Meet our wonderful experienced and dedicated team at Castlemaine vets. We look to working with you to support your pets best health.

 

  

Dr Yvette Berkeley

Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc (Hons), BA (Hons))

Yvette graduated from The University of Queensland in 2002, then  spent 5 years in mixed practice on the Isle of Man, Wales and England.  While there, Yvette’s holidays were spent volunteering for Nine Lives in Greece and SPANA in Morocco, providing vet care for work animals and neutering stray cats. Since returning to Australia she has concentrated on small animal practice with a keen interest in ophthalmology, medicine and surgery.

Yvette lives with Athena and their daughter Eadi and animals on 10 acres in Mckenzie Hill. She has a passion for the cats in Greece and Greek food, and continues to support Nine lives in Athens and smaller welfare groups throughout the Greek islands to neuter strays.

Yvette is one of three founding members for the Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC)- providing veterinary support to people facing economic and social disadvantage.  Yvette is the current president of RCVC.

 


Dr Holly Kang

Senior Veterinarian (BVM & Emergency Medicine and Critical Care MANZCVs)

Holly graduated from The University of Edinburgh in 2009 and moved to Australia to start her small
animal veterinary career in Adelaide. In 2012 she relocated to Melbourne and continued to concentrate on small animal practice, gaining further qualifications along the way in emergency 
medicine & critical care though MANZCVS membership, and a graduate certificate in abdominal
ultrasonography at the University of Melbourne.


In October 2022 Holly made a tree change to Taradale with her husband, mother, greyhound
and two cats. Holly enjoys all aspects of general practice and is excited to join the community and
team at Castlemaine Veterinary Clinic.


Dr Lily Fermer

Veterinarian (PhD, MPhil, Grad Dip Ed, B Litt (Hons), BVSc)

Lily graduated from the University of Queensland in the early 1990s and moved to Melbourne soon after, where she has spent many years working in private practice and at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.  Lily worked with the lovely Yvette shortly before they both made the treechance to Castlemaine.

Lily is returning to veterinary practice after a few years' absence.  She has been dedicating her time to parenting her two sons and finishing a PhD in Creative Writing.  Some of you may recognise Lily from her time as an English teacher at Castlemaine secondary College! 

Yvette has finally convinced Lily to work in town and she is really enjoying it!


Dr Leisel Wion

Senior Veterinarian (DACVIM; BVMS Honours; BSc)

Leisel graduated from Murdoch Uni in 1995. Since graduation, Leisel undertook an internship & residency in large animal internal medicine in Canada/USA and postgraduate training in zoo and wildlife medicine, culminating in working with an amazing collection of animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

In 2017 Leisel took a break from the vet life to explore more of Australia and was fortunate to spend a year taking horseback tours in the Kimberleys, WA & Victorian High Country where she ended up settling and now owns a property with lots of 4-legged family members.

More recently Leisel has retired from large animal work and has been spending time in predominantly small animal practice in both permanent part-time and casual locum positions. Travelling with 2 dogs - a 12yo black lab "Meggie" and a 15 month old tri color smooth coated border collie "Tori", both of whom are looking forward to exploring the Castlemaine region. 


  

Merinda Kuckhahn

Veterinary Nurse

Merinda lives on a block just outside Castlemaine with her hubby, two Shepherds Besch and Polly.
She has spent the last 6 years working at Hilltop Boarding kennels and is currently studying with the National Dog Trainers Federation.
She loves gardening, op shopping and spending time with her fur family.


Isla Byrne

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Isla grew up on a 20 acre property just outside Castlemaine surrounded by native animals and the bush. Her love for animals grew and she now lives with two reptilian family members: Apollo - the bearded dragon and Hermes - the diamond python.

In her spare time she likes to hang out with Apollo and Hermes and watch movies. 

 


Tegan Nicholl-Caddell

Veterinary Nurse

Tegan moved to Castlemaine with her partner, daughter and four rescued fur babies. On retirement as a professional dancer Tegan decided to follow her passion for all things animal, completing a short course in Animal Nursing at Box hill Institute, a Diploma of Science at Deakin University and is currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at La Trobe University. Tegan works at the practice on Mondays Wednesdays and Saturdays. She is enjoying getting to know the locals and their pets.


Ellandi

Animal Care Taker

Landi grew up surrounded by animals. They currently manage our Social Media pages, and assist as a cage hand where necessary. In their spare time, Landi likes drawing and creating art, and spending time in the outdoors. Landi has a passion for the behind the scenes of theatre, and previously worked as a Stage Manager. 


  

Darcy Gordon

Darcy grew up in a small town in NSW, just outside of Canberra. On a beef hobby farm, Darcy developed a love for animals from a young age. Currently studying a Bachelor of Business Management, she is looking for a way to integrate her passion for animals with her degree. Darcy has recently taken on the role of Client Services Coordinator, and is loving learning the way of the Veterinary Industry. Darcy's passions include reading, walking and spending time with her dogs Tilly and Ernie.


Marisa Jorgensen

Client Relations

Marisa grew up in a tiny apartment in Copenhagen. She booked a plane ticket to Australia in 2018 and completely fell in love with the country. She now lives in Chewton with her German Shepherd, Penny.  Marisa is passionate about animals and in particular the diverse wildlife in Australia and sees herself studying either Midwifery or Veterinary Science at University next year.  When Marisa is not at reception or working as a cage hand at CVC, you will usually find her with a paint brush in her hand, at the gym or going for a long bush walk watching the kangaroos jump by


Kristy Dwyer

Client Relations

Kristy moved to Mandurang from Melbourne  to enjoy a tree change with her husband and three children. She has completed her Cert 3 in Animal Studies and is an experienced receptionist. You will find Kristy at reception, usually on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but don't be surprised if you see her other days.  Kristy has a lab called Fig who is a delightful addition to her family.  


  
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