Dr Kate Gittings BVSc

Kate graduated from University of Queensland in 2001. Being the owner of these clinics was Kate’s destiny. Kate is a 4th generation surfcoast resident and has a long association with the Torquay and Surfcoast Veterinary Clinics. Starting in 1993 with High School work experience, progressing to veterinary placement during university and, following graduation in 2001, to spending her first two years working along-side Neil.

To gain further experience in small animal medicine Kate travelled and worked across the UK for three years. On returning home it wasn’t long before she again came back to the practice in Torquay.

When Neil indicated he would like to take things a little easier it seemed a natural progression that Kate should become the principal Vet and became the practice owner in 2011.

Kate is passionate about companion and native animal health and welfare.

When not at the Clinic she spends time with her family, two cats (Sunny and Koki) and her daughters horses.

Dr Alice Hicks DVM, BAnimalVetBioSc, MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

Alice graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2021. After making the move down the coast, Alice joined our clinic at the start of 2022. She has become a valuable member of our team.

In 2025 Alice completed her membership exams in Small Animal Medicine. The Membership is awarded by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) and recognises further knowledge and skills in a specific area of veterinary practice. Alice also has a special interest in small animal medicine and endocrinology. 

When Alice is not at work she is at the beach walking her dogs Jessie and Leo. 

 Dr Mikaela White BVBio/BVSc

Mikaela Graduated as a veterinarian in mid 2023 from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Mikaela is from South Australia but moved to Geelong after graduating and has worked in small animal practice since. Mikaela joined the team in August 2024 and has a keen interest in small animal soft tissue surgeries as well as pocket pet medicine.

Mikaela has a border collie, bearded dragon and tropical fish at home. Outside of work time she enjoys camping, crafts and keeping active. 

Vanessa Sciarrone

Danielle Pietsch

Dani begun with our team in November 2020. In 2021, Dani undertook her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at The Gordon in which she became a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse in July 2022. Before nursing Dani completed her Bachelor or Zoology and Animal Science at Deakin University. Dani has always loved animals, growing up in the country she had lots of exposure to a variety of animals, large and small, including being a local rescuer for Wildlife Victoria.

Dani has taken a keen interest in Native wildlife, reproduction and neonate care. Her favourite part about working in the clinic is surgery, she also enjoys taking home stray kittens that need some extra TLC. 

In her spare time, Dani enjoys spending time with her husband; Jason, her two cats; Ava and Klaus, and her three dogs; Lucy, Alfie and Mini. She also loves going back home to spend time with her family. 

Cielle Bouvier 

Olivia Adams

Olivia is a level 4 qualified veterinary nurse and completed her qualification in 2019. What Olivia loves most about her vet nursing is how varied the role is, no two days ever feel the same. Olivia finds it incredibly rewarding seeing animals come into the clinic unwell and leave feeling so much better. One of her favourite parts of the day is meeting our clients and their pets. 

Olivia loves working with all the animals but she does have a real soft spot for cats and understands them well, the spicier the better! 

When not in scrubs, Olivia loves staying active with walks, the gym, Pilates, spending time at the beach, planning road trips, spending time with her partner and catching up with friends. At home, Olivia has two rescued cats, Wonky and Dexter and a very spoilt chicken named Barb. She also loves to spend time with her partners two border collies, Wally and Tiger. 

Jess Sinclair 

Jess has over nine years experience as a veterinary nurse, with a strong background in shelter medicine and fast paced, busy clinic environments. She is passionate about being a strong advocate for her patients and finds great fulfillment in supporting animals through illness, surgery and recovery.

Jess enjoys working with all animals, and values the variety each day that a clinic brings. Outside of work, Jess loves spending time at the beach with her dog, riding horses and camping trips. At home, Jess is kept busy by her Bengal cat, Django, her Golden retriever cross, Louie and her two thoroughbred horses. 

Julia Earle- Practice Manager

Julia started working with us as our the Practice Manager in July 2022. She finished her Practice Management Diploma at the end of 2021 and has a background in Veterinary Nursing, Animal Technology and Business Administration.  

Julia always wanted to work in a veterinary clinic and asked for a job at her local clinic when she was in grade 3. Julia grew up in Geelong and moved to Queensland in 2004 where she started her vet nursing career. She instantly fell in love with being a vet nurse. Her favourite part of being a nurse was emergency and critical care.  Julia's passion is now working alongside our wonderful team, supporting them in delivering gold standard care to both patients and clients. 

When not at work Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 boys, camping, bush walking and hanging out time with her Labrador, Archie and cuddling with her cat, Freddy.