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. She has a special interest in opthalmolgy and GI medicine. Being able to work with families to tailor treatments to their individual needs is very important to her. She enjoys building human and animal relationships in an honest and caring way.

Dr Mel joined the Progressive Vet Care team in 2016 and has never looked back.

Our of work, Mel is mum to two little ones and enjoys spending time outdoors exporing nature with them.

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.

BVSc

Dr. Michael joined Progressive Vet Care in October 2024, bringing with him over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine. A graduate of the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2014, he has since worked extensively with companion animals across both general practice and emergency settings.

His dedication to advancing his clinical skills led him to complete the Centre for Veterinary Education’s year-long surgery course, and he remains particularly passionate about further expanding his surgical expertise. He is passionate about supporting pet owners in doing the very best for their animals and takes pride in building trusting, collaborative relationships with clients.

Outside of work, Dr. Michael is currently renovating his new home and enjoys camping trips—especially when joined by his beloved dogs, Stanley the staghound and Sebastian the great dane.

BVSc

Dr Vanessa joined Progressive Vet Care in April 2024, bringing with her a calm, thoughtful approach and a wealth of experience gained from working in a variety of veterinary clinics across Melbourne. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne and has completed postgraduate studies in feline medicine, with a special interest in the unique needs of cats.

Known for her gentle and reassuring manner, Vanessa is passionate about creating a welcoming, low-stress environment for pets and their owners. She takes the time to build strong relationships with her clients and their animals, ensuring each visit is as comfortable and positive as possible.

At home, Vanessa is the proud owner of two nine-year-old Burmese cats, Willow and Mabel, who are littermates and constant companions. In her spare time, she enjoys escaping to the countryside, attending the cricket with family and friends, and exploring local craft and produce markets.

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.

Head 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 dogs, Thor and Atlas, play an important part in the household, getting along well with her four cats and adjusting easily to the many foster animals she cares for until they find their forever 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.

Senior 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 crazy cat Teddy, she also often welcomes foster kittens into her home until they can find their forever family.

Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Shani joined the Progressive Vet Care in November of 2021. She has always had a deep love for animals, a passion that has guided her academic and professional journey.

She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology in Queensland, laying a strong scientific foundation for her future in animal care. Further pursuing her dedication, she earned her Certificate III in Animal Studies and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Her two handsome cats, Myles and Archie, never fail to keep her on her toes with their playful antics and curious personalities.

Senior Veterinary Nurse

Lorena has been working in the veterinary industry since 2005, after completing her Bachelor of Arts, as well as, 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. This year, she is excited to begin her journey toward becoming a veterinary nurse by starting her Certificate II in Animal Studies.

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.

Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Georgia was drawn to the veterinary industry after caring for her own family dog, she was able to see firsthand the kindness and compassion the vets and nurses showed towards her pet, and she knew she wanted to be a part of our team.

She successfully joined Progressive Pet Care in 2024 with her Certificate III in Animal Care services and is on her way to completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Georgia’s special interests lie in providing hospital care to patients and providing owners with advice and information on how to best care for their pets.

Receptionist

Albertine began her role at Progressive Vet Care in July 2024, bringing with her several years of experience in the veterinary field since starting as a receptionist in 2017.

She shares her home with a spirited bellington terrier named Freddie and enjoys spending her spare time with friends, staying active at the gym, and exploring nature on hikes. Passionate about lifelong learning, Albertine is currently setting her sights on learning the German language. She also holds a particular interest in animal mental health, an area she is eager to explore further as part of her professional growth.

Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Brodie joined the team at Progressive Vet Care in July 2024, bringing with her a strong passion for animal care and a growing depth of experience in the field.

Originally from country NSW, she began her veterinary nursing journey in 2022 and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, having already obtained a Certificate II in Animal Studies. Brodie has a keen interest in all things surgery and anaesthesia, and thrives in the fast-paced, hands-on environment these areas offer. Outside of work, she enjoys going to Pilates, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Alfie and Frankie.