Meet Our Team

Dr Tanis Aiton

BSc. DVM

Tanis was born and raised in the small farming community of Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada on a property full of animals. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in neuropsychology and linguistics on Vancouver Island, where she met her long-time partner. After working as a veterinary emergency nurse for a few years, she decided to trade in her skis for a surfboard, and made the move across the globe. She studied in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Sydney, graduating in 2021. While attending placement at Murwillumbah Veterinary Clinic, Tanis fell in love with the staff, the clientele and the surrounding area.

Dr Jerah Hart

My interest in Veterinary Medicine began growing up on a hobby farm in Highvale, on the outskirts of Brisbane. I graduated from the University of Queensland Veterinary School in 1993. During my studies I worked part-time as a veterinary nurse in a mixed equine and small animal practice. Upon graduation I then worked as a veterinarian in mixed practice for 2 years followed by a period of 1 year spent working in various practices as a locum across the United Kingdom.

Robyn McCalman

Head Veterinary Nurse

I have been working at MVC since 1983! I was born and bred in Murwillumbah and am married to Ron. I have 2 adult children Carolyn and Craig, eight grandchildren and a large extended (and extremely social) family. I enjoy cooking for family nights in but also enjoy going out to dinner.

We live out at Condong on a property where I lived as a child and we run cows and greyhounds. I have been involved with greyhounds for over 30 years and we race (reasonably successfully) and breed them. My knowledge in this area comes in handy at work too!

Melana Oakes

Veterinary Nurse

I started volunteering at the Murwillumbah vet clinic in October 2012, at the time I was doing Certificate II in Animal Studies, I continued my studies and getting my Certificate III in companion animals and Certificate IV in vet Nursing.

I currently am a registered Breeder of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and have a multitude of other pets including, 2 cats, 2 rabbits, 2 Budgies, chicken and Ducks, I have always had a love for all animals so it was an easy decision to turn that love into a profession. Put it all together with my 3 kids and I definitely have a busy household. My Partner and I are currently living on 12 acres and with the dream of one day owning a larger parcel of land and to increase the range of animals to include different types of farm animals to our extended family.

Lydia Stephenson

Veterinary Nurse

Hello! I’m Lydia. I’d also like to introduce you to my two Kelpie x dogs Albie and Agnes, who were bribed with copious amounts of treats to keep their matching Christmas bandanas on for this photograph.

I started at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic in 2019 as a trainee nurse after working and studying in fields including psychological science, childhood education and a few years in the tech industry. I’d like to think my decision to work in animal medicine was surprising but my family will tell you about Babe the pig who became part of our family at my insistence (as an animal loving 7 year old girl) and Rainbow the guinea pig I’d sneak in to my bed each evening. They’d also tell you about the cattle yard fence I dented from sitting on and hanging out with the cows every afternoon with my best friend – our 3 legged dog named Fella. Being with animals is where I feel at home and working with them as my job is the ultimate privilege.

Lilly Rawson

Veterinary Nurse – on maternity leave

Hi my name is Lilly, I live in a converted shipping container with my partner Bailey and my miniature dachshunds Finn and Frankie. I grew up in the local area of Chillingham on a cattle farm, I spent most of my weekends following my family around the farm helping to chase the cows and tack up the horses. My pop bought me my first pony when I was 11 and I spent more time trying to catch him then on his back.

As soon as I heard that one of the farm animals was sick or injured I was the first one down there comforting them until the vet came. I would miss the bus to school watching the vet in awe perform a difficult calving or stitching up my clumsy stock horse. I knew that I wanted to wear scrubs and help all animals when I was older.

Brenna Waugh

Veterinary Nurse

Hello, my name is Brenna. I’ve lived in the Southern Gold Coast/Northern Rivers area since I was 6. I’m the youngest of 5 children and invariably have the best time with my family that has also at all times included our beloved pets.

Jasmine Stewart

Veterinary Nurse

Hi! My name is Jasmine, Born and raised in the Tweed Shire, I’m living life with my partner Ben and our awesome German Shepherd, Nellie. I started out my placement for a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at MVC in 2022, and when I was offered a position to join the team I jumped at the chance!

At the clinic, I wear a few different hats. Some days, you’ll find me consulting, working side by side with our incredible vets. Other times, you’ll spot me when your furry friend is admitted or discharged as the hospital nurse making sure they’re well looked after during their procedures and recovery. My love for animals goes way back – after high school, I joined Friends of the Pound at Stott’s Island volunteering, and that’s where my journey in animal care began. From there I began fostering animals, and that experience made me absolutely sure that being a vet nurse was what I was meant to do.

Tiffany Swift

Reception – Management

Hi, I’m Tiffany and I’ve been apart of the MVC team since 2008. From a very young age I had a passion of caring for animals, and always knew I wanted a career in the animal industry.

Bronwyn Burton

Receptionist

Hi, my name is Bronwyn and I have been a part of the MVC team for the last 34 years, both as a Nurse and Receptionist. I live local with 2 grown children and 2 beautiful grandkids.