Dr Kate Gittings BVSc

Kate graduated from University of Queensland in 2001. Being the owner of these clinics was Kate’s destiny. Kate is a 4th generation surfcoast resident and has a long association with the Torquay and Surfcoast Veterinary Clinics. Starting in 1993 with High School work experience, progressing to veterinary placement during university and, following graduation in 2001, to spending her first two years working along-side Neil.

To gain further experience in small animal medicine Kate travelled and worked across the UK for three years. On returning home it wasn’t long before she again came back to the practice in Torquay.

When Neil indicated he would like to take things a little easier it seemed a natural progression that Kate should become the principal Vet and became the practice owner in 2011.

Kate is passionate about companion and native animal health and welfare.

When not at the Clinic she spends time with her family, two cats (Sunny and Koki) and her daughters horses.

Dr Katherine Daley BVSc

Kat graduated in 2013 from the University of Queensland and started her veterinary career in a busy practice in Sydney for over 5 years before moving to Torquay to raise a family.

Kat loves all aspects of being a small animal vet but has a particular interest in internal medicine, especially endocrinology, dermatology and oncology.  She has also a completed a further year long course in emergency medicine through the Centre for Veterinary Education and regularly attends seminars and studies to ensure all of her patients receive the most thorough and up-to-date treatment possible.

Outside of work Kat spends her free time either baking elaborate cakes, learning to surf at the beach or going for a hike with her husband, young son and first child, a one-eyed Cavoodle named Sparrow.

Dr Luci Ross BVSc

Dr Alice Hicks DVM

Alice graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2021. After making the move down the coast, Alice joined our clinic at the start of 2022. She has become a valuable member of our team.

Alice has a special interest in small animal medicine and endocrinology. 

When Alice is not at work she is at the beach walking her dogs Jessie and Leo. 

Vanessa Sciarrone

Rachel Cameron

Rachel started her vet nursing career in 2009 before taking a break to raise her young family and pursue a business venture and further her education.

Rachel worked for 9 years as an animal technician and research assistant in a cancer immunology laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute.

Rachel's love for animals developed at a very young age spending time on the family's hobby farm. She is known around town as the Surfcoast Pet Nanny, which she founded in 2003.

Rachel feels very fortunate to be back doing what she loves with the very supportive and knowledgeable team at the clinic.

When not at work Rachel enjoys nothing more than spending time in the outdoors with her husband and kids and caring for her labradoodle Indi, cat Skittles, bearded dragon Jacko and pet fish (Felicia and Marshmellow-Guitar)

Danielle Pietsch

Dani begun with our team in November 2020. In 2021, Dani undertook her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at The Gordon in which she became a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse in July 2022. Before nursing Dani completed her Bachelor or Zoology and Animal Science at Deakin University. Dani has always loved animals, growing up in the country she had lots of exposure to a variety of animals, large and small, including being a local rescuer for Wildlife Victoria.

Dani has taken a keen interest in Native wildlife, reproduction and neonate care. Her favourite part about working in the clinic is surgery, she also enjoys taking home stray kittens that need some extra TLC. 

In her spare time, Dani enjoys spending time with her husband; Jason, her two cats; Ava and Klaus, and her three dogs; Lucy, Alfie and Mini. She also loves going back home to spend time with her family. 

Rachel Barry

Rachel studied at the Gordon where she gained her Veterinary Nursing Certificate IV qualification and started working with us at the end of 2023.

Rachel's favourite thing about being a nurse is monitoring anaesthetics and making sure the patients get through their procedures safely. The most fulfilling part of the job is watching the pets greet their owners after surgery. 

When Rachel is not at work she is outdoors adventuring or at the beach with her Cavoodle "Honey" and Groodle "Archie". 

Karina McDell

Karina started with the team at Torquay Surfcoast Veterinary Clinics at the end of 2023. Karina is currently completing her Certficate IV in Veterinary Nursing through the Gordon and is looking forward to obtaining her qualifications at the end of 2024. She decided to pursue her career in Veterinary Nursing while volunteering as a carer for a local wildlife group. 

Karina has a keen interest in caring for exotic pets and native wildlife. 

When not at work, Karina enjoys spending time with her partner, their flemish giant rabbit, Pocket, their adopted cockatiels, Howard, Hiro and Charlie along with their carpet python Banya.

Zoe Chiovitti

Zoe has been a veterinary nurse for 5 years now after completing her certificates and the Gordon TAFE. Zoe is extremely passionate about animals and maintaining a high standard of care for our surgery/ anaesthetic patients. 

Zoe has a strong interest in all things reproduction which is why she has a 1 year old Bernese Mountain dog named Azriel who is a part of the pedigree breeding program. 

Nicole Henczel

Nicole joined our team at the beginning of 2024 and has been vet nursing for 4 years. Nicole completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at The Gordon then went on to work in Melbourne until recently we she made the decision to move to the Surf Coast. Nicole's passion for animals stemmed from a young age so naturally she pursued a career in vet nursing. Outside of work Nicole likes to read, enjoys cooking and keeps busy chasing after her Labrador puppy, Olive.

Julia Earle- Practice Manager

Julia started working with us as our the Practice Manager in July 2022. She finished her Practice Management Diploma at the end of 2021 and has a background in Veterinary Nursing, Animal Technology and Business Administration.  

Julia always wanted to work in a veterinary clinic and asked for a job at her local clinic when she was in grade 3. Julia grew up in Geelong and moved to Queensland in 2004 where she started her vet nursing career. She instantly fell in love with being a vet nurse. Her favourite part of being a nurse was emergency and critical care.  Julia's passion is now working alongside our wonderful team, supporting them in delivering gold standard care to both patients and clients. 

When not at work Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 boys, camping, bush walking and hanging out time with her Labrador, Archie and cuddling with her cat, Freddy. 

Marli Cook

Marli is one of our receptionists who started working with us in August 2023. 

Mari grew up in Warrnambool and began working at a veterinary clinic in her gap year before moving to Geelong to study Psychology. 

Marli has always had a love for animals, especially her Border Collie Hudson, and loves meeting all of your furry friends in the clinic!

Kaitlyn King- Receptionist

Kaitlyn is one of our receptionist, who started working with us mid 2022. She grew up surrounded by all types of animals at home as well as volunteering as local shelters in her spare time.

Kaitlyn always has a smile for you and your furry friends. 

When not at work Kaitlyn loves spending time in the outdoors and caring for her cat 'Whiskers' and fish 'Doug' and 'Dog'.