Our Team

Dr Sarah Butler

Veterinarian BVSc (Sydney)

I have been working as a vet for over 30 years & in the Armidale region since 2001. I love being in mixed practice as there is such a great variety of animals & clients. I have not developed any specialty area in veterinary practice but rather see myself as a well-rounded GP who can then refer to others within our practice or to other referral clinics, when the need arises.

I am grateful for Apiam Animal Health to now be associated with this practice, as it has enabled me to be more available as a vet again. It also means I can relax, knowing that the animals & people of the New England area, will continue to be serviced very well, for many years to come. I presently work 3-4 days a week.

When not in the clinic I really enjoy gardening, cooking, & walking our dogs in the bush. Camping & caravanning with my wonderful husband is another great love but it doesn’t happen as often as I would like. Hopefully more in the future.
Our children have grown up & all live in Queensland, so there are various trips to that part of the country, especially in Winter! And now I have a grandchild (and soon to be a 2nd) we want to visit more & more.

So remember, I am still working & do look forward to catching up with the regulars & any new clients.

Dr Craig Bailey

Veterinarian BVSc (Brisbane)

Craig was born in Armidale (actually conceived at the UNE campus). He was then raised & schooled at Dorrigo High School, being the son of a farmer & rural businessman.

Craig did his vet degree at the Uni of QLD in the early nineties & wished he could have all the money back he spent at The Royal Exchange Hotel. Just as well the degree was only 5 years!

Craig’s first job was in Tenterfield & then spent 15 great years at Goondiwindi where he developed an interest in cattle reproduction (pregnancy testing & bull testing) & small animal orthopaedic surgery.

Craig has been at North Hill Vets for since 2012 & still loving his job & his clients.

In his spare time Craig is a loving husband & a father of 2, as well as being devoted to “Friday Flat” - his 100 acres of paradise at Kelly’s Plains.

Since his hip replacement last year, he has had to call time on a few careers; rugby playing & refereeing, squash, tennis & long distance running to name a few. But he hopes to get back into golf soon.

Dr Amelia Fryer

Veterinarian

I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019 and began my mixed practice career in dairy mixed practice down in Gippsland, Victoria. Hailing from a beef farming background, with my parents property located in Dungog, my veterinary special interests include cattle practice, all things medicine, and equine practice, and lucky for me I have had great opportunity to pursue all of these interests at North Hill Vet. 

Special interests within the clinic:

I particularly enjoy ultrasound as a diagnostic modality and have completed further training in this field.

Interests outside of work:

I have enjoyed settling into Armidale and exploring the beautiful bushland around us, though I am still not used to the cold! Outside of work I enjoy being outside walking my dog, riding my horse or in the garden. I also enjoy cooking and baking, being involved in the local musical theatre society, and attending various Pilates and HIIT classes around town.

Who’s in your pack?

I live out of town with my husband, our horses Polly, Jasper and Satin, German Shepherd Tessa, cats Fluffy and Pips, and working dogs Lucy, Maggie, Poppy, Chewy, Polly and Ellie.

Lucy Smith

I have been 12 years in the profession.

Special interests within the clinic:

Anything surgical – orthopaedics & soft tissue. Interest in Brachycephalic Airway Disease, helping breeds like Bulldogs & Pugs to breathe easier & live better lives!

Interests outside of work:

Spending time with my husband & daughters. Being outdoors (mountain biking, bush walking) & travelling.

Fun fact about yourself:

I was born & raised in Armidale as the youngest of 6 children.

Who’s in your pack?

Elle is my 11yr old mixed breed dog. I adopted her in my first year as a veterinarian.
Our new puppy – Eno
Raj – an Indian Ringneck Parrot
Human Pack – husband Milo, daughters Tillie & Ivy

Dr Dannielle Allman

Veterinarian

I’ve been a qualified vet since 2021, but I’ve been working in the vet industry for 10 years now. I started vet nursing in high school in my hometown of Crescent Head, near Kempsey NSW. I continued vet nursing throughout my studies, working in several metropolitan practices whilst completing my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney. 

Special interests:
Small animal medicine including ophthalmology & all things avian, along with large animal medicine. I am also certified to complete assessments for the NSW ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme. 

Interests outside of work:
When I’m not at work, you might find me running around town with my partner Dom, & our running buddy Neville. We also like exploring the hikes of New England (and beyond). 

Fun fact about yourself:
I am a bit of a coffee fanatic & own way too many ways to brew it for one household. 

My pack:

• Neville, 4 yr old Border Collie x bundle of energy
• Remi, 1 yr old crazy DSH
• Bilbo & Pippin, the rescue budgies
• And one retired layer chicken, Lentil

Dr Ru Jordaan

Veterinarian

2 years in the profession. Last year I was the solo clinical vet at Ngonini Animal Clinic in Mkhuhlu, South Africa. I was blessed to be working with the community members educating them about primary health care, running quarterly vaccination campaigns funded by the government & hosting sterilisation campaigns with a team of 5 vets sterilising hundreds of animals throughout the year.

Special interests within the clinic:
Small animal surgery & livestock primarily.

Interests outside of work:
Being new to Australia, my wife & I enjoy exploring all the sights NSW has to offer, while dodging kangaroos & wallabies on the highways.

Fun fact about yourself:
I can outrun the average leopard tortoise.

Who’s a part of your pack:
My beautiful wife Anri & our 4 year old puppies; Chloe & Josey.

Josey being a tall, slender Weimaraner. Nicknamed Baba Joe, JoJo Tank (which is the South African equivalent for a Bushman’s water tank) & Mampara (Afrikaans for silly person).

Chloe is our Amstaff x South African street dog. Her nicknames are Chlo-Chlo Pops & Poepsie (Afrikaans for stinky farts).

Dr Anri Guildenhuys

Veterinarian

This is my second year of being a veterinarian. During my first year I was the State Veterinarian of the Bushbuckridge North area in Mpumalanga, South Africa. I was responsible for a team of 6 animal health technicians. It was our responsibility to do disease surveillance for notifiable diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth disease, African Swine Fever, Lumpy skin disease & Rabies to name a few. Apart from the disease surveillance we also did disease investigations of suspect controlled & notifiable diseases. I helped organise & partake in multiple vaccination campaigns for both livestock & small animals. I worked alongside the community, providing primary animal health services & educating the community on basic animal health & welfare.

Special interests within the clinic:
I enjoy working with both livestock & companion animals.

Interests outside of work:
I love spending time with my husband, whether it be travelling & exploring what Australia has to offer or sitting at home watching a movie together. We do enjoy the outdoors & often go cycling.

Fun fact about yourself:
Scared of Magpies.

Who’s a part of your pack?
I have a fantastic husband, Dr Ru Jordaan who I love working with at the clinic. We have two 4 year old dogs, Josey & Chloe. Josey is our silly Weimaraner who would sell us for a bowl of food. She is my shadow & loves to cuddle. Chloe is an Amstaff mix & she is very much like a little human, very emotional & just wants to be tucked into her bed at night. Since writing this profile we have also added little Nonna the Border Collie to the family.

Amanda Danieletto

Clinic Coordinator

8 years in the animal industry & 15 years in human health.

Special interests within the clinic:

• Complex medical cases
• Phlebotomy
• Trauma & Emercency Care
• Ophthalmology
• Juvenile Care

Interests outside of work:

• Music
• Computers & Gaming
• Fitness
• Aircraft
• Motorbike riding

Fun fact about yourself:

I first entered the animal industry at the age of 15 where I worked in a Rockhampton veterinary clinic whilst attending school & also studying through TAFE. When I completed high school, I then served in the military full time as a medic for 8 years. I have always had a passion for being a first responder because it gave me the opportunity to help people in the worst of times. After leaving the military as a medic, I found it hard to find a career equally as challenging, so I turned to the animal industry & I have not looked back! I love leading our exceptional team, seeing the miracles they perform & the way they engage with members of our community by helping people & their much-loved animals.

Who’s in your pack?

• Momo: American Staffy
• Pedro: the miracle black cat
• Tiddles: RSPCA rescue cat

I like to keep my pack small so I can have the capacity to nurse other animals back to good health.

Amy Tarrant

Head Nurse

I worked at the Coffs Harbour RSPCA for 5 years & when I moved back to Guyra, I volunteered with the Armidale RSPCA branch for 3 years. I also worked at Kiweli Kennels for 5 years, vet nursing at Guyra District Vets for 2 years & have been at North Hill Vet Clinic since October 2021. 

Special interests within the clinic:
I love working with both small & large animals but I have a particular interest with the larger species. I also have a keen interest in animal behaviour & wish to go further in this field. I do also especially love running Puppy Preschool & watching the babies grow up! 

Interests outside of work:
When I’m not working, I can usually be found with my 4 kelpies, hanging out with my chickens or in my rose garden. My partner & I have a keen interest in all things camping so we try to get away most weekends if we can. 

Fun fact about yourself:
I LOVE chickens & try to enter them into the local shows when I can. My favourite hen is a Silver Laced Wyandotte named Elizabeth who is my prize-winning girl. 

Who’s a part of your pack? 
My partner Samuel & I. We are joined by Buck, Sid, Lou & Ned (the kelpies) & a multitude of chickens. 
Pictured is Sid, Ned & Lou. 
Buck decided playing was far more important than a picture.

Jess Hollis

Assistant Clinic Coordinator

Years in the profession: 11 years with North Hill Vet Clinic - Mix of vet nursing, reception & admin.  

Special interests within the clinic: 

I love learning & hearing about interesting & unusual medical cases within the clinic. I also enjoy building relationships with our clients. 

Interests outside of work: 

Spending time with my pets, family & friends. Watching movies (I especially love horror & thrillers). Listening to music (pretty much just Taylor Swift).

Fun fact about yourself: 

Biggest Taylor Swift fan at the clinic.

Who’s in your pack? 

• Sooki English Staffy
• Stitch English Staffy
• Doreen Ginger DSH
• Bean Tabby DSH

And I am Charlie’s (clinic cat) favourite person at wor

Ash Grainger

Receptionist

2024 is my first year working at a vet clinic, after 7 years of volunteering with various Animal Rescue & Welfare Organisations. 

Special interests within the clinic:
I enjoy watching surgeries and have a particular passion for neonatal care. 

Interests outside of work:
I like to spend my time with my fur-babies, read, paint and volunteer at the Animal Shelter. 

Fun fact about yourself: 
Fun or quirky fact?! I’m obsessed with puppy breath.

Who’s a part of your pack:
I have a small, yet constantly expanding tribe-
3 tabby cats -“The Tabby Trifecta”- 
Kiri-Belle, Luna Cat & Triss. 
Polly - A mature Golden Retriever x Lab 
A Bunny named Tyrian
Lillian Theodora - The sweetest Jungle Python.

Brooke Doyle 

Veterinary Nurse (Part-time) 

I completed my Cert IV in veterinary nursing in 2009. Cert III in Equine Nursing 2010. Worked in mixed practice in the New England & in ICU Equine Hospital in Scone. 

Special interests within the clinic:
Surgery, anaesthesia, medicine & emergency in both small & large animals. 

Interests outside of work:
Spending time with my husband & three kids, sports, gardening, renovating & acquiring more animals for our farm….next is a horse!

Fun fact about myself:
I am left handed & am famous for making Jelly Cakes.

Who’s a part of my pack? 
Scout the Labradoodle, Sonia & Pickles the farm cats, Django the Green Cheek Conure, Speckle Park cattle, chickens & Guinea fowl.

Rebecca Pavy

Vet Nurse

I have been a vet nurse for 20 years this includes Western Sydney small animal practice, Far Western NSW Mixed animal practice & working in Sydney Veterinary wholesale teams & now here at North Hill Vet.

Special interests within the clinic:
Medical Nursing, pathology, client and pet relationships

Interests outside of work:
Gardening, adventures with my children both 2 and 4 legged, and renovating our property.

Fun fact about yourself:
Our family loves finding/ rescuing & re-homing animals to the perfect family! Sometimes that is us. 🙂

Who’s a part of your pack?
• Prue - my 14 year old Ragdoll
• Lexi, Tess & Boots are our family working dogs - all rescued & living their best life
• Russell - our adopted rescued dog who visits us ....when the grandparents let him

Madi Ryan

Veterinary Nurse (Casual)

I started out in the Agricultural industry after I completed my Cert III, Cert IV & Diploma of Ag working on cattle properties throughout NSW. I then found I had a great interest in the animal heath side, I started working in a rural practice & completed my Cert IV in 2020. At the beginning of 2023 I started with the North Hill team & have been working alongside talented vets & nurses since.

Interests within the clinic:
I have a real interest in surgical nursing, I enjoy monitoring orthopaedic surgeries & occasionally being able to scrub in & assist.

Interests outside of work:
Outside of work I enjoy being able to show cattle at local & Royal Shows, as well as spending time with my family on their properties & occasionally taking all the work dogs to the beach.

Fun fact: I have a beautiful daughter & her first word was “dog”.

Who’s a part of my pack?
My pack currently consists of Dallas my Labrador & family dog, Sasha, Louie, Quizz, Lady & Teeter who are all Border Collies that make up our working team as well as 2 puppies, Mouse & Floki, who are superstars in the making.

Miriam Vaca

Veterinary Nurse (Part-time)

4+ years so far, began back in 2019 & since then have been absolutely loving the job & working with animals!

 
Special interests within the clinic:
A particular passion for all Australian wildlife especially small marsupials, reptiles & birds. Also shares an avid interest in any exotic/small animal species. 

Interests outside of work:
Loves to spend time up the coast particularly the northern NSW & Gold Coast area. Exploring the pretty scenic places nature has to offer, going out for dinner dates with friends, spending home time with the family, checking out local gigs & bigger concerts, reading leisurely & visiting the local cafes, markets & florists.

Fun fact about yourself:
Lived up & down the east coast of Australia. Grew up in Melbourne, moved to a small town near Byron Bay in 2022 before making my way to Armidale in 2023.

Who’s a part of your pack? 
So far, Sven & Dante are my two curious 3 year old tabby boys but won’t be long until the fur family grows.

Abbey Melmeth

Veterinary Nurse (Casual)

I have been in the industry since June 2023.

Special interests within the clinic:
I have a keen interest in Orthopaedic surgery & large animals.

Interests outside of work:
Outside of work I love to rodeo & I was a contract fencer for 3 years. 

Who’s in your pack?
I have a horse named Banjo who is a Quarterhorse x that is 10yrs old, Chomp the Staffy x Cattle Dog who is 2yrs old, a Mini Fox Terrier called Foxy who is 1yr old & Owlfie who is a 1yr old DSH ginger.

Morgan Brown

Trainee Veterinary Nurse (Part-time)

I started my vet nursing in October 2022 but have grown up on hobby farms & was a state level equestrian rider for many years. 

Special interests within the clinic:
Wildlife & large animals.

Interests outside of work: 
Walking, hiking, visiting National Parks, gardening & renovating.

Fun fact about yourself:
I am also undertaking my Bachelor of Zoology here at UNE. I completed my zookeeping course at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 2021 & this is where I decided I wanted to become a vet nurse to work in the field on overseas conservation projects. 

Who’s a part of your pack? 
2 dogs: Oscar (Akita) & Badger (Mini Foxie)
2 cats: Ciri (Bengal) & Yeti (RSPCA rescue)
& Noodle the Ferret

Ally Hatherly

Trainee Veterinary Nurse (Part-time) 

I’ve worked at North Hill Vet Clinic since the end of September 2022. I have dabbled in some other professions such as grooming & shelter work.

Special interests within the clinic:
I love grooming & although not qualified, I’m artistic & with every patient getting better at the perfect clip. I’m also starting my venture into wildlife as that’s what I want to do as my future career. 

Interests outside of work:
In my spare time I love to draw & colour. Art is one of my favourite pastimes. 

Fun fact about yourself:
I’ve only lived in the “country” for 2 years. I’m actually a city girl, growing up amongst skyscrapers. 

Who’s in your pack?
Nyx is my one & only child. She is a little black DSH only 2 years old. Although small, I intend to expand my pack soon.

Abby Dunn

Veterinary Nurse (Casual)

I began my career in the veterinary industry in 2021, when I completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies through TAFE, followed by a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. 

Special interests within the clinic:
I have a special interest in small animal medicine and pathology.

Interests outside of work:
I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my pets.

Fun fact about yourself:
I currently study a Bachelor of Animal Science at UNE, which I intend to use as my undergraduate degree for veterinary medicine.

Who’s in your pack?
I have a three-year-old Maremma Sheepdog, Alaska, in addition to two domestic shorthair cats, my ginger boy is Ludo and my black and white boy is named Atticus.

Charlie

Practice Manager

Charlie moved into the clinic at only 8 weeks old. From just a wily street kitten she worked her way into everyone’s hearts and quickly proved her metal as a clinic cat. Charlie knows how to stand off against even the keenest canine and knows which clients to schmooze for a pat and which children to keep her distance from. Moving down the hill made Charlie a happy cat indeed. She now finds so many more friends just through the fence at Maccy D’s and coincidentally these friends will often have CHICKEN NUGGETS.  At the end of the day all she really wants to do is curl up in one of her many beds in the sun or lay across someone’s arms as they try to perform administration tasks on their computer. Next time you are in the clinic, give a pat and praise to the clinic’s real practice manager.