Staff Members

Hi I’m Taila, 

My vet nursing journey began on the central coast NSW in 2018. At the end of 2022 I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work at this amazing clinic that prioritises the needs of those from all walks of life including us pet owners, our furry friends and their most caring staff. 

For as long as I can remember I have always had a nurturing nature and a unique relationship with all animals. Animals have given us so much in life and we truly would be lost without them. They rely on us and this land whether they are a pet, a stray or wildlife and that is why when I saw veterinary nursing was a way I could repay the favour to our fury friends there was no way I wasn’t making that my career.

Hi, I’m Alexandra and I look forward to greeting you and your pets with a smile at the front desk or on the phone. 

I’m originally from Montreal, Canada, but have already fallen in love with Murwillumbah’s amazing community and pets!

I’ve been fortunate to work and volunteer with animals from the age of 11 years old, and hope to do so for the rest of my life. My experiences in wildlife rehabilitation, equine sports and therapy, fostering, pet care and veterinary clinics have shown me the value of the bond we share with animals. They never cease to amaze us, surprise us, bring us joy, and comfort us. My goal has always been to understand, respect and help every animal I am lucky enough to meet. 

When I am not amongst the wonderful, compassionate and friendly team at King Street Veterinary Hospital, I love to learn about Australia’s flora and fauna, cook, read and paint. I also enjoy caring for neighbourhood pets and look forward to fostering animals here, too. 

My name is Dr Jamie Lines and I am bringing my passion to King Street Vet as an integrative Vet using herbal and nutritional therapies for pets.

I have travelled far and wide with my wife and three children over the years. I have worked at many places around Australia and overseas for the last 25 years which has provided me with many great experiences and taught me many things about people and their pets. It has been such a gift to be able to help so many animals suffering in various ways with all kinds of ailments.

My journey has brought my focus to a more holistic way of approaching animal health and looking at healing and restoring health rather than just treating disease.

I love to see the transformation in pet’s health by using natural supplements and nutrition along with various Western and Chinese herbs. It has been a learning experience for pet owners and me with the reward of having pets with an improved quality of life and happier parents.

Many pet owners have told me that they never thought they would see their pets so vibrant and energetic again. They thought they would just have to live with their chronic condition forever.

I really look forward to seeing you with your beloved pets and creating some happy memories and happy pets.

I will be available for in person consultations or face time appointments for those people in more distant locations.

Jamie Lines BVSc Grad ip TCVM

Hello. I’m Derek.

Originally from Northern Ireland, I studied Veterinary Science at Bristol University in England, getting my degree in 1991.

I registered as a vet in NSW the same year and worked in Sydney and then Newcastle. Most of my veterinary career however has been based in London but as my two children got a little older I thought the Northern Rivers was the best place I could think off for them to grow up.

In 2018 I moved to Bangalow. I began working at King Street Veterinary Hospital in December 2021.

I developed a fascination for the books of James Herriot and my choice of career was fixed from about the age of nine. Thirty years later and I still look forward to my working day, especially if there a few complicated surgeries or a case that needs an ultrasound or in-depth investigation.

Veterinary nurse

My name is Linn, Im from Sweden but moved here back in 2013 to live with my now husband. We have two little kids and our fur baby Norman the greyhound. 

I’ve been working as a vet nurse since 2017. I was a teacher back in Sweden but took the move to Australia as a chance to follow another passion I’ve had since a kid – animals. I have always surrounded myself with animals. I’ve had everything from stick insects to mice to Guinea pigs to cats and dogs as pets growing up. I’ve always been fascinated by nature and animals and I can’t  think of a better way to spend my days making a difference in both animals and pet owners lives. 

Ophthalmology consultant

Dr.med.vet DVM MS DACVO, Specialist Veterinary Ophthalmologist.

Dr. Susan Jacobi received her veterinary degree from the Free University of Berlin, Germany in 2001. She finished her doctoral thesis “Computerised Tomography on Canine Hips” in 2002, earning her the Dr.med.vet degree Magna Cum Laude.

After working two years in an ophthalmology speciality clinic in Berlin, she completed a four year residency in comparative ophthalmology at Michigan State University in the US, where she also received her Master’s degree, which focused on ocular feline herpes virus infection, in 2008. The same year she also passed her board examinations and became a Diplomate of the American college of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO).

From 2008 to 2011, Susan worked in a multi-specialised referral centre in Seattle, Washington area, and from 2011 to 2013, she worked in an ophthalmology clinic in the San Francisco Bay area in California. From 2014 to July 2021, Susan has worked in a multi-specialised referral clinic at the Goald Coast, providing ophthalmology services to patients from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Susan has been an author and co-author of several scientific ophthalmology articles. Her special interests include neuro-ophthalmology, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and a wide variety of ocular surgeries.

In her free time, Susan enjoys outdoor based activities with her family and friends, such as hiking. She loves gardening and growing healthy food for her family. The three donkeys Buddy, Mate and Dude and countless chickens keep her busy while not at work with her patients.

Susan is excited to join the team at King Street Veterinary Hospital to provide exclusively ophthalmology care.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life so becoming a vet was a natural choice for me. I have been working as a small animal veterinarian for 2 years and I am very passionate about improving the quality of life of my patients.

I love meeting people and helping them care for their furry friends. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary practice and I hope to further my skills in soft tissue surgery. When not at work I enjoy hiking, horse riding and exploring national parks.

My name is Yumi and I’ve been a Vet Nursing for over 8 years. I’m originally from Japan and moved to Australia in 2003. I love the ocean and surfing. Since I moved to Australia I’ve been looking for a new career. I was always impressed by Australian people and how much they care for their animals. Since becoming a Veterinary Nurse I have fallen in love with the working life style involved in caring for animals. This job will be my job for a long time throughout my life.

I love learning and I’m absolutely loving my job! I love all aspects of nursing but particularly being involved with hospitalised patients and giving them the best care and as many cuddles as possible.

I’ve recently joined the King Street Vets team and I already feel so lucky and pleased to be part of this very professional and empathetic team. I am so excited about my new journey here and about meeting new clients and their fur babies.

Hi, I am Tracey, and I will most likely be the first person you will see when you walk into our clinic. As a receptionist/client liaison, I am here to meet and greet clients and their pet with a smile (which I love), and to ensure you are both provided with the best care and treatment you need.

It is important that I enjoy both people and animals to be good at my job!  Thankfully, I do. Each owner loves their pet dearly and relies on our guidance and support to help their loved one. To me, a day in the life of a veterinary receptionist is the best of both worlds, as you get to help both people and animals.

I joined the team in 2010 and I have found the experience both rewarding right through to heartbreaking, but I would not change a thing. 

When I arrive home my own gorgeous 10-year-old staffy helps the day melt away, as she welcomes me with love and as many ‘kisses’ as she can get away with!

I have lived in the beautiful Tweed Valley my entire life and when not at work I love nothing more than getting out in the garden, renovating our home, visiting family, or just generally enjoying the great outdoors. 

It is a true pleasure to be part of such a dedicated team at King Street Vets, who understand the importance and emotional ties we all have to our furry family members and care deeply about the health and wellbeing of them.

I have been at King Street vets since 1996 and what a journey it has been. I often ask myself why have I stayed at the one clinic for so long. Answer… I get to do what I love every day with people I respect, help clients with caring for their pets but most of all I get to be there for my patients and hold them when they are feeling at their lowest.  

Helping an animal no matter what the species through good times and bad, I cannot think of a more rewarding career. The fact that I can cuddle my patients is a massive bonus and seeing the happiness on their parent’s faces when they come to pick them up from the hospital… priceless.

I feel so lucky to have known many of my patients from their first visit to the clinic as babies, to when I have held their paws as it was time for them to leave this world. I have laughed and cried with their mums and dads and I would not change a moment of it (except maybe the dealing with anal glands … I do not like anal glands).

I am also lucky to have found a place to work where I have made lifelong friends and worked with a team of people who share the same values as myself. See you when you come in.

Hi Everyone, I have had the pleasure of coming to a great place to work for over 20 years now.  This was my first permanent job after graduation, and I have never left!

My family moved around a bit when I was young, having a defence force background.  We didn’t have a lot of money, we didn’t go away on holidays much, and so animals were grounding for me.  Their way of just getting on with things was inspiring, and when they needed help, it was the least I could do, and I had a knack for it.

Animals really became my teachers.  They taught me patience and compassion, and they seemed to help connect people.  I remember seeing a spark in my youngest brother’s eyes (he has Down Syndrome) wherever there was an animal involved.  I visited his special needs school once with a baby possum I was rearing at the time.  I will never forget the student’s squeals of delight when the possum ran up my arm.  It meant the world to kids who couldn’t speak or relate like you and me.

And so, my journey to be a vet had begun from quite a young age!  From my humble beginnings as a new grad in 2001, I became part owner in King Street Vets from 2004.  I have had great business partners in that time and have recently become sole owner.

My journey in my adult life owes a lot to the people of King Street Vets, and the families and pet’s that I have had the pleasure of getting to know.  I love that I have relationships with owners through their entire pet-lives, from puppyhood, to helping their loved-ones on their way in the end.  It means I value the people who come through our doors, it brings meaning to my career and my love for my hometown.  My journey down this path, has meant that I have had the privilege of making a difference for so many pets, their families and the individuals who make the team a pleasure to work in.

After 25 years of caring for our clients and patients, our beloved Maree has retired from her role as office manager from King Street Vets. We thank Maree for not only being a compassionate and beautiful soul who has given love to all of our patients over the years but also for the love and laughter she has brought to the clinic. Maz has been a ray of sunshine and genuinely loved by all staff who have had the privilege of working with her over the years.

Thank you Maree for everything you have done to support you team members and be there for a calming chat and a big hug. You will be missed by the staff and community but we will see you often for a cuppa and a big chat.

 Hi I’m Makaeli also known as Mak. 

My journey with King Street Veterinary Hospital began in June 2019. I was incredibly lucky to secure my first job as a veterinary nurse while completing my certificate IV in veterinary nursing. 

I have a strong passion for caring for all our patients, passing my knowledge onto their families, and supporting them however I can. 

I am very grateful to be a part of the King Street Vet team. 

Hey friends, my name is Kate and I have been working in the animal welfare industry for about a decade now!

 My love for our furry friends big and small started while volunteering at Taronga zoo in high school & getting some special opportunities.

I have been lucky enough to work with both wild, domestic & native animals both in Australia and internationally.

I am extremely excited to be part of the KSVH team with our caring clients & dedicated staff.

Hi, my name is Julie.  You might also know me as “the one with the accent”!  I am French Canadian and was born in Montreal in 1977.  I graduated from the University of Montreal in 2000 and completed an internship in small animal practice in 2001.  Fresh out of university, I worked in Montreal as an emergency and critical care vet for nearly 5 years. 

In 2004, I packed my bags and decided to set off for the adventure of a lifetime in this faraway land called “Down Under”.  Little did I know that I would instantly fall in love with this beautiful country, its perfect weather, amazing beaches and diverse wildlife.  I also happened to fall in love with one if its handsome residents….  a true-blue Aussie.  How could I resist the blue eyes, the sandy blond hair and charming Australian accent?  So, I traded the snow for sunshine and “poutine” for meat pies.

I have called Australia home since 2005 and became a proud permanent citizen over 10 years ago.  I consider myself a true Australian at heart and wonder how I ever survived those cold Canadian winters?!  After many years, I am still working on my “taste” for this Australian delicacy that is Vegemite. Even though time has passed, I don’t think I will ever get use to spiders the size of dinosaurs….especially when they creep up in my car at night.

Our little family lives in the Tweed area.  Many of you have heard about my beloved whippet Wilson.  I am also the proud mother of a funny and quirky 8 year old boy who certainly knows how to keep me busy! 

I joined the team at King Street Veterinary Hospital over 10 years ago and instantly felt at home.   There’s never been a boring day or a dull moment ever since!  I have a special interest in small animal medicine, emergency and critical care, preventative medicine, ultrasonography and end-of-life care.  For me, being a vet is all about making a difference, helping animals live a better life and treating every pet like if they were my own.

I hope to see you soon.

Hi! My name is Jess and you will see my smiling face when I am looking after your fur babies.

I have always been an animal lover but had not done a lot with it, other than having pets at home, until moving to Australia in 2010. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent most of my life up to that point living around that area. I then moved to the southern Gold Coast and have had the privilege of volunteering at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for the past 10 ½ years.

In the last couple of years, since moving to the Tweed, I have been a member of the Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers. With this group I have been able to help rescue, transport, foster and, best of all, release sick and injured wildlife. More recently I have joined the team at King Street Vet Hospital and have been so fortunate to become a part of such a passionate, friendly, fun, and knowledgeable team. We all work together to make sure that the experience for the animals, their families and each other is as nurturing and positive as it can be.

I live in Tweed with my husband, dog (Jack – best dog in the world), three chickens (Rosie, Ginger and Leighla) and recently new daughter – Grace! Life is good and I am very blessed to be living and working in this amazing part of the world!

Hi. My name is Eri. I am from Japan and came to Australia in 2012. After completing Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, I joined KSVH in early 2020. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with this professional, compassionate, and motivated team at KSVH.

I feel a huge sense of responsibility when looking after our hospitalised patients. Each patient receives the best care possible that I would expect for my fur babies. As much as I love caring for our patients during the hospital stays, it is extremely satisfying to send our patients home after their recovery. Seeing how happy they are to go back to their families is a great feeling.

I really have the best job in the world. Vet nursing is more than just a job it is my passion. I look forward to seeing you and your beloved pets when you come to the clinic.