Meet Our Team
Get to know the veterinarians, vet nurses and support staff at Avenue Road Stirling Veterinary Surgery.
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
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.
Eliza Green
Veterinary Nurse
My love of caring for animals has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I always felt a close connection with the animals around me, and was fascinated by their unique forms of communication. I would often spend hours out in the paddock interacting with our sheep and chickens. The passion I hold for the well-being of animals made it clear to me that this would be my career.
I started my journey towards veterinary nursing in 2014 where I trained on the job for six years. Working as a vet nurse came naturally to me, and it continues to bring joy and opportunities for growth. I am deeply grateful for the welcoming team at Avenue Rd Stirling Vet for taking me on board in July of 2021. I hope to offer a fresh perspective, warm energy and an openness to positive growth and change.
Outside of the surgery, I like to spend my time cuddling my cat Ripley, tending to my vegetable garden and practicing yoga and meditation. I completed my 200hr yoga teacher training in early 2021, and teach vinyasa yoga weekly. My yoga practice has allowed me to create space for myself and others, and to reconnect during times of stress or uncertainty.
Stephanie
Veterinary Nurse
I have been working as a vet nurse since 2015, the best part of my job is taking baby kittens home for bottle feeding. I have had experience working in GP and Emergency clinics.
I am excited to be joining the Avenue Road Stirling Vet Team and support the local Hills community here with my expertise in animal care.
Melanie Cooray
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
I started working with Avenue Road Stirling Veterinary Surgery in 2019 where I began my placement and it was not long after I had finished my placement I was offered a trainee nurse position. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to join this amazing team. I am continuing to learn so much from all the experience they have to offer, and I enjoy working here every day.
Love for animals comes as second nature to me from a very young age and with this love comes the urgency to help all animals in need, which is where my passion to become a vet nurse stems from.
I live with my husband Craig and my cheeky cat Alfie. Hobbies of mine are sewing, playing with my family dogs and cat, reading good mystery books, spontaneous outings and spending time with family and friends.
Lachlan
Vet Tech
Lachlan is a passionate and skilled veterinary technician who joined Avenue Road Vets in 2021. Lachlan is a graduate of the University of Adelaide’s Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, and was part of the inaugural class. Since graduating he has been working hard to apply his knowledge and skills in a clinical setting.
Lachlan has a deep love for working with dogs and cats and has a particular fondness for our furry friends – the native possum. While he’s still early in his career, Lachlan’s enthusiasm and willing to learn make him a very valued team member. When he’s not working, Lachlan enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and exploring the beautiful natural areas around Adelaide, he’s also a bit of a foodie, and loves trying out new restaurants and recipes in his spare time.
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.
Avenue Road Stirling Veterinary Surgery
