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 Tim Laws

Veterinarian BVSc

Tim graduated from the University of Queensland in 1987. Over the years Tim has worked mainly in Mackay and England before coming to Tassie in 1994 to work at the Animal Medical Centre. Tim joined the partnership in 1997, sold back his share of the partnership and retired in 2022, and is now back on a casual basis here and there to keep his mind working and all his skills up to date. Tim's interests at work includes all types of surgery (especially orthopaedics), and being able to work as a vet without the added responsibility of running the business.

At home he spends time with his lovely wife Leith and their two daughters- Eden and Annie. He enjoys his family time as well as bush walking, hiking, kayaking and mountain bike riding. Through retirement he also spent time travelling with his family. Tim has a Golden Retriever named Pepper, two cats named Henry and Molly and an abundance of budgies.

Dr Amanda Auricht

Veterinarian BVMS BSc

Amanda: aka 'Mandy' graduated from Murdoch University in 1982 and has worked in small animal practices ever since. Mandy has worked in WA, NT, SA and Tasmania as an employee, a locum and practice owner during that time.

Mandy’s main area of interest is small animal medicine, particularly feline medicine and loves being able to make a definitive diagnosis that results in a positive outcome.

Mandy moved to Launceston from Adelaide in November 2017 to take up a position in the AMC Cat Clinic mostly doing consulting and some surgery.

When not at work Mandy loves spending time with her two children (one lives in Adelaide, the other in Melbourne), their partners and grandson.

Mandy and her partner have just bought a 3 hectare property north of Launceston. They are interested in self-sufficiency and enjoy walking their dogs and riding their horses.

Mandy is also a keen quilter, cook, homemaker and yoga enthusiast.

Mandy looks forward to building the business at the cat clinic and seeing more of Tasmania.

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 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.

Dr James Brown

Veterinarian B.Sc. (Hons), B.V.Sc, MANZCVS

Dr James graduated from Sydney University in 2009 and started work at the Animal Medical Centre in February 2021. James has spent the last 8 years working at a Specialist Referral and 24 hour Emergency Hospital where he completed his memberships in Small Animal Surgery and a Surgery Residency program. He currently works part time and is studying for his Specialist Surgery Fellowship exams. James enjoys all aspects of surgery but has a special interest in neurosurgery, orthopaedics and reconstructive surgery. He has published articles in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and the Australian Veterinary Journal.

James is a keen cyclist and when not in surgery or studying, can be found riding or exploring the best that Northern Tasmania has to offer with his wife and son. While still learning the rules, he is also a valued team member of the AMC mixed netball team, who are very grateful for his height!

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 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 Nicolle Brooke

Veterinarian B.Sc., DVM

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.

Bec Stokes

Human Resource Manager

Bec has worked with us since November 2020, starting as Assistant Practice Manager and recently taking on the role of Human Resource Manager while she also completes her Diploma of Human Resource Management to continue to help manage a large, wonderful and diverse team such as that at Animal Medical Centre. A mum of 2, Bec lives in Launceston with her husband, 2 sons, 2 German shepherds (Lachie and Ruby), her fluffy grey cat (Freddie) and a quaker parrot (Minnie).

Having worked in medical administration, business accounts management, office management, general administration, and retail, it was a dream come true for Bec to be offered a position with us, especially as she is also a loyal client!

Although a lover of all animals, Bec has a keen interest in dogs, big ones in particular. Bec also competes in a variety of dog sports with her aforementioned German Shepherds.

Bec is a Hufflepuff through and through; loves to be creative through drawing, painting, sewing and photography; enjoys getting out into nature with family and friends; and strives to be helpful and friendly in all aspects of her life.

Abby P

Leading Veterinary Nurse

Sarah W

Leading Veterinary Nurse

Sarah originally joined our nursing team 2013, then came back to us in 2020 after taking some time off to travel.

Sarah is one of the nurses that make up our leadership team, and has a special interest in canine surgical procedures, especially orthopaedics.

At home Sarah spends her time adventuring with her partner Rhys, and their fur children Scout and Worm. She has also recently foster failed / adopted a ginger kitten named Alvin.

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.

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

Melanie G

Veterinary Nurse

Mel is our only qualified Veterinary Technician, having studied a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology through the Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga NSW.

At home Mel has a cat called Carley and 2 rabbits named Bruce and Florence. She also loves wildlife and water sports. 

Anna M

Veterinary Nurse

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.

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.

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 / Acting Head Receptionist

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.

Sam R

Veterinary Nurse

Sarah B

Veterinary Nurse

Affectionately known as "Little Sarah" (to differentiate her from our other 2 Sarah's!), Sarah is our little 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 kennel / hospital nursing team.

Sarah has started her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, and has also been 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.

Ali C

Receptionist

Ali joined the AMC team early 2017 as a receptionist after working at UTAS.

Ali loves her role at the AMC and working with animals.

She has a special love for Pugs!

Kirsti L

Veterinary Nurse / Receptionist

Kirsti recently moved to Tasmania from Sydney after many years of travelling here to visit family.

Having worked in the veterinary industry her whole career, in nursing and customer service, Kirsti enjoys her role as a receptionist on our busy front desk at Animal Medical Centre. She also has her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing which she updated in 2016.

At home she has a husband and daughter, 3 cats and a Pomeranian named Crumbs.

Kirsti enjoys exploring the beautiful sights of Tasmania in her 1984 Nissan campervan and gardening.

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.

Jayde W

Receptionist

Kate D

Receptionist

Shelleeanne K

Leading Hospital Nurse

Kate T

Hospital Nurse

Zoe C

Hospital 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.

Casey D

Hospital Nurse

Casey has been a part of the Animal Medical Centre team since September 2022 after completing both her Certificate II & III in Animal Studies.

Casey hopes to begin her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and become a fully qualified veterinary nurse.

Casey shares her home life with a Red Heeler x named Echo, a DLH cat named Neiko, a DSH cat named Kyo, and a half moon beta named Dude. Aside from her pets, outside of work Casey enjoys kayaking, reading, gaming and other outdoor adventures.

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.

Josie C

Hospital Nurse