OUR NURSES & SUPPORT STAFF
Tess Kennedy
Practice Manager
Tess has been our Practice Manager since 2010, bringing with her vast experience as both a Veterinary Nurse and Pharmaceutical Representative. Tess has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Human Resources, an Advanced Diploma of Management and most recently a Bachelor of Business in 2014.
Tess has a husband and two children who share their home with three furry children, "Angus" a 2 year old Border Collie, "Pip" a 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier, and "Marlie" a 3 month old DSH kitten. When she is not at work, Tess enjoys gardening, mosaicing, fitness training and health.
Kylie Rowlan
Veterinary Nurse
Kylie has been with the Albion Park Veterinary Hospital since 2005, having completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at TAFE Ultimo in 2000. She is interested in radiology, medical and emergency nursing and brings a wealth of experience from working as a critical care nurse at the Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush.
Kylie shares her home with "Moo Moo" a DLH kitty that Kylie rescued from the clinic, and "Mac" a boisterous Labrador puppy that's keeping everyone on their toes. She also has a flock of chickens at home.
Kylie shares her life with her husband, two step-sons and daughter Libby. When she is not busy working, she enjoys travelling, being outdoors in the sunshine.
Andrew March
Veterinary Nurse
Andrew joined our team in 2019, after working in multiple hospitals around Sydney.
Drew graduated from Bankstown TAFE in 2014, jumping in to Veterinary Nursing around Sydney, including the RSPCA and Emergency Specialist Centres.
Andrew has a particular interest in surgical nursing, analgesia and anaesthesia, and clinical pathology.
Andrew shares his home with his beautiful wife, one fur baby and one human baby, both of which take up much of his spare time.
Michelle Besnard
Veterinary Nurse
Michelle has been a part of our team since 2016. Starting with us as a trainee, she completed her Veterinary Nurse Cert IV through Tafe NSW. Michelle has a particular interest in medical nursing, animal behaviour, wildlife and laboratory work.
In 2017 Michelle decided to take the next big step, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Stuart University.
When she isn't at work, Michelle enjoys adventuring outdoors, hiking, walking with her dog Jedda, cuddles with Charlie the cat, and dancing. She also enjoys partaking in Safaris in Africa and hanging out with friends.
Mikayla Jenkins
Veterinary Nurse
Mikayla is our most recent member to join our team. Achieving her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2018, she joined us early 2021.
Previously to working with us she worked at a clinic in Yass and at Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services.
Mikayla shares her home with three lovely dogs; a Kelpie called Harley. A rescue named shadow who is a Staffy x Cattle Dog, and Lexi who is also a rescue and a mixture of breeds.
When Mikayla is not at work she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Courtney Watkins
Veterinary Nurse Trainee
Shanti Wale
Veterinary Nurse/
Nurse Coordinator
Shanti joined our team in 2018 taking on a maternity leave position, becoming our permanent nurse coordinator shortly afterwards. After completing her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2008, she has gained extensive experience having worked at several clinics including RSPCA Katoomba and Yagoona clinics.
Shanti is particularly interested in Unusual pet & cat health care and anaesthetics.
In her spare time Shanti enjoys horse riding, archery and spending time at the beach with her dog.
Shanti shares her home with her husband, a Jack Russel called "Chloe", and her 3 legged cat, "Frankie".
Katelyn Cable
Veterinary Nurse
Katelyn joined our team in 2015 after working with several clinics in the Illawarra and the RSPCA Yagoona. She completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2011 and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2013. She has an interest in orthopaedic surgery and plans to complete a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Emergency).
Katelyn is our resident pug fanatic with an ever growing tribe at home. Her fur babies currently include "Brutus" a 5 year old Pug, and "Layla" a 3 year old Pug.
Katelyn is an avid supporter of animal welfare, running for the RSPCA and World Animal Protection in the City2Surf as well as volunteering at the Million Paws Walk regularly.
When she is not working, Katelyn enjoys travelling the world and going for long walks.
Emma Ward
Veterinary Nurse
Emma recently joined our team in early 2020, fitting in perfectly with our team.
Emma completed her certificate IV Veterinary Nursing in Bankstown TAFE in 2019.
Prior to joining our team, Emma worked in the industry for 2 years in Sydney's Eastern suburbs.
Emma enjoys all aspects of nursing, having a particular interest in surgical nursing and pathology.
When Emma isn't working, she enjoys watching "terrible TV" (e.g Bachelor), enjoying a good board game and taking her dog for a walk.
Emma shares her home with 1 fur-child, "Tippy" who she describes as her frankendog, her best guess is foxie x corgi x chihuahua x cat.
Narelle Marshall
Veterinary Nurse
Narelle initially joined our team as a Veterinary nurse student in 2017. After completing her course in June 2018, she joined our team as a qualified Veterinary nurse.
Narelle has a particular interest in surgery, anaesthesia, medical nursing, laboratory management and testing, and customer service.
Narelle prides herself in staying up to date with current standards with continued education courses including webinars, online courses, and conferences.
When Narelle isn't working she enjoys listening to music, bush walking, attending concerts, going to the beach, and especially loves a night in with Netflix.
Taylah Mathews
Veterinary Nurse
Taylah is one of our newly qualified nurses. She has been with us since 2016, starting as a kennel hand, and progressing through the ranks towards becoming a fully-qualified vet nurse.
Taylah has a broad interest in many aspects of veterinary nursing, but particularly enjoys surgical and medical nursing, anaesthesia, pathology, and customer service.
She shares her home with two fur babies named Marlee and Cooper, and a feathered friend named Jax. When Taylah isn’t working she enjoys horse riding, camping and spending time with friends.
Laura Cascarino
Receptionist
After working for six years as the practice manager and receptionist at an Osteo clinic, she joined our family at Albion Park Veterinary Hospital in January 2021.
Laura enjoys the diversity the veterinary industry provides each day, being able to interact with customers, and enhance their experience from their first point of contact right through until when they leave their consult. Laura appreciates when our clients come in and remember our staff from previous experiences and can have a friendly conversation with them, building bonds with our wonderful clients.
When Laura isn't working, she enjoys crossfit, going to the beach and camping. She shares her come with an energetic and excitable border collie x kelpie named Harper who she rescued as a pup.
Kit Lace
Veterinary Nurse
Kit has been part of our nursing team since 2005. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2007 through a traineeship with the Albion Park Veterinary Hospital before becoming our Nurse Coordinator in 2009. Kit is interested in dentistry and surgical nursing, and has completed continuing education courses in pathology and infectious diseases. Kate is our resident techno-wiz and is always looking to incorporate new technologies into the practice.
Kit shares her life with two dogs, 'Titus' a Cavalier with attitude, and 'Jake' a handsome 10 year old Labrador. When she is not working, Kit enjoys gaming, cosplay, tabletop hobbies, comic books, conventions and tattoo art.
Melanie Puggioni
Veterinary Nurse
Melanie has been a part of our team since early 2020, completing her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Yallah Tafe in 2019.
Melanie loves all aspects of Veterinary nursing, having a particular interest in medical and surgical nursing, radiology and pathology.
When Mel isn't working, she enjoys going to the beach, playing soccer, and spending time with friends and family.
Melanie shares her home with Coal, a happy rescue Staffy x, and a Central bearded dragon named "Nora".
Chloe Heywood
Veterinary Nurse
Chloe started as a student with the Albion Park team, but on completing her studies was quickly incorporated into the Albion Park and Gerringong Vets team. Chloe is a fully qualified Cert IV Veterinary Nurse.
Chloe has always been passionate about animals, and shares her home with a range of animals including her dog Cerus, turtles Aristurtle and Shelldon, a kitten named Oscar, Ripley the talkative Lorikeet, and a collection of lizards.
When Chloe is not working, she enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors, reading, cooking and expanding her general knowledge of the world.
Chloe Potter
Veterinary Nurse
Chloe joined the Albion Park team in 2008 on work placement, completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Yallah TAFE in 2009. Chloe is interested in canine behaviour and training, and medical nursing of hospital patients. She is currently undergoing further training in Safe Animal Handling and Dog Training (Delta).
Chloe has three furry children 'Ruby" a 10 year old Shih Tzu, "Pebbles" a 9 year old Fox Terrier Cross and "Lolo" a 4 year old Moodle x.
When she is not at work, Chloe enjoys walking the dogs, going to the beach, adventuring, stand up paddle boarding, and travelling.
Taliah Roberts
Kennel Hand
Courtney is the youngest member of our nursing team. She completed the HSC, and joined the team in mid-2020 as a trainee nurse. Courtney is particularly interested in medical nursing, anaesthesia and exploring the surgical world.
Courtney enjoys learning everything she can to better develop her knowledge as a Veterinary Nurse as she starts to pursue a career in the industry.
Outside of work Courtney enjoys being outdoors, hiking and spending time with her loved ones. Courtney shares her home with Texas a 4 month old Tabby kitten, whom keeps her very busy.