Dr Tim Bowden BVSc (Hons) MVSc BAgSc (Hons) BSc
Dr Tim grew up in the East Malvern area and from a young age always had a fondness and affinity for animals. After finishing a Science and Agricultural science degree at university, Tim was again drawn to the veterinary field through the work placements that he had completed. After completing the Veterinary Science degree at the University of Melbourne, Tim moved to Warragul in East Gippsland where he worked for 4 years as a mixed practice vet attending to dairy cows, horses and a variety of other farm beasts as well as companion animals back at the clinic.
It was small animals that drew him back to Melbourne, where he worked in a busy small animal clinic whilst completing a Masters of Veterinary Science. As head veterinarian at Southern Animal Health, Tim developed his philosophies on a healthier approach to vet care. After 6 years Tim decided that he wanted to move back to East Malvern to be closer to his family. Tim also believed that the local pet owners deserved better veterinary service so he set up Progressive VET Care on Chadstone Road. Now Tim, with the help of his team of Vets and Nurses at Progressive VET Care provides trusted advice, surgical and medical consultations as well as emergency care to local pet owners.
Dr. Melyssa Cotton BSc BVMS
Melyssa graduated from Murdoch University in Perth in 2012. After completing an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology in the west, she made the move over to Melbourne to broaden her horizons. Since then, 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 top-notch service as well as medicine and anaesthesia. When not at work, Melyssa lives with her partner and charismatic Schnauzer, Franki. She also enjoys cooking, sewing, walking and reading on her days off.
Dr. Mark Hill DVM
Mark always wanted to work with animals and initially studied Zoology and Marine Biology at University, before taking the plunge and studying Veterinary Science as a more "mature" Student. he completed his studies at the University of Melbourne and graduated as a veterinarian in 2014.
Mark has worked for several years at a small animal clinic in the inner western suburbs of Melbourne before moving to Progressive Vet care in late 2018.
A lifetime of working in customer service industries while studying has given Mark a real appreciation for the value of building strong relationships with clients and discussing all aspects of animal health. For this reason, he finds the most valuable aspect of his job is ensuring that the clients are fully informed and involved in all aspects of their pet's health. He feels the best outcome for each individual animal is achieved through collaborative efforts of the veterinarian and owner.
Mark grew up in the UK and is therefore a huge football fan (and Everton FC Tragic), but has also embraced Melbourne life and taken on the often difficult task of support Richmond.
He is the proud owner of smokey the 14 year old Kelpie, Pablo the 6 year old Cocker Spaniel and Judy the 2 year old Calico Cat.
Jacqueline Burridge - Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Jackie has been nursing for 6 years now and is very passionate about it. Her beautiful boxer Flippa is her inspiration as she has been through so much in her short life, but with all the help of wonderful vets and vet nurses, she has battled through. She is slowly creating her own farm in a suburban house with her four chickens, a very naughty black cat called Narla and a playful puppy Aurora
Alicia has been Nursing for 3 years now, here at Progressive Vet Care, She has always been passionate about animals and has always been keen with helping animal welfare organisations with rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned Kittens and cats.
After previously completing a Certificate III in companion animal services, Prior to Her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing,
Alicia enjoys assisting with surgeries in the clinic and giving all of the patient’s loads of cuddles.
At Home Alicia has a German shepherd named Mercy, and not one or two, but THREE cats their names are Lilly and Pip and the newest member being a tiny rescue Twinkles.
Siobhan Hicks - Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Siobhan has grown up with animals all her life, and has always helped out animal rescues whenever she can.
She has owned all sorts of animals from rabbits and guinea pigs, to all types of birds, and of course a range of different breeds of dogs and cats.
She has previously worked 6 years as a senior kennel attendant at a boarding facility and helped out with wildlife transportation.
Siobhan loves helping out with surgeries and being with the animals during their recovery inside the clinic.
At home she keeps herself busy as a mum to a very active toddler and currently helps out as a foster carer with Cheltenham Cat Rescue.
Hannah Williams - Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Hannah has been passionate about animals all her life and shares her house with her partner, her two cats Rose and Loki, Her puppy Thor, as well as various foster-cats and Kittens from Cheltenham Cat rescue. After working on a horse stud in NSW for over 2 years, shes decided to move to Melbourne and pursue her dream of becoming a Veterinary Nurse.
Hannah loves assisting with surgeries and taking care of our furry patients before and after their procedures.
Kim Ball - Puppy School Teacher
Kim grew up in the Chadstone area and has always been surrounded by animals, including: dogs, cats, birds and rabbits. Her mother is the Secretary of the Victorian Obedience Dog Club in Box Hill and was the owner and part trainer of the first Australian Kelpie to obtain the title of Obedience Champion, which included tracking.
Kim soon followed in her mother’s footsteps taking classes at the age of 16, and then going on to train her own Australian Kelpies to obedience titles including Obedience Champion and endurance. Kim has trained her present Kelpies in Substance detection, Obedience Training and Dancing.
With 34 years of experience in dog training, Kim also has a Bachelor of Education majoring in music, and is a flute teacher with the Ministry of Education. She is also a Dogs Victoria Licensed Instructor and holds a Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training.
Kim has over 17 years of experience teaching Puppy Class to members of the community. She has been working with the Victorian Obedience Dog Club for 34 years and has held the position of President for the past nine years.
