Dr Jenny Keay BVSc(Hons)

Veterinarian

Graduating with Honours from the University of Queensland in 2006, I lunged straight into an equine intern position at Oakey Veterinary Hospital, an equine veterinary specialist centre. The hospital was a mixed practice that largely saw equine medicine and surgery. It was also a university teaching school and a great place to start my career, but missing the coastal environment I decided to move on after a few years.

After moving southwards to the Mid North Coast in 2008 and starting a family, I am now a veterinarian at the Nambucca clinic. I have a keen interest in my equine friends and small animal medicine and surgery. When not at work you will find me out playing with my Arabian horses or spending time with my husband and two children which usually involves enjoying the pristine beaches we are lucky to have here.

Dr Karen Thompson BVSc, BVMS, IVAS Cert

Veterinarian

I graduated from Murdoch University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, then soon after furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture.

My career has taken me from Darwin to the UK then back to Australia working in Victoria and NSW. Settling in the Mid North Coast in 2006 to raise a family I joined the Mid Coast Vets team in 2012. My Veterinary work over the years has focused mainly around medicine and surgery for dogs, cats and anything smaller, with Veterinary Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Reiki and Chinese Herbs being fantastic adjuncts to western medicines. I have a strong interest in resolving skin diseases, maintaining good pet dental care and providing education and support for clients. I take pride in being able to offer a high standard of patient and client care.

In my free time I will be found chasing children and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr Fabian Yunda DVM

Veterinarian

Hailing from the lofty heights of Bogotá, Colombia, I graduated as a vet in 2017 and took my talents global - practising in Colombia, Brazil, and Australia, completing the national veterinary examination for overseas vets last year. I like to think of myself as a mixed animal vet in training to be the next James Herriot, minus the tweed and with better dance moves.

I am fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and my areas of interest are surgery and diagnostic imaging.

In my spare time, you’ll find me conquering mountains, exploring new destinations, or hitting the gym. When it comes to food, I’m on a lifelong quest to try everything from street tacos to gourmet dining. Basically, I’m living proof that you can be both an animal saviour and a culinary adventurer!

Dr Leo Rubinstein DVM

Veterinarian

I grew up by the beach in Sydney alongside a small pack of golden retrievers. As a kid, I spent most of my summers camping in the bush, which ignited my interest in wildlife and animals in general. I graduated as a Veterinarian from the University of Sydney in 2024. At work, I’m particularly keen on farm work, small animal surgery, and wildlife and exotic care. When I’m not at work, you can find me at the beach, swimming, running, at the gym, bushwalking, camping, SCUBA diving, rock-climbing, or checking out some live music.

Dr Sophie Miller DVM

Veterinarian

I graduated as a vet from the University of Adelaide in 2025, and have since made the big move up to the beautiful mid-north coast. I’ve spent my whole life in SA, and am keen to explore the beautiful beaches, mountains and community that NSW has to offer. 

I have a keen interest in cattle and equine work, small animal surgery and diagnostic imaging, as well as working with wildlife. 

When not at work, I love being outdoors, whether that be camping, hiking, beaching or in the garden. My partner and I also love travelling and discovering great food and wine, as well as local music gigs!

Dr Patrick O'Donoghue DVM

Veterinarian

I graduated from Veterinary Science in Adelaide in 2025 and have broad interests in small animal care, production animals, and equine work. I’m particularly drawn to wildlife medicine, which continues to be a strong focus of my professional interests.

Outside the clinic, I spend most of my time in the ocean surfing, experimenting in the kitchen (often with fermentation projects), and playing in a band.

Kristina

Veterinary Nurse

I bring an infectious enthusiasm and a positive outlook to every aspect of my work. After completing my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2023, I’ve developed a strong interest in wildlife care, education (for clients, my team, and myself), and companion animal dentistry.

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy riding my motorbike, crafting, tending to my menagerie of animals, and fostering pets in need. I also love spending time adventuring with my family or exploring with my dogs.

Chelsea

Veterinary Nurse

I grew up on the East Coast of Canada for the majority of my life. I graduated in 2016 from university with a Veterinary Technician Degree. I moved over to Australia in August 2024 to be with my fiancé. You will mostly find me at the Urunga clinic. I joined the Midcoast Vets team in October 2025. Outside of work, you will find me homeschooling my 4 children with my now wife, taking care of our dog Lola, cat Echo, and 6 budgies. We love to go out and find new places to explore.

Brodie

Veterinary Nurse

After completing my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, I went off and worked in real estate for a short time. But I soon realised that my true passion was working with animals, so I joined the Midcoast Vets team.

I enjoy all aspects of vet nursing, including large animals. I’m very grateful for the experience and knowledge I gain each day from my colleagues. 

I have always had a love for animals and now have a few pets of my own. When not at work, you will find me either hanging with my horse, at the beach with my dog Isla or enjoying a cocktail and music with my partner and friends. 

Peta

Veterinary Nurse

I have been working with Midcoast Vets since 2010 when I started volunteering at our Nambucca clinic one day a week whilst completing my Cert II in Animal Studies. I then started working for the practice whilst I was completing my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. These days you will find me at our Nambucca clinic on a Saturday morning and also working with our amazing team of vets on Sundays and during afterhours.

 Outside of the clinic I am a fully qualified All Breeds Cat Judge, and travel throughout Australia to judge a wide variety of pedigree and domestic cats.  I also show my pedigree Norwegian Forest Cats who consistently do extremely well including multiple 'best in show' placings right up to national show level.

I have a passion for quality customer service, caring for and treating sick animals and all things feline.

Nicky Smith

Practice Manager

I joined Midcoast Vets in 2017 which was a big career change for me.  All my working life I worked for state governments in the area of environmental management.  Weary from working with government and the unavoidable intervening politics, I welcomed a radical change in career direction.  Joining Midcoast Vets has been a great move, a refreshing and challenging change.

Animals have been an important part of my life with one or two dogs always by my side. Being a practice manager has enabled me to marry my management skills and my love for animals.  In my job I am so privileged to work alongside a bunch of amazing nurses and vets who work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the best healthcare.

When I am not at work I enjoy bushwalking and camping, hanging at the beach, spending time with my family and dogs, reading books and gardening.

Dr Emma Packer BVSc, BVetBiol (Hons I)

Veterinarian

I grew up in central west NSW, and after graduating I returned to Western NSW to work in mixed practices in Dubbo and Coonamble. From there I spent the next 2 years locuming around Australia in almost every state, before settling into an Equine practice in south-east Queensland. My particular interests are equine reproduction and medicine, surgery and orthopaedics. In my spare time I enjoy surfing, running and travelling. I mostly work out of the Urunga clinic and really enjoy working with the enthusiastic and professional team

Dr Lizzy Hewitt DVM

Veterinarian

I grew up in Sydney, but had my best memories on the family farm, which often resulted in sick lambs being brought back to our suburban backyard. I graduated from Sydney university in 2016, starting work at a mixed practice in Coffs Harbour, enjoying the variety of patients and the beautiful surrounds. For the last 2 years, I have been travelling and locuming around Australia, but couldn't resist the lure back to the Mid North Coast and all it has to offer. I love treating all species, but particularly enjoy working with horses. When not at work, I am usually horse riding, hiking, camping or snowboarding. 

Dr. Joel Morrison BVCs

Veterinarian

I grew up on a hobby/cattle agistment farm near Cambridge, NZ where my love of the great outdoors and working with animals took off. My father was (and still is) a Veterinarian would take me along to weekend jobs where I often had to roll up my sleeves and get dirty.

I moved to Sydney in 2011 and completed my Veterinary degree and then landed my first job on the NSW Mid North Coast.  I started work with Midcoast Vets in 2018 and then after 2 years took some time off to travel and Locum around Australia. Now I'm back after confirming that there's nowhere else I would rather be.

I enjoy the everyday variety of being a rural Vet. I find working with the large production animals very rewarding, and on the other hand I have undertaken further training in small animal medicine. Variety keeps me on my toes!

Outside of work I love playing touch footy and chasing adrenaline on anything with two wheels, in the surf or snow. 

Dr Fabian Yunda DVM

Veterinarian

Hailing from the lofty heights of Bogotá, Colombia, I graduated as a vet in 2017 and took my talents global - practising in Colombia, Brazil, and Australia, completing the national veterinary examination for overseas vets last year. I like to think of myself as a mixed animal vet in training to be the next James Herriot, minus the tweed and with better dance moves.

I am fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and my areas of interest are surgery and diagnostic imaging.

In my spare time, you’ll find me conquering mountains, exploring new destinations, or hitting the gym. When it comes to food, I’m on a lifelong quest to try everything from street tacos to gourmet dining. Basically, I’m living proof that you can be both an animal saviour and a culinary adventurer!

Dr Karen Thompson BVSc, BVMS, IVAS Cert

Veterinarian

I graduated from Murdoch University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, then soon after furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture.

My career has taken me from Darwin to the UK then back to Australia working in Victoria and NSW. Settling in the Mid North Coast in 2006 to raise a family I joined the Mid Coast Vets team in 2012. My Veterinary work over the years has focused mainly around medicine and surgery for dogs, cats and anything smaller, with Veterinary Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Reiki and Chinese Herbs being fantastic adjuncts to western medicines. I have a strong interest in resolving skin diseases, maintaining good pet dental care and providing education and support for clients. I take pride in being able to offer a high standard of patient and client care.

In my free time I will be found chasing children and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr Leo Rubinstein DVM

Veterinarian

I grew up by the beach in Sydney alongside a small pack of golden retrievers. As a kid, I spent most of my summers camping in the bush, which ignited my interest in wildlife and animals in general. I graduated as a Veterinarian from the University of Sydney in 2024. At work, I’m particularly keen on farm work, small animal surgery, and wildlife and exotic care. When I’m not at work, you can find me at the beach, swimming, running, at the gym, bushwalking, camping, SCUBA diving, rock-climbing, or checking out some live music.

Dr Sophie Miller DVM

Veterinarian

I graduated as a vet from the University of Adelaide in 2025, and have since made the big move up to the beautiful mid-north coast. I’ve spent my whole life in SA, and am keen to explore the beautiful beaches, mountains and community that NSW has to offer. 

I have a keen interest in cattle and equine work, small animal surgery and diagnostic imaging, as well as working with wildlife. 

When not at work, I love being outdoors, whether that be camping, hiking, beaching or in the garden. My partner and I also love travelling and discovering great food and wine, as well as local music gigs!

Dr Patrick O'Donoghue DVM

Veterinarian

I graduated from Veterinary Science in Adelaide in 2025 and have broad interests in small animal care, production animals, and equine work. I’m particularly drawn to wildlife medicine, which continues to be a strong focus of my professional interests.

Outside the clinic, I spend most of my time in the ocean surfing, experimenting in the kitchen (often with fermentation projects), and playing in a band.

Stephanie

Veterinary Nurse

Originally from the beautiful Andes mountains in Colombia, where I studied and worked as a vet from 2016. After some world travels, I landed in Australia and couldn’t stay away from animals, so I started working as a vet nurse while brushing up on my English.

I’m still working on getting my vet degree recognised here, but in the meantime, I’m lucky to be part of the awesome team at Midcoast Vets. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me out hiking, chasing new adventures, and soaking up all the nature and culture this amazing place has to offer.

Sallie

Veterinary Nurse

I have worked in the animal industry for over 15 years, in vet clinics, pet shops and kennels. I have been working as a veterinary nurse since 2014 when I completed my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Week days you will find me helping animals medically and on weekends I am helping customers at a local pet store.  

I love all things animals. From helping choose the right parasite prevention for your new puppy, to helping nurse pets back to health.  I have an interest in emergency and critical care, rabbit anaesthesia, pet dentistry and client education.

Being a vet nurse and working with animals has always been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I grew up with a menagerie of small animals including birds, fish, rabbits and dogs. I am currently known as the bunny/dachshund lady. I own 4 Netherland dwarf rabbits and 4 Dachshunds. 

On my days off you will find me spending time with my furry babies, watching whales on the headlands and spending time with friends.

My favourite part of working with Midcoast Vets is the experience of working with such a knowledgeable and capable team. This allows me to broaden my knowledge and become the best possible vet nurse I can be.

Lauron

Veterinary Nurse

I grew up in central Victoria before making the move to Coffs Harbour in 2025, bringing over 16 years' experience in veterinary care and practice management.

On the weekends you will find my children and I are exploring this beautiful part of the world. 

Elly

Receptionist

Growing up on a small hobby farm on the picturesque Mid North Coast, I’ve been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember. That early love for all creatures, great and small, naturally led me to my role at Mid Coast Vets. My background on my family's farm instilled in me a lasting respect for the unique and powerful bond between humans and animals. These early experiences have shaped not only my outlook on animal care but also my belief in the deep connections we share with the creatures in our lives.

It’s an honour to be a part of each pet’s journey and to contribute to the client’s trust in our team. 

Beyond my professional life, I’ve always felt most at home in nature, from soaking up the sun at our beautiful local beaches with my partner on the weekends, to getting away for a few weeks with our friends to explore, fish, and have some laughs around a campfire together.  
When I’m not out adventuring or at work, you’ll find me at home looking after my many indoor plants or snuggled up on the couch with our little Kelpie Donny and a good book!!

Charlotte

Receptionist

I was born and raised on a hobby farm on the north coast of NSW, where my days were filled with caring for all animals, great and small, and nurturing native plants. Growing up in nature, I learned invaluable lessons in genuine compassion and environmental stewardship, which my parents instilled in me from an early age.
After leaving home to pursue higher education, I’ve always made sure to stay connected to animals and the environment. Thus, I am thrilled to be working at Mid Coast Vets, where I can contribute to a like-minded community.
Guided by my love of helping, my goal has always been to leave the world a better place than I found it — a mission I carry with me every day in both my work and personal life.

Grace

Kennel Hand

I grew up on the Mid North Coast my whole life and have always had a huge love for all animals.

In 2023, I completed my Cert II in Animal Care as part of a school-based traineeship. I then went on to do my Cert III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animals and am currently studying Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Prior to working at Midcoast Vets, I worked in the animal industry for 3 years with a range of different species, learning all about animal welfare, enrichment, and training, as well as having the opportunity to assist with lots of marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.

I love being in the clinic, learning, and meeting all the animals. Outside of work, you will find me at the beach, exploring, or hanging out with my family or friends.

Emily

Kennel Hand

I completed my Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2024 and am currently working towards my Certificate III. I plan to begin my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at the start of 2026.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my horse and catching up with family and friends.

Ivy

Kennel Hand

I have been working at MidCoast Vets since 2025 while studying for my Certificate III in Animal Care. My goal is to become a qualified veterinary nurse by 2028.
I am passionate about caring for animals and enjoy learning new skills to support my career. In my free time, I love going to the beach and keeping active.

Lauren

Clinic Manager

I grew up on a farm in the Nambucca Valley and after finishing school moved to Melbourne. Once I had left my family farm, I realised how much I missed it, and discovered my real passion was to care for animals. I completed my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill Institute. 

After 10 years working in and managing a small animal practice in Toorak, my family and I decided to come back home to the warm weather, clean air and tranquil beaches. One of my goals as a nurse has been to work in a mixed practice and gain more experience with large animals. I am very excited to be now doing this on my home turf! When I'm not at work, you will find me spending time with family and friends, usually at the beach.

Nicky Smith

Practice Manager

I joined Midcoast Vets in 2017 which was a big career change for me.  All my working life I worked for state governments in the area of environmental management.  Weary from working with government and the unavoidable intervening politics, I welcomed a radical change in career direction.  Joining Midcoast Vets has been a great move, a refreshing and challenging change.

Animals have been an important part of my life with one or two dogs always by my side. Being a practice manager has enabled me to marry my management skills and my love for animals.  In my job I am so privileged to work alongside a bunch of amazing nurses and vets who work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the best healthcare.

When I am not at work I enjoy bushwalking and camping, hanging at the beach, spending time with my family and dogs, reading books and gardening.