Meet the Team

Dr Victoria Harrington BBMedSc BVSc (Hons 1) - Veterinarian/Owner

Since 2014 I have been the proud owner of the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic. I can’t imagine doing anything else, I genuinely love what I do and love the Ivanhoe area. My aim is to make the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic the best it can be and to champion the human animal bond by ensuring the health and happiness of all the pets that we see.

I am a born and bred Ivanhoe girl, having grown up in Ivanhoe East and attending Mother of God Primary School. In fact, Dr John Walton (the previous owner of the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic) was my family vet when I was growing up and I even completed my high school work experience at the Ivanhoe Vet Clinic!

After completing secondary school at Our Lady of Mercy College in Heidelberg, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University (2000-2002). In 2003, I relocated to the sunny shores of Sydney to commence a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, graduating with first class honours in 2007.

Following graduation, I followed my heart back to Melbourne, commencing a new graduate position at the Bundoora Veterinary Clinic and Hospital/ Northern Suburbs Animal Emergency Centre. This busy emergency hospital gave me the best start I could have ever hoped for, allowing me the opportunity to learn many aspects of internal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine in a highly supportive environment. I happily remained at this clinic until November 2011 before having the opportunity to work in my home suburb of Ivanhoe.

I was overjoyed to begin working in the Ivanhoe area, already having such strong links to the community. Since joining the practice I have furthered my strong knowledge base and skill set and have a particular interest in Dermatology. I have a genuine enthusiasm and compassion for my patients and clients alike. I love my patients and take pride in the fact that I may be their vet throughout their entire lives. It is my real pleasure to watch them grow and change from their first puppy or kitten visits all the way through to their senior check-ups.

In my down time, I love spending time with my two young boys Ben and Sam, my dogs Barney and Scruffy, staying fit at the gym or swimming at the local pool.

I look forward to being a part of the Ivanhoe community for many years to come and forming life long bonds along the way.

Dr Victoria grew up in East Ivanhoe and attended Our Lady of Mercy College. After graduation in 1998 Victoria completed a bachelors degree in Biomedical Science at Monash University before completing her Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at the University of Sydney in 2007. Dr Victoria has worked in emergency and general practice since returning to Melbourne and took over the running of the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic in Late 2014.

Dr Suzanne Leibel BSc (Hons 1) BVSc (Hons 1) - Veterinarian

Throughout my life I have always had a desire to help people and do my part to make the world a better place. Through my love of animals and problem solving I have found a way that I can fulfil this desire each and every day. I became a Vet because I recognised the very special bond between people and their pets. To most people their cat or dog is not just a pet but a member of the family, and as such by ensuring that our pets remain happy and healthy I am not only assisting the pet to live a better life but the pet owner too. It is my goal to ensure that every patient gets the very best treatment and care just as if I was treating my own cats Poppy and Moo who are just like family to me.

I love to constantly learn and to challenge myself to master new tasks, concepts and ways of doing things. Before I became a Vet I received my Bachelors Degree in Genetics and Zoology and worked at the University of London researching human diseases. After 4 years away I was drawn back home to Australia where I began my Veterinary Science degree at Sydney University. Once complete I moved back to my hometown of Melbourne where I worked in clinics in the Northern suburbs before finding my home at the Ivanhoe Vet Clinic. Over my time in practice I’ve expanded my skills by also undertaking further courses in abdominal ultrasound, surgery, seniors and geriatric health and ophthalmology.

Dr Suzanne is originally from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Dr Suzanne achieved first class honours degrees in both Genetics and Zoology from La Trobe University (1999) and Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney (2007). In between degrees Dr Suzanne worked in human disease research at the University of London. Dr Suzanne joined the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic team in early 2015 and has special interests in ultrasonography and animal behaviour. Away from the clinic Dr Suzanne loves spending time with her family (her husband and two daughters), reading and gardening.

Dr Rebecca Ross - Veterinarian

Rebecca is a 2013 graduate from Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia. After graduating in 2013, she began working in country Victoria and later moved to a position in suburban Melbourne. She joined our growing team this week and is very much looking forward to getting to know all the pets and their people of Ivanhoe and surrounding suburbs. Rebecca enjoys many areas of veterinary medicine and surgery however has a special interest in dentistry, anaesthesia and pain management.

Outside of work she enjoys various outdoor activities including gardening, rock climbing and hiking. She is also the proud owner of two energetic Jack Russell Terriers, a cheeky grey and white fluffy cat and two noisy lorikeets.

We look forward to introducing you to this fantastic vet! Welcome Rebecca.

Dr Samantha Crane - Veterinarian

Samantha graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2013 and has a keen interest in surgery. After graduating and working in small animal practice in Melbourne following graduation, we first met Samantha when she filled a locum position for us in June 2018. Samantha is a highly competent and personable veterinarian and has a genuine care and compassion for all of her patients.

Outside of work she enjoys keeping active, enjoying skiing, hiking, scuba diving and mountain biking. We look forward to introducing Samantha to all of our lovely IVC patients along the way.

Jacinta - Head Veterinary Nurse

Jacinta joined the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic team in 2017. She has been working as a veterinary nurse since 2012 and has grown up with many different animals including cats, guinea pigs, birds, mice and lizards. Jacinta completed a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences in 2011 and completed her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2014. In 2015, she volunteered her time at an elephant nature park in Thailand, working with veterinarians to treat and care for mistreated animals. Jacinta enjoys all aspects of nursing and loves providing the best care for all her furry patients, as well as being a support for their owners. As a local girl, Jacinta is very excited to be apart of the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic team and looks forward to meeting the family pets of the Ivanhoe community.

Jacinta and her husband are kept busy looking after their three gorgeous rescue cats, Dot, Leah and Tigger as well as their two guinea pigs, Chewy and Maple. They are both hoping to welcome a dog into their fur family in the near future. In her free time, Jacinta enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching the footy, cooking and driving around all areas of Victoria with her husband.

Lauren - Veterinary Nurse

We have been lucky enough to have Lauren as part of the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic team since December 2011. Lauren completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill TAFE in 2014. In 2013, Lauren was fortunate enough to take her nursing skills abroad, earning a place on the Box Hill Institute Animal Sciences UK Study Tour. Lauren has already proved to be a highly skilled vet nurse despite being early in her career. She posseses excellent animal handling skills, fantastic client communication skills and a very sound knowledge base. She is incredibly switched on and is a real pleasure to work alongside! In her down time, Lauren enjoys long dinners with friends and lives with her beloved cat Mario

Stefan - Veterinary Nurse

Stefan first began working at the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic in 2012. Stefan completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill TAFE. Stefan has a genuine affection for our patients and is particularly good at caring for any inpatients that we may have hospitalised throughout the day. He has a real love and enthusiasm for his job and his skills and knowledge are coming on in leaps and bounds. In his time away from work Stefan enjoys meeting up with friends, surfing, playing the ukulele and is busily readying himself to welcome a pet axolotl into his life in the near future.

Sophie - Veterinary Nurse

Sophie joined the team at Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic in 2015. She chose a career in veterinary nursing as a result of her passion for animals from a young age. Sophie has nearly completed studying for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at the Australian College of Veterinary Nursing and has been working as a Vet nurse for a few years already. Sophie has a special interest in caring for inpatients, taking X-rays and monitoring anaesthetic.

In her spare time Sophie enjoys riding her horse "Lady", taking dance classes and petsitting, as well as spending time with friends, her two dogs and two cats!

Adrienne - Receptionist

Adrienne has worked at the clinic since 2000. Adrienne is a real asset to the Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic team as she has excellent communication skills with the clients and knows many patients and clients on a first name basis. Adrienne is highly organised and helps to ensure the clinic runs very smoothly. In her off time you’ll probably catch Adrienne at a local Japanese restaurant or out walking her beloved golden Labrador Lily. She also loves gardening, reading, local theatre and being “granma” to her grandson Gabriel.