Meet The Team - Sugar Loaf Animal Hospital

The vet your pet will love

For over 25 years, Sugarloaf Animal Hospital have provided expert veterinary care to pets across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Even as far as Dubbo and Port Macquarie.

Who Are We

Sugarloaf Animal Hospital is a family-owned veterinary clinic in Newcastle and the Hunter region, providing expert care for all small animals, including exotic, unusual, and avian pets.

Our team of passionate and experienced veterinarians and veterinary nurses delivers the highest standard of care for every species. We have a particular focus on exotic and unusual pets, performing advanced procedures and continually updating our knowledge with the latest veterinary best practices.

We ensure gold-standard care for every patient. Whether it’s routine health checks, advanced surgeries, or specialised exotic care, Sugarloaf Animal Hospital is dedicated to keeping your pets healthy, happy, and thriving.

Our Mission

To nurture the special bond between pets and their owners. We provide compassionate, expert care to ensure every pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life, treating each animal as if it were our own.

Our Professionals

Meet Our Team

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Kathy Le
LeAD veterinarian

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Qualifications: Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, MANZCVS (Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets)

Dr. Kathy graduated in 2019 from the University of Sydney, where she completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. During her studies, she worked as a veterinary nurse for a busy small-animal hospital in Sydney. This is probably why the nurses say she is the cleanest vet in the building! After graduating, Kathy worked as a Veterinarian for the RSPCA, where she was able to help a myriad of shelter animals as well as pets and their families in difficult situations, and hone her surgical skills.

After deciding that she wanted a new challenge, Kathy joined the team at SAH in 2021. As her colleagues like to put it, she has ‘fallen rather gracefully’ into exotic practice and has developed a newfound passion for all our furry, feathered and scaly friends. In 2025, she successfully attained her Memberships credentials in Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets and is a recognised member of this chapter. In collaboration with her colleagues, she is able provide advanced level of care to all the weird and wonderful species that we see at Sugarloaf. However, she does still thoroughly enjoy canine and feline medicine and surgery.

Outside of work, Kathy enjoys 4WD-ing, camping, hiking, and always seems to be keeping busy! She has two dogs, Bambi (a cross-breed terrier) and Cricket (an Italian Greyhound) who ironically have not embraced her outdoorsy lifestyle and prefer to be asleep on the couch!

Dr. Brett Fong
Associate Veterinarian

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Qualifications: Bachelor Degree in Animal Biology

Dr. Brett graduated in 2021 from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Sydney. Prior to this, Brett obtained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology in Canada where he grew up.

Brett joined Sugarloaf upon graduating after completing a final-year placement here as he is passionate about exotic animal medicine. Growing up, he cared for all kinds of unusual pets including fish, canaries, a newt, bearded dragons, ball pythons and many more.

In the near future, Brett is planning on sitting the membership exams for the Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets to help further his knowledge and expertise in the field.

Outside of work, Brett enjoys collecting rare tropical plants, wildlife photography, and spending time with his partner and their cavoodle, Monte.

Dr. Daisy Douglas
Associate Veterinarian

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Qualifications: Veterinary degree

Dr Daisy grew up on a beef farm in a small rural town outside of Bathurst. The abundance of cattle, sheep, dogs, ponies, birds and ferrets helped kindle a deep love for animals. This naturally led her to follow a career in veterinary medicine – a passion also helped along by her father’s collection of James Herriot books and her grandmother’s tales of her own years as a vet student.

Daisy spent time in Europe and the United Kingdom, where she became a licensed Falconer, which led her to another great love – birds – be they large or small!

She obtained her Veterinary degree from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga – which is probably why she is never found without her cowboy boots and big belts! During her time at university, she rescued a pair of chickens – Eggwina and Mable – who terrorised the neighbourhood and learnt all sorts of tricks when tempted with a krusket.

Outside of work, Daisy can be found out and about with friends and her rescue dog Clove, or with her nose in a book with her pet sparrow Tiny Bird on her shoulder.

Dr. Mark Simpson
Associate Veterinarian

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Qualifications: Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Dr Mark actually founded Sugarloaf Animal Hospital way back when!

Since graduating in 1991, Dr Mark has amassed 30 years of experience in looking after small animals, whether they are furry, feathery or scaley! He has a special passion in all things Avian, which stretches as far as some truly spectacular photography.

Although Dr. Mark now spends most of his time traveling to many far-flung and remote areas in Australia in pursuit of his favourite hobby, he remains a trusted mentor and advisor to our younger Vets that are following in his footsteps.

Dr. Kimberley Wright
Associate Veterinarian

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Qualifications: BSc (Zoology), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Dr. Kim graduated from the University of Sydney in 2023 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Previous to this, she completed a Bachelor of Science (zoology) majoring in general biology. With a lifelong fascination for animals—especially the weird and wonderful, Dr Kim brings a deep passion for both domestic and exotic species into every aspect of her veterinary work.

Since graduating, Dr Kim has pursued a dynamic career in veterinary medicine, with a special interest in reptiles, rabbits, birds and other exotic pets. Her personal collection includes a range of slithery and scaly companions—snakes, lizards, and a thriving marine aquarium—as well as rabbits Ruben and Lala, Jack the cat and a spirited Dalmatian Bonnie who keeps life interesting. Her largest and oldest companion is her horse Cobalt, who is 30 years old.

Kim always aims to deliver a calm, thoughtful approach to patient care, and is dedicated to making both pets and their owners feel comfortable and confident, whether it’s during a routine check-up or something more complex.

When not in the clinic, Dr Kim enjoys horse riding, photography, going on walks/camping with her dog Bonnie and exploring the underwater world through scuba diving.

Dr. Adele Seow
Associate Veterinarian

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Bio Coming Soon

Dr. Shannon Ng
Associate Veterinarian

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Bio Coming Soon

Our Nurses

Tori
NURSIng manager

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Qualifications: CERT IV Veterinary Nurse since 2016

Tori has been a qualified Veterinary Nurse since 2016, completing her Certificate IV at Kurri Kurri TAFE.

Tori started her career in Sydney, within the specialty field of Veterinary Ophthalmology, where she learned all about animals’ eyes, as well as nursing high-risk anaesthesia patients.

She then moved back to Newcastle in 2019 and began working in a Shelter Environment. There, she quickly became a foster carer: taking home dogs with behaviour issues, or that had been mistreated and needed extra comfort and training; caring for day-old kittens needing round-the-clock feeding and care; and bringing home the odd guinea pig who needed somewhere safe to give birth and look after their babies.

Tori has been a part of the Sugarloaf family since August 2020 and was drawn to the clinic by her love of exotic animals. She enjoys caring for all patients and feels she gets the best of both worlds as she continues caring for dogs and cats in addition to looking after all the birds, reptiles and exotic patients we see.

You may see Tori running Puppy Preschool classes, admitting your animal for surgery or a hospital stay, taking snaps for our social media page or just generally cooing over your pet. She believes each animal should be treated how we want our own pets to be treated and strives to build bonds and trust with every patient she interacts with. She will often refer to herself as ‘treat lady’ and ensures every patient is offered plenty of snacks in addition to cuddles.

Tori continues to further her studies through online courses, delving deeper into exotic medicine and anesthesia, as well as being selected to attend exclusive workshops in Wildlife Treatment and Care at Taronga Zoo in 2022.

When Tori is not as work, you might find her out and about with her fiancé or being a crazy dog mum to Winston the Italian Greyhound, AJ the Rottweiler X and Penny the Rescue Greyhound. Tori enjoys going out with friends, live music, attending various doggy meet ups and is currently planning her wedding.

Amilia
veterinary nurse

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Milly, or as she’s called at work, Mildred, was born and raised just around the corner from Sugarloaf Animal Hospital. Like most of the beautiful staff here, she has had a keen interest for animals and animal care from a young age. Her mum, Janette, is a vet nurse and Milly would often tag along with her to work, which sparked a love for animal nursing.

She lives in the Hunter Valley with her husband Blaise and her very sweet little 2-year-old daughter Marli. At their property, they own a menagerie of animals, which includes 3 dogs, 2 cats, some reptiles, 2 horses and a bunch of chickens, which keep her very busy!

Since graduating in 2011, she has been passionately caring for animals through other clinics until landing her dream job at Sugarloaf Animal Hospital in 2014. Milly very quickly grew to love caring for our little exotic patients and her passion for exotics and wildlife grew from there. During her time at SAH she has cared for many baby wildlife such as possums, gliders and little tawny frogmouths (her personal favourite).

When not at work, you’ll find Milly spending quality time with her little family, cooking, caring for her animals or working out in her home gym.

Taylah
veterinary nurse

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Qualifications: Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

Taylah started her veterinary nurse journey in mid-2019 in a small animal practice and quickly grew into the role of senior veterinary nurse by the end of 2020. Taylah had done work in neo-natal care, orthopaedic surgeries, oncology cases & becoming a head dental nurse & head surgery nurse prior to coming to sugarloaf. Despite working in a mostly dog & cat clinic, what Taylah enjoyed most was working with the exotics that came through the door, ranging from birds, reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, to her favourite of all, the rats!

Because of this passion in exotic & wildlife care, she joined the Sugarloaf team in mid-2022 in the role of senior vet nurse. Taylah’s favourite aspect of her job is the surgical nursing & getting to care for a patient in hospital right through their treatment. She looks forward to the challenges of new cases arriving daily & being able to work so closely with such intelligent & amazing vets as she continues to grow her skills in exotic care. You can find Taylah doting over all the rats and mice who come to the hospital & often providing them with “chacuter-rat-ie boards” when in hospital.

In 2021, she was nominated for the Covetrus veterinary nurse of the year award & has also completed further education in animal dentistry & oncology in dogs. Taylah looks forward to continuing her education with more of a focus on exotics & wildlife care.

Sharla
veterinary nurse

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Sharla graduated in nursing in 2015 and has been loving it ever since. She has spent periods working in both Australia and the UK.

Sharla has always been in love with cats and dogs, but a new-found love for bunnies and the desire to learn more of the exotic side to nursing, led to Sugarloaf Animal Hospital as the best place to go !

Learning and enjoying all these little creatures has opened up a whole new world of nursing.

When she is not working at Sugarloaf, you can sometimes find her at the emergency centre, or spending time with her family.

Zoie
VETERINARY NURSE

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Bio Coming Soon

Danielle
VETERINARY NURSE

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After deciding for the career change that she has always dreamt of, Del completed her Certificate IV in Vet Nursing and started out under a volunteer work placement at Sugarloaf. Del officially joined the SAH team in April 2013. Del has also completed a Diploma in Business Administration & Financial Planning. Coming from a Client Service trained background and with ongoing education means Del can provide a high level of knowledge and service.

After a short hiatus, Del once again returned to SAH in April 2024. Del feels extremely fortunate to be part of the SAH family and loves her role within the team. When you meet Del, you will immediately feel welcomed by her warm and enthusiastic personality.

Del has a love for all creatures great and small, in particular for geriatric patients. It is a special age where our pets need to be honoured, to give back the love and support that they have provided to their humans over whatever life hurdles we have faced with our pets by our side

In her spare time, Del enjoys soaking up the sun on her small hobby farm of preloved chickens, horses, cows, dogs, birds, and her wonderful husband and step-children who help build the never-ending coops and enclosures for the animals that seem to ‘appear from nowhere’.

Michelle
VETERINARY NURSE

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Bio Coming Soon

Alana
VETERINARY NURSE

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Bio Coming Soon

Matilda
ANIMAL ATTENDANT

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Bio Coming Soon

Our Support Team

Jacinta
Practice manager

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Qualifications: Certificate II in Animal Studies, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Jacinta’s love and passion for animals started from a very young age, with her mother showing rough collies and shelties. Her weekends were spent camping with all their show dogs, at all pedigree shows around NSW.

As Jacinta got a little older, her love for animals became stronger, with her own dog Jessie, who was a mastiff x Staffy — she was a gentle giant. Unfortunately, Jessie became terminally ill with cancer and that was Jacinta’s turning point to becoming a veterinary nurse, starting her Certificate II in animal studies while doing her HSC.

Jacinta became an employee of Sugarloaf Animal Hospital in 2014, where she continued to complete her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing through the highest standard of training, Cramptons Consulting. After completing her certificate, she proceeded to take on puppy preschool training, then further progressed into a nursing manager role.

Outside of Sugarloaf, Jacinta and her partner have their own little farm, with their two beautiful little boys, who keep Jacinta on her toes at all time. She also has to look after their two dogs, Luka and Remy, 18 chickens, sheep and their funny little alpaca Buddy.

Bree
receptionist

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Bree was always destined to be an animal lover, having been brought up in a horse-racing family from a young age, as well as growing up with many dogs and cats.

Bree was a part of Mt. Sugarloaf Pony Club from the age of 4, as well as always being around the family business of Harness Racing with her parents & grandparents.

After leaving school, she was straight into the family business, starting to race her own horses as well as others to this day. She also competes her off-track thoroughbreds in dressage and showing. Bree eventually found herself working in the medical practice field, but this didn’t quite scratch the itch, so when the opportunity arose to join the SAH Family, she was very quick to jump in.

Outside of work, Bree trains her own team of trotters and still finds the time every weekend to play netball. She has 7 beautiful kitties, and a Whippet called Franklin.

Briony
receptionist

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Born & raised in Newcastle, Briony & her family always had a variety of pets. Once she reached adulthood, Briony decided a career with animals was a no-brainer & moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Biological Sciences with a double major in Zoology & Microbiology. She then went on to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management. Briony gained animal based experience & skills whilst volunteering at Blackbutt Reserve before deciding to work in retail management. Needing a career change, Briony applied for a customer service job at the RSPCA. During this role she gained extensive knowledge about animal care, behaviour & treatment.

Having been a client at the Sugarloaf Animal Hospital for many years, Briony was over the moon to be offered her dream job working here in late 2021! Briony is enjoying meeting all the lovely clients & beautiful furry, feathered & scaly animals.

Briony, a guinea pig fanatic, is always excited to see guinea pigs in the hospital! She is always keen to have a chat about guinea pigs & steal a pat when she can!

Currently Briony & her partner have 6 guinea pigs, 9 fish, 3 bunny rabbits & 2 cats who they absolutely adore.