About Our Clinic

Vet

Matt graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 and has been working in the Illawarra for over 20 years. His early career was spent in mixed practice and more recently Matt has developed a keen interest in small animal surgery becoming a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal Surgery Chapter) in 2008. He also enjoys delving into radiology and ultrasound. 
When not working, Matt is kept busy with 3 children and Pepper the Cavoodle! He also likes to sneak out for a bike ride or maybe the odd surf when he can.

Vet

Dr Sharon graduated from the University of Sydney in 2006 though she had previously obtained a degree in Conservation Biology in Canada before deciding to pursue her dream of veterinary science in Australia. She returns to the workforce after a year on maternity leave with a renewed passion for all areas of clinical practice and endeavours to be a well-rounded general practitioner. Dr Sharon is thrilled to be joining the very capable NIVH team and is looking forward to meeting our wonderful clients. 

When not at work, Dr Sharon is mum to two kids and a Devon Rex who loves a smooch. She loves hiking and swimming, but would very much prefer to be chilling with Netflix or enjoying a good meal these days.

Vet

Dr Matt completed his veterinary studies at the University of Sydney in 2007. After working in mixed practice for 5 years on the outskirts of Sydney, he worked in the UK for 2 years, before returning to Australia. Dr Matt has practised in over 40 clinics between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the UK.

His clinical interests lie in soft tissue surgery and dentistry, though he enjoys all aspects of general practice. Matt has been helping out the Northern Illawarra Veterinary Hospital team since 2018 and loves helping people help their pets.

Vet and Hospital Co-owner

Dr Jenny graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 where she met her husband Matt and also completed a Masters Degree in Veterinary Clinical

Studies in 2001. She has worked in both mixed and small animal practice and in more recent years, in between having three children, has spent time as the Executive Office of veterinary charity Vets Beyond Borders and is now Head Teacher of Veterinary nursing at TAFE NSW. Dr Jenny loves helping out at NIVH and supporting Matt with the hospital management.

Vet



Dr Jackson grew up in Western Sydney with his dog and many pet lizards. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr Jackson became a vet because of his love for science and medicine, especially in relation to animals. He enjoys getting to help people and their animals every day.
When not at work you will find Jackson with his wife, Kate (who is also a vet) and his two cats, Flo and Squash. He enjoys a good book, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and eating out at a nice restaurant.

Vet



Vet

Vanessa graduated from University of Sydney in 2010 and started her veterinary career in Wollongong before moving back to Sydney. She missed the lifestyle in Illawarra too much so decided to come back in March 2024 and joined the team at NIVH.
Although she loves to look after all furry animals, she has a passion for cats and calls herself a crazy cat lady. She passed her membership exam in 2016 and is a member of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in chapter of Feline medicine. Her love for cats started with her own cat Cinnabon, a beautiful 15 year old ginger boy, who loves coming to say hello to the NIVH team. In her spare time, she is busy being bossed around by her two (human) girls and enjoys going out to find the best baked goods in the area. 

Vet

After graduating from CSU in Wagga Wagga, Maddy began her veterinary career in mixed practice in the Hunter Valley in 2018, and since then has travelled around Australia as a locum vet in clinics from Alice Springs to Newcastle.

Finally settling down in the Illawarra for the rock climbing and surfing, she is excited to focus more on her area of interest of soft tissue surgery, although enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice. Maddy has been a part of the NIVH team since 2022, and looks forward to working with you to ensure your fur babies get the very best care.

Vet Nurse

I have worked as a veterinary nurse since 2000 at several local hospitals, an emergency centre in Sydney and in the UK. I have a special interest in medical nursing, radiology and animal behaviour and am currently studying Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services with The Delta Society, which focuses on training and behaviour. I am a local girl with a young family and two fur babies -15 year old Leroy, a Border Terrier, and 10 year old Huey, a cross breed. I enjoy spending time at the beach, going on holidays and being with family and friends.

Vet Nurse

My veterinary adventure started when I completed my Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing in 1999. My 20+ years of nursing have given me the opportunity to work in a small animal specialist and emergency hospital, locally in general practice as well as multiple mixed practices in Canada. I am a mum to two wonderful humans, a Jack Russell Terrier named Winnifred and a quirky cat named Graham. I look forward to each day at NIV​​H as our job presents opportunities to learn new things, be challenged and work together to improve the standards for our patients and clients. When I'm not with the NIVH family, I spend my time renovating a truck to hopefully go on holidays in sometime in the future.

Vet Nurse

My veterinary nursing career started in 2009 while I was still in high school. I studied Animal studies as part of my HSC and then went on to graduate from Veterinary nursing in 2011. I joined the wonderful NIVH team in early 2021 after some time out having my four kids, and I am now also working as an emergency nurse at a specialist centre. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary nursing but I do have a special interest in surgical nursing and anaesthesia. I am also super passionate about animal rights and being their voice when they can’t speak for themselves. 
When I’m not at work you will find me running around playing sport with my human children or at the beach with my 'fur' children, a Labrador and Golden Retriever, or riding my three beautiful horses

Vet Nurse

I have worked in the veterinary industry since 2017, fueled by a profound love for animals of all sizes. Moving from the UK to Australia provided the catalyst for fulfilling my lifelong ambition of becoming a veterinary nurse. Prior to this, I worked as a human Sports Therapist but always had a particular passion for animal rehabilitation, and thus blending my two passions seemed seamless. My commitment lies in enhancing the quality of life for every patient, specialising in orthopaedic rehabilitation, geriatric wellbeing, and palliative and end-of-life care. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a mother to two daughters and a blue roan Cocker Spaniel. As a foster carer for Cocker Spaniel Rescue Australia, I am affectionately known as the "crazy cocker lady." In my downtime, I'm an enthusiastic netball and soccer player, often doubling as a dedicated mum taxi.

Vet Nurse

I graduated from Vet Nursing in 2019, and became a part of the NIVH Family in 2022. I absolutely love the NIVH workplace and highly enjoy coming to save animals with my work family every week! I am very passionate about Animal Welfare and Rescue, and have volunteered for various local rescue organizations! I love all animals big and small, but I am definitely a cat lover. I started fostering rescue Cats and Kittens in 2017 while still in high school. I have a foster fail of my very own, a ginger cat named ‘Hunter’ who is the love of my life! I also have three very cheeky little Lovebirds who are so cute and very talkative. When I’m not at work I can be found reading, playing music, or sitting in a patch of sun with my Cat :)

Vet Nurse

I started volunteering with the NIVH team in 2019 while completing my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Yallah TAFE. My passion for animal care led me to pursue a career in veterinary nursing, and since graduating in December 2020, I transitioned into a role as a Veterinary Nurse at NIVH. I am now also an Emergency & Critical Care Nurse at a specialist hospital with a keen interest in surgical nursing. Each day brings new learning experiences and exciting challenges. My team members often call for me as “The sausage dog whisperer” to comfort any dachshunds that enter the clinic.
In my down time, I enjoy spending quality time with my fiancée and our furry family members - two miniature dachshunds, Martini and Chaser, along with our rescue chiweenie, Tequila.

Vet Nurse

I started volunteering at NIVH at the start of 2022 while completing my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. I am now lucky enough to be welcomed into the NIVH team as a junior Veterinary Nurse. The NIVH team are so incredibly supportive and have always made me feel welcomed from day one.

I have always had a passion for caring for animals and was lucky enough to grow up with a variety of species; from dogs to chickens to alpacas! In my free time I enjoy visiting local cafes and spending time with my mini lop rabbit, Ollie. 

Vet Nurse

I have worked in the Vet industry since 2006, where I started working and studying my Cert II animals studies. I then went on to complete my Cert IV in Vet Nursing by 2009. 

In 2020 I decided to take on a new adventure and completed a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing and I now work as a ‘Human’ Nurse as well. 

I started back with NIVH in 2022. Everyday in the Vet industry is exciting and challenging and that’s what brought me back after a few years away. 

In my spare time I play netball and hang out with my 2 teenage boys. 

I have a cat named ‘Frenchie”, a crazy lovable Aussie Bulldog named “Snickers” and a chihuahua named “Duckie”. 

You will find me here on fridays and most saturdays.

Vet Nurse

I started my career at NIVH in 2020 as a work placement student while I was studying at TAFE NSW. I completed my Certificate III in animal studies, and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing graduating at the end of 2021 to become a fully qualified veterinary nurse. I’ve always had a love and passion for animals and didn’t see myself doing anything else.
Every day at NIVH is new and exciting and that’s what I love about the job. In my free time I love cooking, exercising and spending time with my fur baby Pippa.

Vet Nurse

My career in veterinary nursing began in 2009 as a volunteer at a local clinic, and I've never looked back. I can't see myself doing any other job but veterinary nursing! I obtained my Cert IV qualifications in 2012 through the Animal Industries Resource Centre, and have worked within both small animal general practice and emergency, but general practice is where my passion lies. I have a particular interest in pathology and anaesthesia and love all things related to inpatient care. I joined the NIVH team at the beginning of 2024, and have loved every moment of it. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two cats (who are retired blood donors), two bearded dragons and 20+ year old lorikeet, and getting lost in a good book.