Meet the Team
Veterinarians
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.
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 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.
Veterinary Nurses and Reception Staff
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.
Matilda - Veterinary Nurse
Matilda has been vet nursing for close to 5 years now and has completed her certificate IV. Matilda has 3 rescue cats of her own - Diego, Snoop and Chance and has recently returned from an amazing campervan trip of a lifetime around Australia. Matilda completed placement with us a few years ago and we were so thrilled that she was able to rejoin our team in 2018. Matilda is kind and caring to all animals she encounters and looks forward to meeting all of the wonderful IVC clients and pets.
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 tending to her cheeky cat called Coco. She also loves gardening, reading, local theatre and being “granma” to her four grandsons Gabriel, Mikhail, Bruno and Marco.