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Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm
Sunday Closed
Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm
Sunday Closed
The Vets the pets would choose!
Our Team
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Darren Gibbins BVSc
Veterinarian Director
Darren graduated from the University of Sydney in 1993 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After working in mixed animal practice in Bega and small animal practice in Caringbah, he ventured to England, where he worked in large animal practice in Southampton for five years. Tired of the cold weather, Darren returned to Australia and opened his own practice by the beach in Forster, NSW, handling both small and large animals. He has since joined Cooks Hill Vet Clinic and moved his family to the beautiful Hunter Valley, embracing the lifestyle Newcastle offers.
Darren believes animals deserve excellent veterinary care. Pets love their owners unconditionally, and that love should be reciprocated through quality health care.
At Cooks Hill Vet Clinic, Darren aims to provide the best pet care by ensuring owners understand their pets’ conditions and treatment options. He is dedicated to delivering the highest quality service for the pets of Newcastle.
In his free time, Darren enjoys riding horses and spending time with his wife, son, and two dogs, Cheri and Tilly.
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Sneha Wheatley BVSc
Veterinarian
Sne graduated from Sydney University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
She has been working in small animal practice around Newcastle since graduating.
Sne worked for three years at the RSPCA before joining our team in 2017.
We are proud to have Sne on board as a veterinarian at our clinic. Her caring and bubbly personality fits perfectly with our team.
Sne enjoys yoga, morning walks and bike rides, and spending time at the beach.
Sne lives with her husband, two beautiful sons, a rescue cat named Mango, a rescue dog named Marley, and multiple chickens.
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Ben Ford BVSc
Veterinarian
Ben grew up on a cattle farm in the Hunter Valley, where his family still resides. After school, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a pilot and completed flying training before gaining his “wings” and deploying overseas.
He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Applied Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at Murdoch University.
Ben has an interest in all aspects of veterinary medicine and is developing a special interest in small animal surgery.
In his spare time, he enjoys heading back to the farm, visiting Newcastle’s beautiful beaches, running, riding, skiing, and engaging in all things aviation.
Ben is the proud owner of Harley, whom he rescued from the RSPCA.
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Amy Bird BVSc
Veterinarian
Amy graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2019 before moving to Newcastle with her partner.
Amy worked as a Veterinary Nurse for six years while studying for her degree. Since graduating, Amy has worked in the Newcastle region and joined our team in April 2021.
Amy enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine; however, some of her special interests include internal medicine and diagnostic imaging.
Amy loves being outdoors and exploring the beautiful beaches around Newcastle.
Amy lives with her husband, her beautiful daughter, two rescue cats named Gary and Ginny, and a lovely Border Terrier named Rudy.
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Brianne Pepper BAVBSc/HONS/DVM
Veterinarian
Bri completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2023, following a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience in 2018 and a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing from TAFE in 2019.
She began her journey with us as a kennel hand in 2011 and has since taken on various roles, including veterinary nurse, and now, veterinarian.
Bri enjoys all aspects of the veterinary field, with a particular passion for surgery.
She loves all animals but has a special soft spot for Labradors, and she is the proud owner of two chocolate Labs, Xavier and Rosie.
Outside of work, Bri enjoys spending time at the beach, camping in her van, going for walks, hitting the gym, and cooking.
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Lynda Shaw BVSc(Hons)BSc
Veterinarian
Lynda grew up in Sydney with a variety of pets (and family members!). She graduated from Sydney University in 2006 with Honours and then worked on the Central Coast for seven years before settling in Newcastle.
She has a strong interest in small animal medicine and ophthalmology.
Lynda enjoys getting out and appreciating the natural beauty of Newcastle, whether it’s at the beach, in the bush, or by the lake. She also enjoys reading, getting creative in the kitchen, solving cryptic crosswords, and spending time with friends.
Lynda shares her home and couch with her lovely cat, Maple, an RSPCA foster-fail.
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Emma Fouracre BVBiol/BVSC
Veterinarian
Emma graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in mid-2020.
Emma began her career at a small animal clinic in Dubbo before moving to Newcastle, where she worked locally before joining our team in 2024.
From a young age, Emma knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Now living her dream, she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.
She loves the diversity of cases she encounters daily and has a particular interest in small animal surgery and ophthalmology.
In her free time, Emma enjoys reading, dancing, drawing pet portraits, adding to her indoor plant collection, and adventuring with her beautiful Boxer, Scout.
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Kieran MacKenzie
Veterinarian BVSc
Kieran graduated from the University of Sydney in 2016 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Since then, she has worked as a small animal veterinarian at clinics in Sydney and Newcastle, joining our team in September 2024.
Before becoming a veterinarian, Kieran earned a Bachelor of Marine Science with Honours in Biology and worked as an aquarist in aquariums in Mooloolaba and Manly, where she had the unique experience of hand-feeding sharks while SCUBA diving.
Kieran loves outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkelling, and traveling overseas.
Kieran lives with her husband, along with their domestic shorthair cat, Diego, and miniature poodle, Bentley.
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Kassie Taylor
Assistant Practice Manager
Kassie is our longest-standing nurse here at Cooks Hill Vet Clinic. She began her nursing career in Bonny Hills with one of Darren's close friends, Dr. Stephanie Penn. After deciding to leave Dr. Penn and the quiet country life, Kassie moved to Newcastle with her husband and daughter, where she joined our team.
Now serving as the Assistant Manager, Kassie is the go-to expert in the clinic. If she doesn’t know how something works, we’re in trouble!
Her expertise includes the computer system, digital x-ray, blood analyzing machine, biochemistry machine, anesthetic machine, and pulse oximeter (the heart monitoring machine).
At home, Kassie cares for a very shy cat named Lacey and a cheerful Labrador named Hugo.
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Amelia Stoolman
Head Veterinary Nurse
Amelia has been part of our team since completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2015. As our head veterinary nurse, she provides training and support to the rest of our nursing staff.
She also does some casual work at Greencross Vets in Maitland, as well as at the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre in Broadmeadow.
Amelia goes above and beyond for both her team and her clients. Always eager to stay busy, you’ll find her running our puppy preschool course, where she teaches both puppies and their owners essential training and life skills.
Amelia has two dogs: a Koolie named Rocky and a Maltese cross named Winston (whom she adopted after he was surrendered with a broken leg). She also has two conures, Zita and Tiki.
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Brenna Crozier
Veterinary Nurse
Brenna began her studies in Veterinary Nursing at Cooks Hill Veterinary Clinic back in 2016, completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
You’ll always find Brenna having a nice chat with all the animals, making sure they’re as happy and comfortable as possible.
She has excelled in various areas of the industry but has a special interest in administration, customer care, and medical nursing.
Brenna lives with her partner and their two shared cats, Petey and Lilly. Bren rescued Petey as a stray kitten in 2016, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. They also recently welcomed a toy poodle named Clover, who has only three legs.
When not at work, Brenna enjoys all things craft, such as sewing and crocheting, as well as dog walks with friends.
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Sara Ahlen
Veterinary Nurse
Sara began her work placement in Veterinary Nursing at Cooks Hill Vet Clinic in 2018 and completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in June 2019.
Sara is one of the most passionate nurses Cooks Hill has ever seen. She traveled all the way from Sweden and gained Australian citizenship just so she could study and become a certified vet nurse.
Sara loves everything about nursing; she is therefore the perfect addition to the Cooks Hill Vet team. She also does some work with the RSPCA, including fostering kittens.
Sara lives with her partner, her beautiful daughter, a handsome cat named Sven (whom she rescued as a stray from the clinic during her student days), and a lovely dog named Scottie (whom she adopted from the RSPCA).
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Jess Smith
Veterinary Nurse
Jess joined us at Cooks Hill Veterinary Clinic in 2020.
She graduated with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2015 after starting in the veterinary industry in 2013.
Jess originally worked in the Maitland area before making the move to Newcastle, where she loves the atmosphere of our city clinics.
Jess enjoys all aspects of nursing; however, she has a special interest in medical nursing and enrichment.
Jess has two mischievous Chihuahuas named Gonzo and Kanye, plus a rescue ferret named Skittles.
When not at Cooks Hill, Jess stays busy with her own business, Active Pups Co.
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Vanessa Penfold
Veterinary Nurse
Vanessa completed her studies and achieved her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2016. She went on to work at Noah’s Ark for five years before joining our team at Cooks Hill Veterinary Clinic in 2021.
Vanessa appreciates all aspects of the veterinary industry but has a particular interest in surgery and pathology.
Vanessa is the proud owner of Ollie, a stray kitten who was hand-raised by our nurses from three weeks of age.
When not at work, Vanessa enjoys going to the gym, taking long walks with friends, and traveling.
Shelbie Gaddes
Veterinary Nurse
Shelbie completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2018 after starting in the animal industry as a dog groomer and dog sitter.
She joined the team at Cooks Hill Vet in 2022.
Shelbie enjoys all aspects of nursing; however, she has a special interest in medical nursing and surgery.
Shelbie lives with her husband, their cheeky whippet Remy, and their black-headed python Kaiba.
When not at work, Shelbie enjoys rock climbing, tending to her plants, cooking, and being outdoors.
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Sophie Marsden
Veterinary Nurse
Sophie completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2022 and has been working with us ever since.
Sophie has enjoyed all aspects of nursing so far but has a particular interest in exotics.
Sophie has a bearded dragon named Ezran (rescued from the RSPCA), a beautiful cat named Motchi (who was surrendered to us at Cooks Hill Vet over a year ago), a sweet Rottweiler named Delilah (also an RSPCA rescue), and a special Rainbow Lorikeet named Fruitloop (also a rescue).
When not at work, Sophie enjoys all things craft and plants.
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Bindi Rudland
Veterinary Nurse
Bindi is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is due to finish her course in 2024.
Bindi worked as a junior Veterinary Nurse for over two years in Cairns before heading to the Newcastle region. When not at the clinic, Bindi also works as a disability support worker.
Bindi has a particular interest in fostering. She loves that she can incorporate animal care into her life through fostering and enjoys helping animals in need find their forever homes.
Bindi is the loving mother of a kitten named Bean, who was hand-raised by the nurses at Cooks Hill Vet from just one day old.
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Ari Franklin
Veterinary Nurse
Ari completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in June 2024, a well-deserved achievement after nearly three years of placement at Cooks Hill Vet.
She has enjoyed all aspects of nursing, with a special interest in medical nursing and surgery.
Ari has a sweet cat named Felix, whom she rescued from the RSPCA. She hopes to adopt more pets in the future, with a dream of bringing home a Greyhound.
Outside of work, Ari loves cooking and exploring the outdoors.
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Erin Pattison
Veterinary Nurse
Erin completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2016. Growing up on the Mid North Coast, she gained experience in Tamworth and Armidale before moving to the Newcastle region, where she worked at Fletcher for seven years.
Erin enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, from monitoring surgical patients to helping animals recover. She particularly values building relationships with clients and their pets, believing these connections are essential for providing excellent care.
At home, Erin has an Irish Setter named Reggie, who brings her joy. Outside of the clinic, she stays busy teaching at TAFE, sharing her passion for veterinary nursing with others.