Dr Carrie Hawthorn
BVSc
Dr Carrie graduated in 1993 from Sydney University. Along with Matt she set up Milton Village Vet in 2005, moving to the South Coast with two small children. Carrie has a special interest in Dermatology and wildlife and hopes to continue further studies in advanced dermatology. In her spare time Dr Carrie loves sewing and creating and can also be seen performing as part of the local String orchestra.
Dr Matthew Tay
BVSc MACVSc small animal surgery
Dr Matt is co-founder and owner of the hospital. He is our go-to for complex surgical and behavioural cases. He has proudly enabled local residents to access the advanced TTA cruciate ligament repair system without having to travel to Sydney. He is a whiz at complex soft tissue reconstructive surgery involving the gastrointestinal tract and oncology [cancer]. He is passionate about behavioural medicine and is on the executive committee of the Australian Veterinary Behavioural Medicine group as their Policy Advisory representative for the Australian Vet Association. When not at work Matt has to tend to every waking need of his British Shorthair, Minnow [mainly food] and likes to chase flatties in his Hobie or left-handers at local beaches with some old-school retro hand skis.
Dr Chloe Friend
BVBio/BVSc
Dr Chloe graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVBio/BVSc). After working in a rural mixed practice for two years, she moved to the beautiful South Coast in 2017 and started work with Milton Village Vet. While Chloe enjoys surgery and medicine cases, she also has a special interest in helping clients and their furry friends with behavioural problems. She has subsequently completed additional studies with the Sydney University Centre for Veterinary Education in internal medicine and behaviour medicine. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys keeping active, cooking and taking her horses out riding. Keeping her company at home are many friends including a border collie, a cat, two horses and a tribe of chickens.
Dr Caitlin Mcfadden
Dr Caitlin graduated in 2019 from Charles Sturt Wagga. She is currently studying epidemiology and hopes to achieve her memberships in this field. Caitlin has a keen interest in gastroenterology, wildlife and all things whippet related! Caitlin started working for us during the bushfires in 2019 and was thrown into the deep end of wildlife triage and rehabilitation. Caitlin enjoys bushwalking and spending time with her whippets and budgie friends. Caitlin is a long term local having grown up and attended high school in Ulladulla.
Dr Kaileah Goyen
Dr Kai has been with us since 2021. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2015, and has since worked in Small Animal and Mixed Veterinary Clinics in the Blue and Snowy Mountains. She loves soft tissue surgery, and also working with our chronic care and palliative patients. Outside of business hours Kai can normally be found riding her dressage horse Gazzy, spending time with her husband Josh and five dogs, or getting away for a trip to the snow.
Hannah Sperring
Our head nurse Hannah began working with us in 2011 after working in Orange, Kalgoorlie and Sydney University. Hannah is a highly trained, multitalented nurse who brings a wealth of experience and empathy to the clinic. Hannah has trained many of our junior nurses and manages staffing and generally keeps the vets in line! Hannah is a true animal lover and has her own herd of animals at home that are treated like royalty. Hannah is kept busy with her animals and children in her spare time.
Ashleigh Merret
Ash is our part time vet nurse part time new mum to the gorgeous Charlotte. She also has aqcuired her certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing after a long career within the equine industry. Welcome back Ash! Her friendly smile and laugh calms even the most nervous patient and parent. On days off she use to ride her horse Scarlet but nowadays she’s catering to “Charlie’s”every whim.
Brittany Overton
Brittany completed her Veterinary Nursing certificate 4 in 2017 and has worked in several clinics across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra. Always up for a challenge, Britt has embarked on a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University. Britt has a special interest in surgical nursing and provides excellent post-operative care for our patients. In her spare time, Britt spends time with her cat Rodney and her rescue dog Pickle.
Jessy Kacsof
Nurse Jess completed her certificate 4 in veterinary nursing in 2019. A long term local, Jess began her placement at Milton vet after completing school. Jess is a caring, dedicated nurse with a strong client focus. On the weekends she enjoys spending time with her boys, two border collies Benji and Kip. Jess enjoys the challenging and interesting cases that each day brings.
Britney Higgins
Britney made the move to the South Coast from Sydney in 2023. Britney was working in several Greencross clinics in Eastern Sydney as she gained experience in veterinary nursing. Brit hopes to complete her certificate 4 in veterinary nursing. In her spare time, she enjoys playing sport and has joined several local teams. In 2024 Britney was sponsored by Milton Vet as part of the Young Woman of the year competition, and proudly represented our area.
Laila Sandstrom
Laila, our kennel hand has been working with us whilst finishing school. Laila has a a great rapport with the animals and is a very caring and diligent worker. We are hoping Laila will eventually complete her nursing studies.