Meet the Team
Reception
RHONDA HICKS
Roles: Reception and practice manager.
Who has been your favourite patient?
Not a favourite as such, but one that I have a soft spot for was a Bull Terrier called Bolt. Bolt was named after the dog in the kids animated movie, as he looked just like the character. When I first met Bolt, my kids were obsessed with the movie, so were excited that I had met ‘real Bolt’. Bolt was a happy friendly dog who underwent specialist treatment for lymphoma, and my kids would regularly ask me how he was doing and loved hearing updates on him.
What makes you love coming to work every day?
I enjoy all aspects of the clinic from helping clients and meeting their pets to seeing the interesting surgeries and challenging cases. No two days are ever the same, and every day is a school day. The puppy cuddles are a bonus!
If you couldn’t be at work, where would you be?
If money was no object, I’d love to be travelling the world!
JODIE O'SHANNESSEY
Roles: Reception
What part of your job do you look forward to doing?
I enjoy being able to help people and their animal feel welcome and looked after. It is nice being apart of a team that cares deeply about animals, and to play a role in ensuring their well-being.
Who has been your favourite patient?
That would be Rex. He came to us broken physically and mentally and was at the clinic for 18 months with multiple surgeries and high needs. Over this time we bonded closely and it was amazing to see him overcome many obstacles to become a relatively normal, happy dog. He has now become part of my family and I can’t imagine life without him.
KATE KELLEHER
What made you want to work in Veterinary medicine?
When I was young, I had a neighbour who was a Vet. I would always go to work with her during school holidays and on weekends to play with the animals and just watch her work. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to work with animals, particularly in a Veterinary clinic.
Which of your pets has the most character, and why?
My dog Bentley. He is a Border Collie, however we call him a bored collie because he is very lazy and would do terribly on a farm. His favourite things are the beach, carrots, sardines and people! He has a terrible needle phobia so bringing him to work is quite embarrassing.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I think my favourite part of the job would have to be the post surgery snuggles as most patients are so sleepy and cuddly after anaesthetic. I will often eat lunch in the staff room with some sort of furry friend on my lap. I also love seeing the joy on the animals and owners face when they are reunited at discharge.
LEIGH-ANNE ENGELBRECHT
Role: Veterinary Receptionist.
Pets: 2 ginger cats, Tigger and Sansa (both adopted from Friends of the Pound) We also have an adorable Jack Russell x named Nugget who is full of mischief!
Family: Married with two teenagers.
Time in veterinary industry: I worked as a veterinary receptionist for 9 years in South Africa before emigrating to Australia in 2013. I have worked at Tweed Coast Vet since August 2017.
Hobbies: I enjoy walks on the beach, reading and doing jigsaw puzzles.