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 Elita Frazer BSc DVM
Elita completed her veterinary studies at the University of Melbourne, graduating with Distinction. Since then, she has worked at a busy small animal clinic in Berwick - before moving to Progressive Vet Care in 2020 to be closer to home.
Elita is particularly interested in behaviour and in low stress handling for veterinary visits, and has completed her Fear Free certification to further her knowledge in this area.
Outside of work, Elita enjoys spending time with her own animals (Fergus the Westie and horses Archie, Fred and Charlie), horse riding and reading.
Dr Colette Hester
Originally from Ireland, Colette received her Honours bachelor degree from University College Dublin in 2015.
She moved to Melbourne in 2018 to gain new experiences abroad and see what life is like down under!
She locumed in various small animal clinics in and around the city before taking on a
permanent position at PVC in August 2020. Colette's main interests are performing surgeries and working
up interesting medical cases. In her free time she enjoys socialising with friends, keeping active and travelling.
Jacqueline Burridge - Senior Veterinary Nurse
Jackie has been nursing for 10 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 little dog Aurora
Alicia Graham - Veterinary Nurse
Alicia Begun her nursing carer here at Progressive Vet Care, She has always had a passion for the welfare of animals ranging from our furry domestic cats and dogs to the wild life such as wallabys, kangaroos and more.
Alicia enjoys assisting with all surgeries and giving all our patients extra cuddles and comfort. At home Alicia has a german shepherd and her three cuddle cats.
Hannah Williams - Veterinary Nurse
Hannah has been passionate about animals all her life and shares her house with her partner, her FOUR cats Rose, Loki, Quincey and Clemitine, Her puppy Thor, as well as various foster-cats and Kittens from Cheltenham Cat rescue.
Hannah loves assisting with surgeries and taking care of our furry patients before and after their procedures.
Victoria Burton – Veterinary Nurse
Tori grew up in Queensland but has been living in Melbourne for 6 years now where she has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. From an incredibly young age she has been a true animal lover – from cats and dogs to horses, snakes, birds, and pocket pets. At home She has 3 cats: Flame, Willow and Frankie and fosters whenever she can through Cheltenham Cat Rescue. Not only is she an animal lover but loves to communicate and interact with clients too.
Silvana Conillo - Mobile Ultrasonographer
Silvana is an overseas trained and Australian recognised veterinarian
with more than 20 years of experience.
Qualified in diagnostic ultrasound in the human field in 1999.
Further extensive ultrasound education in Europe, Asia and America.
Certified IVUSS ( International Veterinary Ultrasound Society)
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.
