Dr Elizabeth O’Connor
Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc,FFCP,CEO)
Dr Liz O'Connor — Founder & Director
Liz graduated as a veterinarian in 1996 and opened Avoca Drive Animal Hospital in 2004, building it into a practice known for compassionate, forward-thinking care. An Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, she led the team in 2024 to become the first fully certified Fear Free veterinary hospital in Australia — a milestone that reflects her belief that every pet deserves to feel safe and calm.
For many of those years, Liz dedicated herself to retiring racing greyhounds, supporting their transition into loving pet homes through the Greyhounds As Pets initiative.
Liz has a deep passion for helping pets, people and the planet — and lives by a simple philosophy: curating joyful longevity for every animal in her care.
Dr Elizabeth O’Connor
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Dr Liz O'Connor — Founder & Director
Liz graduated as a veterinarian in 1996 and opened Avoca Drive Animal Hospital in 2004, building it into a practice known for compassionate, forward-thinking care. An Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, she led the team in 2024 to become the first fully certified Fear Free veterinary hospital in Australia — a milestone that reflects her belief that every pet deserves to feel safe and calm.
For many of those years, Liz dedicated herself to retiring racing greyhounds, supporting their transition into loving pet homes through the Greyhounds As Pets initiative.
Liz has a deep passion for helping pets, people and the planet — and lives by a simple philosophy: curating joyful longevity for every animal in her care.
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Dr Nyssa Ross
Veterinarian (Fear Free Certified)
Nyssa graduate from Murdoch University in 2015. With a love of all things moving, Nyssa enjoys working with the furred, the feathery and the scaley.
Nyssa relished physical challenges and enjoys rock climbing, bush walking and hiking. More recently, Nyssa has become an avid Gardner.
Dr Nyssa Ross
Veterinarian
Nyssa graduate from Murdoch University in 2015. With a love of all things moving, Nyssa enjoys working with the furred, the feathery and the scaley.
Nyssa relished physical challenges and enjoys rock climbing, bush walking and hiking. More recently, Nyssa has become an avid Gardner.
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Dr Briony Starer
Veterinarian (Fear Free Certified)
Briony has a natural passion for the emotional wellbeing of all creatures. Having been introduced to the Fear Free methodology, she has keenly embraced our clinic culture. With a deep love of Birds we pictured her with her much loved Sulphur Crested Friend "Lizzie".
Dr Briony Starer
Veterinarian
Briony has a natural passion for the emotional wellbeing of all creatures. Having been introduced to the Fear Free methodology, she has keenly embraced our clinic culture. With a deep love of Birds we pictured her with her much loved Sulphur Crested Friend "Lizzie".
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Destiny Marshall
Head Nurse (Fear Free Certified)
Destiny is our teams Head Vet Nurse. With more than seven years experience at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital and completing her Bachelor Degree as a technician at University, she is passionate about canine enrichment, development and care. She is regularly consulted by the team as a trusted and knowledgeable leader.
Destiny Marshall
Head Nurse
Destiny is our teams Head Vet Nurse. With more than seven years experience at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital and completing her Bachelor Degree as a technician at University, she is passionate about canine enrichment, development and care. She is regularly consulted by the team as a trusted and knowledgeable leader.
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Molly Schultz
Veterinary Nurse Assist (Cert 4 Veterinary Nurse in Training)
A Veterinary Nurse in Training with a passion for animals, Molly is our newest recruit, a fast learner and lovely personality make her a wonderful team member and we love having her helpful hand.
Molly Schultz
Veterinary Nurse Assist
A Veterinary Nurse in Training with a passion for animals, Molly is our newest recruit, a fast learner and lovely personality make her a wonderful team member and we love having her helpful hand.
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Leah Uzelac
Veterinary Nurse (Fear Free Certified)
Meet Leah, a passionate veterinary professional with over 22 years of experience in animal care. Her journey began at 16 during a work placement at her local vet, which sparked a lifelong commitment to the industry. Leah thrives at the reception, where she warmly welcomes furry friends and their owners alike. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, and working out at the gym. Pictured here with her beloved 6-year-old Border Collie, Indy, Leah’s dedication to animals is truly inspiring.
Leah Uzelac
Veterinary Nurse
Meet Leah, a passionate veterinary professional with over 22 years of experience in animal care. Her journey began at 16 during a work placement at her local vet, which sparked a lifelong commitment to the industry. Leah thrives at the reception, where she warmly welcomes furry friends and their owners alike. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, and working out at the gym. Pictured here with her beloved 6-year-old Border Collie, Indy, Leah’s dedication to animals is truly inspiring.
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Lauren
Trainee Nurse
Puppy School Trainer & Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Lauren is the friendly face leading our puppy classes, where she’s doing a wonderful job helping our youngest patients start off on the right paw. She is Fear Free certified and has successfully completed our hospital's rigorous puppy school instructor training. When she isn't teaching socialisation and basic manners, Lauren is busy expanding her skills as a trainee veterinary nurse, ensuring your fur babies receive the highest standard of compassionate care.
Lauren
Trainee Nurse
Puppy School Trainer & Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Lauren is the friendly face leading our puppy classes, where she’s doing a wonderful job helping our youngest patients start off on the right paw. She is Fear Free certified and has successfully completed our hospital's rigorous puppy school instructor training. When she isn't teaching socialisation and basic manners, Lauren is busy expanding her skills as a trainee veterinary nurse, ensuring your fur babies receive the highest standard of compassionate care.
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Louise & Manuel
Veterinary Nurse (Fear Free Certified)
Louise to the rescue! Pictured here with adorable little Manuel the rescue kitten, Louise has assisted us with nursing care over her University Holidays. On her way to becoming a qualified Veterinarian, Louise is passionate about helping pets and didn't hesitate to jump in and assist us with running a puppy school, doing reception and assisting the vets. We love having her on board with the team, and I'm sure you will enjoy meeting her too.
Louise & Manuel
Veterinary Nurse
Louise to the rescue! Pictured here with adorable little Manuel the rescue kitten, Louise has assisted us with nursing care over her University Holidays. On her way to becoming a qualified Veterinarian, Louise is passionate about helping pets and didn't hesitate to jump in and assist us with running a puppy school, doing reception and assisting the vets. We love having her on board with the team, and I'm sure you will enjoy meeting her too.
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