Dr Ellen Liddle

Practice Owner & Head Veterinarian (BVSc)

Ellen is one of our owners and Head Veterinarian, having graduated from the University of Queensland in 2008. Originally from the Atherton Tablelands, she was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine through a love of science and animals – though she’ll happily admit it was mostly the animals.

Ellen’s favourite part of her role is building long-term relationships with clients and their pets. She values knowing her patients so well that their history feels second nature, allowing her to confidently manage both medical and surgical cases. Her areas of special interest include feline medicine, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and complex medical cases.

Outside of work, Dr Ellen is kept busy by Sully, her big, silly “wolfhound rat,” and cats Soda (who thinks she’s a dog), and ‘The Boys’ Banksy and Pickles…..oh and her partner Dylan. A self-confessed cat at heart, she enjoys spending her downtime gardening with a glass of wine and a podcast, swimming, and sipping on a chai tea that’s never too sweet.

Lee-Anne Kingston

Practice Owner/Senior Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Lee-Anne is one of our owners and an experienced Vet Nurse, with over 18 years in the veterinary industry. A Cairns local, she began her career right here at SSVS and completed her studies through AIRC. Her path into veterinary nursing started with a simple conversation with the previous owners over a BBQ at Muddy’s – proof that sometimes the best careers begin unexpectedly.

Lee-Anne’s favourite part of her role is surgery and caring for her patients during their most vulnerable moments. She has a special interest in surgery, birds & wildlife. She has a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives exceptional care.

Outside of work, Lee-Anne’s home is just as lively as the clinic. She shares it with her husband, two children, her mum, and a wonderful collection of pets – including birds, fish, turtles, and her beautiful rescue dog, Charlie. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find her out walking with Charlie or spending time in the garden, embracing her love of nature.

A fan of cheese and a cold glass of mineral water during a long shift, Lee-Anne adores all animals, though tigers, elephants, whales, and otters sit at the top of her favourites list. With deep local roots, decades of experience, and a genuine passion for animal care, she brings warmth, skill, and dedication to every patient she meets.

Dr Brooke Burnett

Senior Veterinarian (BVSc)

Brooke may look small, but she’s one of the strongest players on our team. A JCU Townsville graduate, she has been working as a veterinarian for 6 years (after 5 years of uni) and is about as local as it gets, having grown up in Babinda.

Her passion for animals started early, raising pet goats as a kid, and today she finds the most satisfaction in the small wins – like a patient finally eating after days of not feeling well. Those moments matter a lot to Dr Brooke!

Brooke has a special interest in radiography and radiology, particularly hips, knees, and elbows (which she insists are pretty cool). She’s thorough, practical, and quietly determined when it comes to patient care.

At home, Brooke lives with her partner Simon and her two rescue doggos, Grace and Poppy, who weren’t quite cut out for farm life. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting baby blankets, exercising with friends, fishing, camping, and unwinding with trash TV in the aircon alongside the dogs. Powered by chips and a latte, Brooke would be a dolphin if she were an animal – free, curious, and always on the move.

Dr Kaitie Lynch

Senior Veterinarian (BVSc)

Meet Dr. Kaitie! A familiar face to Cairns pets, she’s been working in the region for 6 years before joining the Southside team. Kaitie loves the variety the veterinary world offers, with something new and exciting every day. Always up for a challenge, she believes that’s where the best growth—both personally and professionally—happens.

Kaitie’s true passion lies in surgery, especially soft tissue procedures, but she’s also a big fan of emergency medicine, having completed a year-long continuing education course in this area.

When she’s not busy caring for pets, Kaitie enjoys exploring the Tablelands with her hubby Scott and their two fur-babies, Tobi and Arlo. She’s also a creative spirit, making stunning clay earrings, dabbling in woodwork, painting, and cultivating her love for plants.

We’re so lucky to have such a talented and adventurous vet on our team.

Dr Alice Batty

Senior Veterinarian (BVSc)

Dr. Alice is a Cairns local who made the move from the fast-paced world of emergency medicine to join our Southside team – and we couldn’t be happier to have her. With years of experience handling critical and complex cases, Alice brings a strong, capable presence to the clinic along with a depth of knowledge that benefits both our patients and their owners.

Her professional interests lie strongly in diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasound. Alice has recently completed an echocardiography course and now offers echocardiogram services in-clinic. This additional qualification allows us to provide more comprehensive cardiac assessments for our patients without the need for external referral in many cases. She has a special interest in identifying and managing heart disease, and she takes great pride in delivering thorough diagnostics.

Alice’s emergency background means she’s highly skilled in urgent care, complex workups, and critical decision-making, but she equally enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and supporting their pets through every life stage.

Outside of work, Alice channels that same drive and determination into staying active — she has completed (and absolutely crushed!) the Cairns Ironman, a testament to her dedication and resilience. When it’s time to unwind, she enjoys relaxing with a good book on her Kindle. She also loves to travel the world as much as she can!

At home, she’s the proud fur-mum to Tilly and Pete, her adorable three-legged besties, and her rescue cat Penny, who completely won her over with those irresistible kitty eyes.

Dr Emma Agardi

Veterinarian (BSc (VetBio). DVM)

Emma is one of our friendly vets here at Southside, joining the team in 2025 as a new graduate after completing her veterinary degree at the University of Adelaide. Emma was drawn to veterinary medicine by her passion for supporting both animals and the people who love them.

What Emma enjoys most about her role is building strong, positive relationships with clients and their fur babies – alongside being part of a genuinely supportive team. She has a special interest in animal behaviour, having worked closely with a positive reinforcement trainer during university and even helping train a guide dog. More recently, she’s developed a growing passion for musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation.

At home, Emma lives with her partner John, and they have recently welcomed their newest member of the family, a loveable Rhodesian Ridgeback, Norman!

Often described as an energiser bunny or a Labrador, Emma personally identifies more as an otter – fun-loving and known for making cool noises. Outside the clinic, you’ll find her cooking up something delicious, unwinding with a great dinner and a face mask on the couch, or powering through a long shift with a soy cappuccino and her favourite snack: Sour Geckos.

Fun facts? Emma’s favourite animal is the Aardvark.

Dr Tessa McGuigan

Veterinarian (BVSc Hons.)

Tamasyn Smith

Purchasing Officer & Nutritional Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Tamasyn is our Purchasing Officer and Nutritional Nurse, bringing over 21 years of experience in the veterinary industry to the team. Originally from Innisfail, Tam was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary nursing by a lifelong desire to help animals, and she continues to be passionate about supporting their health and wellbeing – especially through pet nutrition, her key area of interest.

One of Tam’s favourite parts of the job is puppy cuddles, which is fitting given her very full household at home! She shares her life with her partner Matt, daughter Willow, three dogs (Ivy, Hugo and Pretzel), two cats (Pom Pom and Lucy), and an impressive collection of 11 birds – many of which she has hand-raised herself.

Outside of work, Tamasyn enjoys beach walks with her dogs, shopping and exploring local markets, usually fuelled by a caramel soy flat white. If she were an animal, she’d be a cat – independent, calm, and quietly observant.

Samantha Green

Practice Manager (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Natalie Mott

Head Nurse (Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing & Registered Nurse)

Nat is our Head Nurse, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry to the team. Nat is a Cairns local & was inspired to join the profession by friends already working in the field…and she’s never looked back.

Nat loves that no two days in clinic are ever the same. From routine procedures to high-pressure moments, she thrives on the variety that each day brings. She has a particular passion for emergency nursing and all things surgery, where her calm nature, quick thinking, and strong clinical skills truly shine.

At home, Nat has 2 pets: Gypsy, her cheeky Australian Shepherd who is always up to some sort of mischief, and Captain, her big goofy giant with an even bigger heart. After a busy day, nothing beats cuddles with her doggo’s to unwind.

When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find Nat camping and enjoying the outdoors. During a long shift she reaches for anything savoury to keep her going, and her go-to pick-me-up is a caramel latte. While she adores all animals, the cheetah tops her favourites list for its speed, elegance, and wild spirit.

And one of her more memorable vet nurse moments? Let’s just say discovering poo in your pocket is a rite of passage in this industry!

With years of experience, a love of surgery and emergency care, and a great sense of humour, Nat is a steady and supportive presence for both patients and the team.

Helle Heesen

Registered Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Helle is a highly experienced Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse with 13 years of hands-on experience across both The Netherlands and Australia. Her international background brings a broad perspective and strong clinical skillset to the team, grounded in a deep respect for both the science and care behind veterinary medicine.

Helle’s favourite part of her role is seeing pets return home healthy and happy. She has a particular love for surgery and complex hospital cases, and also holds a strong interest in pathology – always keen to understand the “why” behind each case.

Currently awaiting the perfect fur baby (no pets… yet), Helle enjoys unwinding with long walks or settling in with a good TV series after a busy day at the clinic. She has a genuine love for animals (with the exception of insects and cane toads).

With her experience and curiosity, Helle is an invaluable part of the nursing team.

Angie Dawson

Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Angie is one of our wonderful Veterinary Nurse’s, originally from the Cooktown/Rossville region. She was drawn to veterinary nursing through a passion for science and biology, paired with a genuine love for caring not only for animals, but for the people who love them too.

One of Angie’s favourite parts of the job is seeing patients recover and thrive after illness, knowing she’s played a meaningful role in their healing journey. She has special interests in dentistry, exotics, and neonatal care, and brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every case she’s involved in.

At home, Angie shares her life with her dog Jedi and her 11-year-old parrot Arno. If she were an animal, she’d choose an eagle – drawn to their longevity, loyalty, and the freedom of flight. Outside the clinic, Angie enjoys reading, gaming, spending time with friends, and expressing her creativity as a talented artist.

When she’s not working, you’ll often find Angie motorbike riding, camping, paddle boarding, or perfecting what she insists is the best coffee – though she won’t say no to chocolate, fruit, or a good café stop either. Angie’s calm presence, curiosity, and compassion make her a wonderful part of the team.

Timothy Powell

Veterinary Nurse (Studying Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Tim joined the Southside team in February 2022 as a Kennel Hand. It was soon clear that Tim possessed the perfect qualities to become a Veterinary Nurse, and he started studying in mid 2022! Since transitioning into the nursing team, Tim says that his favourite part about being in the vet industry is gaining the knowledge and ability to look after animals. Once he has finished his studies, Tim has a keen interest in emergency care and would like to train further in this area.

Tim is ‘Dad’ to 3 Jack Russell’s, Ella, Alle and Cookie. Aside from spending time with the doggo’s, outside of work Tim enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, relaxing with a good computer game or spending time outdoors either camping or motorbike riding.

Maddy George

Registered Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )

Maddy has been part of the veterinary world since 2018 and brings a hands-on, animal-first approach to everything she does. Originally from Bathurst, NSW, her passion for animal care began as a wildlife carer – an experience that helped shape her calm, compassionate approach.

She has a strong interest in surgery and dog breeding, and loves being involved in procedures where she can make a real difference behind the scenes. That said, her absolute weakness is puppy cuddles, which she considers one of the best perks of the job.

When she’s not at work, Maddy spends most of her time with her three dogs: Leo the Doberman, and Cocker Spaniels Piper and Ellie-Mae (a very proud mum-and-daughter duo), along with her husband Sean. Outside of the clinic, you’ll often find her spear fishing, relaxing at home with her dogs and the TV, or reaching for sour straps and chippies during a busy shift.

One of Maddy’s most memorable moments in vet practice was hand-raising a baby brushtail possum—an experience that perfectly reflects her dedication to caring for animals of all shapes and sizes.

Georgia Shaw

Veterinary Nurse (Studying Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )

Georgia is one of our vibrant and caring veterinary nurses, bringing boundless energy and a genuine love for animals to the clinic every day. Originally from Brisbane, Georgia has been working in the veterinary field since 2023 after completing her Certificate II in Animal Studies, and she’s currently studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Georgia’s passion truly shines when caring for hospitalised patients. She loves giving them extra comfort, cuddles, and attention while they’re on the road to recovery. Her bubbly & compassionate approach helps pets (and their humans!) feel at ease during their stay with us.

When she’s not at the clinic, Georgia’s world revolves around her little family – partner Lachie, her crazy Cocker Spaniel Peaches, and her beloved kitty Lexi. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her dancing or performing in musical theatre, iced caramel latte in hand.

Known for her positive attitude, infectious smile, and ability to laugh at herself (even after a wardrobe malfunction in x-ray), Georgia is a much-loved member of our team and someone your pets will adore just as much as she adores them.

Jordan Inches

Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Jordan has been a veterinary nurse for 6 years and is the gentle, calming presence everyone hopes their pet ends up with. Originally from Hobart and raised in Cairns from the age of eight, she brings warmth, patience, and a whole lot of compassion to her role.

She holds a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing and was drawn to the profession by the special bond between pets and their owners – something she never takes lightly. Jordan’s favourite part of the job is seeing patients recover and head home with their families after a tough time. She has a strong interest in surgery, emergency cases, and hospital care, and is always ready to step in when patients need a little extra support (or a cuddle).

At home, Jordan lives with her partner and two cats, Milo and Callie – one well-behaved cat and one mischievous kitten (according to Jordan).

Outside of work, Jordan unwinds by cuddling her cats, sewing, and enjoying an Annees Vietnamese coffee. She runs on cookies during long shifts and, fun fact, speaks fluent Japanese. If she were an animal, she’d be a cat – lounging, sleeping, and eating all day sounds like the dream. She also has a soft spot for Chihuahuas, proving that good things really do come in small packages.

Stephanie Moon

Veterinary Nurse (Cert II in Animal Studies)

Steph has been working in the veterinary field since May 2024 and has quickly become a valued part of the team. A Cairns local, she brings a calm, quietly bubbly nature to the clinic and is one of those people who fits in effortlessly.

She completed her Cert II in 2025 and is set to commence her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2026. Steph was drawn to vet nursing by a genuine love for animals and a strong desire to help and care for patients of all species. Her favourite part of the job is exactly that – making a difference through hands-on care. She has a growing interest in behaviour and surgery and is always keen to learn.

At home, Steph lives with her mum, dad, brother, and her dog Ollie, a 3-year-old Border Collie cross with endless energy and a serious love for toys and walks.

Outside of work, Steph enjoys gym sessions to unwind, coffee runs with friends, riding horses, and relaxing with a sweet treat and her favourite TV shows. She’s fuelled by lollies, Pods chocolate, and a Caramel Delight from Annees. A fun fact many don’t know: Steph has no sense of smell. One of her most memorable moments in practice involved a nurse emerging from the dog ward completely covered in activated charcoal – proof that vet nursing is never dull.

Bronte Wood

Registered Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )

Bronte is one of our experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses, bringing with her over six years of hands-on experience to the Southside team. Originally from Brisbane, she completed her training through ACVN and AIRC and is driven by a genuine desire to help animals who can’t speak for themselves.

Bronte’s favourite parts of the job are educating clients and, of course, cuddling puppies (and cats – always cats!). She has a strong interest in anaesthesia and surgical nursing, where her calm, capable approach helps ensure pets are safe and comfortable during procedures.

At home, Bronte’s household includes herself, her son, and Lionel – her 10-year-old orange cat who is, by all accounts, absolutely purrfect! Lionel is considered her “other son,” and clearly runs the house.

If Bronte were an animal, she’d be a cat without hesitation – well-fed, well-rested, and living the dream. Outside of work, she loves unwinding with a glass of wine in the garden, growing her own veggies, and powering through busy shifts with a bag of chips and a caramel latte (hot or cold, depending on the day).

Bronte also has a soft spot for Australia’s wonderfully unique wildlife, with cassowaries and platypus topping her favourites list.

Stef Rodriguez

Veterinary Nurse (Studying Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing )

Stef joined SSVS in 2025 as a Veterinary Nurse, officially beginning her nursing career and gaining valuable experience volunteering in animal shelters. Originally from Spain, she followed her deep love and empathy for animals across the world to pursue her dream.

Her favourite part of the job is comforting animals when they’re feeling scared or stressed, offering patience and reassurance when they need it most. Stef has a special interest in rescues and wildlife, reflecting her passion for protecting vulnerable animals.

At home, she shares life with her husband Paul and their three rescue cats – Alex (a crazy ginger with a big heart), Alfalfa (a devoted cuddle bug), and quiet, reserved Mimi. Outside of work, Stef loves snorkeling the reef, writing ocean- and animal-inspired poetry, and winding down with her cats, a bowl of pasta, and her favourite show. A decaf almond latte and sweet biscuits are her go-to during long shifts.

Her very first day at SSVS remains a standout memory – exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of hope as she began the career she’d always dreamed of.

Marine Potin

Verterinary Nurse (Studying Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)

Originally from Brittany, France (the crêpe capital!), Marine is one of our dedicated and enthusiastic veterinary nurses, bringing a fresh perspective and a genuine love for animals to the clinic each day. She began her journey in the veterinary industry in September 2024 as a kennel hand and receptionist, quickly working her way into veterinary nursing through her passion and eagerness to learn. After gaining experience at another clinic in Cairns, she joined the Southside Vets team just before Christmas 2025. She is currently studying with ACVN as she continues to grow her knowledge and skills in the field.

Marine loves the diversity that comes with veterinary nursing – no two days are ever the same, and there’s always something new to learn. While she is still discovering her special interests, Marine is excited to continue developing her skills and finding her niche within the profession.

At home, Marine’s world revolves around her partner Caleb and their two adorable dogs, Sammie and Izzy. Sammie is an almost nine-year-old Mini Foxy x Chihuahua (who technically belongs to Caleb, but Marine swears loves her the most), and Izzy is their cheeky one-year-old Jack Russell Terrier x Chihuahua who was recently adopted an joined the family.

Outside of the clinic, Marine enjoys staying active and outdoors, whether that’s horse riding, scuba diving, or recently perfecting her swing on the golf course. After a busy day, you’ll often find her unwinding with a walk or playtime with the dogs, or relaxing with a well-earned glass of wine.

With her warm nature, growing skillset, and passion for animal care, she is a valued member of the team and someone your pets will feel comfortable with from the moment they meet her.