BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM PTY LIMITED - Key Persons


Adele Wheeler

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service
Adele is originally from Bendigo and moved to the area with her partner and 2 beautiful daughters. Coming from the cabinetry industry, Adele was very excited to change careers and joined the YFV family after having years of interest in working with animals. You will see her smiling face at reception as we are very happy to have her as part of our team. Adele has a dog named Karma and a fat cat called Zues, plus two 10 year old Axolotls named Daisy and Sheldon (very impressive ages for Axolotls). In her spare time she likes to go camping and fishing with family. Whilst also enjoying riding her dirt bike around a race track.

Amber Sleep

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Nurse ( Cert II Animal Studies )
Amber grew up in Horsham and has always had a passion and endless love for all animals, which led her here to YFV! She finished school in 2020 and was accepted straight into the animal care industry elsewhere, before starting with us at the end of 2021. Amber has completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies and aims to become a qualified veterinary nurse, furthering her education within the industry. She has become a great asset to our team, and we are impressed with how much she advances every day. In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her own pets, having a swim in the river and helping out her family on the farm.

Amelia Hobbs

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service
Amelia joined our team in December 2022 as one of our fantastic Customer Service Assistants, moving from Geelong to be closer to friends and family. She now runs our Puppy School and has taken a keen interest in dog behaviour and training. On weekends you might find her teaching or volunterring at the Horsham Dog Obedience Club.

Cassie Dunlop

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vet Nurse ( Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing, Short Course in Emergency Nursing, Bachelor of Science ( Maj. Animal Biology ) )
Cassie, with a farming background from Rupanyup, has loved being around animals her whole life. She came to us in 2018 as a trainee nurse and gained her qualification in 2020. Since then, she has worked in several different clinics, ranging from GP, emergency and referral in the Geelong area, before officially returning to YFV in July 2023. Cassie has a special interest in nursing hospital cases, stabilising emergencies and managing critical patients. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Biology, and is planning to do further study in business administration to improve her "adulting skills". In her spare time, Cassie likes to cuddle as many dogs as possible, hang out with friends and play netball. She also loves to travel, both for recreation and work, and has recently completed a locum stint in Townsville. In October 2023, Cassie adopted a Mini Dachshund called Alfie, who she spends a lot of time chasing after and dealing with his mischief.

David Legg

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vet Nurse ( Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )
Born on a dairy farm, David has been working with animals of all kinds from a very early age. Qualified and trained in both small and large animal nursing, David moved to the area in 2020 from South Coast NSW to join our growing team and has shown his value. David has a special interest in anaesthesia techniques and radiology. In the summer David enjoys curling up with his cat Saffron and a good book or videogame, avoiding the heat. During the winter he spends his days off exploring the Grampians and woodworking in his shed.

Dr Jess Lawson

Job Titles:
  • Veterinarian
Jess is originally from a cattle and hay farm in SA. She moved to Horsham after graduating from The University of Adelaide with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Jess has particular interests in emergency medicine, surgery and dentistry. She hopes to one day do some work in aboriginal communities to help promote animal welfare. Jess and her husband, Ben, have three dogs. A naughty Cattle dog (Ned), a big friendly Staghound (Ace) and a speedy whippet (Indi). On her days off, she enjoys walking her dogs and drinking coffee.

Dr Jessica Farrow

Job Titles:
  • Practice Owner ( BVSc )
Jessica moved to the area with her partner Dave, two young daughters and her dog called Penny for a short period. They loved Horsham and the friendly people so much they decided to stay longer than expected. In 2021 Jessica purchased the clinic with Lauren. Jessica received her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Melbourne university in 2007. Initially working in a mixed practice with all types of animals large and small but more recently focusing on small animal medicine and surgery. Work interests include radiography, ultrasonography and critical care. She would like to pursue more options in physiotherapy and rehab. Jessica enjoys exploring new places, camping, 4 wheel driving, sports, horse riding and a good book. Jessica has recently moved with her family to Western Australia so no longer works in the clinic.

Dr Samantha Stephens

Job Titles:
  • Senior Veterinarian ( BVSc )
Sam, originally from Echuca, graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne in 2013. She worked at Your Family Vet as a locum in 2014 before taking a full time position in North Eastern Victoria. Having experienced a very busy mixed practice, Sam returned to the Wimmera to concentrate on small animals and has a special interest in orthopaedic surgery and feline medicine. When she's not at work, Sam enjoys riding bikes with her husband Tom, spending quality time with her children; Isabelle, Eloise and Harrison, as well as playing with Rosie, the family cat. Sam is currently on maternity leave with baby number 4, we are very excited to see her little family grow again!

Dr Vivian Chan

Job Titles:
  • Veterinarian
Vivian graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Veterinary medicine degree in 2022 before accepting a position in our team and moving to Horsham. Originally from a fast-paced city background, Vivian found herself happier in rural towns and atmosphere, and is still new and fresh and interested in everything as a vet. Vivian is extremely smart and friendly and has fast become an integral part of our team, and the patients and clients alike love her! During leisure time, Vivian enjoys staying in bed and going down the rabbit hole of youtube videosXD, as well as the sunshine, a cup of tea or coffee, and a good book or hike-both extremes and everything in between :-)

Ellen Dodds

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Nurse ( Cert II Animal Studies )
Ellen grew up on a vineyard in Mildura and after year 12 moved to Ballarat to study at university before transferring to TAFE to study Vet Nursing. She has always wanted to work with animals and is very excited to be working with us and our clients! Ellen has settled in really well to our team and we are looking forward to helping her down her path of vet nursing. At home, Ellen has a border collie named Tess and a cat named Dangerous.

Kelly Knoop

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service
Kelly recently joined our team in September and seems like she has always been here. Originally born and bred a Tassie girl, Kelly spent most of her life living in Warracknabeal before moving to Horsham in 2019. With careers in both healthcare and hospitality, the clinic is a totally new career change for her, however she is loving every minute! When not at work Kelly's most important job is a mum to her 5 daughters, closely followed up by running the newly purchased little farm with her partner Dylan and the hoard of animals that seems to grow monthly (current total 1 horse, 3 kelpies, 3 cats, 4 pet sheep, 2 birds and 1 calf!)

Laetitia Schier

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Laetitia strives to be a Veterinarian and began working 2 days a week after school with us in 2021 as a Kennel Hand. Stepping straight into the role with no fuss, we have no doubt she will achieve anything she puts her mind to! Laetitia also ran our Puppy Playschool while she was awaiting the beginning of uni. Laetitia has grown up around dogs as her parents breed and show Siberian Huskies, which has led herself to develop a huge passion for dogs and dog training. Laetitia currently owns a Siberian husky, Ruby, who she spends most of her weekends with, either training or attending dog shows. Laetitia also enjoys hanging out with friends and going shopping. * Laetitia has begun her university studies in Melbourne and looks to work with us any time she is home on leave.

Larree Smith

Job Titles:
  • Head
  • Nurse
A born and bred Horsham girl, Larree grew up on a small hobby farm around sheep and cattle. She has always had a love for MOST animals (excluding the feathery ones). Larree first started nursing in 2012 before leaving the industry in 2020 for a change of scenery. After realising how much she really loved and missed veterinary nursing, she couldn't help but come back! With her wealth of knowledge and passion, Larree naturally plays a major role in training and mentoring our nurses and helps ensure the quality of care our patients receive. Larree has recently accepted the promotion to Head Vet Nurse, leading our team into greater capabilities!

Lauren Monaghan

Job Titles:
  • Practice Owner / Manager ( Dble Adv Diploma of Leadership and Management and Management ( HR ), Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )
Originally from Brim, Lauren is our proud Practice Manager who in 2021 purchased the clinic with Jessica. Lauren is dedicated to building a unique veterinary clinic full of engaged, positive, fun-loving team members empowered to follow their passion in providing the best for all pets and their humans. Lauren has recently completed her third year of business leadership with the Lincoln Institute and has earned the Lincoln Institute Employer of Choice Award for 2023/24. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys playing netball, doing fun runs, catching up with friends (especially for winery/platter days), reading and exploring the outdoors. When she is home with her husband and sons, she enjoys hanging out with her cat Nimbles and pug pack Lacey, Chokito, Betsy and Darla.

Leonie Hughes

Job Titles:
  • Administration ( Bachelor of Commerce )
Leonie joined our team as our wonderful Admin Assistant in November 2022. Already we wouldn't be without her! Leonie is a born and bred Wimmera girl, having grown up on a farm in Lower Norton. Having spent time in both the local Agricultural and Banking Industries, Leonie was looking for a change of scenery with a local business and the Administration Assistant role with Your Family Vet happened to be a great fit. Leonie and her husband Danny have two border collies, Luna and Molly and three farm cats Patchy, George and Fred. When she's not in the clinic, Leonie loves spending time with her two young adult children and creating lots of artwork.

Maddy Heard

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vet Nurse
Maddy is a local girl and has been a part of the team in a veterinary nursing role for years. As an experienced nurse Maddy has become an integral part of our team, teaching new nurses all that is included in fulfilling the role of a Veterinary Nurse. Maddy's nursing skills include consult, medical and surgical nursing, dental scaling and polishing, placing catheters/IV fluids, collecting samples and running in house testing, cytology and many more! Maddy has a great passion for Staffies and currently owns two, Sasha and Amarni. She really enjoys taking them on walks and exploring the great outdoors along with hanging out with friends and socialising. Maddy has returned on a part time basis and enjoys her time at home with son Oakley.

Maddy Wills

Job Titles:
  • Customer Service
Originally from Melbourne, Maddy completed a psychology degree before deciding to chase her dreams to become a Veterinarian. From there, she completed science studies, volunteering roles at the RSPCA and pet-sitting in order to gain entry into Veterinary Medicine in Sydney. Maddy recently relocated, with husband Tom, to Murtoa to be closer to her family and has transferred to Adelaide University to complete her Veterinary studies. We are very lucky that she still has time to spare to be an amazing part of our Customer Service team, as well as spending some crucial time in our hospital to gain more experience. **Back part time after welcoming her, and husband Tom's, son Zimi** Maddy is cat-obsessed and loves nothing more than her ragdoll Meeka, little black rescue Maisy, and newest addition Cleo - a special black kitten from CatNap Kitten Rescue.

Marni Saunders

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Marni joined our team in December 2022 as our new Kennel Hand and has taken her role in her stride. Marni has loved animals ever since she was a child and hopes to become a Veterinary Nurse. We have no doubt she will become a fantastic nurse in no time. Since finishing school, Marni has started her Cert II Animal Studies. In her spare time Marni enjoys helping out with sheep work on the family farm and performing onstage in Horsham Arts Council productions. She's very grateful to be a part of the team and is excited to see what the future holds.

Ruby Spasic

Ruby Spasic Kennel Hand Ruby has been working with us after school since 2021 and is a wonderful part of our team! She has a can do attitude and her work ethic is amazing! Ruby is working towards becoming a Veterinary Nurse and since finishing school has enrolled in her Cert II Animal Studies. In her spare time, Ruby loves to spend time with her animals in amongst running her own business, Ruby's Clay Earrings, consisting of handmade clay earrings which you will find on Instagram as well as at local markets.

Sarah Brady

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vet Nurse ( Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )
Sarah moved to Horsham after beginning her position with us as a Vet Nurse in 2021 and has recently become a qualified Veterinary Nurse (December 2023). Sarah is a very valuable part of the team, especially with her fun-loving antics and clever surprise drawings. Sarah is one of our senior Vet Nurses and actively mentors Junior Nurses and work experience placements. Sarah has a keen interest in animals great and small and is particularly good at wrangling sheep at her family property. Sarah became a nurse as a way to better her skills and learn how to care for the animals that she loves the most. On her days off, Sarah enjoys a cheeky wine with her pals and spending time with her little whippet, Joey.