leave. She’s spent the majority of her veterinary career working in the local area, so feels very much a part of the community. Qi has just about frequented all the parks and playgrounds in the Boroondara area with her 2 young kids and cheeky fox terrier in tow. She is pictured here with her diabetic Burmese cat, who is sadly no longer with us. He made it to 20 years old and will always be Qi’s first love! Qi looks forward to meeting you and your furry family member(s). Qi can also consult in Mandarin if preferred.

Dr Sam Maidment

Veterinarian

Dr Sarah James

Veterinarian

Eliza

Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse

Eliza joined the Hawthorn East Vet team in 2011, after having worked at different practices across Melbourne since 1997. Eliza currently works part time in the position of lead nurse. 

Eliza is a qualified certificate IV veterinary nurse, and is also registered with AVNAT (a nationally recognised organisation, committed to maintaining the highest standards of care through continuing education). 

Eliza has a large four-legged family – cats Dave and Pearl, dogs Joey and Rolly, and Diesel, her horse. She also has a human family she quite likes when she has time to see them!

Aimee

Registered 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 has completed 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!).

Pippa

Registered Vet Nurse

Lee

Veterinary Nurse

Lee joined the team at Hawthorn East Vet in November 2023 part-time, with a bit over a year’s experience in vet nursing. He’s previously worked in boarding kennels and volunteered with Animal Aid during high school, and has always had a love for animals.

Lee is currently completing his Certificate IV in veterinary nursing, and is due to complete at the end of 2024.

Outside of work, Lee enjoys reading, baking, and going on long walks with his two kelpies.

Dr. Mark Matthews

Veterinarian/Practice Principal

Mark has 25 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. 

Kelley

People, Culture, & Customer Care Manager

Kelley started her career in the veterinary industry way back in 1995. First working as a veterinary nurse for 17 years before diversifying into client services and then HR. Kelley joined the team in 2021 as People, Culture & Customer Care Manager and loves nothing more than making sure our staff and clients are happy.

In her spare time, Kelley can be found relaxing with her family at their cabin on the lake, or surrounded by her menagerie of feathered & fur babies.

Sarah

Business Operations Manager

Sarah has a background in project management and operations, before managing a multi-site vet clinic in Canada. Since returning to Australia Sarah was working as a qualified veterinary nurse in an animal emergency setting before joining the team in 2022.

Sarah loves making sure everything runs smoothly for our fantastic clinics so they can provide the best care for your pet. Outside of work you would find her hanging out with friends and family, cuddling with her cat Chip, or trying to tire out her puppy Tandy.