Dr Mike Adams

Lead Veterinarian (BSc BVMS (Hons))

Mike graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Science in 2005, further completing his honours degree and PhD. From there he progressed to Murdoch University graduating with a degree of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

Mike had extensive experience in South Australia before settling at Hawthorn Vet in 2015. He is now leading the veterinary team as Clinical Leader/Head Veterinarian.
His special interests include medicine, imaging and surgery, and he especially enjoys orthopaedic surgery, including TPLOs, MMPs and fracture repair. 


Dr Caroline O'Connell

Veterinarian (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

I graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Environmental Science. I then embarked on a Veterinary Science degree after studying assisted reproduction in wombats during my Honours year. I graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2008 and came straight back to South Australia to work as a mixed animal vet in the beautiful Care Valley. 

Having had varied veterinary career locuming in the UK, teaching at Roseworthy Vet school and working in small animal emergency and critical care, I started with Hawthorn Vet in January 2022. 

I enjoy all aspects of veterinary practice but I have a particular interest in working up challenging medicine cases and helping clients make informed decisions about their pets care.


Dr Madison Bielby

Veterinarian (BSc (Vet Bio) DVM )

After graduating high school, I went straight into tertiary study at the University of Adelaide. I graduated from my undergraduate degree, in 2020 and completed the post graduate degree, in 2023. During my study, I have completed placements in rural and metropolitan Australia, England, South Africa & Fiji. 

I have been at the Hawthorn Vet clinic since January 2024, where I accepted a position as a new graduate veterinarian.

I have a special interest in veterinary internal medicine, particularly the process of diagnosing and managing complex diseases. I enjoy using clinical skills and diagnostics to create tailored treatment plans that improve animals' health and quality of life, especially in managing chronic conditions.

I’m lucky to have two Griffon Bruxellois’, Creature and Precious, as members of my family. While these two may be little, they have big personalities. Creature is full of playful energy, always ready to play tug-of-war or to tear up a toilet roll. Precious, on the other hand, is a true foodie—she would do just about anything for a treat. However, at the end of the day, they both love to nap and cuddle on the couch. Their quirky, affectionate nature makes every day a little brighter.

Outside of work, I’m a huge fan of both the NBA and NBL. I support the Brooklyn Nets and Melbourne United and spend most of my free time watching their games. When I’m not watching basketball, I go to my local Pilates studio to relax and recharge.


Dr Christopher Brown

Veterinarian (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

I graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2013 and have worked in multiple small animal veterinary clinics and in a University setting. I have a keen interest in small animal medicine. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and dabbling in photography. At home, I have two pets - a dog and a cat.

 


Jacqui Johnson

Practice Manager (Cert IV in First Line Managment)

I started within the Veterinary Industry in 2010 in a client service role. It was a dream of mine to combine my love of animal welfare with my previous experience in customer service and volunteer work with Fauna Rescue.  My work within the industry evolved into Veterinary business administration, and then Practice Management. 

At home, I am kept busy by my 3 children and my beautiful, now senior, Coolie/Collie X, Bowie. Bowie was an abandoned puppy that I was lucky enough to offer a place to call home. He has trust issues from his early days so coming to the vet is a challenge. I can therefore really empathise with clients who have anxious dogs, and love sharing stories of what helps to make vet visits easier. 

Since starting with team at Hawthorn Vet I have found our clientele really wonderful. You all take such great care of your pets. The trust you have in our Veterinarian's advice allows us, as a team with you, to help give your pets the longest, healthiest, happiest life possible. Which is what we are all here for! 


Bianca

Receptionist

I grew up in Country Victoria where I began working in a Vet Clinic 8 years ago.  Living in the country I got to see a large range of animals from cats and dogs to cows, sheep, horses, snakes and lots of wildlife!

My family and I decided to move from country Vic to Adelaide to enjoy the beautiful beaches and lifestyle S.A has to offer. 

I commenced employment with Hawthorn Vet as a Receptionist in March 2022.  I enjoy meeting all the clients at Hawthorn Vet and in particular I have a soft spot for all OODLES!!! Most of all, I love the way our clients care for and love their pets. 

In my spare time I enjoy taking my old Spoodle, Ruby, for walks on the beach, spending time with family and friends, camping, and most of all spending time at the beach watching the local dolphins and seals swim by. 


Kacie Donaghey

Veterinary Nurse

I started my career with animals in 2014. I started as an animal attendant/nurse assistant and then studied Vet Nursing for 5 years as part of a trainee ship where I had a lot of on the job learning experience.  
I have worked in different environments, from small animal emergency care, wildlife care, large GP clinics, to now GP clinics.

I have experience in orthopaedic surgical nursing and aftercare, chemotherapy nursing care, puppy preschool training, small animal critical care, and more.
My passion is creating environments that are less stressful and less fearful for my patients that I encounter. I am known to be a bit of a cat whisperer, as I do especially love cats.

When I am not nursing, I spend time with my son, who also has a passion for animals, and often helps me care for my cat, Belle. Belle is my 6 year old “naughty Tortie” who is always up to some kind of mischief. Belle has had one too many surgeries to retrieve things that shouldn’t be in her belly!


Nicky Steele

Veterinary Nurse

I completed my Cert IV in Vet Nursing in 2015 and continued my studies to gain my qualification as a Canine Rehabilitation Assistant. I have gained experience in my nursing career in many different areas, including rehabilitation, post-op care, physical therapy, radiology and anaesthetics. 
I have a keen interest in Canine Rehabilitation, which stemmed from my own personal experience with my Border Collie Arty who, as a young dog, was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and has since had a Bi-lateral Fermoral Head Ostectomy. 
My fur family grew when we introduced another Border Collie, Ernie, into the family in 2021. 
 


Taylah Spackman

Veterinary Nurse

I graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2022.

I started working as a nurse at the start of 2021 in a surgical practice. I moved to Hawthorn in 2023 and have been enjoying the GP environment ever since. 

Having experience assisting with complex surgeries such as large orthopaedic spinal surgeries, I have a soft spot for surgeries and anaesthetics, and will mostly be seen in the treatment area and theatre, assisting with surgical procedures.

I adopted my boy, Gary the greyhound, in December 2021 from the GAP program after he was retired from racing. Sleeping nearly 20 hours each day, Gary lives the ultimate life and doesn’t get up to much apart from his daily walks and occasional visits to work with Mum.

Following suit of Gary, I enjoy making the most of my fast-twitch fibres and enjoy sprinting both on the track and professionally. 

Most of my spare time is spent either in the gym, on the track, or discovering new places to eat in Adelaide.

 


Chloe May

Veterinary Nurse

I graduated from the University of Adelaide in late 2021 with a double Bachelor of Animal Science and Animal Behaviour. I have been working as a veterinary nurse since 2021 and started at Hawthorn Vet in 2023.

I enjoy meeting all the clients we care for, along with their fur babies! 

Being a veterinary nurse has been a crazy and rewarding experience with something new to learn every day. I have a few fur babies of my own, which include my dog named Millie and my cat named Cinnamon, who I rescued through work and has been a little menace ever since. 

In my spare time I love reading, travelling and exploring new places, playing games, walking my dog and spending time with my friends and family. 


  
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