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 Fiona Le Surf

Veterinarian BSc BVMS (hons) MVS (Murdoch)

I grew up on a small dairy/mixed farm in southwest WA and never considered becoming anything other than a vet. Now with 30 years under my belt, I have experienced many types of practice around Australia, in Singapore and England and choose to focus on the small animal component of the practice. I share the ownership of North Hill Vet Clinic with Sarah, having done so since 2017. My interests include dog and cat senior pet care, dentistry, internal medicine and soft tissue surgery.

Away from work I recharge by getting out in the bush at a farm near Werrikembe, orienteering with Northern Tablelands Orienteering Club or walking with Armidale Bushwalking Club.

The animal branch of my family is composed of 2 whippets, the world’s naughtiest dachshund, 2 elderly cats and 2 hens.

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. Whilst I really loved my first clinic, and learnt a lot of valuable mixed vet skills, the COVID-19 pandemic proved Victoria The Place NOT To Be, so I made the move back home to the Premier State in March 2021. Hailing from a beef farming background, with my parents property located in Dungog, my veterinary special interests include cattle, 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. I have been enjoying settling into Armidale and exploring the beautiful bushland, and love how close I now am to both my partner (based at Bingara), and my sister up at Glen Innes. I am told I will get used to the cold eventually! Outside of the clinic I enjoy keeping fit through walking and HIIT training, baking, indulging in musical theatre, helping out at my partners family’s farm, learning to horse ride, and playing with my cat Pips.

Dr Dannielle Allman

Veterinarian

I grew up on a small hobby farm on the mid-north coast of New South Wales (Crescent Head). Here, I was surrounded by many furred and feathered friends which sparked my love of animals and drove my passion for veterinary medicine. I entered the veterinary industry at 15 years of age as a kennel hand and nurse, and I haven’t left since. After 6 years of study, I graduated with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2021. Now, I have ventured back north to begin my career as a mixed practice veterinarian in Armidale, and I am loving every minute of it.  

When I am not in the clinic, you might find me running around town with my partner, Dom, and our high-energy pup, Neville. He keeps us on our toes. When not running, I enjoy exploring the beautiful backdrop of the New England district by riding around at the pine forest, or taking on a good hike.  

Looking forward to meeting you and your pet sometime in the future.

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).

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.

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

Zoe Johnson

Vet Nurse

I grew up in Armidale on a small property running mixed beef cattle and sheep.I attended Armidale High school for my senior schooling. As a part of my HSC I studied Animal Care, and upon completing that I continued my education at TAFE NSW.

I have been a part of the North Hill Vet Clinic team since 2017.

My interests include horse riding and gardening, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors on our small property.

I really enjoy coming to work and being able to interact with our patients, especially being able to help the patients post surgery and though illness. This is my passion.

I look forward to continuing to assist any of our patients in need.

Cath

Vet Nurse

Wow, 3 years since I started with North Hill Vet. I have finally settled in the area, finding a nice 5 acres for myself and dogs.

In the 3 years at this clinic, I have become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). I have achieved this by participating in continuing education. The registration is yearly where CPD points are achieved. Vet Nursing is my happy place and I enjoy all aspect of the position and being part of a dedicated team. Over the past 3 years I have met our lovely clients and enjoy a chat with them and a cuddle from their patients.

I am currently competing in Tracking and Obedience Trials with my dogs. I am actively involved in the GSDL of NSW and the German Shepherd Dog Club of QLD as well as the Club/Show Secretary for Coffs Harbour District All Breed Kennel Club.

I look forward to seeing more of you and helping your animals.

Amy Tarrant

Vet Nurse

I grew up on a farm west of Coffs Harbour where I always had a multitude of animals. It was obvious from the start that I wanted a career with animals.   

When I was 16 I did work experience at the Coffs Harbour RSPCA & loved it so much that when I left school I got a full time job there which lasted 5 years.  

I then moved back up to Guyra when my partner & I bought a house. I continued with the RSPCA but this time on a volunteer basis for the Armidale branch. I did this for 3 years.   

I worked at a boarding kennels for 5 years & also juggled working at the Guyra Vet Clinic as a vet nurse. When the opportunity came up at North Hill Vet Clinic I jumped at the chance! I joined the team in October 2021 & am absolutely loving every minute of it.   

I love both small & large animals but I do especially love working with horses when the opportunity arises. I also have a special interest in animal behaviour & wish to further my studies in this field. I currently run Puppy Preschool classes which have proved to be very popular!  

When I’m not working I can usually be found with my 5 kelpies, my Bengal cat Rajah or my beautiful old horse. 

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.