Our Staff

Dr. Angela Sutherland - Veterinarian

Dr Angi is a Canadian turned Australian who originally graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 2005. After her studies, she worked in a mixed animal practice, followed by 3 years in Florida USA at a specialty small animal referral practice. Following her desire to travel, Dr Angi then spent 1 year in Australia working throughout the country at various practices. She originally joined our team temporarily for the month of May 2010 and then spent 10 weeks instructing final year veterinary students at the James Cook University in Townsville. Dr Angi then rejoined our team as a full time permanent Veterinarian in September 2010, and purchased the practice with her husband in October 2011. Dr Angi's areas of expertise include orthopaedics, dermatology and reproduction. Be sure to look out for Dr Angi's golden retriever, Cooper and Peah, at the back of the clinic, either keeping an eye on the happenings or more likely - having a snooze.

Dr. Sasha Watene - Veterinarian

Dr Sasha joined the MVS team in October 2016. Growing up on a small hobby farm on the Atherton Tablelands, Dr Sasha's love for animals led her to graduating from a Bachelor of Vet Science at JCU, Townsville. After uni, Dr Sasha and her husband moved straight to Emerald. After a few years practicing at a local clinic and two beautiful daughter’s later, Dr Sasha came back to work part-time at MVS. With great skills in surgery and a passion for medicine and orthopaedics, Dr Sasha is a fantastic vet who treats all her patients with kindness and compassion. At home Dr Sasha and her family love spending time with their small clutch of chickens and a gorgeous munchkin kitten named Smokey.

Dr. Rachel Mallyon - Veterinarian

Dr Rachel is a local girl who grew up in Springsure and went on to study Veterinary Science at James Cook University in Townsville. She graduated in December 2012 and has been employed at the Maraboon Vet since January 2013. Dr Rachel is a go-getter and every patient she handles is treated with respect, kindness and high quality medicine. Dr Rachel's favourite part of the job is conducting surgery and she is always looking for ways to expand her veterinary expertise. Dr Rach is also a fantastic role model and mentor for our veterinary nurse team, often supervising and guiding them through their qualifications. At home, Dr Rach has two beautiful sons, an incredible geeko-hunting Jack Russell named Hank, two chickens and a couple of horses.

Dr. Justin Hogan - Veterinarian

Dr. Indy Conway - Veterinarian

Dr Emily Lukas - Veterinarian

After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2018, Emily went straight into a busy mixed practice down in Dubbo where she worked for two and a half years. Following on from this she has done some locum work in mixed veterinary practices around Australia. In 2023 she headed over to the UK for a mixture of travel and work. The Maraboon team managed to lock her in to come back to Emerald and we look forward to working with her. Emily has a special interests in orthopaedics, surgery and ultrasonography. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading and playing sport. 

Dr Ruby Price - Veterinarian

Joining our team in 2024! Dr Ruby grew up on various cattle properties across North West Queensland and has always loved working with all animals, large and small. After completing multiple placements at the Maraboon Vet Surgery during her Veterinary degree, Ruby fell in love with the clinic and the amazing team. After graduating from James Cook University in 2023, she has made the very easy decision to return to the relaxed rural lifestyle of Emerald. She has a passion for surgery and a keen interest in dermatology and preventative medicine.

Alliza Marino - Practice Manager

Alliza became part of the MVS family in 2014 after being recruited by Dr Angi. Originally joining the practice as a vet nurse and receptionist, Alliza starting putting her Business degree into effect and was promoted to Practice Manager a few months later. She has since completed further study in frontline and practice management and enjoys working in the challenging and fast-paced vet clinic environment. She has fallen in love with all the wonderful pets that visit the clinic and you'll often find her in the reception area stealing cuddles. At home, Alliza has a husky named Leia and a cute cat named Rudi who get most of her attention!

Kasey Pyle - Practice Manager

Kasey Joined the Team in 2018 and couldn't be happier. Beginning as the clinic's receptionist for a few years before covering Alliza when she began her maternity leave for her first baby. Now she works along side Alliza as well as begining to complete her Certificate 4 in Vet Nursing. Kasey aims to provide the best service for all clients and their pets, with a soft spot for Labradors. In her spare time she likes to spend time with friends and family, swimming or water skiing.

Jacinta Ingram - Receptionist

Jacinta joined the veterinarian industry in June 2022 and is loving it! Originally from Brisbane she always had a large range of animals in the home growing up ranging from cats and dogs, guinea pigs, birds and even sheep. She graduated high school in Brisbane and moved to Emerald to study a certificate III at Emerald Agricultural College. She fell in love with the town and the people and decided to make Emerald her home. Shortly after she met her now husband who she shares two beautiful dogs, Willow and Koda, two cats Bailey and Cyprus, Indian Ringed Neck, Sapphiera and horse named Arnie. When not at work Jacinta can be found learning to silver smith and participating at the Gemfields lapidary club.

Miriam Kipka - Veterinary Nurse & Groomer

Miram started working at MVS in 2018. Originally from Germany, Miriam came to Australia in 2012 to follow her dream of working with animals out in the country. With a hard working attitude and a good instinct for reading animals, we couldn’t help but hire her! Miriam spends half her shifts at the pet resort where she assists with the grooming and half at the vet clinic as one of our vet nurses. She has a particular fondness for working with different animal personalities and loves every big dog that comes into the clinic. Outside of work Miriam works out on stations with her partner, mustering and looking after cattle. Miriam also has a real big soft spot for her dogs, Blacky and Tiger who are very lucky to have her as their fur-parent!

Lexie Titmarsh - Veterinary Nurse

Lexie has recently joined the MVS team in March 2021. She has her certificate IV in Veterinary nursing and has previously worked with both large and small animals. Originally a local girl from Emerald she has returned home after working several years in other veterinary practices and she brings over 6 years of valuable experience with her. At home Lexie has three dogs, four cats, a few horses and a bearded dragon. A true allrounder she loves every aspect of nursing but particularly has an interest in non- routine surgery.

Jess Bretherton - Veterinary Nurse

Jess has grown up with the lifelong dream of becoming a veterinary nurse, and has recently made that a reality. After joining our team in 2021, Jess has become a caring member of our team with a strong passion for animal welfare. She has recently begun completing her Certificate 4 in Veterinary nursing and is enjoying learning all aspects of her new role. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Otis and Mitzie, and her friends and family.

Cassie Kratzmann - Veterinary Nurse

Cassie is a bubbly member of our veterinary nurse team, who joined our Maraboon family early in 2021. She grew up on rural cattle properties around the Central Queensland region and is ecstatic to be able to fulfil her career goals by working part time in the veterinary industry and part time in the Cattle and rural industry. Cassie is currently studying her Certificate 4 in veterinary Nursing and is enjoying all aspects of the role. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with all her animals; her little King Charles cavalier, working dogs and horses. She also enjoys competing in cattle dog trials with her border collies, camp drafting and spending time with her family.

Jordana  Ferry - Veterinary Nurse

Jordana has always loved animals and dreamed about one day working in the animal industry. She completed her grade 10 work experience with our team in 2018 and showed an enormous love for all our four-legged clients and the veterinary industry. Works in all three locations Maraboon Vet Surgery Emerald and Blackwater and the Maraboon Pet Resort. Jordana has completed her certificate II in veterinary nursing and has moved onto studying for her certificate IV in veterinary nursing. She enjoys all aspects of her role but in particularly enjoys the rare cases and Emergencies, which one day is the field she hopes to further her knowledge in. Jordana has a pugalier named Margaux and a Cavalier named Maverick that she absolutely adores. When she is not at work, Jordana loves spending time with Margaux and Maverick, her family and friends and enjoys travelling and dreams to one day travel the world.

Hannah Alkoby - Veterinary Nurse

Hannah is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and joined the MVS team in May 2022. Originally from Emerald, she has returned to her home town and is enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of country life. Hannah has a strong passion for nursing and has a keen interest in dental health, training, hospital nursing and surgery. When not in the clinic, she’s at home unwinding with a good book and a cuppa. Hannah enjoys travelling, weekends at the beach and quality time with family and friends. At home, Hannah has two cats, Mowgli and Pumpkin, and her little rascal dachshunds Eevee and Ryder.

Andrea Hales - Veterinary Nurse

Andy is one of our very bubbly team members who is a 'Jack of all Trades' working at the Maraboon Vet Surgery and the Maraboon Pet Resort. Andy is a fully qualified Vet Technician who completed her studies in 2016. She loves all creatures great and small, with a particular interest in helping sick pets regain their health and return home to their loving homes. She enjoys working in our hospital ward and assisting with surgeries. Andy is also one of our talented Groomers at the Maraboon Pet Resort, as well as working in the boarding kennels and our Doggy Day Care. When Andy is not at work she enjoys spending time with her two fabulous dogs Wacko Jacko and Pia the Pei.

Sophie Pieroen - Veterinary Nurse

Sophie joined the Maraboon Team early in 2023 as one of our amazing up and coming nurses. Growing up in the Netherlands, she always knew she had a passion for travelling and animals. Her studies brought her to Australia while she did a placement in an Equine Clinic in Victoria. What was meant to be four months turned into 6.5 years travelling and working around Australia before settling in Emerald during 2021. Sophie also works in the grooming salon at the Maraboon Pet Resort. When she is not working, Sophie enjoys camping and retreating to nature. Her time is never spent alone, since her Golden retriever Chilly is always by her side.

Nateisha Keller - Veterinary Nurse

Teish joined the Maraboon Vet family in March 2023 and is currently studying her Certificate II with the goal of starting her Certificate IV in the new year. When working at Maraboon Vet Surgery, Teish loves surgical nursing and helping with our new large animal practice in equine health. Teish grew up in Emerald and when she isn’t working she is usually participating in local rodeos, riding her horse Donkey or hanging out with her dogs Stella and Doc. 

Lacey Hoskins - Junior Veterinary Nurse

Lacey impressed the Maraboon Vet Team with her happy personality and hard work ethic when she completed her grade 10 Work Experience early in 2022. Lacey has always wanted to work within the Veterinary Industry and thoroughly enjoys completing her Certificate II in Animals Studies as one of our School based trainees. She has always had a passion for animals and enjoys being able to come to work and help care for all the Cats and Dogs. When Lacey is not at school or work she enjoys spending time with her family and travelling to Rodeos on weekends.

Ned Wills - Junior Veterinary Nurse

Ned grew up in Emerald always surrounded by animals whether it was dogs, cats or even horses. Ned joined the Maraboon family at the Pet Resort in November of 2020. He since has started at the Vet Surgery in 2022 completing his Certificate II in Animal Studies as a school based traineeship. When Ned is working at the Pet Resort, he works in the Boarding kennels and loves helping with Doggy Day Care as well. When Ned is not working, he is out competing on his horses or hanging out with family and friends. 

Copelan Smith - Junior Veterinary Nurse

Copelan is an Emerald local who joined us originially in 2020 at the Maraboon Pet Resort, as one of our resort animal attendants. Impressing us with her hard work ethic, mature attitude and great animal handling skills, Copelan started a school based traineeship at MVS to become a veterinary nurse. Copelan would love to be a vet one day but for now is loving the experience in clinic and at the resort as one of our juniors.  When asked what her favourite part of being a vet nurse was, all Copelan could say was Puppies, Puppies and Puppies! - and she's not wrong, she's a natural when it comes to all things dog! Outside of work, you'll find Copelan playing footy on weekends and snagging all the cuddles from her 3 dogs, Yeti, Sugar and Neville. 

Jasmine Cook- Junior Veterinary Nurse

Jas completed her grade 10 work experience with us in 2023 and began her School based traineeship with the Maraboon Vet Team shortly after. She has always had a passion for animals and their health care. Jaz is currently studying a certificate II in Animal Studies and enjoying every minute of it. She also works at the Maraboon Pet Resort, giving all the boarding pets some extra cuddles while their owners are away on holidays.