Meet Our Team

Dr Sophie Rumbold

Principal Veterinarian

Dr Sophie Rumbold graduated from Murdoch University in 1997 and returned to Adelaide for 18 months before further developing her career in the U.K.

During the 6 years in the UK she developed a special interest in small animal medicine and surgery and was involved in the treatment of wildlife at local wildife Centres. In 2006 Sophie spent 6 weeks in Northern India working with Vets without Borders. On her return to Australia she attended a conference on the management of pets in the indigenous communities which sparked a move to the Northern Territory for 4 years. It was here that she developed a special interest in birds and reptiles and was able to travel to some remote communuties to conduct health care programs for dogs and cats. Sophie really enjoyed the challenges of dealing with the different tropical diseases and the remote travel that is required to deliver health services in the N.T.

On her return to South Australia Sophie set up home in the Adelaide Hills, a region close to her heart and loves the close knit communtiy of Stirling. An avid gardener and horse rider, on the days away from the clinic she is usually found doing either and shares her house with Flora the Border Terrier and Rosie the Australian Shepherd.

Dr Melissa Dunn

Veterinarian

Dr Melissa Dunn graduated from Sydney University in 1995. She started working with both large and small animals in the South-East before travelling around Australia and then the UK. Melissa moved back to Adelaide from NSW 4yrs ago and works with us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She lives in the Hills with her husband, 3 young children, Toby the Jack Russell and Kipper the Bengal.

Dr Nichole Kopp

Veterinarian

Dr Nichole joined the team at Avenue Road Stirling Vet Surgery in April 2023. As a University of Adelaide graduate Nichole is a strong believer in preventative medical care and she shares a passion and interest in feline medicine. Nichole was born and raised in rural South Australia, and considers herself both a cat person and a dog person, however she will always makes extra time to cuddle the cute kittens that come through the doors! Nicole is dedicated in providing exceptional veterinary service for the Adelaide Hills community and enjoys finding different ways to work with our feline friends in a low stress way.

Dr Bradley Katemis

Veterinarian

Dr Angus Winwood

Veterinarian

Meagan Broadbridge

Practice Manager

My love of caring for animals started early when I grew up on a sheep property in country Victoria. I have had the privilege of working with and managing staff from all different industries, and feel very lucky to be currently working with the amazing staff and clientele at Avenue Road Stirling Vet Surgery. I’m truly passionate about my work and connecting with people, providing them with “choices” to create better changes for themselves, their pets and their communities. I love living in the Adelaide Hills with my son, and enjoy keeping fit through all sorts of sporting activities. I have a mixture of pets at home and enjoying horse riding on my days off.

Ashleigh Smoker

Veterinary Nurse

Ashleigh has always had a passion for animals and right from a very young age knew that she wanted to work with them. She started working for Avenue Road Stirling Veterinary Surgery in 2008 and quickly realised that she thoroughly enjoyed the job and wanted to learn more. This desire led Ashleigh to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with an open access college that allowed her to study and work at the same time.

Ashleigh lives with her husband Matt in the Adelaide Hills. They are parents to the mischievous Tigger, a Tabby domestic short hair boy, whom they adopted through the Surgery’s Kitten Adoption Program.

Qualifications:

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Diploma in Animal Technology

Karoline Wulf

Veterinary Nurse

I started vet nursing in 2008 and also work in one of Adelaide’s busiest emergency and speciality centres. I pride myself in the high standards of care and customer service. I’ve lived in the Adelaide Hills for over 20 years on a property with dogs, cats, chickens and horses. In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, horse riding, cooking and take part in dog obedience training. I’m often seen with a small kitten in tow that I am hand rearing.

Emma Pease

Veterinary Nurse

Luck must have been on my side the day I walked into Avenue Road Stirling Vet Clinic, with just my resume and the hope’s of working in such a beautiful practice. I guess I was in the right place at the right time.

I joined this fabulous team in July 2019 but I have been working as a vet nurse for 11 years. I’ve always had a passion for animals ever since I could remember, always bringing home the stray animal I found and begging my parents to keep it or playing “vet clinic” with my sister, who would bring me her soft toys to fix.

I thoroughly enjoy being a vet nurse, and the challenges as well as the joy that it can bring. Being able to help people and their pets and also wildlife is something I love to do every day.

Outside of work, I like to keep busy with my passion for Argentine Tango, taking classes and dancing socially three to four times a week. I have 3 cats at home, Maggie, Mikey and Egg who I serve on a daily basis. Each one of them hand raised by myself (without the intention of keeping them), after they had been abandoned and brought into the vet clinic. A few other interests I try to squeeze into my busy schedule include gardening, camping, hiking, surfing, cooking and crafting.

Meg Bowers

Veterinary Nurse

Hi, I’m Meg, I’ve been working in the animal care industry since 2016, starting as soon as I was old enough to get my first job. Growing up on a small farm on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula sparked my lifelong passion for animals of all kinds.

I completed my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2022 and have a special interest in surgical and hospital care. I love the hands-on side of nursing and take pride in providing calm, attentive, and compassionate care for every patient.

I’m always keen to keep learning and enjoy working as part of a supportive team where I can continue to grow and share new skills.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me at the beach, at the gym or pilates, spending time with my dog Lexi, or planning my next travel adventure.

Tegan Doe

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

My name is Tegan, I’ve just started work at Avenue Rd Stirling Vet Clinic and I am thrilled to be apart of this team.

I have joined as a trainee vet nurse where I recently started my certificate IV in vet nursing at TAFESA after completing a CERT III last year. My passion for animals has always been present since a very young age, having many pets at home and always picking up strays off the side of the road on the way home from school.

I am a local living in crafers and have been taking my pets here for 14 years, I’m excited to be giving back the same energy my family and I have been receiving for so long from this clinic.

Outside of work, I play for a local soccer club on the weekends and weeknights. I help coach juniors and captain our senior team.

I’m excited to be trained by our incredible team of vet nurses and vets!

Taylah Wallace

Student Veterinary Nurse

I am currently studying to complete my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, aiming to graduate at the end of 2025. I love science and have a strong background in wildlife conservation biology. My passion for animals extends beyond companion pets to native wildlife as well, and I am particularly interested in exotic animal nursing.

I currently share my home with one dog and a cat, but I’ve also had horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards and birds. Outside of my studies and work, I enjoy reading, running, practicing pilates, walking my dog Kato, and painting.

I am so grateful to be part of the wonderful team at Avenue Road Stirling Vet Surgery and to be beginning my career in an industry where I can learn something new every day and help animals and their families.

Athena

Veterinary Receptionist

With a warm smile and a passion for animal care, Athena is often the first point of contact for our clients and their beloved pets, ensuring a welcoming and positive experience with every visit.

As a true animal lover with a background in customer service, I understand the importance of making both pets and their owners feel comfortable and valued during your visit to the clinic.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family including my Chihuahua Princess, cooking and exploring new cuisines.

I am thrilled to be part of the team at Avenue Road Stirling Vet Surgery, and I look forward to providing excellent service and support to all our clients and their furry family members.