Veterinary Team in Canberra

Dr. Fiona Coghill

BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS, MVM, DipECVS

Specialist Surgeon & Director

Surgery with purpose

For Dr. Fiona Coghill, surgery is about far more than technical expertise—it’s about preserving the bond between pets and the people who love them.

As the Specialist Surgeon and Director of BVRS, Fiona combines advanced surgical care with compassionate communication and strong leadership. She oversees the surgical service, develops tailored surgical, anaesthetic and pain management plans for every patient, and works closely with families and referring veterinarians to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Having worked in a wide variety of veterinary settings throughout her career, Fiona founded BVRS with a clear vision: to create an independent specialist hospital where every patient is treated as if they were her own, and where a team of dedicated professionals can provide exceptional care with kindness, collaboration and integrity.

Fiona has a particular interest in soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurological surgery, along with surgical oncology, wound reconstruction and minimally invasive surgery. She is especially passionate about multimodal pain management and continually seeks opportunities to advance her knowledge and surgical techniques.

A lifelong commitment to specialist surgery

Becoming a veterinarian was Fiona’s childhood ambition, and surgery quickly became her calling. After graduating with honours from the University of Melbourne, she began her career in rural Victoria, where she developed a passion for complex surgical cases.

Her commitment to continual learning led her to complete Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Small Animal Surgery) in 2012, a Master of Veterinary Medicine through Massey University in 2017, followed by a rotating internship and specialist residency in small animal surgery at Animal Referral Hospital Canberra. She later achieved Diplomate status with the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS), becoming a registered Specialist Small Animal Surgeon.

Fiona values the collaborative environment of specialist referral practice, where advanced equipment, multidisciplinary expertise and evidence-based medicine come together to provide the highest standard of care. She also believes that outstanding veterinary medicine depends on a healthy workplace culture, and is committed to building a practice where both patients and the people who care for them can thrive.

“Being trusted to care for a much-loved family member is a privilege. Combining surgical expertise with genuine compassion to help animals return to the people who love them is what I enjoy most.”

— Dr. Fiona Coghill

Outside the hospital

Away from the operating theatre, Fiona enjoys running with her Border Collie, Jude, spending time on the family farm, and playing board games with her three daughters. She believes that maintaining balance outside of work helps her bring energy, perspective and compassion to every patient she treats.

Dr. Sarah Austin

BSc, BVMS, MANZCVS

Veterinarian & Surgical Registrar

A passion for surgery

Dr. Sarah Austin is a Veterinarian and Surgical Registrar at BVRS, where she is pursuing advanced specialist training in small animal surgery. She thrives in the operating theatre and enjoys the precision, problem-solving and teamwork that surgery demands. Whether assisting with complex procedures, managing patients through recovery or supporting owners during their pet’s surgical journey, Sarah is committed to delivering exceptional care with empathy and attention to detail.

Sarah has a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery, especially fracture repair and trauma management. She also enjoys diagnostic imaging and perioperative patient care, appreciating how every stage of treatment contributes to achieving the best possible outcome. Working alongside a team of specialists allows her to continually refine her skills while helping patients with some of the most challenging surgical conditions.

From Canberra to specialist training—and home again

A proud Canberra local, Sarah discovered her passion for veterinary medicine during Year 10 work experience at her local veterinary clinic. What began as a week of observation soon became a part-time role as a kennel hand, progressing to veterinary nursing before she returned after university as a veterinarian.

After several years in general practice, Sarah knew she wanted to pursue a career in specialist surgery. She completed a rotating internship at the internationally renowned Fitzpatrick Referrals in England before returning to Australia to undertake a surgical residency at Southpaws Specialist and Emergency Centre in Melbourne.

Meeting Dr. Fiona at an AO surgical course provided the opportunity to bring her specialist training back to Canberra. Joining BVRS has allowed Sarah to work in a collaborative environment where advanced surgical care, clinical excellence and compassionate client communication are equally valued—all while being close to family and the community she calls home.

Collaboration, curiosity and community

Sarah enjoys the collaborative nature of specialist referral practice and values learning from experienced colleagues every day. She believes that clear communication and teamwork are just as important as technical skill in achieving the best outcomes for patients and their families.

Known around the hospital for her relaxed nature, infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour, Sarah brings positive energy to the team and is always ready with a story. She has a particular fondness for Labrador Retrievers, whose friendly and optimistic personalities closely reflect her own.

Outside the hospital, Sarah enjoys brunch with family and friends (often accompanied by her dog), playing the piano, cooking and listening to Regency-era historical romance audiobooks.

Dr. Alex Holdsworth

BVSc, Master of Agriculture, Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition & Dietetics), MANZCVS

Surgical Intern

Dr. Alex Holdsworth is a Surgical Intern at BVRS, where she is developing advanced skills in small animal surgery while working alongside our specialist team. She spends her days assisting with complex surgical procedures, managing hospitalised patients, supporting anaesthesia and diagnostics, and helping guide patients through every stage of their surgical journey.

Alex has a particular passion for surgery and enjoys the challenge of combining technical precision with thoughtful clinical decision-making. She is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care and values the opportunity to work closely with owners, helping them understand their pet’s treatment and recovery every step of the way.

A significant milestone in Alex’s career has been recently achieving Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Small Animal Surgery) after many months of dedicated study and preparation. It is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects her commitment to learning and clinical excellence, and everyone at BVRS is incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement.

A lifelong commitment to learning

Alex’s path into veterinary medicine has been shaped by a genuine love of learning. Before becoming a veterinarian, she completed degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics and Agriculture, experiences that broadened her understanding of health, science and animal care before she ultimately followed her passion into veterinary medicine.

Over the past 16 years, Alex has built extensive experience across the veterinary profession, continually seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and refine her clinical skills. Specialist referral practice allows her to pursue her passion for surgery while learning from experienced surgeons and managing some of the most challenging and rewarding cases in veterinary medicine.

She thrives in an environment where collaboration, curiosity and continual improvement are encouraged, and is passionate about providing the highest standard of care for every patient.

“Surgery combines everything I love about veterinary medicine—problem solving, teamwork and the opportunity to make a lasting difference to a patient’s quality of life.”

— Dr. Alex Holdsworth

Her thoughtful, calm approach and strong attention to detail make her a valued member of the BVRS surgical team.

Outside the hospital

Outside the hospital, Alex enjoys discovering great coffee, listening to music, spending time outdoors, and expressing her creative side through painting and pottery. At home, she’s accompanied on many of her adventures by Manfred, her much-loved Border Collie.

Dylan Reardon

Receptionist

Creating a warm welcome

As one of the first people you’ll meet at BVRS, Dylan helps create a welcoming and supportive experience from the moment you contact the hospital. Whether answering the phone, coordinating appointments or greeting families at reception, Dylan is committed to ensuring every visit runs as smoothly as possible.

With extensive experience in customer service and reception, Dylan understands that visiting a specialist hospital can be an emotional time. A calm, friendly approach and genuine care for both people and their pets help put clients at ease, ensuring they feel informed, supported and welcomed throughout their visit.

One of Dylan’s favourite parts of the role is the variety that each day brings. Every patient, every family and every story is different, making each day an opportunity to help someone and contribute to the care their much-loved pet receives.

A career centred on people

Before joining the veterinary profession, Dylan spent many years as a hairdresser before moving into reception and client service roles. That background developed exceptional communication skills and a natural ability to build rapport—qualities that now help families feel comfortable and supported during what can often be a stressful time.

Although new to veterinary practice, Dylan has embraced the opportunity to learn about specialist referral medicine and enjoys being part of a team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care. Working alongside veterinarians, nurses and technicians has given Dylan a new appreciation for the expertise and teamwork involved in helping animals recover.

“I love being able to help people and make them feel welcome. If I can make someone’s day a little easier, I’ve done my job.”

— Dylan

A friendly face at the front desk

For Dylan, the best part of working at BVRS is connecting with people and being part of a team that genuinely cares about its patients and their families. Whether helping answer questions, organising appointments or simply offering a warm smile, Dylan believes that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Outside the hospital, Dylan enjoys reading, listening to music and going for long walks. Home is shared with two much-loved cats, Gucci and Armani, who ensure there’s never a dull moment and remind Dylan every day why caring for pets and the people who love them is so rewarding.

Jonna D’Cruz

Administrative Assistant & Reception Support

Jonna joined the BVRS team in February and brings a strong background in hospitality and customer service, where she developed a passion for creating positive client experiences. She also has unique hands-on experience working on a rural cattle station in the Australian outback, giving her an appreciation for animal care and the veterinary profession.

She holds a Certificate IV in Business and is currently completing a Double Diploma in Leadership & Management and Business, which she expects to finish in November. Since joining BVRS, Jonna has embraced every opportunity to learn about specialist veterinary medicine and enjoys gaining insight into all aspects of the hospital, with a particular interest in surgery.

Outside of work, Jonna loves travelling, spending time outdoors camping and hiking with her husband and friends, and returning home to Germany whenever she can to visit family. She also misses her much-loved Groodle, Emma, who still lives with her family in Germany.

Mabel Mon

Certificate II in Animal Studies, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nurse & Reception

Supporting every step of the journey

Whether she’s welcoming you at reception, assisting in theatre or monitoring a patient during anaesthesia, Mabel is dedicated to making every visit to BVRS as smooth and reassuring as possible. Her role spans client care, nursing, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia, allowing her to support patients and their families from their first phone call through to discharge.

Mabel enjoys the variety that comes with specialist referral practice. From assisting with surgery and advanced imaging, including CT and radiography, to coordinating appointments and keeping owners informed, she takes pride in ensuring every patient receives thoughtful, individualised care.

With a particular interest in anaesthesia and perioperative patient care, Mabel is passionate about creating a calm, safe environment for every patient. She understands that surgery can be a stressful experience for both pets and their families and values the opportunity to provide reassurance, clear communication and compassionate care at every stage of the journey.

From a love of animals to specialist nursing

Mabel’s passion for veterinary medicine began with her family’s two much-loved cats, Bella and Macy, who inspired her to pursue a career caring for animals. She completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at CIT before beginning her career as a kennel hand in Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. She quickly progressed into veterinary nursing and reception, gaining valuable experience in surgery, patient care and client communication.

Working in general practice gave Mabel a strong foundation in all aspects of veterinary nursing, while joining BVRS introduced her to the challenges and rewards of specialist referral medicine. She enjoys working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team, caring for complex surgical patients and continually developing her skills in anaesthesia and advanced patient care.

“It’s exciting to work with high-risk patients and make sure they have a smooth journey from their first point of contact to their last visit.”

— Mabel

Finding reward in every recovery

Mabel finds great satisfaction in watching patients recover and return home to their families. She has a particular interest in caring for cats and enjoys being part of the team supporting brachycephalic patients through airway surgery and recovery. Seeing nervous pets become comfortable and confident during their stay is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

Outside the hospital, Mabel enjoys arts and crafts, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with her favourite television shows. At home, she’s kept company by her two 10-year-old Domestic Shorthair cats, Bella and Macy, whose companionship first inspired her career in veterinary nursing.

Kristy Eades

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency & Critical Care), Certificate in Canine Myofunctional Therapy, Certificate in Animal Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Nurse

Helping every patient recover with confidence

Kristy leads the physical therapy and rehabilitation service at BVRS, helping patients regain comfort, strength and mobility following surgery. Working closely with our surgeons and nursing team, she develops personalised rehabilitation programs that support each patient’s recovery from the moment their procedure is complete through to their return to normal life.

Her role combines hands-on physical therapy with owner education, ensuring families feel confident continuing their pet’s rehabilitation at home. Whether guiding post-operative exercises, improving mobility or supporting long-term recovery, Kristy is passionate about helping every patient achieve the best possible outcome.

With qualifications in veterinary nursing, emergency and critical care, canine myofunctional therapy and animal physical therapy, Kristy brings a unique combination of nursing expertise and rehabilitation knowledge to the BVRS team.

A career that came full circle

Kristy always knew she wanted to work with animals, but her path into the profession wasn’t a traditional one. Unable to gain the unpaid clinical experience that was often required to enter veterinary nursing, she pursued her passion through canine myofunctional therapy, completing intensive training before establishing her own canine massage business.

After relocating interstate, Kristy went on to qualify as a veterinary nurse and has since built more than a decade of experience across animal shelters, general practice and specialist referral hospitals. Returning to rehabilitation allowed her to combine her first professional passion with her nursing skills, creating a career centred on improving quality of life for patients.

Having previously worked alongside Dr. Fiona and several members of the BVRS team, joining the practice felt like a natural next step.

“Building relationships with clients and their pets is one of the best parts of my job. Watching patients regain their confidence and mobility after surgery is incredibly rewarding.”

— Kristy

Compassionate care, every step of the way

Kristy loves that rehabilitation allows her to think creatively, tailoring every recovery program to the individual patient. Whether she’s designing exercises for an orthopaedic patient, supporting a neurological recovery or helping an older dog maintain mobility and comfort, her goal is always the same—to help every patient enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Known for her calm and compassionate nature, Kristy has a wonderful ability to help even the most anxious patients relax during their therapy sessions, making rehabilitation a positive experience for both pets and their families.

Outside the hospital, Kristy enjoys crafting, cooking and spending time with her family and their much-loved Cavoodles. Although she now calls Canberra home, the beach remains her favourite place to unwind.

Dean Swift

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Rehabilitation Nurse

Where advanced patient care happens

Dean holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and has experience across small animal general practice, orthopaedics and rehabilitation. After completing his qualification in Sydney between 2015 and 2017, he began his career in general practice. In 2023, he returned to veterinary nursing as an Orthopaedic Medicine and Rehabilitation Nurse at a specialist hospital in Canberra, where he spent two years developing his skills in rehabilitation and orthopaedics. He has also worked at Harrison Veterinary Clinic before joining the BVRS team.

Dean has a particular interest in rehabilitation for geriatric patients and those recovering from surgery. He is passionate about improving mobility, managing pain and helping each patient achieve the best possible quality of life.

Outside the hospital

Outside of work, Dean enjoys spending time with his two Labradoodles, Freddie and Kirby, although they can often be found zooming around the house or getting into mischief. He also enjoys building his Lego collection, watching the latest horror movies and exploring new places with his fiancée. With a wedding to plan and future travels to dream about, there is always something keeping him busy.

Laura Fleitas

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology (BVT), Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Clinical Nursing Team Leader

Leading exceptional patient care

As Clinical Nursing Team Leader at BVRS, Laura ensures every surgical day runs smoothly from the very beginning. Before the first patient arrives, she’s reviewing the day’s procedures, coordinating the nursing team and making sure every patient has a tailored plan in place. Her leadership helps create a calm, organised environment where patients receive the highest standard of care from admission through to discharge.

Laura combines her role as a Veterinary Technician with a passion for mentoring the nursing team and maintaining exceptional clinical standards. She has particular interests in anaesthesia, perioperative nursing and post-operative patient care, and is dedicated to ensuring every patient receives compassionate, individualised treatment throughout their stay.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is building genuine relationships with families and supporting them through what can often be an emotional time. She also has a special fondness for young patients undergoing fracture repair and believes that creating positive hospital experiences early in life helps build confidence for any future veterinary visits.

A career built on compassion

Laura has always been drawn to caring for others, and combining that passion with her love of animals made veterinary medicine a natural career choice. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing before graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology from Charles Sturt University in 2018.

Over the past eight years, Laura has gained experience across general practice, emergency and specialist referral hospitals, developing expertise in caring for critically ill and surgical patients. She was drawn to referral practice by the opportunity to work with advanced equipment, complex cases and a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering exceptional patient care.

For Laura, it’s the attention to detail and the opportunity to truly individualise care that make specialist nursing so rewarding. She values having the time to understand each patient’s needs and to support owners through every stage of their pet’s treatment.

“The attention to detail in referral practice and the relationships we build with our clients are what I find most rewarding. Every patient deserves care that’s tailored to them as an individual.”

— Laura

Care that goes beyond the procedure

Outside the hospital, Laura enjoys hiking with her German Shepherd, Kira, discovering new cafés and restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Her colleagues know her as enthusiastic, hardworking and someone who brings plenty of laughter to the team. She believes that a positive workplace helps create positive patient experiences, and her favourite saying reflects that philosophy perfectly: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

Sammi Muir

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

Veterinary Technician

Where advanced patient care happens

Sammi is a highly skilled Veterinary Technician who plays an integral role in every stage of patient care at BVRS. From preparing patients for surgery and monitoring anaesthesia to assisting with advanced imaging, surgical nursing and client communication, she helps ensure every patient receives exceptional care before, during and after their procedure.

You’ll often find Sammi in theatre or the preparation area, carefully monitoring patients, supporting the surgical team and making sure every detail is in place for a safe and comfortable experience. She enjoys building relationships with both patients and their families and loves following their journey from surgery through to recovery.

What drew Sammi to specialist practice was the opportunity to care for the complex and challenging cases she had always wondered about while working in general practice. Now, she’s part of the team providing the advanced surgical care those patients need, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to see them regain their quality of life.

A career inspired by animals

Sammi’s veterinary career began almost by chance. While returning to school to complete Year 12, she noticed students in the veterinary nursing course spending time with dogs and quickly realised she’d found the path she wanted to follow. Swapping Australian History for veterinary nursing proved to be one of the best decisions she ever made.

She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2011 before returning to university in 2019 to further her knowledge, graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. Her commitment to lifelong learning reflects her passion for continually improving the care she provides to every patient.

Working in a specialist referral hospital has allowed Sammi to spend more time focusing on each patient’s individual needs. She especially values the relationships she builds with owners and is continually inspired by the love and dedication they show their pets.

“I love being part of a patient’s journey and seeing them recover after complex surgery. It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’ve helped them get back to the families who love them.”

— Sammi

Known by her colleagues for her deep loyalty and attention to detail, Sammi is a valued member of the surgical team who takes pride in helping every patient receive the highest standard of care.

Outside the hospital

Outside the hospital, Sammi enjoys trivia nights, movies, jigsaw puzzles and caring for her beautiful collection of orchids.

Jade Webster

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Technician

Where advanced patient care happens

Jade brings almost 10 years of veterinary nursing experience to BVRS, with a strong background in surgical nursing, anaesthesia and caring for complex and critically unwell patients. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, along with additional training in leadership, first aid, mental health first aid and advanced life support.

Jade has worked in busy veterinary hospitals in Sydney and Wagga Wagga, as well as in referral practice in Canberra, where she progressed to become a Surgery Team Leader. Her particular interests are surgery and anaesthesia, especially challenging and critical cases, as well as diagnostic imaging and obtaining high-quality radiographs.

Jade is passionate about fear-free handling and creating a calm, comfortable experience for every patient in her care. She believes that excellent nursing is about combining technical skill with patience, empathy and attention to detail.

Outside the hospital

Outside of BVRS, Jade enjoys competing in motorsport, riding motorbikes and snowboarding.