CA
Meet your pet's dedicated care team
DR MICHELLE HARRISON
PRACTICE OWNER AND VETERINARIAN
Michelle joined the practice in September 2005 not long after she and her family arrived in Australia from England.
Born in Scotland, she was brought up on the tea plantations of India and Malawi. She later returned to Scotland, attended university in Glasgow, and qualified as a vet in 1995.
She spent the next 2 years in the Welsh hills treating anything from hamsters to bulls. It was here she met her husband, Harry, and together they then moved to the Cambridgeshire Fens where she spent a further 2 years in mixed practice.
Realising that the safe, warm, clean confines of surgery appealed to her more than the cold, dirty, often hazardous conditions of large animal practice, she hung up her wellies and moved to a small animal emergency hospital in Bedfordshire where she worked until June 2005.
Michelle and Harry have 2 daughters – Chloe and Amy – and in July 2005, Michelle and her family arrived in Perth to start a new life in the sun with the emphasis on spending more quality time as a family.
On the vet front, Michelle loves the diversity of general practice but her main interests include surgery, orthopaedics, dentistry and rabbit medicine.
Michelle shares her house with her fun-loving labradors, Gus and Dixie, and 2 cheeky cats, Mango and Skittles. She spends a lot of her spare time chauffeuring kids, managing netball teams and officiating at surf clubs.
Michelle and her family are now firmly entrenched here in Perth, and Michelle is now enjoying the new challenges that come with owning a veterinary practice.
DR MELANIE CRIDDLE
PRACTICE OWNER AND VETERINARIAN
Melanie joined us in March 2011, having previously worked in a mixed animal practice in Geraldton, and in small animal practice in Perth.
A 2001 Murdoch graduate, she completed her membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal medicine in 2007 and has a special interest in this field and cancer care.
A local girl, having been educated at St Hildas, Melanie is married to Paul, an Investigative Steward with RWWA, and they have a daughter Madison.
Her outside interests include boating and fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling and she also plays the piano. Much to Tony’s disappointment, she is an avid West Coast Eagles supporter! To round off the household she shares her home with a Bengal cat Cooper and Jake the Beaglier.
Melanie is committed to providing a high quality of care to her patients, and is also enjoying the world of veterinary practice ownership.
DR MONICA LIN
VETERINARIAN
Monica joined the practice in July 2011 and recently returned to work part time after becoming a mum to Freya. She is definitely a super-mum and continues to run her kelpie Cherry everyday and is hoping little Freya will join the run in the near future.
Monica also has 3 cats at home (Luna, Ashlee and Silver) which she describes as the destructive indoor variety honing her house keeping skills on a regular basis!
Originally from Taiwan where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, she decided to follow the pathway of becoming a veterinarian after her own dog had an unsuccessful procedure and joined a practice working part time before she came to Perth.
Once in Perth she applied to the Veterinary course at Murdoch University and subsequently met her husband Joshua, so all the pieces started to fall into place.
A real pocket rocket Monica feels her size limits her in sports but loves dancing, swimming, scuba diving and table tennis and from what I can see her determination more than makes up for her small stature. Soccer and tennis absorb her as a spectator though Tony has been trying to sell her the benefits of following the Mighty Cats!
She has completed an acupuncture certificate and she now offers acupuncture services within the clinic and also as home visits.
DR LEAH RICHARDS
VETERINARIAN
Leah has now joined the Swanbourne Vet team permanently, but has previously done some locum shifts with us since March 2017. She graduated from Murdoch University in 2009, and upon graduating, moved back to her hometown of Melbourne, where she worked in Small Animal veterinary hospitals for 8 years.
Longing for Perth’s sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle, she and her family moved back to WA. Leah is married to Leon (also a vet!) and they have 2 young children – Ernie and Layla. They also share their house with Luna, a 2 year old rescue domestic shorthair cat.
Leah grew up in Melbourne, attending high school at Wesley College, and then went on to commence study in a Bachelor of Science degree at Melbourne University. 2 years into this, she was accepted into the Veterinary Science course at Murdoch University and moved to WA.
In her spare time, Leah enjoys running and yoga – she is currently completely a 2 year yoga teaching training course! She also loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors – you will mainly find her at the beach. And of course, she is an avid Collingwood Pies supporter, and so siding with Tony in the Swanbourne clinic rivalry of Victorian vs WA AFL teams is alive and well.
Leah enjoys all aspects of canine and feline medicine and surgery, and has a particular love of fostering the special bond between owners and their pets. Dear to her heart is ensuring that ageing pets are comfortable and have optimal quality of life in their geriatric “golden years”.
DR BETH THOMPSON
VETERINARIAN
Beth hails from Gisborne in New Zealand where she was dux of her secondary school, Campion College in Gisborne.
She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomed at the Auckland University before moving to Perth to study Veterinary Science at Murdoch University.
Her pedigree for the position includes grandparents who owned a dairy farm and a stepfather with a cattery so she definitely has the background.
Two sheep, an aged retriever and younger Labrador along with a host of chickens and two cats all make up her menagerie, which her mum is hosting in her absence!
In her spare time she runs half marathons regularly and aims to do a full marathon one day!
Beth has worked at Swanbourne for several years now, initially on weekend reception. She is now part of our wonderful team of veterinarians that take loving care of your pets. Look out for Beth when you are next in the practice!
DR TESS BASFORD
VETERINARIAN
Tess joined our team in May 2023 having previously worked in small animal practices in Perth and Margaret River.
She grew up surrounded by lots of animals (sheep, cattle, horses, dogs and wildlife) in Esperance and Margaret River, and has a farming background. As a vet, Tess loves most aspects of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, however she has particular interest in endocrinology, pathology and pain management (especially in geriatric patients). She prides herself in continually providing excellent quality care to her patients and clients at the clinic.
Tess shares her life with her husband John, son Sebastian, and her 2 working Cocker Spaniels Hugo and Finn. Despite all their problems, Tess is a Cocker Spaniel tragic!
In her spare time, Tess enjoys Alpine hiking, cycling, travelling, baking, horse riding, walking the dogs and spending as much time with her family as possible.
Welcome to the team Tess!
DR SOFIA MATHIASSEN
VETERINARIAN
Originally from Sweden, Sofia holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine. She moved permanently to Claremont in early 2025 with her husband David, their fluffy Finnish Lapphund Mochi, and rescue cat Jackson.
Sofia brings a wide range of experience, from receptionist to licensed veterinarian, and has worked in both Sweden and Australia. She also spent time in hospitality, retail, and as an au pair before focusing fully on veterinary medicine.
With a strong interest in surgery and a passion for continual learning, Sofia is committed to providing the best care for her patients and clear communication with pet owners. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, gardening, outdoor activities, and reading.
Her international background, active involvement in the International Veterinary Students Association (IVSA), and dedication to evolving practices make her a valuable part of the Swanbourne team.
DR LAURA TONER
VETERINARIAN
Laura graduated from The Royal Veterinary College (London) in 2005. After several years in small animal practice in the UK, she made her way to Perth in 2014, along with anaesthetist husband Andy, and their eldest child. Two more children later, and seduced by the fantastic lifestyle that Perth offers, the family became Australian citizens in 2020.
Prior to joining the team at Swanbourne in July 2024, Laura worked at several practices around the Metro area whilst balancing early motherhood and travel back to England. In 2020 she achieved an RVCS (UK) Certificate in Advanced Practice, with special interest in internal medicine and dermatology. She enjoys complex geriatric cases and medical mysteries.
Outside of caring for children and animals, Laura enjoys ballet, yoga, golf, and volunteering time to a variety of community fundraising events and heritage conservation projects.
DR TONY VIGANO
VETERINARIAN
Tony joined the practice in January 1969 after spending 2 months as a student in the Christmas of 1967/68. He was employed to allow the fledgling Doubleview practice to increase its hours and apart from a period 1973-76 spent in the UK has been here ever since. He joined Ian Miller in partnership in 1976 and became the sole owner in 1988 on the tragic death of Ian in that year. He sold the practice to Dr Michelle and Dr Mel in July 2021, but remains on the veterinary team!
A past president of the WA Division of the Australian Veterinary Association (1984), he was inaugural chairman of the Australian Veterinary Boards Council (1999-2001) and was a member of the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board in WA from 1988-2003 and chairman from 2001-2003.
He remains active within the AVA and is currently a co-organiser of the WA State Conference held in September concurrently with the AVA/Murdoch/Trade Fair that he has convened since 1981, and is currently a senior sessional member of the State Administrative Tribunal since 2005.
Since the sale of the Doubleview practice in March 2004 he assumed a more active hands on role at the Swanbourne practice and completes 50 years in practice at the end of 2018. He then sold the practice in 2021, but continues to work at the clinic in a casual capacity.
To say he is enjoying the success of his beloved Cats (Geelong Football Club) is an understatement. An active supporter since 1955 he has been ecstatic with their current success.
KRISTY
PRACTICE MANAGER AND VETERINARY NURSE
Kristy is one of our success stories joining the practice fresh from school 20 years ago as the kennel hand. At the same time she enrolled in the part time Veterinary nursing course at Bentley TAFE which she completed with ease and then joined the full time nursing staff at Swanbourne.
Her reliability and unflappable nature have made her an integral part of the practice and she ensures the back half of the practice functions efficiently organising the vets and supervising the younger staff.
She took the plunge in April 2009 marrying Mark and they now have 2 children in tow – Mia and Zac. They share their life with Storm the Staffie. Kristy enjoys spending time with her family, and going camping and 4-wheel driving.
OLIVIA
HEAD VETERINARY NURSE AND HOSPITAL MANAGER
Olivia joined the team at Swanbourne vet midway through 2018.
She is a Perth girl and finished her secondary schooling at Hollywood High School. She then spent 2 years overseas in Berkshire (UK) working with horses.
On returning, she started work at the Dunsborough Vet Clinic. From there she completed the Certificate 4 nursing course at Subiaco and was there for 7 years. After this she spent two years in NSW returning to Perth in 2014.
Olivia enjoys her sport, specifically boxing and running. She shares her household with her two children Ella and Oscar, and her senior female labrador Sunny.
Olivia loves to go down south in her spare time, visiting the wineries and beaches along the coast.
EMMA
HEAD VETERINARY NURSE AND HOSPITAL MANAGER
Emma joined the Nursing team at the Swanbourne Veterinary Centre, and has a Bachelor of Communications, whilst recently graduating as a Veterinary Nurse with a Certificate 4 from the Applied Vocational Training Centre.
A local Claremont girl, Emma was educated at MLC and attended the practice with her family dog Otis the Griffon. She now has her own fur baby Loki, a gorgeous cavoodle!
Along with her family, she enjoys travelling, having recently been to Hong Kong, and is also keen on tennis, boxing and netball.
Her recent employment includes traineeships at Vetwest and the Perth Cat Hospital and her aim is to achieve a diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
So, watch out for Emma when next you attend the practice as we welcome her to what we hope will be a long and successful career here at Swanbourne.
MICHELLE
VETERINARY NURSE
Michelle joined our team in April 2014 having completed her nursing course (certificate 4) in 2013.
Michelle grew up on a large sheep and grain farm in the Great Southern town of Jerramungup attending the district high school until year 9 after which she completed her education at Penrhos in 2009. She attended TAFE here in Perth completing several animal related certificates including the cert 4 nursing qualification.
Like most country girls she worked extensively on her parent’s farm as she grew up. As a general rouseabout, on the wheat bins, drenching, needling, drafting and jetting sheep she gained lots of experience and it is no mystery that she is now a veterinary nurse. Throw in chaser bin driving, work at a reptile park, and volunteer work with native animals it is no surprise she looks forward to continuing specialised courses as she furthers her studies.
In all of this she finds spare time to play netball, as well as scrapbooking, cross stitching and card making. She also loves to go camping and travelling. Sharing her life with partner Robert and their Domestic Shorthair cat Mustang, they have plans to one day travel the world with an emphasis on France.
It is a pleasure to be surrounded by people like Michelle in our every day work and we look forward to her long association with the practice.
LEAH
VETERINARY NURSE
Leah joined our team in March 2022 having gained her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2021. She is a Perth girl who enjoys travelling and has lived in many places around the world – interstate in Victoria and New South Wales, as well as overseas in England and Canada, however Leah still calls Perth home!
Having previously worked at the Dog’s Refuge Home in Shenton Park, as well as other veterinary clinics in Perth, she joins the team with the desire to further her studies in veterinary nursing, or even a veterinary technician course.
Leah shares her home with Mr Fin (Finley), a beautiful 5 year old Golden Retriever, and together they love spending time at the dog beach. Leah loves the outdoors, and in her spare time enjoys camping and the ocean, as well as snowboarding. She contrasts this with her love of musical theatre.
Welcome to the team Leah!
ELLA
VETERINARY NURSE
Ella joined our team in September 2022 as a kennel hand and trainee nurse and has since qualified as a veterinary nurse. Growing up on a farm in Brunswick Junction with horses, cows, chickens, and dogs, she developed a deep love for animals. She attended school in Bunbury before moving to Perth, where she earned a Bachelor of Science from UWA, majoring in zoology and conservation biology.
Now a fully qualified veterinary nurse, Ella is passionate about providing excellent patient care and hopes to one day work in Africa with endangered wildlife.
Outside of work, Ella enjoys spending time with her horses, Indi and Wilga, and her dog, Zip. She loves the beach, snorkeling, and scuba diving, as well as playing music on the piano and ukulele. Her passion for animals, especially African wildlife, continues to inspire her journey in veterinary nursing.
We’re thrilled to have Ella as part of our team and look forward to seeing her grow in her career!
MADDERSON
VETERINARY NURSE
Madderson joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre in October 2024 with a strong background in animal care. She holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, majoring in Animal Health and Science. Currently, Madderson is pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, further enhancing her expertise.
With a passion for wildlife, she has volunteered at a wildlife center for five years, gaining experience with native reptiles, mammals, and birds. In her free time, Madderson enjoys outdoor activities, wildlife photography, playing the piano, and designing animal-themed socks. She also serves as a volunteer secretary for a charity supporting vulnerable community members.
Madderson is dedicated to expanding her knowledge, particularly in endocrine diseases affecting animals, and aspires to work more with wildlife and exotic species. One day, she hopes to combine her love for animals and photography by traveling as a wildlife photographer.
ABIGAIL
KENNEL HAND AND TRAINEE VETERINARY NURSE
Abigail joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre in December 2024 and is currently studying to become a veterinary nurse. Passionate about animal care, she is eager to learn and grow in the field, aiming to become the best nurse she can be.
Originally from England, Abigail moved to Perth at the age of 10 and attended Shenton College for high school. She has a diverse background, having worked as a bartender, theatre orderly, receptionist, and pharmacy assistant.
At home, she shares her life with her beloved pets—Rosie, a 10-year-old tabby cat, and two dogs: Reggie, a 5-year-old Springer Spaniel x Poodle, and Jackson, a 5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Outside of work, Abigail enjoys playing netball and traveling—having already explored 19 countries! She also has a strong interest in animal rehabilitation and hopes to incorporate it into her future career. We’re excited to have her on the team and look forward to seeing her grow in the veterinary field!
SAMANTHA
VETERINARY NURSE
Samantha joined our Swanbourne team in May 2021, having completed Certificate 3 in Companion Animal Services in 2016 and Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing in 2017. She has worked previously at the Cat Cafe in Perth, and also volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary for 2 years.
Sam shares her life with her wife TJ, Archie a cavoodle, a Burmese-X cat called Obi, and Luna a domestic shorthair. She has a keen interest in dog and cat behaviour, and hopes to become an animal whisperer!
In her spare time, Sam enjoys being outdoors, hiking, snorkelling and exploring the great state of WA. She is a keen skateboarder and loves hanging out with her family and friends.
KYLIE
VETERINARY NURSE
Kylie is one of our senior veterinary nurses. She commenced with us in March 2005 as a kennel hand and grooming assistant, whilst doing the nursing course part time.
From Tambellup, Kylie attended the local primary school and then completed high school at the Katanning High School. She relocated to Perth and commenced a government traineeship in veterinary nursing which allowed her to work full time with us during the course.
Her family has a farm in Denmark, and coming from a country background there is no shortage of pets in the household with dogs, pet sheep and fish. Having done work experience at a vet clinic in Bunbury, as well as helping her father in the shearing shed during school holidays, we believed Kylie was the perfect choice, and she has certainly fulfilled our hopes.
Kylie shares her home here in Perth with her partner Mark, and her Miniature Schnauzer Odin. In her spare time, Kylie is a lover of sports, and enjoys kickboxing and kayaking and spending time in the gym. She also has her own personal training business called Unleashed Active, with classes for dogs and their owners. Kylie hopes to travel more and further her education in Management and Behaviour.
CLAIRE
VETERINARY NURSE
Claire joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre in February 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from her 10 years in the veterinary industry. Starting as a kennel hand, she worked her way up to become a qualified veterinary nurse, gaining valuable experience as a head nurse in both general practice and a specialist dermatology clinic. Claire holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation and Wildlife Biology/Biological Sciences.
Originally from Perth, Claire grew up in Canning Vale and Harrisdale, later studying at Murdoch University. Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates, baking, creating clay earrings, snorkeling, hiking, and taking her French Bulldog, Pablo, to the beach. Claire shares her home with a wonderful array of pets, including Pablo, a rescue cat named Sanchez (a three-legged domestic shorthair), a Ragdoll cat named Bella, and a lop-eared rescue rabbit named Nelly.
With a passion for wildlife and conservation, Claire’s goal is to continue expanding her knowledge and skills in environmental management while enjoying travel and outdoor adventures with friends.
CHARLES
KENNEL HAND
Charles has been a long standing employee at our clinic, starting with us in October 2011. Charles works every Saturday morning as a kennel hand, assisting in feeding all the boarding patients, walking the boarding dogs, and ensuring the practice is clean and tidy!
Charles is a Perth boy, having attended Christ Church Grammar School. He has successfully gained his white card and also works as a pharmacy stock holder.
Charles shares his life with his partner Sarah and his beautiful Cavoodle Louie. In his spare time, Charles enjoys drawing, writing, playing video games, bike riding and of course helping animals. Charles has a goal to one-day publish his own graphic novel!
Look out for Charles when you next come to visit us on a Saturday!
ALBA
KENNEL HAND AND RECEPTIONIST
Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Alba brings a rich and diverse background to our front desk. With a degree in Primary Education and experience working across multiple industries and countries, she has a natural ability to connect with people and adapt to new challenges. Her previous roles range from teaching and reception work to caring for calves on a farm in New South Wales — a job she found both physically demanding and deeply rewarding.
Alba has always loved animals, growing up with a variety of pets including dogs, turtles, rabbits, birds, and even chickens! She currently has a Spanish Water Dog named Woody back home in Spain.
Friendly, approachable, and always eager to help, Alba is passionate about combining her love of animals with her commitment to providing excellent client service. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her partner and friends, exploring the outdoors, running, yoga, and travelling to experience new cultures.
JAYDE
RECEPTIONIST AND TRAINEE VETERINARY NURSE
Originally from Singapore, Jayde brings warmth and efficiency to the front desk at Swanbourne Veterinary Centre. With a passion for animals and excellent customer service skills, she ensures every client and their pet feel welcome and well cared for. Whether assisting with appointments, answering questions, or offering a friendly smile, Jayde is dedicated to making each visit as smooth as possible.
BECKY
RECEPTIONIST
Becky joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre in February 2024, bringing her skills as an experienced Animal Nursing Assistant. She holds an Extended Diploma in Animal Management, which reflects her dedication to animal care and welfare.
Originally from Norfolk, England, Becky attended Temington Street Clement High School before beginning her career in the veterinary field. Prior to joining our team, she worked as a receptionist at London Road Vet Centre, where she gained valuable experience in client care and animal support.
Becky shares her home with Alvin, her beloved 8-year-old rabbit. In her free time, she enjoys running and staying active. Her passion for animals and dedication to providing excellent care make her a valued member of our team.
JAIMEE
RECEPTIONIST
It is with much pleasure that we introduce Jaimee who joined the squad here at Swanbourne mid November 2014 as a receptionist. Jaimee comes from Whangarei in the North Island of New Zealand having arrived in Perth in July 2013.
She worked for a Pathology laboratory in NZ, then Barbagallo’s here in Perth before joining us, and spends her leisure time playing netball, keeping fit in the gym, socialising with friends, and at the beach. She has a naturally afflicted with a passion for the All Blacks.
Animals have always been part of her life coming from a farm so cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and fish plus a pet lamb and cows are very familiar to her as she looks forward in her new job and where that will take her, including possibly veterinary nursing. Jaimee shares her home in Perth with her partner Paddy and their son Caleb, bull terriers Boomer and Bronco, and Benji the domestic shorthair cat.
TYRA
RECEPTIONIST
Tyra joined our team of receptionists in August. Having completed high school in Perth, Tyra lived in the Kimberley at times during her childhood, including Kununurra and Broome. However, she has always loved returning to her abode in Fremantle.
She completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physiology at UWA in 2019. Tyra is now currently in her 2nd year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Course at Murdoch University, and expects to graduate as a Veterinarian in 2025.
Tyra shares her home with two wrinkly and slobbery Shar Pei X rescue dogs – 3 year old Maverick and 4 year old Remi.
In her spare time, Tyra loves a good outdoor adventure involving camping, hiking, four-wheel driving, mountain bike riding or scuba diving! However, she is certainly also very excited to explore the many avenues that the veterinary profession has to offer.
Welcome to the team Tyra!
EMELIA
RECEPTIONIST
Emelia joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre in August 2024 and is currently studying Veterinary Science/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University. Born and raised in Perth, she attended John XXIII College. Emelia brings valuable experience from her previous role as a stable hand at Valley Equine Vet Centre.
She shares her home with Luna, a Staffy mix, and two cats, Katniss and Primrose. In her spare time, Emelia enjoys horse riding and beach swims. Her goal is to complete her DVM degree while gaining hands-on experience at Swanbourne Vet.
JANET
GROOMER
Janet joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre as a groomer in January 2022. With a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Animal Health, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Originally from Malaysia, Janet ran her own pet shop, House of Pets, where she worked as a groomer and also served as a vet assistant at Sabah Animal Medical Centre.
Janet’s passion for animals extends to her own pets, including five beloved dogs currently in Malaysia: Sassa (Rottweiler), Layla (Golden Retriever), Tuborg (Siberian Husky), Mickey (Mini Schnauzer), and Snoop (Rottweiler puppy). In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and playing the piano. Janet’s goal is to transfer into a Veterinary course and explore animal acupuncture in the future.
SARAH
GROOMER
Sarah joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre in November 2022 as a skilled groomer with a Certificate III in Pet Grooming. Originally from Perth, she has also lived in various country areas of WA. Before transitioning to grooming, Sarah worked in retail but found her passion for pet care while studying at TAFE.
She shares her home with Rose, a 7-year-old Whippet mix, and Jasper, a 6-year-old Tabby cat. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys animals, music, and reading. Her goal is to continually enhance her grooming skills and provide top-quality care for pets.
CLARE
GROOMER
Clare joined Swanbourne Veterinary Centre as a groomer in January 2023, bringing with her a Certificate III in Dog Grooming as well as qualifications in Business and Business Administration. Originally from England, Clare moved to Australia in 1988 and has since lived in both Perth and various country towns in WA.
With two adult children, Clare’s household is also home to a lively 2-year-old Kelpie named Coby, a senior cat named Mkia, and a miniature horse, Titch. Passionate about continuous learning, she aims to enhance her grooming skills through seminars and workshops. Outside of work, Clare enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved pets.