Our Team

Our Vets

Dr Rob Schaeche

Veterinarian BVSc (Hons) (Partner)

After carrying Dave through university, Rob graduated in 1992 with honours and began working at the AMC in 1999. He joined the partnership in 2002 with the original Animal Medical Centre partners Malcolm Waterston and Tim Laws (now both retired). Apart from stirring and driving the nurses crazy, his particular interests at work are ultrasounds and surgery, especially eye surgeries.

In his spare time Rob is involved in the horse racing industry and encouraging his 3 boys with their sporting pursuits. He enjoys running and bushwalking and has a much loved Kelpie named Sandy.

Dr David Allen

Veterinarian BVSc (Hons) (Partner)

Despite having the handicap of being in the same year of vet school as Rob, David graduated from the University of Melbourne sometime last century. He initially worked as a large animal vet in Gippsland, VIC, then found himself on the other side of the world working in the UK. He is at pains to point out that he is not "the English vet", he has just picked up an unfortunate accent during his 14 years living there. After working in a referral practice in Nottingham for 6 years, David returned to help out his friend Rob (again) and began working at the Animal Medical Centre in 2011. He enjoys soft tissue surgery and medicine and is often found using the ultrasound machines.

David is married to Claire and has 2 young boys, a Jack Russell Cross called Charlie and a labrador called Olive. 

 

Dr Alison Gorrell

Veterinarian BVSc (Hons)

Alison joined the team in 2002. She has been working in Tasmania since she graduated from Sydney University in 1991 with honours. Her interests are in animal behaviour and feline medicine. In her spare time Alison manages her property and animals such as goats, chickens, pheasants and her 16 year old Cat named Busy Boy and her rescue kitten named Walter! 

Dr Sue Porter

Veterinarian B.Sc, DVM, DABVP

Dr Sue has had an exciting veterinary career beginning in the United States where she graduated and worked in various emergency clinics before teaching veterinary medicine in the Caribbean. During this time, she also became board certified in the US. Sue and her children moved to Australia in 2016 to work in Queensland at the JCU Veterinary Teaching Hospital as a medicine clinician and team leader of the referral practice, then onto North Coast Veterinary Specialists as a referral clinician, and finally down to Tasmania to now work with us as of March 2023.

Sue’s passions lie in infectious diseases, critical care cases, and medicine cases, including oncology and cardiology, liver and kidney disease, haematology, and everything in between. Sue is especially proficient in advanced ultrasound imaging and endoscopy and enjoys being able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together in those tricky medical cases. Sue also still enjoys teaching and our AMC vets and nurses have already found her depth of knowledge of veterinary medicine and willingness to share it to be an asset beyond measure.

Sue is greeted home each day by her 3 children and their lovely black labrador "Tiny." Together they enjoy adventuring and exploring the wilderness around them.

Dr Lisa Towns

Veterinarian BVSc

Since graduating from The University of Melbourne in 2003, Dr. Lisa has worked at various vet clinics in Northern Tasmania and the UK.

Joining the AMC team in December 2014 Dr Lisa works across both the dog and cat clinic and recently completed her studies to become a qualified veterinary accupuncturist. 

Dr Lisa's favourite part of being a vet is meeting your four-legged friends. She has always loved dogs and cats, but has developed a keen interest in rabbit medicine and surgery too.

When not at work, Dr Lisa enjoys spending time with her family - husband Duncan and their two children Violet and Henry.

She also enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and swimming.

Dr Tahlia Gale

Veterinarian BVSc

Dr Tahlia graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2017. During her first 2 years working in mixed practice on the North West coast, she developed a passion for small animal medicine and surgery. In 2019, Tahlia undertook a 12-month internship in emergency, critical care and surgery in a 24 hour emergency and referral hospital in NSW. 

Tahlia has been with us since April 2020 and shares her expertise between the dog and cat clinics where that passion for small animal medicine and surgery has blossomed. Tahlia is dedicated to providing comprehensive and gold-standard care and regularly participates in continued education to keep up to date. In 2024, she is undertaking a 12 month course in small animal medicine through the University of Sydney for continued education. 

Tahlia and her husband Robert have a little boy Henry, and as a family they enjoy gardening and growing their food, hiking, and enjoying meals with friends and family. They also have a cat (Beau) and several friendly backyard chickens.

Dr Darren Taylor

Veterinarian B.Sc., B.V.Sc

Dr. Darren graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2002 after first completing a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in Cape Town. He promptly moved back to Cape Town, where he worked in emergency, welfare, and regular small animal practices. Most of his experience was gained in welfare clinics, where the variety and complexity of cases proved his biggest source of learning and interest. It is also where Darren developed a special interest in surgery, especially orthopaedic surgery, and where he successfully repaired several hundred broken bones.

Darren also took part in multiple sterilisation campaigns for charities in under-served areas in South Africa. These saw him operating in all sorts of conditions, from backpacker garages on the green hills of the Transkei, to shipping container surgeries in some of the country’s biggest informal settlements. He estimates having desexed well over 10,000 animals in this time.

In January 2022, Darren moved to Tasmania with his partner and two daughters to join us at Animal Medical Centre and experience a whole new world of marsupials, chooks, and oodles of doodles. When not working, Darren heads off into the wilds of Tasmania to (depending on the terrain and the weather) hike, rock-climb, mountain bike, or kayak.

Dr Nicolle Brooke

Veterinarian B.Sc., DVM

Dr Tim Ruschena

Veterinarian BVSc, BSc, DipA

Dr Tim started with us at the Animal Medical Centre in July of 2022, quickly establishing himself as a funny, good-natured, jokester. 

Tim graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2012, and is currently studying with the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management. Tim is a self confessed Jack-of-all-trades when it comes to general practice veterinary medicine, but also has aspirations for continued study in advanced dentistry and behavioural medicine.

With his own beautiful Greyhound Wednesday waiting for him when he gets home from work, Tim is also our go to vet for treating Greyhounds in clinic.

When not at work treating our patients, building rapport with clients, or participating in playful banter with our nurses and other vets, Tim spends his time with partner Natasha and the aforementioned Wednesday the Greyhound. He also enjoys travelling, going to the gym, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Dr Bec Bourke

Veterinarian B.V.Sc. (Hons)

Bec graduated from the University of Queensland in 2020 with Honours, beginning her career as a mixed animal veterinarian. After three years working across a variety of species, she and her husband relocated to Tasmania with their beloved “fur family” and she joined the AMC team in November 2023. Bec has developed a strong passion for small animal internal medicine and is currently undertaking a postgraduate certificate in this field through the University of Liverpool, with the goal of completing her internal medicine membership examinations in the future.

Outside of the clinic, Bec and her husband Kieran run a 600-cow dairy, balancing farm life with family life. She is currently on maternity leave, enjoying precious time with their first child, Charlotte. Their household is never short of activity, shared with three energetic Border Collies, a Kelpie, and two cats.

In her spare moments, Bec enjoys baking, reading, and swimming. Whether she’s on the farm, in the clinic, or at home, she brings enthusiasm, care, and dedication to everything she does.

Dr Kath Adriaanse

Veterinarian BSc. (Hons), DVM(Distinct), MVSc, MANZCVS

Dr Imogen Foster Bauer

Veterinarian B.V.Sc. (Hons)

Dr Stephanie Tickle

Veterinarian M.A., VetMB, PgCert CertAVP

Dr Stephanie is an Australian who grew up in the UK and is now stuck with an English accent. She obtained her veterinary degree in 2000 and a Masters degree in Veterinary Sciences & Zoology in 2001, both from the University of Cambridge. Since graduating she has worked in small animal practice in both clinical and managerial roles.

Steph and her family survived 4 weeks of COVID Quarantine to migrate from the UK to Tasmania in July 2020. The family have since expanded with the addition of a rescue cat called Billy and a labrador called Rolo.

In 2021 Steph graduated from the University of Liverpool with a postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Professional Studies and obtained the RCVS Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice in small animal soft tissue surgery. In addition to dogs and cats, she has plentiful experience with rabbits and is always happy to see your hoppy pets.

She misses polo mints and proper marmite, but otherwise is loving all aspects of her Aussie lifestyle and has found Launceston to be a welcoming new home.

Our Staff

Matthew Godfrey

Practice Manager

Matthew is our Practice Manager who started with the AMC in 2019 bringing with him an extensive background in management.

Abby P

Leading Veterinary Nurse

Kirsten W

Leading Veterinary Nurse

Kirsten's childhood dream was to always work with animals.

Originally from Hobart where she began her career in 2015 as a veterinary nurse, Kirsten made the move to Launceston in January, 2018.

In February she joined the team at the Animal Medical Centre where she is continuing her passion to care for animals and educate people on how to care properly for their pets. 

Kirsten has completed her certificate II in Animal Studies and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. 

Outside of work Kirsten enjoys bushwalking and spending time with her daughter Mia, her partner Cameron, and their fluffy golden retriever George.

Chloe A

Leading Veterinary Nurse

Chloe joined the AMC team in late 2016 after starting off her vet nursing career in 2013 in a smaller clinic. Chloe took some time off in 2023 to travel the eastern side of Australia and returned to us in February 2024. Chloe is part of our leadership team and has taken ownership of nursing in our Cat Clinic. She is a Certificate IV qualified veterinary nurse and has also completed her ISFM Feline Nursing Certificate. 

Chloe enjoys all aspects of nursing but likes the challenge of looking after surgical cases. She is also passionate about our Cat Clinic and is always working on ideas to make it even better than it is.

At home Chloe has a Labrador named Lenny and a dachshund named Rudeous. Outside of work Chloe enjoys travelling and snowboarding.

Alice S

Leading Veterinary Nurse

Alice is one of our Certificate IV qualified vet nurses. Alice took a break from nursing in 2023, but rejoined our team in 2024.

Alice's favourite aspects of veterinary nursing include orthopaedic surgery and scrubbing into theatre however she also enjoys caring for sick patients in our hospital wards.

When she's not in scrubs, Alice loves spending time with her family, friends and her horses. Alice is a true local, and is an experienced horse rider currently involved in several clubs including drag-hunting and show jumping.

Alisha P

Veterinary Nurse

Alisha started her AMC nursing role in June 2020 after already completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at other clinics. In 2022, Alisha left Tasmania to travel and work in veterinary clinics in QLD, but recently returned to us in September 2023 with a whole range of more knowledge and experience, and with a certificate of completion in the Elevate Emergency Nursing program. She is a valued member of both our nursing and reception teams.

When not gracing us with her smiling face, Alisha enjoys her time at the gym, exploring all the amazing waterfalls and hikes Tassie has to offer, and with her dogs Percy and Henry.

Alisha loves her career as a vet nurse, specifically clinical nursing, helping provide education surrounding brachycephalic breeds, and being able to help patients feel safe while inside our four walls. With a passion for hospital care, Alisha is leading our team with new protocols and programs to keep the care of our hospital patients to the highest possible standards.

Harmony A

Lead Receptionist

Harmony started with the Animal Medical Centre in early 2024 as our Lead Receptionist. With a background in administration and obtaining a Certificate II and III in Animal Studies, she has found the perfect middle ground for her!

Harmony has a passion for providing quality customer service, mentoring her fellow staff and supporting our patients.

Outside of work, Harmony enjoys spending time with her two Miniature Dachshunds, Basil and Olive.

You can find Harmony on our reception desk most days of the week ready to greet your fur babies.

Lana D

Veterinary Nurse

Lana previously worked at The Animal Medical Centre as a vet nurse for 13 years before having 7 years off to raise her children. We were fortunate enough for Lana to return to us in 2014 as a part-time nurse.

When Lana isn't keeping our dispensary stocked with Kirsten by her side, she is covering reception or the occasional nursing shift in order to help the practice run nice and smooth.

Her interests include spending time with her family - camping and motorbike riding and she enjoys reading, cooking and socialising with friends.

Lana has a black Lab called Lily and a ginger rescue cat called Buddy

Clare J

Veterinary Nurse

Anna M

Veterinary Nurse

Amalia N

Veterinary Nurse

Joining our team in 2017, Amalia works full time here at the AMC and absolutely loves her nursing and reception roles, bouncing between both the dog and cat clinics. 

Karrie T

Veterinary Nurse

Karrie Taylor joined our team in 2016 after completing year 11 at Launceston College and studying her certificate II in Animal Studies.

Karrie is currently studying vet nursing.

Kathryn H

Veterinary Nurse

Kathryn (or Kat as we know her) has been with us since August 2019. After an academic career in animal behaviour research, Kathryn wanted to move into something more hands on where she could directly help and form relationships with individual animals, therefore began her career in veterinary nursing. Kathryn came to us from South Australia soon after we opened our cat clinic. In fact her draw card was because we opened our cat clinic. Kat love cats!

When not nursing (mainly our purring patients), Kathryn enjoys hiking, mountain bike riding, and exploring new places. She lives with her partner Luke and their ginger cat named Mango, who is often called upon to be a blood donor for our sick cat patients.

Kathryn is passionate about desexing, care of kittens, and responsible cat ownership, and used to manage a cat adoption program at her old clinic.

Shelleeanne K

Veterinary Nurse

Sarah L

Veterinary Nurse

Sarah joined us in 2017 and is working towards becoming a vet nurse.

Sarah is completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is a passionate wildlife 'rescuer/transporter' for Bonorong. 

3 horses, 2 dogs, sheep and a budgie keep Sarah busy while not at work. 

Maddi L

Veterinary Nurse

Tiarna P

Veterinary Nurse

Tiarna has been one of our most persistent applicants we’ve seen here at the Animal Medical Centre. Her determination was rewarded in August 2020 when we hired her as a receptionist and our work lives have never been the same since (in a good way).

Tiarna completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies, and has joined our nursing team as a trainee veterinary nurse, now studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. When not nursing, Tiarna continues to assist our reception team, taking on the leading receptionist role in an acting capacity and is our go to person for training new reception team members.

Tiarna likes to spend her time outside work with her husband Josh, their dogs, as well as family and friends. She and Josh have a beagle named Charlie and a Doberman named Maya.

Tiarna has found her calling in working with us here at the Animal Medical Centre, and is looking forward to pursuing her career as a veterinary nurse and fulfilling her dream of helping all the animals that comes through our doors.

Sarah B

Veterinary Nurse

Affectionately known as "Little Sarah", Sarah is our pocket rocket who came to us as a work placement student in November 2019 before COVID hit and never left. She is now an integral part of our veterinary nursing team.

Sarah has almost completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, and is also trained to work with our reception team, greeting clients and patients when they enter the clinic, and bringing her smiling and friendly face to our front of house.

When not at work, Sarah likes to spend her time practicing karate, camping, spending time with her friends and family, and hanging out with her dog Lucy.

Sam R

Veterinary Nurse

Zoe C

Veterinary Nurse

Zoe is our quiet achiever, starting her role as a kennel / hospital nurse in September 2020. In 2022, Zoe left Tasmania to travel and work in veterinary clinics in QLD, but recently returned to us in Septermber 2023 with a whole range of new knowledge and experience to share. Zoe is looking forward to starting her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2024, with the goal of becoming a fully qualified veterinary nurse in the future. She has also been showing us her customer service skills as part of our reception team too.

Outside of work Zoe spends her time with her friends, family, and pets, Finnley the Samoyed pup, and Gizmo the cat. She loves adventuring and experiencing everything that Tassie and the world has to offer.

Zoe is excited and passionate about her career and helping care for our client's fur babies.

Kate T

Veterinary Nurse

Kate is a passionate and dedicated veterinary nurse with a background in hospitality and a deep love for animals. After spending many years working in fast-paced kitchens and cafés, she made the rewarding shift into the veterinary world, where her calm under pressure and strong people skills have become real assets. Kate is currently working toward her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is excited to keep growing her knowledge and skills in the field.

At home, Kate shares her life with her partner Ben, their energetic toddler, and a lively crew of pets: Ralphie the Border Collie x Kelpie, Summer the ever-loyal Golden Labrador, and Nancy the rescue cat who was brought into the clinic wet and cold at just five weeks old. Her spare time is filled with dog walks, toddler wrangling, and planning her next coffee or dinner date.

Kate has a lifelong love for travel, especially snow adventures, and is keen to introduce her toddler to the mountains after years of chasing winters herself. She also enjoys cooking, which blends her hospitality past with her home life today. Warm, approachable, and always ready with a smile, Kate brings heart and dedication to every patient and client she meets.

Kate B

Veterinary Nurse / Receptionist

Kate recently moved back to Tasmania after living in Victoria for a number of years and joined our team at AMC in 2022.

Kate has been nursing since 2016, and you will find her on our reception desk 3 days a week. At home, Kate shares her life with 2 cats, Forrest and Dolly, and enjoys gardening, art projects and reading in her spare time

Kate D

Receptionist

Jayde W

Receptionist

Sam G

Receptionist

Sam started with us in February 2024 as a receptionist with a dream of moving into veterinary nursing down the track. She has a Certificate II in Animal Care from Launceston College which she gained shortly after moving to Tasmania from Sydney. Sam enjoys meeting our clients and their pets, learning from our experienced team of nurses and vets, and can't wait to be able to get more involved in the interesting cases we see through our treatment room.

At home she cuddles up with her Russian blue cat Louie, and Rosie the dachshund.

Away from work Sam enjoys going to the gym and dreaming of her next travel adventure, a passion she has been lucky enough to foster since she was three years old!

Ariana R

Receptionist

Casey D

Hospital Nurse

Casey joined the team at the Animal Medical Centre in 2022 jumping into her role as a Kennel Nurse after working in retail while completing her Certificate II & III in Animal Studies in pursuit of one day becoming a qualified Veterinary Nurse.

In her spare time, Casey enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog Echo whether it be bushwalking or days at the beach. 

While she loves working out the back caring for the Animals as a Kennel Nurse, you and your pets may also be greeted by Casey at the Reception desk.

Josie C

Hospital Nurse

Amy L

Hospital Nurse

Amy started with the Animal Medical Centre right at the end of March 2023 as a kennel nurse, studying her Certificate II in Animal Care at TAFE. A quiet achiever (until you get to know her) Amy has aspirations of continuing to learn all aspects of veterinary nursing and study her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing when the time comes. Recently we have trained her up in answering phones and booking appointments too.

Outside of work, Amy plays soccer and helps out on the family farm. At home she has two rabbits, a dog, a cat, 4 baby doll sheep and a wether.

Hope J

Hospital Nurse

Bella A

Hospital Nurse

Somer H

Hospital Nurse