Meet Our Team
At Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital, we embrace a culture of kindness that extends to our patients, their owners, and our own team. We are committed to caring for each other with the same warmth and respect we provide to your pets. Our collaborative group of vets, nurses, and receptionists, work as a supportive family to deliver exceptional veterinary expertise. By fostering an environment of empathy and professional care, we ensure you and your companions always feel loved.
Our Vets
Dr. Louise Nicholls, BVSc(Hons) MANZCVS
Lou graduated from Sydney University in 2000 and in the first few years of her career worked in a few different mixed animal practices before settling on small animal practice. She achieved her membership qualifications in Small Animal Surgery in 2006, and after this spent some time travelling and working across the UK, Europe and Australia before returning to her hometown of Canberra in 2013 and subsequently becoming a partner at Queanbeyan Vet Hospital, Jerrabomberra Vet Hospital and Googong Veterinary Centre. Â Lou lives with her husband Greg and their 2 energetic daughters, plus an even more energetic 2yr old retriever Eddie. When not working, Lou can be found juggling the demands of family life with her love of travelling, being in the great outdoors and learning the drums.
Director and Veterinarian
Dr. Maria Jaccard,Â
DVM
Veterinarian
Dr Maria graduated as a Veterinarian from the Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina in 2008 where she worked in small animal general practice. Maria moved to Australia in 2016 and after living in many places, has settled in the Canberra region. Maria joined Queanbeyan Vet Hospital in 2024 and has a particular interest in animal behaviour where she is completing further studies. She is passionate about helping pets with anxiety, fear-based issues and other behavioural challenges, always aiming to strengthen the bond between pets and their people. Outside of work, Maria enjoys relaxing with a good book or diving into jigsaw puzzles, always accompanied by her two beloved cats, June and Nick.
Dr. Molly Barrett,Â
BVetBiol/BVSc
Veterinarian
Molly graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2022, before beginning her career in Canberra and then starting with us in mid 2023. Molly grew up on the Monaro, so although she now works primarily with small animals, she does have a soft spot for largies- and is often found on her parent's and grandparents' properties in Cooma on the weekends. Molly has an interest in exotic medicine (especially rats!) and small animal surgery. She is also Fear Free and Stress-Free Pets certified, meaning she is more than happy to help your more anxious pets.
Dr. Jenny Edwards,
BVSc
Veterinarian
Originally from Queensland, Jenny graduated from James Cook University in 2011. She worked in mixed practice for 12 months in QLD, followed by a short working holiday in Tasmania, before moving to join us at Queanbeyan in 2013. After 2 years here, she left for the UK, where she enjoyed working in a small animal practice by the sea in Sussex. Jenny returned to Queanbeyan Vet Hospital in April 2016. Jenny sees cats and dogs for all ailments but especially enjoys puppy vaccinations as well as assisting clients to optimise quality of life for their geriatric companions. Outside the clinic, Jenny enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Dr. Alison Taylor,Â
BVSc (Hons)
Dr. Alison is one of the partners here at Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital. She began her career in mixed animal practice in Gerringong before moving to England. She worked there in small animal practice for four years and also managed to see some of the world during this time. After another short stint at the coast, she moved to Canberra in 2004. Since this time, she has done further study in radiography, ultrasonography, and management of radioactive substances allowing the use of radioactive iodine to treat cats with hyperthyroidism. Alison is also a regular visitor to the Northern Territory where she and her husband Bill (a previous partner at Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital) spend a few weeks each year providing veterinary care to a number of indigenous communities. When not working, Alison enjoys travelling, cooking and sport, as well as spending time catching up with her two sons in between their university study commitments.
Veterinarian
Dr. Suzanne Polak,Â
BVSc BAppSc(equine science)
Suzanne is a veterinarian passionate about improving pets’ lives by treating the whole animal, from nose to tail. She believes every pet deserves a happy, healthy life and enjoys educating owners on how to achieve it. Suzanne has worked with a wide range of animals, from horses and farm animals to companion pets - and even the occasional giraffe. She holds Batchelor Degrees in Veterinary Science, Applied Science (Equine) and a Graduate Diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine. Outside of work, Suzanne and her partner raise working dogs, beef cattle, and horses on their farm.
Veterinarian
Dr. Sanduni Karunaratne,
BSc (Vet Bio)/ DVM
Veterinarian
Dr Sunny is originally from Western Australia and moved to South Australia to complete her veterinary degree at the University of Adelaide. She has since made the move to the east coast to join the team at Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital in 2026. Sunny has a keen interest in small animal medicine and looks forward to providing compassionate, high-quality care to her patients. Outside of work, she enjoys dance, art and playing musical instruments. Back home, she also has a German Shepherd named Kaya, who she misses very much!
Dr. Laura Antelmann,Â
BVB/DVM
Veterinarian
Laura made the move from Sydney to join us in April 2026. Her passion for veterinary medicine spans all areas of general practice, but she holds a very special place in her heart for Greyhounds, Staffies, and Dachshunds. Having been a rescue dog mum herself, Laura completely understands that the vet clinic can be a nerve-wracking place for some pets. She thrives on partnering with owners to turn vet visits into positive, comfortable, and fear-free experiences. When she isn’t caring for your furry family members, Laura’s perfect day off includes saddling up for a horse ride, sipping on a great cup of coffee and getting outdoors to walk her own Golden Retriever, Rosie.
Dr. Sam Lawson,Â
BVSc
Veterinarian
Sam graduated from Sydney University in 1999. He and his vet wife took their first jobs in South Australia before moving to the UK where they worked for several years and started their family. They travelled some more in Australia, playing a decade-long game called Where-to-Live? The answer was the south coast. Sam has a special interest in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and has a small business called Oxygen Vet, specialising in providing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for pets. Sam has plenty of hobbies including sailing, motorcycling, surfing, and golf.
Dr. Robert Sampson,Â
BVSc
Rob spent much of his childhood in Brisbane and graduated from The University of Queensland in 2003. He first started working in the south of Canberra and Queabeyan for a few years before traveling and working in England for 18 months. On returning to Australia he continued to work in Canberra before moving to Queanbeyan in 2026. Rob enjoys the diverse work involved in being a GP vet but has a special interest in Ultrasonography. When not at work he is busy with family life with his wife and 2 young kids as well as a variety of pets. Outside of the veterinary field he can be found mountain biking or exploring various aspects of medieval reenactment.
Veterinarian
Our Vet Nurses
Nicki
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Nicki is one of our senior nurses. She has been a qualified vet nurse for over 10 years now. Nicki started working at Kippax Veterinary Hospital in 2007 after a three month adventure in South Africa. Nicki met her husband while in South Africa and they now have a beautiful boy, born in December 2009. Nicki first started working at our clinic at the beginning of 2012. Nicki's family has several horses, and she has competed in endurance riding (long-distance) for the past 20 years. She also enjoys playing volleyball, polocrosse and making jewellery.
Naomi
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Naomi completed her certificate four in Veterinary Nursing in 2015 and has been with us since October 2016. She has extensively travelled to do charity work, including with Animals Asia in China for three months, big animal conservation in Africa and she worked at a vet clinic in Mumbai, and India for a year in 2020. Naomi has plans for further work like this in the future. In the vet clinic, Naomi is passionate about dermatology working at Canberra Veterinary Dermatology and pathology, she has furthered her studies by completing a course in Pathology. Naomi has a cheeky cat at home called Chaska, who gets to roam around in the garden that has been enclosed with cat netting. In her spare time Naomi enjoys relaxing with Chaska while watching movies and slowly learning the Violin.
Felicity
Veterinary Nurse
Felicity started as a kennel hand in 2014 and started nursing in 2015. She has been nursing at Queanbeyan Vet Hospital for the past 11 years and have gained some great experience over that time. Since then, Felicity took some time off in 2023 to welcome her daughter into the world to add a sister to all her many fur babies. Felicity has 4 beautiful cats and one dog which makes a very busy household.
KiraÂ
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Kira joined our team in early 2025 after relocating to the Queanbeyan area from Melbourne, Victoria. With a passion for animal care, she has been a dedicated Veterinary Nurse since 2021, having completed her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing. She is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in human resources. Outside of work and study, Kira is a proud pet parent to three cats - Frodo, Nikita, and Mini - and a mischievous ferret she has affectionately named Stinky. Her love for pets extends beyond her animals at home; she is always ready to care for all patients like they are her own, with a particular soft spot for cats as the self-proclaimed clinic cat whisperer.
Tahlia
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Tahlia first joined Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital as a work experience student while studying for her Certificate II in Animal Studies. She then officially joined the team as a kennel hand in 2023. Tahlia continued to build her knowledge and skills, completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at the end of 2025. In the middle of 2025, Tahlia travelled to Africa, where she volunteered as a veterinary nurse and got to take in the incredible wildlife and landscapes across four African countries. Outside of the clinic, Tahlia enjoys spending time with her dog, Daisy. While she loves all the animals that come through the clinic doors, she also has a special soft spot for her ducks and the many different animals she has been lucky enough to work with over the years!
Tiana
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Tiana joined the team in 2024 as a placement student before transitioning into a permanent role as a veterinary nurse. She completed her Certificate IV in March 2025 and now spends her time between our Queanbeyan and Googong clinics. Outside of the clinic, Tiana is a major country music fan who loves going to concerts and hanging out with her three beloved dogs.
VictoriaÂ
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Victoria is a local, growing up in Queanbeyan and attending school at Mackillop in Tuggeranong. Graduating year 12 in 2015, she then continued her study in beauty therapy achieving her diploma. 10 years later Victoria's passion in beauty therapy still remains. She then moved into studying veterinary nursing in 2021 which has been her long-term goal. Victoria started working at Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra vet hospital in 2021 whilst completing her training. In 2024 she gave birth to her handsome son Rex. Outside of work her interests are reading books, enjoying coffee, hitting the gym and spending time with her family.
TaylorÂ
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Taylor holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and has been working in the industry since 2020. Taylor has experience working in GP clinics across Canberra and some mixed practice clinics in NSW. She has a strong passion for all types of surgery and is dedicated to keeping her patients safe, stable, and healthy. Taylor also has a special interest in dentistry and loves educating others on the importance of oral hygiene for both people and their pets. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending quality time with her family and loves outdoor adventures including camping, hiking, and mountain biking. When at home, Taylor is kept busy by her two adorable cat companions, Narla and Faye.
TaraÂ
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Tara started her Veterinary Nursing career while still in high school, working casually at a local clinic in the small town where she grew up. Tara completed her qualifications in 2012 and has since gained experience across a wide range of veterinary clinics and environments. Being part of a Défense family has meant relocating every few years, which has given her the opportunity to work with many different teams, clients, and animals along the way. Tara is passionate about animal care and enjoys supporting both pets and their owners through every stage of their journey.  Outside of work, Tara is kept busy with her two children, two cattle dogs, and their cat. As a family, they love spending time outdoors whether that’s bike riding, camping, or exploring somewhere new.
Our Receptionists
ShalynÂ
Shalyn started with the team at the end of 2020 as the clinic receptionist, leaving the high pace of the emergency hospital. She has her Certificate III in Captive animal care as well as a certificate in Equine massage therapy and rehabilitation. She has a Border Collie, Tyrion, and a Darwin python named Jenny. In her spare time, she spends time at the coast or taking a local day trip out of town.
Practice ManagerÂ
Ann
Ann relocated to the Queanbeyan area in 2020. She has always had a passion for animals growing up on acreage on the mid north coast with horses, cattle, goats and sheep along with the families pet dogs and cats. Ann completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2003 and has worked in mixed animal practice in Armidale and Cooma in both nursing and reception duties. Ann loves animals of all types and has spent a great deal of her time volunteering and fostering dogs and cats for the RSPCA. Now her time is spent raising her 2 teenage children and caring for her 3 dogs, 3 cats and guinea pigs.
Head ReceptionistÂ
Tabitha
Receptionist
Tabitha joined the team in September of 2025 as our receptionist. She has been a qualified Pet groomer since 2007 and ran her own Mobile Pet Beauty Parlour. She completed her Cert II in Animal Care Studies in July 2025 and wants to complete her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. When not at work, you will find Tabitha at home with her husband Jason and their 2 Border Collies - Maggie and Muffin, spending time with family or friends or heading to the coast to go fishing. Tabitha also enjoys doing arts and crafts in her free time. Tabitha loves people, their pets and is happy to lend a hand in any way she can, including always being open for a chat.