Meet the team

A caring team you can trust

Compassionate and honest

There's no room for ego at Ripponlea. We work with you and treat our patients like they're family

Knowledgeable, but practical too

All of our staff are committed to ensure the latest veterinary expertise
is tailored to a solution that works for you and your pet

Dr Jennie

Vet & Hospital Owner

Jennie has over 20 years of experience and opened Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital in 2018.
Jennie is our resident "feline queen" and has post-grad qualifications in feline medicine.
Jennie has a special way with both animals and humans, and ensures every client and patient are treated with empathy and respect.
Jennie, Michael and their two boys love living in the area with their dog Barney Banana and their cats Mr Snow Puff, Skittles and Minky

Dr Kelsey

Vet

Dr Kelsey is one of our full-time team members.
She is originally from Wisconsin, USA but despite living on this side of the world since 2013 can’t seem to lose her accent.
She graduated from Melbourne University in 2019 and has special interests in feline medicine, surgery, and clinical pathology.
She is mother to a spicy ginger cat named Humphrey and in her free time enjoys exploring Melbourne’s culinary and wine culture, footy and the West Coast Eagles, running, and patting neighbourhood cats.

Dr Kelly

Vet

Kelly is one of our part-time vets, and has a keen interest in soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
She is the matriarch to the self-titled "ginger tribe" - both human and feline.
She loves living in the local area with her husband, Dave, their two children and their cat, Frank, with the occasional extra foster kitty!
Kelly is as cool as a cucumber, and brings a calm aura everywhere she goes.

Dr Nicole

Vet

Dr. Nicole is a highly skilled veterinary professional with a passion for small animal dentistry and oral surgery, diagnostic medicine and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, as an adjunct to western medicine.
Throughout her career, Nicole has continually demonstrated a dedication to advancing her knowledge and understanding of her craft. Her pursuit of excellence led her to achieve membership in the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS), focussing on small animal dentistry and oral surgery.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hoskin is also dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise. She actively participates in continuing education programs, lectures, and workshops, contributing to the advancement of veterinary dentistry within the broader veterinary community.

Jaime

Nurse

Jaime has been in the veterinary industry for over 10 years and is currently our nurse trainer and receptionist.
Jaime is caring and empathetic towards all of our patients and clients.
Her animal family includes Jack the Alexandrine parrot, Mishka and Zara the cats, and Tara the dog.

Lauren

Lead Receptionist

Lauren is our lead receptionist at RIpponlea Veterinary Hospital and also holds her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
When not at work, Lauren can be found hanging out with her Whippet, Grace and her Greyhound, Vix, or riding mile after mile on her bike (to which she's addicted).

Mel

Nurse

Mel is currently studying her certificate lV in veterinary nursing, and has had some experience working in an animal
emergency clinic.
Mel lives with Scampi, a very shy but
inquisitive cat.
Mel has learnt a lot since working at Ripponlea vet clinic and loves giving all the puppies a treat when they walk through the door.
Mel has a caring and warm nature with all
the clients and their beloved pets

Elia

Nurse

Elia came to Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital after working in an animal shelter for over two years. She has also previously studied and volunteered in the zoological field.
Elia loves building relationships with both clients and patients alike and giving all the animals lots of cuddles.
Elia has a passion for fostering cats and has two "foster fail" cats of her own, Kasatka and Kalina.
She is currently studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Dani

Nurse

Dani started her career as a vet nurse in 2010 and holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
She is dedicated to building relationships with pets and their owners.
In the clinic, Dani entertains animal patients (and staff) by singing whimsical songs.
Dani owns two fox terriers named Ned and Tosh, plus two kids and a husband.

Holly

Nurse

Holly has been a Veterinary Nurse since 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
Prior to moving to Australia, Holly worked in Equine Welfare in the UK, where she's originally from.
Holly enjoys the patient preparation and surgical elements of veterinary nursing.
Holly has her own furbaby, Lola the Jack Russell Terrier.

Tiahn

Nurse

Tiahn is currently working as a veterinary nurse while studying her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Tiahn someday wants to major in Conservation and Wildlife Medicine
When she isn't studying, she enjoys playing her violin and listening to music, and watching movies
Her fur family includes Kirra - her family Border Collie back in her home-town in East Gippsland

Wesley

Nurse

Wesley grew up in southern California, obtaining a bachelor’s degree at Northern Arizona University before making his way to Australia to study veterinary science in 2022.
When Wesley is not studying or working, he enjoys being active, exploring Melbourne, learning new Aussie slang, and giving the cats in the cattery some extra pats.
He finds it so rewarding to work at Ripponlea Vet because he knows we have such a large impact on so many pets’ live

Rebecca

Nurse

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Health and Disease and is currently undertaking her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Rebecca loves dogs, especially retrievers!
Her fur family includes Nova- the nova scotia duck tolling retriever.