Our veterinarians and nurses are committed to caring. As pet owners ourselves, we understand and respect the special bond you share with your pet, as well as the love, loyalty and pleasure they bring to your life.
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. Helen was awarded the David Bayvel Memorial Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare in 2016 in recognition of her work in improving animal welfare in India and other countries. Helen is pictured above with her adorable but mischievious 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. She has a cuddly Border Collie named Arthur and an endless energetic Irish Terrier named Elke.
Tamisha – Business Manager
Tamisha oversees the group’s three practices, bringing over a decade of experience in the veterinary field. Her journey began as a devoted veterinary nurse in 2013, dedicating seven years to nursing before studying Human Resources Management and moving into a leadership role. Her operational experience spans across both general and emergency veterinary practices. Tamisha is dedicated to continuous improvement, diligently supporting the compassionate and skilled Vetkind team in providing exceptional care to our patients. Pictured above, Tamisha shares a cuddle with her beloved Pug x French Bulldog, Charlie.
Dr. Anita Berger BVSc Hons – Vet
Anita has been working with the Vetkind group of practices for many years and is nowadays principally found at Everton Hills Veterinary Surgery and Fernlands Veterinary Practice. Anita grew up in Switzerland but studied Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. She now calls Brisbane home with her family and three cats. The cats Pandy, Fluffy and Gypsy are all rescue adoptions from her work. In her time away from work Anita regularly goes bushwalking, camping and enjoys the outdoors.
Dr. Michelle Barton BVSc – Vet
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. Katrina Price BVSc Hons – Vet
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. Kathryn Knights BVSc – Vet
Dr. Kirsty Bannan BVSc (Hons) – Vet
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 and our Arana Hills Veterinary Clinic.
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. Daniel Goulding BVSc (Hons) – Vet
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 – Vet
(Avian Health and Medicine of Zoo Medicine)
Bio still to come!
Ema Bowman BVSC(dist) MANZCVS – Vet
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 Bliss 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
Leesa
Vet Nurse
Gemma
Vet Nurse
Gemma became an invaluable member of our team in early 2023, bringing her brilliance and expertise as a qualified Vet Nurse to the Arana Hills Clinic. 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.
Amanda
Vet Nurse
Amanda has eight years of experience including general practice, holistic care, emergency services, reproduction, and neonatal care. She is a passionate pet owner of seven cats of different breeds ranging from 18 years to 2 years, having transitioned from having dogs to becoming a proud “cat lady”. As founder and president of a non-profit animal rescue, Amanda’s commitment to animal welfare and veterinary advocacy stands out. Her broad experience and commitment make her an invaluable part of the team.
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 or channeling her creative energy into arts and crafts, finding solace in the simple act of creation.
Helen
Reception/Customer Service
I hold a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing and now work as a receptionist, where I blend client relations with a deep understanding of patient care. I am committed to providing exceptional support to both pet owners and their beloved animals. With a strong focus on building lasting relationships, I ensure a positive experience for all of our clients at Vetkind. Outside of work, I love spending time with my black & white cat Tommy, and indulging in a passion for baking.
Lee
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.
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.

Alex
Trainee Vet Nurse
Alexandra, 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
Ally
Kennel Hand/ Hydrobath’s
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.