We have a wonderful team of 12 veterinarians who are experienced in both large animal and companion animal work. Get to know a bit about them before you meet them out on farm or in the clinic!
Hugh (BVSc)
Head Large Animal Veterinarian
I recently merged the Levin and Otaki practices with the Totally Vets Group. I enjoy working with animals as well as being a shareholder in the group. I enjoy cattle reproduction and surgery, and orthopaedics in cats and dogs. I find my work in this vet practice stimulating, and I try to do something new or different each year in the vet world. I look forward to developing the new ideas that we have for the practice.
Christina (DVM, CCRP)
Head Companion Animal Veterinarian
I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. I graduated from William Jewell College in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in biology, bioethics, and philosophy. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, after finishing my clinical year at Oregon State and remained in Portland. I relocated to New Zealand in 2018 and began working at Levin & Horowhenua Vets. I am passionate about surgery and am a certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. I am currently working on my master’s and hope to qualify for a surgical residency in the future.
Charlene (BVSc)
Companion Animal Veterinarian
I have worked for the practice since moving to the district in 2012. Having married a dairy farmer, I have had a wide and varied career in both small animal, large animal and dairy advisory work. These days I can be found in the small animal department. I enjoy working in our busy practice, and particularly like working on complex medical cases. Outside of work I enjoy bike riding with my family, carpentry and design work.
Keith (BVSc)
Mixed Animal Veterinarian
I graduated from Massey University in 1999 after which I worked in the United States in a small animal clinic and in the North of England during the foot-and-mouth epidemic of 2001. I really enjoy the varied life of the mixed practice veterinarian, which can see me diving into any challenge in any species, any day of the week! I live with my wife Amanda, children Elisabeth and Ben, and various animals on our lifestyle block. Out of the clinic I am the Group Leader for Kotuku Sea Scouts.
Mark (BVetMed, MRCVS)
Companion Animal Veterinarian
I graduated from the Royal Vet College (London) in 1986. I have worked in private mixed practice, companion animal (CA) practice and owned a mixed practice but have been working exclusively in CA for the last 25 years. My areas of special interest are orthopaedic, soft tissue and dental surgery and increasingly focused on mentoring and coaching less experienced colleagues. My wife and I migrated to NZ in 2018. In my spare time I play euphonium in Kapiti Brass Band and whenever weather permits get out on the water to fish.
Emily (BVSc)
Companion Animal Veterinarian
I graduated from Massey University in 2019 and joined Levin & Horowhenua Vets for my first job as a veterinarian in March 2020. I like working with a range of species and am enjoying the variety that comes with working in a mixed practice. I grew up in Dunedin and moved to the Manawatu to study, but I fell in love with the region and have stuck around! In my spare time I enjoy biking, skiing, and exploring new places. I look forward to meeting you all in the clinic and on farm!
Thomas (BVSc)
Mixed Animal Veterinarian
I graduated Massey University in 2018 and have been working in Northland for two years – throughly enjoying being in and on top of the ocean there. My primary interest is agriculture and the community which surrounds it. I moved south in 2021 to be with my fiancée who is currently studying to become a vet. I look forward to making the most of the tramping opportunities in the Tararua and Ruahine ranges and exploring the ocean on the both coasts.
Laura (BVSc)
Mixed Animal Veterinarian
Originally from France, I grew up there and in Australia before making my way across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand in 2016. I graduated from Massey at the end of 2020 and started a mixed vet position here at Levin & Horowhenua Vets straight after. My partner and I are now settling in the Manawatu-Horowhenua region with our two (so far) horses. I look forward to meeting you all on farm and in clinic, and learning all about your pets!
Kathren (BVSc)
Companion Animal Veterinarian
I am originally from Poland and lived in Chicago for quite a few years. I now call the Manawatu home, and I am excited to work as a small animal veterinarian for Levin and Horowhenua after just graduating from Massey University in 2022. I love coming to work everyday, and I am grateful to be part of a team that is so caring and passionate about patient care and well being. In my spare time, I can be found hitting the trails with my husband and three rough collies. I also enjoy gardening and rearranging my house plants. I look forward to meeting you and all of your furry and feathery pets.
We have a dedicated team of technicians who cover a range of production animal work. They also run a Lifestyle Club for small block owners which they are extremely passionate about!
Ashleigh (BVT)
Head Large Animal Veterinary Technologist
Steph (BVT)
Large Animal Veterinary Technologist
I completed the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Massey University in 2017, where I specialised in working with production animals. Throughout my life I have grown up on both a dairy farm and lifestyle block in the Manawatu region. At home I have a small collection of my own animals including a husky, a cat, two rabbits and a hand-trained budgie. Outside of work I love being outdoors, going to the gym and hanging out with friends and family.
Nikkita
Production Animal Technician
I am currently studying vet nursing at UCOL and have nearly finished my diploma. My main passion has always been large animals as they have always fascinated me. I have previously worked on a dairy farm in which I enjoyed every minute of it. I also have a dog, cat, and pet sheep at home, all of whom I adore and love to spoil!
Shania
Production Animal Technician
I graduated from AG Challenge in December 2021, where I completed my Rural Animal Technician Certificate. During my time studying I was fortunate enough to attend Levin and Horowhenua Vet Clinic for work placement. This is when I discovered this clinic is where I hoped too eventually work. Prior to this I was Shepherding on a farm at Mount Bruce and worked as a receptionist at Vet Services Wairarapa. In following my love for large animals and the rural lifestyle, I have been lucky to be a part of the Agriculture sector and supported by many great mentors. My role at Levin and Horowhenua Vets will enable me to continue to make connections and mentor others who are also following their passion. I look forward to the challenge of my new role and seeing you all in clinic.
Tania
Farm Team Administrator
I have worked in the administration environment for the past 10-15 years and do love it. So have continued to go in this direction in a different industry this time, which is farming. I live on a farm in Foxton with my partner who is a farmer, our two dogs a cat and of course, I have a pet cow that is sticking around for now! Following my love for large and small animals and the rural lifestyle, I am lucky to be able to work in this Industry and enjoy every part of it. I look forward to hearing about all your stories in the life of farming and all the ups and downs that come with that.
Our qualified vet nurses keep busy in the companion animal hospital with nurse consults, discharging patients, assisting the vets and making sure your pets are kept comfortable during hospital stays.
Serena (CVN)
Head Nurse
I am a vet nurse and graduated from Otago Polytechnic in 2014. I have been working at Levin & Horowhenua Vets for two years now. My main interests at work are surgery and canine behavior. For the last four years I have been running Puppy Preschool classes which is a lot of fun to do; I really enjoy watching the puppies grow and develop over the four week course. Working at Levin & Horowhenua Vets has really allowed me to develop my nursing skills and it’s a great place to work.
Tara (DVN)
Growing up I have always had an affinity with animals. I graduated with a diploma of vet nursing from UCOL in 2010 and worked in Masterton and Palmerston North before starting at Levin & Horowhenua Vets in 2018. I live with a one-eyed cat called Sparrow and two guinea pigs, Emmett, and Eduardo. I have a soft spot for un-social/feral cats and have tamed a few for the SPCA. My main interests at work are medical cases and weight loss. I love to see the progress that the animals make.
Sarah (DVN)
I graduated from Massey University with a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in 2011. I have since worked in Australia as well as New Zealand in companion animal practices, emergency critical care, and lecturing at UCOL. I joined the team here in 2016 and immediately loved the high standard of patient care that is practiced here. I love all aspects of nursing and have recently been studying towards my CCRP certification in Canine Rehabilitation. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies.
Gemma (DVN)
I graduated in July of 2021 with a Diploma in Vet Nursing from UCOL and soon after joined the amazing team at Levin & Horowhenua Vets. I have always had an interest in animals (big and small) and wanted a career involving them. I am really enjoying my time here learning and gaining skills while working with my favourite animals. I live with my partner and our two dogs Snoop and Luna who keep me on my toes!
Jessica (DVN)
After working in catteries and kennels in the Wairarapa, I decided veterinary nursing was my calling. In 2019 I graduated from UCOL with a diploma in veterinary nursing and went straight into a small practice in Palmerston North. After a small break from nursing, I am back and grateful to be employed in such a well-equipped clinic with such an amazing team. I am looking forward to expanding my skills here and am really looking forward to working with you and your beloved pets.
Ellen (DVN)
I completed my diploma in July 2022, after taking a break between my certificate in 2017 after living overseas. I gained valuable experience at Massey Vets, and tech skills with largies along the way, I knew I was where I wanted to be! Since working in Levin I have loved being hands on and bonding with the wonderful team! In my spare time you will find me with my Cavoodle Archie & Tortie Emmy!
Polina (DVN)
I previously worked as a zookeeper and behaviourist in a zoo for many years in my homeland. I then moved to New Zealand and studied to become a vet nurse at UCOL. Working at Levin & Horowhenua Vets is my first job after studying, the clinic has friendly staff and high medical standards. I am still interested in exotic animals, but now as a vet nurse I am doing internships at Wellington and Auckland Zoos.
Jesse (DVN)
I have always had an interest in working with animals and I thought Vet Nursing would be a great place to start. I graduated mid 2021 with a Diploma in Vet Nursing and I joined the Levin and Horowhenua Clinic mid 2022. I really enjoy being a part of such an amazing and supportive team. I aspire to develop my skills in becoming a confident Vet Nurse and I look forward to working with you and your beloved animals.
Isobel (DVN)
Growing up I have always had a strong connection to caring for animals. I graduated with a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in July 2022 and joined the amazing team at Levin and Horowhenua Vets shortly after. I have a soft spot for cats and rabbits, and I have a keen interest in surgery, specifically orthopaedics! I can’t wait to meet you and your wonderful pets!
Vicky (DVN)
After growing up on a farm out of the Tararua region around a variety of animals, I always had a passion for helping them. I followed this by completing a Vet Nursing qualification at Ucol in Palmerston North and shortly after, found a job here at Levin and Horowhenua Vets in July 2022. I have been incredibly grateful to work with such an amazing team in this brief period and I look forward to meeting all of you and your lovely pets in my time here.
Our friendly customer services team are the first ones to greet you when you come into the clinic or ring to book an appointment. They enjoy building relationships with both you and your pet, and look forward to seeing you when you’re next in the clinic!
Brenda
Clinic Manager
I started with Totally Vets Awapuni in 2020, as Office Manager. 11 months later I was given the opportunity to be Clinic Manager here at Levin & Horowhenua Vets. Born and bred in the Horowhenua with strong ties to the community, I am loving working back in my hometown. I have spent numerous years working in Business Management and love the challenges that it gives me. In my free time I love spending time with my partner, grown children and my grandkids.
Lisa
Assistant Manager
I started working at Levin & Horowhenua Vets in July 2021 after moving to Levin from the windy capital of Wellington in November 2020. I had been working in an office environment for the last 8 to 10 years and thought I needed a change. I love seeing all the gorgeous fur babies and meeting their owners. The clinic is fast paced and there is always something going on and something new to learn.
Paula
Inventory Manager
I started at Levin and Horowhenua Vets in November 2019. I have spent many years working at Carters as an Inward Goods Coordinator and two years at Spotlight Kapiti as a Goods Receiver, so ready for the next step (and dare I say challenge!) as an Inventory Manager. I’m fortunate enough to work in an animal environment, where we care and treat animals daily, as I have been an animal lover all my life. I live in Paraparaumu Beach with my husband Arron, 14 year old son Dominic and two spoilt cats Luca and Millie.
Diane
Customer Service
I have worked in the vet industry for quite some time now. I am new back to Levin & Horowhenua Vets but not a stranger as I used to work here in the past. I love getting to know all the customers and their pets. I am always happy to help with some advice – I look forward to getting to know you and your pets.
Leigh-Anne
Customer Service
I have been working as a pet groomer for the last 17 years with 3 years at a vet clinic on the side in Wellington at their cattery. I moved to the Horowhenua District a year ago with my family and my little farm of 5 Persians, 2 dogs, 3 horses, 2 rabbits, and a couple of ring necks. I felt I needed a job change; I enjoy being busy and talking about animals so thought what better job to have than greeting all our clients and seeing your pets that come through the doors. I look forward to meeting you all and handing out treats to your pets on your arrival.
Caroline
Customer Service
I have always loved animals and horses have been on top of the list. My husband and I found our “happy place” here in Levin 5 years ago and share our small lifestyle block with 3 cats and 6 sheep. Having worked for many years in reception/admin roles, and volunteering for 17 years with the SPCA in Auckland, has given me a greater understanding and respect for all animals. As a member of the Customer Service team, I look forward to welcoming you and your fur babies to our clinic.
Maree
Customer Service
I moved to Levin in 2019 with my husband from Wellington. I have been working in vet clinics for the last 6-8 years after starting my working career as a corporate travel agent. I have 7 Cats as well as 2 dogs, a German Shepherd name Kaiser, and a Saint Bernard Puppy named Arizona Robbins. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my friends and family and going on adventures with the dogs.
