BVSc (Hons) MVSc BAgSc (Hons) BSc

Dr Tim grew up in the Malvern East area and from a young age always had a fondness and affinity for animals. After finishing a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, he felt drawn to the veterinary field.

Dr Tim completed his Veterinary Science degree at the University of Melbourne, and then worked for 4 years as a Mixed Practice Vet in the Victorian country side. However, it was the small animals that drew him back to Melbourne, where he worked in a busy clinic whilst furthering his skills by completing a Master of Veterinary Science.

Dr Tim then worked as a head Veterinarian at a large, high paced clinic, where he developed an ethical approach to veterinary care. After 6 years he decided that he wanted to give back to the community he grew up in, which is why he established Progressive Vet Care in 2015. He wanted a practice that could be open to anyone and that offered a progressive approach in advice, surgical and medical consultations as well as emergency care to local pet owners. 

BSc BVMS

Dr Melyssa graduated from Murdoch University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. After completing an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology in Perth, she made the move over to Melbourne to expand her knowledge and experience. 

Since then, Dr Melyssa has worked in various small animal general practices in Melbourne and enjoys the variety of cases she sees. Her main veterinary interests include giving clients high level service as well as medicine and anaesthesia. She joined the Progressive Vet Care team in 2016 and has never looked back.

Dr Melyssa believes that her clients and patients are like her extended family and will treat them all with the respect and attention they deserve, she enjoys building on her relationships in an honest and caring way.

BSc DVM MANZCVS (Surgery)

Dr Elita completed her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating with Distinction. She worked in small animal clinics in Berwick and Narre Warren, before moving to Progressive Vet Care in 2020.

Dr Elita loves meeting and getting to know all her clients and patients, but her main passion is surgery. She especially enjoys orthopaedics, including TPLO, cruciate surgery and brachycephalic airway (BOAS) surgeries. She has completed a year-long surgery course at the Centre of Veterinary Education, and in 2023 she obtained Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery.

Dr Elita is also interested in animal behaviour and has completed the Fear Free certification to ensure a low stress veterinary visit for your pet.

Outside of work Dr Elita enjoys spending time with her beloved Westie, Fergus and caring for her horses Archie, Fred and Charlie as well as competing in show jumping.

BVSc MACVSc

Dr Katrina grew up on a farm in the Riverina and wanted to become a Vet from a very young age. She studied at Sydney University and qualified in 1990. She spent 6 months in Tokyo at a University Vet School in 1993 before moving back to Melbourne, where she completed her Small Animal Medicine Membership Exams and completed further study in Oncology.

After a brief period in a mixed practice, she settled on small animal practice which eventually led her to Progressive Vet Care in 2021. Dr Katrina loves all aspects of Veterinary Medicine and has a special interest in Oncology and Chemotherapy.

Dr Katrina has a naughty Dachshund, an ageing but very sweet Cavoodle, and 3 cats, one of which has only 3 legs. Katrina is passionate about patient care and client communication and believes that being a vet is a privilege.

BSc BVSC

Dr Lecsi graduated with a Bachelor of Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria, in South Africa in 2011.

She worked at a hospital for exotic animals for a year, working with reptiles, birds, small mammals and monkeys. She also had the privilege of helping with hand rearing of wild species, including tigers, caracals, meerkats and aardvarks.

She then worked a vet clinic that worked with dogs, cats, pocket pets and some wildlife for 5 years before relocating to Australia, where she has continued her work in small animal practices. Dr Lecsi’s medical interests are animal behaviour, dentistry and surgery, and is always developing further skills in these areas.

Dr Lecsi’s favourite thing about being a vet is knowing that each day she can contribute to the well-being of her patients in small and large ways. Being able to help ease suffering where possible and the ability to help owners understand their pets better.

DVM

Originally from Canada, Dr Giuditta “Judy” Mortola obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Montreal in 2012. She’s had the opportunity to work in small animal practice in Canada and the United States before settling in Australia in 2019.

Dr Giuditta has worked in several busy practices in the Melbourne, including working as a head Veterinarian at a large, high pasced clinc, before joining the Progressive Vet team in 2022. She holds a special interest in internal and emergency medicine and wildlife care. She believes in maintaining a healthy human-animal bond through transparent and honest advice for her clients and compassionate care for her patients.

Before her veterinary degree Dr Giuditta studied Biology and worked as a flying instructor for the Canadian Forces. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, sailing, playing tennis, cooking, and enjoying all that Victoria has to offer with her three children.

BSc (Hons) DVM

Dr Monica joined the Progressive Vet Care Team in January 2024. She obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Canada, before embarking on a journey to the University of Melbourne, earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Committed to delivering fear-free care, she completed the Fear Free Certification during her veterinary studies.

For Dr Monica, the heart of veterinary medicine lies in the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their devoted owners.

Whether conducting routine check-ups, addressing health concerns, or providing preventative care, she is dedicated to fostering lasting relationships with our furry friends and their families.

Beyond the clinic, you'll find Dr Monica enjoying the water with a passion for swimming, shooting hoops on the basketball court, perfecting her serve on the tennis court, and exploring the culinary scene in search of new and exciting restaurants.

She shares her life with a delightful 13-year-old cavoodle and opens her heart and home to foster cats.

Head Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Jackie began working as a vet nurse in 2010 after her dog was diagnosed with Fibrocartilaginous Embolus. After completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing she joined Progressive Vet Care as our Practice Manager.

Jackie is very passionate about her work and knows the importance of a well-managed clinic. Her late dog gave her an understanding of what great treatment and management can do for your pet, and she hopes to be able to instil that knowledge in others.

Jackie is slowly creating a little farm at home which includes, 3 chickens, her two dogs and a cat as well as a growing vegetable garden.

Senior Surgery Nurse

Nurse Megan has her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing which she gained in the England. In 2019 she moved to Australia and joined the team at Progressive Vet Care as a Senior Nurse.

To keep her nursing license, Megan must complete 20 hours of Professional Development each year, which makes sure that she is keeping up with all modern practices. This also helps our surgery team stay updated with modern practices to ensure we can give our patients every chance to live a healthy life.

Megan has a love of all animals and is starting to grow her new family in Australia by adopting a rescue kitten named Pouncer.

Senior Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Hannah has her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, a Certificate in Canine Remedial Massage and has been with Progressive Vet care since 2018 as one of our Senior Nurses.

She is our go-to cat expert, as she has made her life all about the feline family. When at the clinic Hannah is most excited about helping to educate others about the health and care of our furry friends. Whilst out of the clinic Hannah has a busy life being the Director of Cat Rescue at ‘Tails of the Forgotten Paws,’

Her dog Thor has an important role of looking after her four cats as well as the many fosters that she takes in until they can find their new homes.

Senior Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Lucille has been with Progressive Vet Care since the start of 2020, and has now completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She has quickly progressed with her skills and abilities to become one of our Senior Nurses.

She has a love of all things nursing but has a special passion in helping to assist with surgeries and caring for hospital patients.

She has big dreams of starting her own fur family one day but in the mean time she gets joy by fostering and pet sitting.

Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Harshini has been with Progressive Vet Care since the beginning of 2021. She began her journey in vet nursing after studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal and Cell Biology, she wanted to combine her love of science and caring for animals.

She has completed her Certificate III in Animal Studies and is now currently studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She can’t pick one thing that she loves about this job as long as she can help clients get the best advice for their pets.

Harshini continues her love for animals at home with her three rescue cats and her dog Neptune and plans to make room for many more.

Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Ellen was drawn to the veterinary industry after her dog Thia was diagnosed with a liver condition. She started working at Progressive Vet Care at the beginning of 2021 and has her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Ellen loves caring for animals before and after surgeries by making sure they have the best care possible. Her drive comes from knowing how much she can support and save a life.

Not only does Ellen love returning home to her dog Thia and cat Teddy, she also often welcomes foster kittens into her home until they can find their forever family.

Receptionist/Trainee Nurse

Shani is our receptionist at Progressive Vet Care and your first point of call. She came to us from a background in sales and management and has completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

She decided to let her passions lead her to working with animals and plans to have a long career in the Veterinary Industry, as she is currently studying her Certificate IV in Animal Studies, and is on her way to becoming a qualified nurse.

Shani has recently moved here from Queensland and has already started her furry family with two handsome cats name Myles and Archie.

Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Alicia began her veterinary career with Progressive Vet Care in 2016, but has been in the pet industry since 2013 working in a pet boarding facility.

She has a passion for assisting in surgeries and monitoring patients, making sure they are receiving the best care possible. She has future goals to do further study specialising in pet pain management.

At home she is kept company by her german shepherd Mercy and her 3 cats, Lilly, Pip and Twinky.

Senior Veterinary Nurse

Lorena has been working in the veterinary industry since 2005, after completing her Bachelor of Arts and a course in Animal Technology. She has been working as one of our Senior Nurses since the beginning of 2023.

Lorena’s passion for the industry has also lead her to becoming a coordinator and carer for ‘Starting Over Dog Rescue’.

Her busy life with her family is accompanied her two dogs Beanie and Wolfgang and her cat Champers.

Receptionist

Jade joined the Progressive Vet Care team in October 2023, after completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Human Rights, and is enjoying being one of our dedicated receptionists,

Jade has always loved animals and was further drawn to the animal care industry after her beloved cat, Luci, was diagnosed with heart disease. You will always see Jade welcoming all the cats and dogs into the clinic with a big smile, a pat, and perhaps a tasty treat.

Since joining the team, Jade has continued to expand her fur family by adopting her second cat, a rescue named Bug.