Our Team

Miranda and Renier

We graduated from Onderstepoort, Pretoria (South Africa) and after a few years immigrated to New Zealand. In New Zealand, we were both initially involved in mix animal practices and gradually turned our attention more and more towards our small furry friends. In 2001 we moved to Melbourne and bought this practice in Lilydale.

We've done so much to build and improve the practice since then; we completed our major Clinic renovation and launched our 24-hour Emergency Vet Care in November 2014, and we haven't looked back since. 

Most people would have met our poodles Pixie and Eddie around the clinic and at night time, and our clinic cats Stitch and Louie love to console our patients and clients.  Renier is an avid supporter of cricket and rugby union and will always make time for a chat about the latest scoreboard.

OUR VETS

VET - Michael Franklin

Having grown up in Ringwood, I moved to Queensland to study, and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2014. I was very excited to join the team at the Lilydale Vet Centre in early 2015, and this allowed me to move back to the area with my Great Dane, Rufus.

While I love dogs I certainly have a soft spot for cats, including our clinic cat Stitch, despite her love of walking all over my keyboard and deleting my notes.

VET - Viraf  Irani

My name is Viraf and I'm a veterinarian. I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne with my pet cat Wally and dog Molly and after living in Footscray for 2 years, I have finally come back home to the east to work in Lilydale.

While I love animals, I also really enjoy ice-hockey, trying to cook exciting meals and travelling and exploring different cultures.

I look forward to meeting you and your furry family soon!

VET - Chris Andrews

VET - Michael Lenc

Hi, my name is Michael.  I grew up in the North-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and I graduated as a Veterinarian from the University of Melbourne in 2011.  Since then I have worked as a small animal veterinarian all around the outer suburbs.  I'm proud to have joined the Lilydale Vet Centre team in August 2016.

In my down time I love adventuring in the outdoors!  I'm particularly fond of rock-climbing, kayaking and hiking.

I'm always keen to meet new clients and their pets.

 OUR HOSPITAL COORDINATORS

Rafael Mibelli

Hi, my name is Rafael.  I moved to Melbourne from Caracas, Venezuela in June 2016, and I'm really proud to be a part of the wonderful team at Lilydale Vet Centre.

I enjoy sports and spending time with my family and friends.  I like to learn something new every day, and here in Melbourne I've had the chance to learn about new cultures, meet new friends and learn more about my passion, which is to work in a small animal clinic and help our furry friends whenever they need it.

 OUR NURSES

SENIOR NURSE - Tara Garth

Hi, my name is Tara. I've been brightening up Lilydale Vet Centre with my smile since 2013.  And although I'm Lilydale born and raised, I've spent most of my life in tropical North Queensland.

I've been nursing since graduating high school in 2006, and could not imagine enjoying any other career as much as I do this one.

When I'm not at the clinic, I can most often be found enjoying the fresh air and sunshine on a walk or bike ride. I have a cat, Georgio Armani and a dog Thor.

In the clinic, you can usually find me assisting the veterinarians in a consultation, or lending a hand in a difficult surgery.

NURSE - Rachael Cope

Hi there, my name is Rachael! I have always had a massive soft spot for our furry friends and I feel so privileged to be able to work with them!

I have 3 dogs, a Border Collie, a Miniature Poodle and a Beagle, and a cat to keep them all in line.

I have the adorable job of running Puppy Play School every Tuesday. Hope to see you around the clinic soon!

NURSE - Mananya Prateeppornsak

Hi! My name is Mananya. I decided to move from Bangkok, Thailand to Melbourne and joined Lilydale Vet Centre in December 2014 as a trainee nurse. I'm an only child but grew up with my furry best friends and my fishes.

Working with animals is my passion so right now, I'm doing year 2 Cert IV in Vet Nursing. Most days you'll find me working in the Hospital with our inpatient animals.

See you soon when you come visit your furry family members!

NURSE - Sirli Rajas

Hi there, my name is Sirli.  I moved to Australia in 2014, and after a year traveling decided to settle in Melbourne. I am originally from a small, secret, fairytale country called Estonia.  I graduated from the Estonian University of Life Sciences with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

OUR ANIMAL ASSISTANTS

ANIMAL ASSISTANT - Holly France

My name is Holly. In 2012 I completed my year 10 week of work experience at  LVC. Not long after, I was offered a part-time job as a cleaner here. After graduating high school in 2014 I started working here as a trainee vet nurse. I  am also currently completing my Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at La Trobe Uni.

I love that I get to work with animals every day and there is always something  interesting and new to learn. I have a high interest in animal behaviour and  obedience and plan to study these fields further once I complete both of my  courses.

ANIMAL ASSISTANT - Emily Hogan

Hi, I'm Emily. My biggest passion is animals. All my life I've never been without a dog or a horse. Currently I have 2 dogs, Bam, a kelpie and Belle, a maltese pomeranian, who keep me active with their busy personalities.

I also have 2 horses, Sam and Tex. Sam I got when I was six, he's a black Shetland and will be 28 later in the year. He has a typical 'grumpy man' personality which I love. Tex is going to be 7 this year, he's a Quarterhorse and I just fell in love when I first met him. He had a difficult start to life, but he trusts me, which makes me love him even more.

My favourite thing about work is when patients are so excited to see us, it just makes my day. I hope to see you and your furry friends soon!

ANIMAL ASSISTANT - Lauren Williams

Hi, my name is Lauren and I began work placement at Lilydale Vet Centre in March of 2016.  Shortly after starting here, I was offered a position as a Trainee Vet Nurse while I complete my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

If I'm not at the clinic I'm usually at home hanging out with my many animals including my two dogs, Darwin and Marceline.

I look forward to meeting you and your furbabies soon!

OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM

CUSTOMER SERVICE -  Nicola Proctor

Hi, I'm Nicola! Many of you have met me at Lilydale Vet Centre at some point over the last 4 years in reception. I have  recently completed my Certificate IV in Practice Management and hope to complete my Diploma very soon.

I have a menagerie of pets at  home which includes a cat, two dogs, and 10 alpacas.

I am currently on maternity leave and am enjoying spending my days with our gorgeous baby girl, Izabella.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - Kim Troake

Hi there, I'm Kim. I have been a part of the team here at Lilydale Vet Centre since April 2014. I began my career as a vet nurse many moons ago and feel fortunate enough to have done the job I dearly love for so long. Now, I call Reception home as part of our Customer Service Team, a role I also enjoy very much.

I have been lucky enough over the years to have many fur babies complete my family and the menagerie consists of our Shepard x Kelpie Beca, Tiger our feisty ginger tabby, Roger the rabbit and young Murray the guinea pig.

Away from the clinic my family and I enjoy basketball, catching up with friends and spending quality time together.

CUSTOMER SERVICE  - Nicole Paspaliaris

Hi there, I'm Nicole and I've been part of the team since June 2015. I spent the first 15 years of my career in the retail industry, and after having my first little boy decided to change my career path and found myself here at LVC!

I have a beautiful Cavoodle baby at home, Belle (although she's not a baby anymore!) and hope to bring home a new puppy for my little boy someday in the future.

I am currently on maternity leave enjoying time with my new bundle of joy, little Daphne.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - Julie van Tuil

Hi, my name is Julie and I joined the team here at Lilydale Vet Centre in October 2016.

After spending many years as a Customer Service Officer in the finance industry, I was given the fantastic opportunity to combine my customer service experience with my love for  animals.

I was born and raised in Ringwood, but have lived in the Yarra Ranges for the last twenty odd years with my family. including my four feline friends, Jasper, Tara, Tiger, and Sasha.

I look forward to meeting you and your furry companions soon.