Dr Nigel Edwards
Veterinary Director
BVSc (Hons), MVS
Nigel is our head Veterinarian and works full time at the Clinic, except for Thursdays. Nigel grew up on a small farm near Armidale in northern New South Wales where his first act of Veterinary medicine was splinting a goat's broken leg at the age of about 13. The goat went on to make a full recovery and he was never going to have any other career.
Nigel graduated as a Veterinarian from the University of Queensland 2003 (with Honours) and went on to complete a Master of Veterinary Studies in Conservation Medicine through Murdoch University in 2006.
After 18 months in mixed practice in Victoria, he moved to the UK where he worked as a locum for 4 years in a variety of mixed and small animal practices. Highlights of his time there included checking the ears of Sir Elton John's dog in Kensington and trimming the horns of Her Majesty's Sheep near Windsor Castle. He did 2 summer seasons in Antarctica as a leopard seal anaesthetist for a scientific research team before returning to Australia for 2 years in a busy 24 hour practice in South East Melbourne.
Nigel’s last 5 years have been spent in research and development for a major animal health company, refining his knowledge of the most up to date animal treatment and prevention options available to the veterinary industry.
His main interests are in preventative medicine (including dental health and hygiene), pharmacology and soft tissue surgery.
When he’s not spending time caring for your pets at Wellington Village Vet, Nigel’s is occupied with his wife and 3 children, as well as the family dog Nacho. Nacho joined the family as part payment for trimming a pony's feet somewhere on the outskirts of Dandenong. He is assumed to be part Jack Russell terrier, part Maltese, part something else and part something else. When people ask what breed he is Nigel finds it easier to tell them he is a Dandenong Terrier.
Dr Marcus Cheung
Veterinary Director
BVSc (Hons), CVA
Dr. Marcus is an experienced vet who works full time with us, having joined us in May 2019. Marcus graduated from the University of Queensland with Honours in 2013 and can be found running around the clinic most days, consulting, performing surgery and helping behind the scenes.
He started off as a mixed animal veterinarian in Dubbo, NSW, keen to gain as much experience as possible. After a three-year stint of treating all animals of all sizes, from dogs to cats to alpacas and even a turtle once, he decided to make the move to Melbourne after falling in love with the city on a weekend trip here.
Marcus has a keen interest in internal medicine, ultrasound and surgery of dogs and cats, particularly regarding the musculoskeletal system. He has also undertaken further study to become certified in veterinary acupuncture.
At home, Marcus is kept busy by his son, Finn and his two little rescue chihuahua’s, Simba & Coco.
We look forward for you to meet Dr. Marcus on your next trip into the clinic!
Dr Stef Smith
Veterinarian
B.V.M.S
Dr Stef has been a part of the Wellington Village Vet team since 2022.
Stef graduated from Murdoch university in 2012, and continued practicing as a small animal veterinarian in regional Western Australia for a couple of years before returning to where she grew up in Melbourne.
Her passion lies in ensuring optimal care for every patient and their human, through empathy and understanding.
Outside of the clinic, Stef enjoys a laugh, hiking, eating, listening to music, relaxing and spending time with her family.
Dr Belinda Wilkin
Veterinarian
B.Ag.Sc, B.V.M.S (Hons)
Belinda is a Murdoch Uni graduate and has worked in rural WA and Victoria. She enjoys working with a variety of animals both large and small, fur or feathered.
When not working as a vet she is busy on her farm where she breeds sheep, cattle and grows flowers. In her spare time she enjoys travelling with her husband and sons.
Her pets at home include Tashi a Tibetan Mastiff, Molly a lurcher, Jasper an ancient cockatiel and chooks.
Tayla
Practice Manager/Veterinary Nurse
Tayla began nursing in 2007 working part time after school at a busy mixed animal clinic where she completed her certificate IV in Veterinary nursing.
She joined the team at Wellington Village Vet at the beginning of 2018 and instantly felt at home.
Tayla loves the excitement of being able to learn something new every day, as well as the challenge of working with different dogs and cats.
Although Tayla has now moved into practice management, she does love surgery, and you will find her looking after your furry friends while they stay in hospital with us.
Tayla and her partner, James, are owned by an Italian greyhound named Miles and they spend their free time ensuring he is happy and entertained.
Sommer
Veterinary Nurse
Sommer has been veterinary nursing since 2019 now and completed her certificate IV in veterinary nursing in 2021. She began her career in a small shelter and then moved into private practice which she enjoys.
When not in the clinic, Sommer can be found with her two children, two Maine Coons Loki and Willow, Domestic Short Haired cat Dexter and Chihuahua Max.
Chloe
Veterinary Nurse
Chloe has been with us since August 2018 while completing her final year of studying Certificate IV of Veterinary Nursing. Chloe enjoys reception and assisting with the hospitalization cases aspects of veterinary nursing. Chloe also volunteered at a wildlife shelter prior to working here and has a special interest in wildlife.
When not at the clinic, Chloe can be found at the beach or hanging out with her two dogs, Ziggy, a Doberman, and Dayna, a Beagle X.
Jaymie
Veterinary Nurse
Jaymie started at Wellington Village Vet in 2020 and completed her certificate IV in veterinary nursing in 2021.
She has a passion for animals and is excited to be working in clinic and looking after your furry friends while they’re in hospital.
While not at the clinic you can find Jaymie reading, cooking or hanging out with her two border collies, Toby & Diva, as well as her cat, Blair.
Sarah
Veterinary Nurse
Sarah has been Veterinary Nurse for 17 years and joined the team at Wellington Village Vet in 2017.
Sarah loves all aspects of Veterinary nursing and enjoys working in reception, surgery or in the hospital.
Sarah has a passion for puppies and new dogs and providing owners with advice on their new furry family member.
When Sarah isn't working she enjoys outdoor activities with her family, including bike riding and camping.
At home she enjoys walking her dog Kesha who is a Labrador.
Kylie
Veterinary Nurse
Kylie studied veterinary nursing at Box Hill Tafe and Graduated cert IV in 2000.
Over her nursing career she has worked as an ER nurse in emergency centers, Surgical Nurse at orthopedic specialist centers in Melbourne and Queensland and managed clinics in general practice.
Kylie has always had a passion for animals and assisting in surgery.
Kylie has 2 kids now both in school which keep her very busy, 1 lazy St Bernard Henry and a beautiful rescue bulldog x Nelly.
In all her spare time she loves to getaway camping with her family, dogs and friends.
Kylie had the pleasure of working with Nigel in 2015 and is now excited to join him in his own clinic and his team at WVV.
Cassie
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Cassie is currently undertaking her certificate IV in veterinary nursing.
She discovered her love for animals whilst growing up on her family farm.
Growing up with cows, horses, dogs, cats and chickens; she knew immediately that she wanted to be involved in the animal industry.
When not working or studying, Cassie will be found playing netball or hockey, socializing with friends or with one of her beloved pets!
Cassie has two cats named Holly and Sicily and a dog named Honey.