Meet Our Team

Dr Deirdre J Clack BVSc

Dr Deirdre, or Dr Dee as many know her works Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and every second Saturday morning.

Dee graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 1990

She has over 25 years experience as a practicing clinician. 5 years of those were spent working in a large busy mixed animal hospital in the midlands of the United Kingdom. The other 20 years has been as a small animal veterinary surgeon in the local area.

Dee has a Cavalier King Charles named Daisy Maisy LuLu, a Rescue cat named Dawn who was dropped in at the clinic on Anzac Day, Mintie the Cashmere Rabbit, Piggy Pigglebottom the Crested Guinea Pig who was left on her door step and 2 Budgies named Echo and Blueberry.

Dr Elizabeth Alston BVSc

Veterinarian

Dr Elizabeth, or Dr Liz, works Tuesday's, Wednesdays and alternating Saturday's.

Liz graduated with first class honours from Sydney University in 1982. Liz has 32 years expereince as a Veterinarian where she has worked locally, nationally and internationally. Liz worked in the UK for a charity organisation, PDSA for 12 months. Upon returning to Australia Liz worked in Penrith for a couple of years before getting married and locuming around sydney for 12 months. Liz then worked for Forest Animal Hospital before setting up her own clinic on Norfolk Island where she continued to work for 15 years. Liz then returned to sydney. Liz has been with us at The Cottage since 2014.

Liz has a kelpie x named Tazar, a Maltese named Abby, a fox terrier named Narla, a cat named Mitzi, 4 bunny rabbits and 2 horses.

Anneli Vassallo

Veterinary Practice Manager

Anneli has been at The Cottage Animal Hospital since day one, helping to establish and develop our clinic and team.
Anneli is our Practise Manager who since opening has had a beautiful daughter named Olivia and is currently expecting her second baby girl! . Anneli juggles life at The Cottage as well as life as a mum!

Anneli has 14 years experience as a Veterinary nurse and has completed her Certificate 4 in Veterinary nursing.

Anneli has a Border Collie named Sammie and an adult cat named Minx.

Courtney

Veterinary Nurse

Courtney is a full time Veterinary Nurse who started her Veterinary career with us at The Cottage in 2013.

Courtney has her certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing as well as a statement of attainment in Professional dog grooming.
Courtney will be completing her fourth year as a Veterinary nurse this year.

Courtney has a Labrador named Tasha and an Australian Shepherd named Summer.

Ellen Gould

Veterinary Nurse

Ellen has her certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. She has been in the industry since 2010 and will be completing her 3rd year with us at The Cottage Animal Hospital.

Ellen is a cat mum to Muffin and Benson, 2 Tabby boys, and 2 snakes Silvia and Ophelia.

Daniela Di Natale

Daniela, or Danny, is a casual Veterinary nurse who started her career as a Veterinary Nurse with us at The Cottage Animal Hospital.

Danny has her certifcate 4 in Veterinary Nursing and has just over 12 months experience in the industry.

Danny has a Irish Wolf hound named Fenris, a vallhound x Chihuahua named Sif, 2 bearded dragons named Moose & Stache, a Woma python named Snack and Danny also has a large collection of Rats and mice!

Vanessa Hughes

Trainee Nurse

Vanessa is a casual Veterinary Nurse who is in her 2nd year with us at The Cottage Animal Hospital. Vanessa has also been working with horses for 7 years.

Vanessa has her certificate 2 in Animal Studies, certificate 3 in Equine Nursing and is currently completing her Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing.

Vanessa has a German Shepherd named Jack.