Meet our team at Mount Barker Veterinary Hospital

We are delighted to introduce our friendly and professional team below. 

  

James Brown

Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc MS Grad. Dipl. Ag. Ec)

 

James graduated from Melbourne University in 1998 and went on to work on the Flemington racetrack and Thoroughbred Stud scene around Melbourne. He met Theresa in Bunbury, WA while working as a locum during the stud season on the West coast. James and Theresa moved to the USA in 2004.

James completed specialty training in Equine Reproduction (3years in California) and then Equine Surgery (3 years in Virginia). This makes James one of just a handful of specialists in the world that is double boarded in Equine Specialty training (Diplomat of the American College of Theriogenologists and American College of Veterinary Surgeons). James worked at Virginia Tech for a further 11 years as a Faculty Surgeon and gained extensive experience in all Soft Tissue / Colic / Reproductive and Orthopaedic surgeries. James then moved to Texas and played an integral role in establishing the new veterinary school teaching program for Texas Tech University. 

James moved with his family back to Australia in 2023 when they bought the Mount Barker Veterinary Hospital and is enjoying being back home in Australia. 

James is busy with plans to build a purpose-built equine speciality referral clinic for the South West where he will be able to provide a full range of medical and surgical treatment including, colic, reproductive and orthopaedic surgery, reproductive techniques, lameness workups, advanced dentistry including dental extractions and sinus surgery along with all other routine procedures. James is passionate about providing the best and most-to-date veterinary care possible to the southwest region. 

James and Theresa have 3 boys, Hugh, Jeremy and Paul and very much enjoy living and working in the Mount Barker community. They love to rodeo, ride horses and spend time working on the farm and other outdoor activities. 


Theresa Brown

Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BSc BVMS)

 

Theresa graduated from Murdoch University in 2002 and worked at Harradine & Assoc. as an equine veterinarian for the next few years before moving to the USA with James. 

While in California, Theresa had her own successful mobile equine service but also began to turn her hand to small animal practice. Upon moving to Virginia, Theresa worked full-time in a small private animal practice where she also completed further studies in small animal ultrasonography and advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery. After moving to Texas, Theresa worked side by side with James at Texas Tech University, where she was the Director of the clinical skills program. 

Theresa and James bought Mount Barker Veterinary Hospital in 2023 where they have been busily increasing the scope of small animal medical and surgical procedures offered. Theresa still loves to help out in the equine clinic and has a keen interest in equine anaesthesia and foal medicine. 

Theresa has enjoyed being home in WA with family and friends and loves spending time on the farm and at rodeos. Otherwise, you are likely to find her in the garden or on the beach fishing with her family. 


Emma Heggaton

Veterinarian (BSc BVMS)

 

Dr Emma joined the team at the start of 2023. Emma graduated from Murdoch University in 2018, then spent 4 years in Narrabri NSW, before returning home to WA.  Emma is a Kojonup local and enjoys the variety of mixed practice life. She has a special interest in small animal orthopaedics and equine reproduction.

In her spare time she enjoys riding her horse Clive, walking her dogs Freddie and Kevin and relaxing with her cat Lily.


Lesley Fantin

Veterinarian (BSc MSc BVMS)

 

Dr Lesley has been working at Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital on a part time basis since July 2013. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters in Wildlife Nutrition, whereby she got the opportunity to work with red pandas at the Toronto Zoo. She obtained her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the Univerisity of Murdoch in 2003. Her colourful career has seen her practice in Canada, Tasmania, Queensland and throughout the Great Southern, including Albany and Manjimup.

She resides on a mixed sheep / cattle / cropping family run farm just west of Kendenup with her husband, young daughter and in-laws.


Annalise Kop

Veterinarian (BSc DVM)

 

We would like to introduce Dr Annalise, who made the move to the Mt Barker region and joined our team in January 2023. She completed her degree in Veterinary Science at Murdoch University. Dr Annalise has a keen interest in small animal medicine and is looking forward to getting involved in more large animal work.

In her spare time, she can be found surfing, exploring the beautiful Great Southern Region or getting involved in team sports. She has a bunny called Millie and recently adopted a cat named Evie.
 


Georgia Clement

Veterinarian (BSc BVMS)

 

Dr Georgia is a veterinarian who joined our team on a part time basis at the start of 2022. After graduating from Murdoch in 2017, Georgia began her passion for mixed practice in Barossa, South Australia. In 2021 she travelled around Australia with her two rescue dogs, Bandit and Lissa before returning to her home town of Denmark. She loves the variety of both small and large animals but has a special interest in equine dentistry and production animals. 

In her time off she will be out trail riding on her horse Angus, paddling to catch a wave or trying her luck at fishing. Then unwinding with a glass of wine with the dogs and Mavis her cat she found as a kitten in her garden. 

 


Miles Nye-Chart

Veterinarian (BSc BVMS (Hons))

 

Miles is the former owner of the Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital and handed over the reins to new owners in September 2023 to start his new semi retired lifestyle. Miles will still be working in the clinic one day a week. Miles completed his veterinary studies at Murdoch University, graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery with honours in 1990. He studied as a mature age student after working for some years as a stock inspector in the Northern Territory, where he was involved in eradicating Tuberculosis and Brucellosis in buffalo and cattle. Miles initially studied at Queensland Agricultural College in Gatton and has a certificate in Animal Husbandry and an Associate Diploma in Stock and Meat Inspection.

Miles moved to Mt Barker on completing his veterinary degree and has been here ever since. His areas of special interest include equine dentistry, equine reproduction and beef production. During his down time Miles' personal interests include fishing, camp drafting and going camping.


  

Melanie Greeney

Veterinary Nurse (Veterinary Nurse Technician (2013)Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing (2008) )

Melanie first joined our team while she was still in high school and became a full-time member in 2005. She completed her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing in 2008 and went on to finish her veterinary nurse technician course in 2013. 

Growing up on a small pony stud in Kendenup, Melanie attended both primary and high school in Mt Barker. Outside of work, she’s a passionate soccer player, enjoys horse riding, and loves doing dog agility with her dog Halia. Plus, she has a wonderful time hanging out with all her beloved pets!

 


Emily Fearon

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Certificate in Advanced Small Animal Nursing)

Emily joined the Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital team in 2013 after finishing high school. She has since completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through Polytechnic West and her Certificate in Advanced Small Animal Nursing. She works full time in the clinic and is always looking to further her education within the veterinary industry. 

Emily lives with her Border Collie Milo, horse Pebbles, cats Chevy and Ellie and rabbits Maple and Buzz. She enjoys travelling, soccer, being outdoors and spending time with her many animals.


Alice Chandler

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Alice is a registered veterinary nurse that joined our team full time late in 2021. Originally from the city, she loves working in a rural mixed practice with the opportunity to learn about all our large animals and livestock.

Whilst Alice is enamoured with all creatures great and small, Australian natives are her particular passion; so much so that she volunteers with two local wildlife rehabilitation groups.

When not at work Alice can be found exploring the bush, camping, sampling the local produce or enjoying the beach with her husband. 


Kaye Clarke

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Kaye joined the Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital team in early 2022. She is a qualified Veterinary Nurse who completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through Bentley Tafe in 2001.

Kaye has recently returned from Wickham in the Pilbara where her family relocated for her husband’s work. There Kaye enjoyed working for several years with the team at Karratha Vet Hospital.

Now with her husband and 2 boys, Kaye has relocated to their dream acreage near Mt Barker.
Kaye has two dogs – Tikka and Rubble and a menagerie of farm animals including three pet goats, chooks and a mob of sheep and cows.

Kaye's special interest in Veterinary Nursing is anaesthesia and surgical procedures. She has a soft spot for Bull Terriers and is looking forward to learning more about the large animals. 


Jamilla Radys

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Jamilla is one of our amazing trainee veterinary nurses. She is currently studying to achieve her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

She started with us at the end of 2021 after working at a local horse training centre. Whilst she has a passion for horses she is excited to learn and develop her skills on all animals in the industry.

Jamilla owns two Shar Pei's; Manny and Victor and two horses; Valley and Ty. In her spare time when not at work she enjoys camping and horse riding. 


Tegan Postmus

Registered Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Tegan is a qualified Veterinary Nurse who completed her studies at South Metropolitan TAFE in 2024 and joined our team in a full-time capacity in October 2024. She is thrilled to return to the Mt Barker region after relocating to Perth for a couple of years to complete her Veterinary Nursing studies.

Tegan's favorite aspect of nursing is patient care.

In her spare time, Tegan enjoys reading, visiting the beach, camping, and traveling. She shares her home with her two Kelpies, Chilli and Bashful.


Daisy Twigger

Trainee Veterinary Nurse (Trainee Veterinary Nurse)

Daisy joined our team on a part-time basis in 2019. While working at the clinic and being homeschooled, she successfully completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2023 and has begun pursuing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2024.

Daisy's favorite aspect of being part of our team is learning about the various facets of nursing. She consistently seeks to expand her knowledge and deliver the highest level of care possible.

In her free time, Daisy enjoys reading and assisting on her family farm. She shares her home with her four golden retrievers, named Goldy, Brandy, Frosty, and Peaches.


Tammy Wiehl

Equine Vet Nurse Assist (Trainee Veterinary Nurse)


  

Jorgie Stonham

Receptionist

If you have visited or phoned the clinic recently you may have met our lovely Jorgie who joined our team as a receptionist at the beginning of 2022. 

Jorgie was born in South America and can speak, read and write fluent Spanish. She moved to Sydney when she was 4 years old and made the trip to WA 23 years ago and has been here ever since. Prior to working with us Jorgie has worked as a dental nurse and in receptionist roles within the medical, dental and mental health fields. 
After having had experience in all these fields Jorgie has finally found her niche and loves interacting with all of our cute patients on a daily basis. 

When not at work Jorgie's passion is her arts and crafts. She is very talented and keeps our reception area looking beautiful with her hand-painted pots.  


 


  
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