Dr. Julia Ferguson
Veterinarian (BVSc MANZCVS)
Julia knew what she wanted to do from an early age. Her mother claims 'Vicki the Vet' from 'A Country Practice' was the inspiration for her chosen career. Julia has always had pets of her own, from dogs and cats to horses, and currently she has two cats. She spent much of her time with her dogs and at pony club and always loved being around animals. Julia is proud to be able to now help her own pets and others to have happy and healthy lives. She is passionate about her work as a veterinarian and dedicates time and effort to ensuring that her patients receive the best care available.
Dr. Julia Ferguson
Veterinarian
Julia knew what she wanted to do from an early age. Her mother claims 'Vicki the Vet' from 'A Country Practice' was the inspiration for her chosen career. Julia has always had pets of her own, from dogs and cats to horses, and currently she has two cats. She spent much of her time with her dogs and at pony club and always loved being around animals. Julia is proud to be able to now help her own pets and others to have happy and healthy lives. She is passionate about her work as a veterinarian and dedicates time and effort to ensuring that her patients receive the best care available.
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Dr Jessica Latter
Veterinarian
Jessica grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by pets of all kinds, from snakes and guinea pigs to cats and dogs. It was when she was 5 years old that she first proclaimed she was going to become a vet. Along the way she volunteered her weekends helping at a cat adoption service, rode horses, played the viola and eventually began finding a passion for endurance sports.
Jess gained her Bachelor of Science at UC Davis, where she studied Animal Science. She took a detour to becoming a vet by working for many years in scientific research. When the time was right, she applied to the University of Melbourne for a veterinary degree and to satisfy the desire to travel. Once in the veterinary field she found a special interest in cat medicine, for which she has pursued further education.
While studying she met her now husband, Matt. In her free time, Jess continues to train for long distance running events, enjoys reading (loving authors like Stephen King and Charles Dickens), cooking, tending to her many house plants and spending time with her husband, young son, and two step-children
Dr Jessica Latter
Veterinarian
Jessica grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by pets of all kinds, from snakes and guinea pigs to cats and dogs. It was when she was 5 years old that she first proclaimed she was going to become a vet. Along the way she volunteered her weekends helping at a cat adoption service, rode horses, played the viola and eventually began finding a passion for endurance sports.
Jess gained her Bachelor of Science at UC Davis, where she studied Animal Science. She took a detour to becoming a vet by working for many years in scientific research. When the time was right, she applied to the University of Melbourne for a veterinary degree and to satisfy the desire to travel. Once in the veterinary field she found a special interest in cat medicine, for which she has pursued further education.
While studying she met her now husband, Matt. In her free time, Jess continues to train for long distance running events, enjoys reading (loving authors like Stephen King and Charles Dickens), cooking, tending to her many house plants and spending time with her husband, young son, and two step-children
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Dr Taylor O'Brien
Veterinarian
Taylor’s love for animals cemented her desire to become a vet from a very young age. She completed a Bachelor of Science before continuing into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Taylor joined the team at Lara Pet Hospital at the start of 2023, and hasn’t looked back since!
Taylor enjoys the variety that comes with working in general practice, with an interest in both medicine and surgery. She also loves that this allows her to contribute to the wellbeing of pets in all stages of life; from their first vaccination right through to their senior years. She is passionate about trying to make vet visits as stress-free as possible for both pets and their owners, and utilises a fear-free approach with patients.
She spends most of her spare time keeping busy with her dogs - Coco, a Husky, and Obie, a Jack Russel cross.
Dr Taylor O'Brien
Veterinarian
Taylor’s love for animals cemented her desire to become a vet from a very young age. She completed a Bachelor of Science before continuing into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Taylor joined the team at Lara Pet Hospital at the start of 2023, and hasn’t looked back since!
Taylor enjoys the variety that comes with working in general practice, with an interest in both medicine and surgery. She also loves that this allows her to contribute to the wellbeing of pets in all stages of life; from their first vaccination right through to their senior years. She is passionate about trying to make vet visits as stress-free as possible for both pets and their owners, and utilises a fear-free approach with patients.
She spends most of her spare time keeping busy with her dogs - Coco, a Husky, and Obie, a Jack Russel cross.
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Dr Belinda Calvert
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda Calvert
Veterinarian
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Dr Lisa Tragear
Veterinarian (B.V.Sc.)
Growing up with a succession of pets, Lisa decided that life was incomplete without them and could think of nothing better than spending her working life with them as well. She obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Melbourne in 1994, graduating in the same class as Julia. She has worked in small animal practice ever since, both in Melbourne, Geelong and the Surfcoast, and in the UK.
Lisa enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery but particulary enjoys the sense of reward that comes with soft tissue surgery and the knowledge that she has made a positive difference to an animal and their family.
Relocating to the Surfcoast from Melbourne in 2010, she shares her home with her husband and two children, her whippet Woody and her rescue greyhound James (who happens to be the best dog that ever lived!). When not working she enjoys bushwalking, reading, yoga and crafting.
She feels fortunate to be able to work with Julia again, in a clinic that demonstrates such a high standard of care for their patients, and genuine empathy for the people of Lara and their pets.
Dr Lisa Tragear
Veterinarian
Growing up with a succession of pets, Lisa decided that life was incomplete without them and could think of nothing better than spending her working life with them as well. She obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Melbourne in 1994, graduating in the same class as Julia. She has worked in small animal practice ever since, both in Melbourne, Geelong and the Surfcoast, and in the UK.
Lisa enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery but particulary enjoys the sense of reward that comes with soft tissue surgery and the knowledge that she has made a positive difference to an animal and their family.
Relocating to the Surfcoast from Melbourne in 2010, she shares her home with her husband and two children, her whippet Woody and her rescue greyhound James (who happens to be the best dog that ever lived!). When not working she enjoys bushwalking, reading, yoga and crafting.
She feels fortunate to be able to work with Julia again, in a clinic that demonstrates such a high standard of care for their patients, and genuine empathy for the people of Lara and their pets.
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Dr Thien Pham
Veterinarian (BSc MC-AGSC DVM)
Thien has always had a natural affinity for animals, which was sparked early on by a childhood love of Pokémon and all things creature-related! Given this, working with animals was the only logical choice.
Thien completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Agricultural Science with a major in Animal Science at the University of Melbourne where he nurtured his interest in animal welfare. He then moved to Sydney to pursue his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney, working part-time at Bondi Vet! Thien returned home to Melbourne in 2025 and officially joined the LPHVC team in 2026.
As a general practitioner, Thien enjoys all aspects of preventative care with a particular passion for small animal medicine. He is dedicated to providing thoughtful and personalised care for all cats and dogs, aiming to ensure both pets and their owners feel comfortable, confident, and well cared for from the moment they walk through the clinic doors. He also enjoys seeing the occasional rabbit for routine care!
Beyond work, Thien is a total nerd as an avid enjoyer of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese comics and animations. He also loves spending quiet days at home snuggling with his three dogs: Onion the Corgi, Miss Toffee the Shih Tzu, and Moose the Beagle.
Dr Thien Pham
Veterinarian
Thien has always had a natural affinity for animals, which was sparked early on by a childhood love of Pokémon and all things creature-related! Given this, working with animals was the only logical choice.
Thien completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Agricultural Science with a major in Animal Science at the University of Melbourne where he nurtured his interest in animal welfare. He then moved to Sydney to pursue his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney, working part-time at Bondi Vet! Thien returned home to Melbourne in 2025 and officially joined the LPHVC team in 2026.
As a general practitioner, Thien enjoys all aspects of preventative care with a particular passion for small animal medicine. He is dedicated to providing thoughtful and personalised care for all cats and dogs, aiming to ensure both pets and their owners feel comfortable, confident, and well cared for from the moment they walk through the clinic doors. He also enjoys seeing the occasional rabbit for routine care!
Beyond work, Thien is a total nerd as an avid enjoyer of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese comics and animations. He also loves spending quiet days at home snuggling with his three dogs: Onion the Corgi, Miss Toffee the Shih Tzu, and Moose the Beagle.
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Raph
Floor Manager
Meet Raph, our clinic’s spirited musk lorikeet! He’s known for his loud screams and playful nibbles, so don’t be surprised if he gets a little feisty. Raph’s personality adds a unique charm to our clinic, and while he may bite, he’s all heart and full of fun!
Raph
Floor Manager
Meet Raph, our clinic’s spirited musk lorikeet! He’s known for his loud screams and playful nibbles, so don’t be surprised if he gets a little feisty. Raph’s personality adds a unique charm to our clinic, and while he may bite, he’s all heart and full of fun!
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Elly
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV)
Elly grew up on the Bellarine Peninsula. Her love for animals started at a very early age and she always knew she wanted to work in the animal industry.
While in high school she worked weekends at a dog boarding kennel and began her animal studies course. After completing high school she began working at a dog day care center for a period of time before moving on to veterinary nursing in 2008 and completing her certificate IV veterinary nursing studies with the Animal Industries Resource Center (AIRC).
During her free time she enjoys travelling, hiking and oil and watercolour painting. She also loves getting away camping with her husband Josh, their two children Luke and Zoe and their Golden Retriever Henry.
Elly
Veterinary Nurse
Elly grew up on the Bellarine Peninsula. Her love for animals started at a very early age and she always knew she wanted to work in the animal industry.
While in high school she worked weekends at a dog boarding kennel and began her animal studies course. After completing high school she began working at a dog day care center for a period of time before moving on to veterinary nursing in 2008 and completing her certificate IV veterinary nursing studies with the Animal Industries Resource Center (AIRC).
During her free time she enjoys travelling, hiking and oil and watercolour painting. She also loves getting away camping with her husband Josh, their two children Luke and Zoe and their Golden Retriever Henry.
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Olivia
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV)
Olivia joined the Lara Pet Hospital team in late 2020 after completing her last Certificate IV placement at the clinic.
Having grown up in Lara, Olivia has always had a passion for caring for animals, which inspired her to pursue a career in the veterinary industry. She quickly realised that veterinary nursing was the perfect path for her and has never looked back. Olivia enjoys building strong relationships with both pets and their owners and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to every patient she meets. She particularly loves helping animals feel comfortable and safe during their visits and finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of their healthcare journey.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Dylan, and her furry family. Their three cats, Norman, Fisher, and Leonard, keep her entertained with their endless mischievous antics, while their energetic Border Collie, Roma, ensures there is never a dull moment. Whether she's at home with her pets or spending time with family and friends, Olivia enjoys making the most of every day.
Olivia
Veterinary Nurse
Olivia joined the Lara Pet Hospital team in late 2020 after completing her last Certificate IV placement at the clinic.
Having grown up in Lara, Olivia has always had a passion for caring for animals, which inspired her to pursue a career in the veterinary industry. She quickly realised that veterinary nursing was the perfect path for her and has never looked back. Olivia enjoys building strong relationships with both pets and their owners and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to every patient she meets. She particularly loves helping animals feel comfortable and safe during their visits and finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of their healthcare journey.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Dylan, and her furry family. Their three cats, Norman, Fisher, and Leonard, keep her entertained with their endless mischievous antics, while their energetic Border Collie, Roma, ensures there is never a dull moment. Whether she's at home with her pets or spending time with family and friends, Olivia enjoys making the most of every day.
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Jenni
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV)
Jenni was born in Geelong, but spent a small chunk of her childhood living in Melbourne and then moved back to Geelong to begin her schooling years.
Jenni's love of animals began when she was only a toddler. Always being surrounded by animals, Jenni found a passion to love and take care of them.
In 2009 Jenni was lucky enough to secure a traineeship at a very busy small animal clinic in Maribyrnong. Here she was trained and completed her certificate IV in veterinary nursing. Jenni has never looked back and still loves her job each and every day. Jenni has a passion for emergency and critical care.
Jenni keeps very busy with her 3 small children, her husband and her two fur-babies, Ziggy the Whippet and Bowie the Poodle X.
In her spare time Jenni loves taking her dogs and young family for walks through the bush. On the weekends hanging out with her friends and family either going to see a band or becoming familiar with the local wineries.
Jenni
Veterinary Nurse
Jenni was born in Geelong, but spent a small chunk of her childhood living in Melbourne and then moved back to Geelong to begin her schooling years.
Jenni's love of animals began when she was only a toddler. Always being surrounded by animals, Jenni found a passion to love and take care of them.
In 2009 Jenni was lucky enough to secure a traineeship at a very busy small animal clinic in Maribyrnong. Here she was trained and completed her certificate IV in veterinary nursing. Jenni has never looked back and still loves her job each and every day. Jenni has a passion for emergency and critical care.
Jenni keeps very busy with her 3 small children, her husband and her two fur-babies, Ziggy the Whippet and Bowie the Poodle X.
In her spare time Jenni loves taking her dogs and young family for walks through the bush. On the weekends hanging out with her friends and family either going to see a band or becoming familiar with the local wineries.
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Molly
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV)
Molly grew up on the Surf Coast, where a childhood spent immersed in nature fostered her lifelong love of wildlife and animals. From a young age, she knew she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, and veterinary nursing quickly became the perfect fit.
Molly went on to pursue her passion, completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2020. She completed her clinical placement at Lara Pet Hospital and hasn’t looked back since, continuing to develop her skills and confidence in a role she truly loves.
She has a particular interest in surgical nursing and is passionate about ensuring pets feel safe, calm, and comfortable before, during, and after surgery.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner, Tex, and their beautiful dog, Rei. Whether it’s long walks along the beach or exploring new places together, the coast remains their favourite destination. At home, she is kept entertained by her two cheeky cats, Little and Nori, whose playful personalities bring plenty of joy and energy to her everyday life.
Molly
Veterinary Nurse
Molly grew up on the Surf Coast, where a childhood spent immersed in nature fostered her lifelong love of wildlife and animals. From a young age, she knew she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, and veterinary nursing quickly became the perfect fit.
Molly went on to pursue her passion, completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2020. She completed her clinical placement at Lara Pet Hospital and hasn’t looked back since, continuing to develop her skills and confidence in a role she truly loves.
She has a particular interest in surgical nursing and is passionate about ensuring pets feel safe, calm, and comfortable before, during, and after surgery.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner, Tex, and their beautiful dog, Rei. Whether it’s long walks along the beach or exploring new places together, the coast remains their favourite destination. At home, she is kept entertained by her two cheeky cats, Little and Nori, whose playful personalities bring plenty of joy and energy to her everyday life.
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Christie
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV )
Christie grew up in Geelong and developed a lifelong passion for animals from a very young age. Raised surrounded by a variety of animals including horses, sheep, poultry, fish, and small pets, she gained early hands-on experience in animal care that inspired her career in veterinary nursing. Christie has been a veterinary nurse since 2010, bringing many years of experience and dedication to her role.
Outside of work, Christie has two dogs and a cat, and is a proud mum to a little girl. She also has a strong passion for fostering and has helped provide loving homes to animals in need over the years.
Christie
Veterinary Nurse
Christie grew up in Geelong and developed a lifelong passion for animals from a very young age. Raised surrounded by a variety of animals including horses, sheep, poultry, fish, and small pets, she gained early hands-on experience in animal care that inspired her career in veterinary nursing. Christie has been a veterinary nurse since 2010, bringing many years of experience and dedication to her role.
Outside of work, Christie has two dogs and a cat, and is a proud mum to a little girl. She also has a strong passion for fostering and has helped provide loving homes to animals in need over the years.
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Jamie
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV)
Jamie started with the team at Lara Pet Hospital as a student studying her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Quickly realising they could not make her leave, she was hired in 2019. Jamie loves the varied and unpredictable days the role brings and the fact that she never has to try to get her steps in after work.
Jamie has a strong interest in behaviour and training, a soft spot for birds and wildlife, and loves the challenge of a nail trim.
Her dog Dougal is her one and only (for now) and can often be found providing moral support at the clinic (from a distance just incase she tries to trim his nails).
Jamie
Veterinary Nurse
Jamie started with the team at Lara Pet Hospital as a student studying her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Quickly realising they could not make her leave, she was hired in 2019. Jamie loves the varied and unpredictable days the role brings and the fact that she never has to try to get her steps in after work.
Jamie has a strong interest in behaviour and training, a soft spot for birds and wildlife, and loves the challenge of a nail trim.
Her dog Dougal is her one and only (for now) and can often be found providing moral support at the clinic (from a distance just incase she tries to trim his nails).
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Meg
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV)
Meg lives just outside Ballarat in the Moorobool Valley with her husband,
daughter and their menagerie of animals!
They share their property, with their gorgeous Labradors, 3 beautiful horses, 2 rescue cats, friendly chickens, and 2 hand reared sheep (who think that they are dogs!! ) … Not to mention the loads of native Aussie wildlife species that call their ‘Conservation Green Zone’ ribbon along the Moorobool River ‘Home.’ (Yes, even some resident platypus!)
Meg has worked in the industry nearly 25 years as a Veterinary Nurse, emergency Centre Nurse, Practice Manager, and Instructor. She has been lucky enough to work with animals as small as mice, as tall as giraffes, as cheeky as monkeys, and everything in between.
In 2012 she went on to complete her teaching qualifications and went into teaching vet nursing, developing and coordinating veterinary and animal related courses and also running programs for workplace trainees. She has been involved with Zoos based conservation education and owned her own business in Animal Behaviour and Psychology.
She has a keen interest in emergency and surgical nursing and also takes special concern with ‘end of life’ journey support for the animals and their loving families. She absolutely loves working with horses and farm animals and even after all these years, still gets excited about cuddling puppies and kittens!
When Meg isn’t working in clinic she can be found riding her quarter horse mare ‘Tess’, her big Standardbred ‘Enzo,’ or out volunteering as a rural 1st responder through Ambulance Victoria.
Meg
Veterinary Nurse
Meg lives just outside Ballarat in the Moorobool Valley with her husband,
daughter and their menagerie of animals!
They share their property, with their gorgeous Labradors, 3 beautiful horses, 2 rescue cats, friendly chickens, and 2 hand reared sheep (who think that they are dogs!! ) … Not to mention the loads of native Aussie wildlife species that call their ‘Conservation Green Zone’ ribbon along the Moorobool River ‘Home.’ (Yes, even some resident platypus!)
Meg has worked in the industry nearly 25 years as a Veterinary Nurse, emergency Centre Nurse, Practice Manager, and Instructor. She has been lucky enough to work with animals as small as mice, as tall as giraffes, as cheeky as monkeys, and everything in between.
In 2012 she went on to complete her teaching qualifications and went into teaching vet nursing, developing and coordinating veterinary and animal related courses and also running programs for workplace trainees. She has been involved with Zoos based conservation education and owned her own business in Animal Behaviour and Psychology.
She has a keen interest in emergency and surgical nursing and also takes special concern with ‘end of life’ journey support for the animals and their loving families. She absolutely loves working with horses and farm animals and even after all these years, still gets excited about cuddling puppies and kittens!
When Meg isn’t working in clinic she can be found riding her quarter horse mare ‘Tess’, her big Standardbred ‘Enzo,’ or out volunteering as a rural 1st responder through Ambulance Victoria.
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