Our veterinarians and nurses are committed to delivering compassionate care with a focus on your pet’s well-being. As pet owners ourselves, we truly understand and respect the special bond you share with your pet, as well as the love, loyalty, and joy they bring to your life.
Our Vets
Dr. Helen Byrnes BVSc BSc BMedSt MCHM MACVS
Owner/Director
Helen is the energetic and enthusiastic owner of the Vetkind group of practices. Before purchasing the Arana Hills practice, Helen worked in other private practices throughout Australia and for the University of Queensland. Helen also has a long-time commitment to volunteering in India and other countries with Vets Beyond Borders. In 2016, Helen received the David Bayvel Memorial Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare, honouring her efforts to enhance animal welfare in India and beyond.. Helen is pictured above with her adorable but mischievous English Springer Spaniel named Woodrow who you may meet at our Arana Hills Clinic.
Dr. Lauren McConnell BVSc Hons
Veterinary Director
Brisbane born and raised, Lauren graduated with honours from the University of Queensland in 2004. She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Medicine, her particular interests being cardiology, diabetes, ultrasound and rehabilitation of injured and aged dogs. Lauren is accredited to assist with exporting pets overseas including health checks, vaccinations, bloods tests, and parasite treatments. Outside of work Lauren enjoys basketball and hiking. At home, Lauren has a cuddly Border Collie named Arthur and a lively Irish Terrier named Elke.
Dr. Anita Berger BVSc Hons – Vet
Anita has been part of the Vetkind group of practices for many years and is now primarily based at Everton Hills Veterinary Surgery. Originally from Switzerland, she studied Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. Anita now calls Brisbane home, where she lives with her family and three rescue cats—Pandy, Fluffy, and Gypsy, all of whom were adopted through her work. Outside of work, Anita loves bushwalking, camping, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Kirsty Bannan BVSc (Hons)
Dr. Kirsty has recently joined our team, bringing her BVSc Hons degree and a wealth of experience in general practice veterinary care for cats and dogs. With a special interest in dentistry and plans to achieve membership in this field by 2026, Dr. Kirsty is dedicated to providing top-notch care for your pets. A local resident since 2005, she moved to Brisbane over 20 years ago and graduated from the prestigious University of Queensland. Her strong ties to the community reflect her commitment to the welfare of local pets and their owners. You will find her working at our Fernlands Veterinary Practice.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Kirsty is a passionate pet lover herself, with five cats (Petunia, Slinky, Audrey, Gretel, and Basil) and a loyal dog named Phoebe. Her extensive experience, genuine compassion, and expertise make her a valuable addition to our practice. We are proud to have her on our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make in the lives of our patients and their loving families.
Dr. Michelle Barton BVSc
Michelle has over 25 years experience as a veterinarian. Michelle grew up in Brisbane and has worked around Brisbane and the UK. She has a special interest in pocket pets, such as guinea pigs and rats and backyard chooks, with membership in the Unusual Pet and Avian Veterinarians (UPAV) special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association. She is club vet for the Northern Exposure Gig Racing Club, Queensland’s premier sled dog club, and a volunteer vet for the Iditarod Sled Race in Alaska. At home she has Taz her Pharaoh Hound and Belle a Greyhound to give her lots of cuddles.
Dr. Kathryn Knights BVSc
Dr. Katrina Price BVSc Hons
Katrina graduated from the University of Queensland and has worked in small animal clinics around Brisbane before joining the Vetkind team in 2016. She works with us part-time and enjoys all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine. Katrina was born and raised in Zimbabwe, then moved to the UK to finish her schooling. She now calls Brisbane home with her adopted ginger cat, Scamp. Outside of work, Katrina enjoys floristry, camping, hiking and anything that involves spending times outdoors.
Dr. Daniel Goulding BVSc (Hons)
Dan, our newest member to the Vetkind team, has been raised around the Arana Hills area for most of his life. He has always had a passion for animals, being involved in the pet industry for 10 years prior to beginning his veterinary career at the Arana Hills clinic in 2025. In his spare time, Dan enjoys fishing, gym, playing social oztag or spending time with his wife and two Cocker Spaniels (Louie left, Lincoln right).
Anna Karina Gonzalez Argandona BVSc MVs GPCertSAS MANZCVS
(Avian Health and Medicine of Zoo Medicine)
Bio still to come!
Ema Bowman BVSC(dist) MANZCVS
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Our Nursing Team
Kelly S.
Nursing Manager
With a profound passion for feline medicine and anesthesia, Kelly is dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary nursing since graduating with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2012. Her commitment to excellence and continuous professional development led her to earn a Diploma in General Practice Veterinary Nursing in 2017. As a Veterinary Nurse Manager, Kelly is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where veterinary nurses can thrive. Her leadership and vision are key to the ongoing success and advancement of the practice, ensuring that both patients and their families receive exceptional care. Kelly is particularly adept at managing the unique needs of feline patients, ensuring they receive the compassionate and specialized attention they deserve. Excited to grow and elevate an already amazing team, and a proud mum to four cats and one human, Kelly understands the deep bond between pets and their owners. This personal connection fuels her dedication to veterinary nursing, inspiring her to treat each patient as if they were her own.
Kelly B.
Practice Systems Guru
As our Practice Systems Guru, Kelly ensures the smooth operation of our clinic, combining her love for animals with years of experience. At home, she shares her life with three dogs—Bonnie (Golden Retriever), Dixie (Lab x Golden), and Harley (Labrador)—and two cats, Zoey (Ragdoll) and Delilah (a mischievous Tortie).
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her pets, traveling, and exploring new adventures. Her passion for animals and her role in improving our clinic’s systems make her a vital part of our team.
Brooke
Vet Nurse
Amanda
Vet Nurse
Tara
Vet Nurse
Leesa
Vet Nurse
Leesa is a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with 20 years of experience, including 11 years working in remote communities with AMRRIC and other organizations.She has a strong passion for customer service, the bond between people and their pets, and animal welfare. Leesa is particularly interested in animal behavior and loves working as a general practice nurse.
Throughout her career, Leesa has had the privilege of traveling to remote regions of Australia and the Pacific Islands, where she collaborated with outstanding veterinary teams, environmental workers, and the people and pets in these communities. Additionally, Leesa serves on an ethics committee dedicated to animal welfare, ensuring the highest standards of care are maintained.
At home, Leesa shares life with several pets: two dogs, Darcie and Ragnar; a horse named Ally; a Woma python called Agatha; and a cockatiel named Robin. Working with animals and the community brings her immense joy, and she is committed to providing the best care possible.
You’ll often find Leesa at the Everton Hills practice, ready to help with any of your pet care needs!
Gemma
Vet Nurse
Gemma is our lovely Gemma became an invaluable member of our team in early 2023, bringing her brilliance and expertise as a qualified Vet Nurse to us. Her passion for wildlife animals shines through in her work, demonstrating her commitment to their well-being and care. When not at work, Gemma enjoys spending time with her beloved Guinea Pig, Gary, and 4 rambunctious cats; Mummy Cat, Missy, Shrimp & Dottie. Her nurturing nature and love for animals are evident in the bonds she creates and shares with her furry companions both at the clinic and at home.
You will find Gemma at our Fernlands Vet Practice, ready to offer her expert care and assistance with all your pet’s needs!
Kya
Vet Nurse
Kya is a dedicated veterinary nurse with a passion for animal care, especially cats and pocket pets. She completed her Certificate III in 2023 and followed it up with a Certificate IV in 2024, marking a significant step in her career. Having been in the veterinary industry for a year, Kya brings both knowledge and genuine compassion to her work. At home, she’s surrounded by her three beloved cat Kiki, Koko, and Toto who inspire her every day to continue her mission of providing the best care for animals in need.
Helen
Reception/Customer Service
Helen holds a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing and now works as a receptionist, where she combines her expertise in client relations with a deep understanding of patient care. Helen is dedicated to providing exceptional support to both pet owners and their beloved animals. With a strong focus on building lasting relationships, she ensures a positive experience for all clients at Vetkind. Outside of work, Helen enjoys spending time with her black-and-white cat, Tommy, and indulging in her passion for baking.
Lee
Reception/Customer Service
Lee is our friendly receptionist, known for their warm welcome and positive energy. Outside of work, Lee enjoys hiking and spending quality time with Bailey, a lovable golden retriever who is always by their side. Lee’s favorite part of the job is interacting with the animals and people who come through the door, making every day a little brighter with the connections they build. Whether it’s offering a friendly smile or talking about their latest outdoor adventure, Lee’s passion for both nature and the people they meet truly shines through.
Mikayla
Trainee Vet Nurse
Meet Mikayla, the newest addition to our vet clinic team, diving headfirst into the world of animal care since May 2020. With a passion for patient well-being and a keen interest in understanding animal behavior and enrichment. From learning the ropes of patient care to exploring holistic treatments like physiotherapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy, Mikayla is eager to broaden their horizons and offer the best possible care to our animal companions. When she isn’t busy caring for our furry patients, you’ll often find her hanging out with her own dynamic duo, Poppy the Malshihtzu and Ziggy the Beakle (Beagle x Cocker) or channeling her creative energy into arts and crafts, finding solace in the simple act of creation.
Alex
Trainee Vet Nurse
Alex, a valued member of our team since 2022, began her journey as a kennel hand and has since been passionately pursuing her career in animal care. Currently, she is dedicated to her trainee nursing role and finds great joy in grooming animals. Alexandra has completed her certificate III in animal studies, which further enhancing her knowledge and skills in the field. Outside of work, she shares her home with two beloved furry companions: Inka, an Irish Wolfhound X Border Collie, and a beautiful black and white domestic short-haired cat. With her dedication and love for animals, Alexandra continues to contribute to our team’s commitment to providing exceptional care
Maddi
Trainee Vet Nurse
Maddi is a passionate veterinary nursing student whose love for animals began early in life. Growing up without siblings, animals became her closest companions—an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in animal care, beginning with a Certificate II in 2021. She has a particular interest in animal behaviour, genetics, and the unique traits of different breeds. Outside of her studies, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and exploring the outdoors with her dog—helping her canine companion experience the world is one of her favourite things to do.
Ally
Kennel Hand/ Hydrobather
With her family originally from England, she has been working as a kennel hand since 2022. Even during her school days, she displayed a strong passion for animals and eagerly dedicated her weekends to working diligently at the clinic as a hydrobath expert. Her commitment and enthusiasm in providing exceptional care to our furry friends have been truly commendable. Outside of her work, Ally nurtures a deep bond with her German Shepherd named Fozzy, who brings immense joy and companionship to her life. With aspirations to become a vet nurse, Ally is driven by her desire to expand her knowledge and skills in the field of veterinary care. In her leisure time, Ally enjoys engaging in beach volleyball, where she finds both physical activity and relaxation. Additionally, she has a talent for playing the piano, which serves as a creative outlet and source of personal fulfillment.