Michael Jones BVSc Hons (Syd)
33 years in this practice with extensive experience in small animal medicine and surgery. He is the longest serving fulltime veterinarian on the Central Coast. Interests include orthopaedic repairs, dentistry, reproductive and breeding medicine, and skin diseases. Post graduate certification in radiology and regular attendance at post graduate continuing education courses ensures the latest advances in treatments and surgical techniques are applied to your family pet. In 2011 Michael attended an extensive 5 day series of lectures at Sydney University on Behaviour; a hands-on Ultrasonography course in Melbourne and a dental workshop over two days in Ballina with leading veterinary dental specialists.

Away from work Michael's main passion is scuba diving (both he & his son are rescue divers) followed by a close second the leisurely intensity of gardening.

Alicia McLuckie BVSc Hons (Syd)
Alicia graduated with distinction from Sydney University in 2007, and is a home grown 'Central Coastian' who spent three years in small animal practice in Newcastle before returning to us in 2010. Her special interests include internal and emergency medicine and is now completing further post graduate studies in emergency medicine via distance education.  

Alicia is the mother of a mischievous black cat named "Shirley" and enjoys horse riding, scuba diving and pledges to improve her cooking skills on weekends!

Anthony Butchers BScAgr Hons  MRuSc BVSc Hons (Syd)
Anthony commenced his studies for a degree in Agricultural Science and a Masters in Rural Science before finally returning to Sydney University to complete a degree in Veterinary Science. Since graduating in 2003 Anthony has worked in rural mixed practices in Australia & United Kingdom. Prior to his recent move to the Central Coast, he spent two years working in Cooma and Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.

In 2010 Anthony completed a course in Small Animal Energency Medicine and is more than happy to put the late night horse & cattle calls behind him, and thus joins us at Erina Heights Vet Hospital. His interests include surgery & neurology.

Anthony & his wife love the move to the central coast almost as much as their cattle dog cross "Moshi" who is a regular at Shelly Beach!

Alice Dunn BA Hons BVSc (Syd)
Alice graduated from Sydney University in 2008. She joins Erina Heights after working in mixed practice in the Hunter Valley and small animal practice in Sydney. Alice is working part-time with us, balancing her passion for veterinary care with her young family. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, internal and emergency medicine, dermatologies and clinical pathology.

Alice owns the 'perfect dog' - her rescued greyhound and enjoys reading & spending time with her family.

Emma Ross - Cert IV Veterinary Nurse
Originally from Sydney where Emma achieved her Certificate IV in a large veterinary practice, she also qualified in the Advanced Nurse Technician and SMWS Wildlife courses. She is very proficient in small animal anaesthesia monitoring and dentistry techniques and animal physiotherapy with emphasis on treadmill therapy, ideal for injury or post-surgical rehabilitation. Emma also runs our Puppy Preschool course at the hospital during the week with small classes, which are so essential for socializing young puppies. Emma attended the Delta Society behaviour & training seminar in 2011 and is often our first point of contact to solve challenging behaviours!

Outside work Emma & her husband are keen on outdoor pursuits with their family of three dogs "Bindi", Mullagi" & "Ayla" as they tackle bushwalking, camping, photography & gardening! 

Jacqui Collins - Cert IV Veterinary Nurse
Jacqui is qualified to Certificate IV level in veterinary nursing with a bias towards anaesthesia, surgical nursing and dentistry.  She is qualified to perform microchipping & has attended previous VNCA (veterinary nursing) conferences.

Jacqui has completed the animal physiotherpay course with a focus on treadmill therapies to assist owners who family pet may suffer arthritis, require more exercise for weight loss or rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery. In 2011 Jacqui attended a Delta Society Behaviour & Training Seminar over two days & practices the new skills aquired on her own pugalier dog, "Brutus".

Nicole Pallier - Cert IV Veterinary Nurse
Our longest serving nurse with 11 years experience in surgery, anaesthesia, animal behaviour and training. Nicole has attended annual VNCA conferences & seminars on behaviour. Away from the hospital Nicole's extensive menagerie continues to grow with dogs 'Athena', 'Pip' & 'Skye', cats 'Mia' & 'Honda' and her 'backyard chooks'. Nicole's passion for animal care includes fostering unwanted greyhounds for 'Friends of the Hound' until they are rehomed.

Karen Stephenson - Cert IV Veterinary Nurse
Karen has 19 years experience in the veterinary industry, covering most aspects from grooming through to assisting with a surgical specialist in Sydney. She and her husband have two wonderful children and a 'childlike' Great Dane called "Lilly". Karen is very interested in exotic pets; in particular frogs . Earlier this year she completed her RPL course in veterinary nursing and is looking forward to further study in 2012. Karen attended a two day workshop by the Delta Society on Pet Behaviour & Training. Karen works part-time due to an active family.

Jade Bridge - Veterinary Nurse
Jade is in the final stages of completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Kurri Kurri TAFE with prospective graduation in November 2011. Previously she graduated with first place in her Certificate II Animal Studies. Jade is qualified in animal physiotherapy with emphasis on treadmill therapy and her work with patients on the treadmill is greatly appreciated by their owners, who witness remarkable results in their family pet's mobility.

Jade is a mother to "Finnerty" a Staffy-X & "Rocky" a DSH Cat.

Ruth Fox - Veterinary Nurse
Ruth is often seen first at reception with a warm welcome for all our clients. Her strengths are in customer service, assisting clients & patients on admission or discharge from hospital. Ruth has completed a course in Animal Physiotherapy in our very own underwater treadmill.

Ruth's background is in education administration & HR in Great Britain before she & her family migrated a few years ago. She is the mum to three 'school' age children, "Tia" (her weimaraner) & "Archie" (the cat). Outside work Ruth is keen on 'keeping active' - long distance running & the demands of her young family!