Get to Know Our Team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Barry Odesnik
BVSc , BVSc (hons)
Dr. Barry Odesnik qualified as a veterinarian in South Africa in 1987. After spending two years as a military veterinarian, he entered small animal private practice. In 2000, he completed a three-year post-graduate degree in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
Barry and his family immigrated to Perth in 2000. After working for a year as an emergency veterinarian, he spent the next six years in a busy small animal practice before starting Vital Vet Animal Hospital in 2007.
After more than 30 years as a vet, Dr. Barry remains dedicated, and enthusiastic and enjoys applying his wealth of experience to each and every patient. Dr. Barry has a special interest in veterinary dermatology, clinical pathology and management of osteoarthritis.
Meet Our Managers
Meet Our Nursing Team
Michelle
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Khloe Willmott
DVM
Khloe is a dedicated vet with a passion for complex medicine cases and soft tissue surgery. When she’s not in the clinic, she enjoys catching up with friends over drinks and relaxing at home with her two special rescue cats, Martini and Espresso.
Krista
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Krista is one of our casual veterinary nurses. She has been a vet nurse for over 15 years. Krista has a keen interest in nursing surgical and hospital patients.
Krista has completed further study to become fear-free certified. Dedicating low-stress handling techniques to all patients and ensuring their stay is as stress-free as possible.
Outside of work she enjoys pilates and finding new hiking spots with her beloved border collie Parker.
Clare
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Bio coming soon!
Hannah
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Hannah is one of our treasured permanent vet nurses here at Vital Vet. Growing up on a sheep farm in Badgingarra, 2.5 hours north of Perth, Hannah’s love for animals blossomed early on — especially for sheep.
Hannah kicked off her nursing journey in 2019, diving into the world of equine care and mixed practice before finding her hone with us. She loves every aspect of nursing and is dedicated to making sure every pet’s hospital stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. As a Fear Free certified nurse, she is all about ensuring that each animal feels safe and loved during their time with us.
Hannah’s warmth, compassion, and expertise are a huge part of what makes Vital Vet such a special place, alongside her cheeky dog, Nancy who often joins her at work! Both Hannah and Nancy are considered valuable members of our Vital Vet team.
When she’s not busy caring for our furry patients. Hannah is out tending to Nancy and enjoying time with her horses, Dermie and Chloe. She also loves baking and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Justine
Veterinary Nurse, RVN, Senior Nurse
Joining us here at Vital Vet in 2023, Justine has quickly become a beloved member of our team, bringing with her over two decades of invaluable experience since graduating as a Veterinary Nurse in 2002. Her qualifications include a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Certification in Dog Psychology and Behaviour and Training, and Advanced Anaesthesia in Small Animals. Currently, she’s furthering her expertise by pursuing her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Justine’s passion for vet nursing shines through in everything she does, whether it’s assisting surgery, greeting clients in reception, or providing dedicated care during nurse consultations. She has a special love for spending that one-on-one time with you and your pet, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for. Her compassionate nature and strong work ethic make her not just a nurse, but a trusted friend to our patients and their families. She is always smiling, always happy, and always ready to help.
Outside of work, Justine loves spending quality time with her family and her own fur babies. She’s the proud mum of two golden retrievers, Bailey and Cody, and two beautiful cats, Lily and Missy. We are so lucky to have Justine on our team, sharing her joy and expertise with everyone she meets!
Cas
Veterinary Nurse, RVN, Practice Manager
Cas is our dedicated Practice Manager at Vital Vet. She oversees the day-to-day operations with a blend of expertise and compassion and ensures everything runs smoothly, from coordinating our team to managing the clinic, all while ensuring the highest standards of care for our patients is maintained. Cas is the backbone of our practice, handling everything from staff support to client communication, making sure both our team and our clients feel supported and valued. Her leadership and attention to detail keep our clinic thriving, and we’re so grateful to have her guiding us every step of the way.
Cas started in the animal care industry at the age of 10, volunteering her Saturday mornings at a pet shop after seeing the animals on display needed some love. Happy to oblige, this weekend hobby turned into a lifelong career dedicated to animal care. Cas has nursed in Emergency and Critical Care, Animal Rehabilitation, Surgical, and management positions.
Cas’ qualifications include Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Animal conservation, Advanced programme in Veterinary Nursing of Small Mammals, Advanced Veterinary Nursing of Avian species and Advanced Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice. She is currently furthering her skills by pursuing her Diploma in Leadership and Practice Management.
Cas’ passions include gold standard care for all the animals and staff, surgical anaesthesia, exotics and rescue work. Cas started here at Vital Vet in May 2023. Cas’ hobbies include travel, fine wine, and photography.
Jess S.
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Jess graduated as a Veterinary Nurse in 2019 after having a year off high school. She is a much-loved member of our nursing team, always coming to work with a big smile that staff and clients all love to be greeted with. Jess’ warm nature and compassionate disposition make her the perfect Vet Nurse and we are so lucky to have her on our team.
Jess grew up with a passion for helping animals and it was inevitable that she would end up in this line of work! Jess is the humble servant of Mack, a miniature bull terrier, Finral, Wombat and Possum, her bunnies, Denji, and Yuji, her much loved cats — whom she took home from work, of course!
Jess’ hobbies include Muay Thai, spending time with her pets and family, listening to K-pop, and subjecting us all to listening to it at the clinic too! So, if you hear K-pop blaring when you’re in the clinic, you can rest assured that Nurse Jess is on shift and taking absolute best care of your beloved fur babies.
Jess O.
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Jess is a talented and dedicated Veterinary Nurse here at Vital Vet. Originally from the sunny shores of Singapore, Jess is fluent in both English and Mandarin. Her nursing journey began in Melbourne, but in 2019, she and her family made the move to Perth to be closer to her husband’s relatives and to welcome their second child. After maternity leave, we were lucky enough to have her join our team, where she’s been making a positive impact ever since.
Jess excels in every aspect of her role, and she has a unique gift for soothing anxious pets in the hospital, by singing her children’s favourite nursery rhymes, which works like magic!
When she is not at work, Jess is busy keeping her two little girls and mini schnauzer. She enjoys getting creative in the kitchen and is always on the lookout for new recipes to surprise and delight her family.
Monique
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Monique has been a dedicated Veterinary Nurse since 2014, bringing her vast experience and passion to our clinic, where she thrived since joining us in 2020. Monique, or as we affectionately call her, Mon, has a special love for all things Feline. Monique has spent the last decade raising and rehabilitating kittens, pouring her heart into giving these little ones the best start to life. Her own rescue cat, Pixie, is the apple of her eye and a very spoiled only child!
At Vital Vet, Monique’s skills shine across every area of the hospital. Whether she’s in surgery, running nurse consultations or greeting clients at reception, her expertise and warm, caring nature touch the lives of every patient and family she meets. Monique’s dedication to her craft and her deep compassion for animals make her an invaluable part of our team.
Tayla
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Tayla graduated as a Veterinary Nurse from Bentley TAFE in 2019, and since then, her passion for helping animals has driven her career in small animal practices. She joined our team in 2020, bringing with her a special interest in anaesthesia and surgical nursing.
Tayla’s dedication to the well-being of animals is at the heart of everything she does, making her an invaluable member of our team.
At home, Tayla’s love for animals extends to her own little zoo — despite her husband’s hesitation! She’s a proud mum of an energetic American Bulldog named Harley, his feline companion Ivar, a cheeky pink and grey galah named Harry, and a Stimson python named Sheeba.
Tayla’s expertise, combined with her loud, confident and warm, caring nature makes her a cherished member of our team, where she brings her passion and love for animals to every patient she cares for!
Cayla
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Cayla has been an integral part of our Vital Vet team since 2015, bringing her wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for veterinary care.
After graduating in Veterinary Nursing in 2014, Cayla found her niche in small animal anaesthesia and really enjoys working behind the scenes, to ensure our hospital and surgical patients receive the highest standard of care.
Beyond her professional life, Cayla is a lot of fun and a devoted fan of Friends and Disney and is often found quoting all her favourite shows and movies with the team.
When she is not at work, she loves spending time with her husband and two children. Her home is filled with lots of love and laughter, thanks to her furry companions — her adopted cat Joey and her playful Maltese X Chandler.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Cayla as part of our team, where her expertise, kindness and dedication shine through every day.
Lara Odesnik
RVN – Registered Vet Nurse
Accounts Manager
Lara obtained her veterinary nursing diploma in South Africa in 1988 and has worked in small animal practice for many years. Lara’s main duties are in accounts administration and reception and she especially enjoys interacting with owners and their pets. Lara and Barry started Vital Vet Animal Hospital together in 2007. They have two adult children and their pets are Dasha the Whippet and a cat called Binx.
Dr. Amy Cherico
DVM
Dr. Amy graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Murdoch University in 2020. Upon graduating Amy went straight into emergency where she still works part-time. In early 2024 she came to Vital Vet to do some casual work, which has now progressed to permanent as we knew instantly we had found another perfect fit for our team.
Amy is passionate about treating every patient as if they were her own pet and matches her extensive knowledge and endless amount of energy with the wonderful scrubs she wears to work — like her personality, they are always vibrant, fun, and never disappointing.
In her free time, Amy enjoys taking her dogs on adventures and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Vanessa Rushworth
DVM
Dr. Vanessa is one of our dedicated casual Veterinarians here at Vital Vet.
Graduating from Murdoch University in 2011, Dr. Vanessa has developed a special interest in clinical pathology and cardiorespiratory medicine. She is deeply passionate about providing compassionate, individualised care to every patient she sees.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Vanessa is busy managing/wrangling her young family and a household full of pets.
Her blend of expertise and heartfelt care make her an invaluable part of our team.
Dr. Courtney McGrath
DVM
Dr. Courtney is one of our highly skilled surgeons at Vital Vet. Surgery is her passion, and you will find her mostly at the back in our theatre, lovingly looking after your fur babies. Her compassionate care and expert hands make her an invaluable member of our team, always striving to give your babies the best possible care.
After graduating from Murdoch University in 2017, she spent 3 years working in rural Victoria in mixed animal practice. Moving back to Perth in 2020, she now focuses on small animal general practice work as well as Emergency medicine. Dr. Courtney has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and finished a graduate certification in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care last year.
She lives with her husband, 2 year old Springer Spaniel Finn, and her 9-year-old Maine Coon Max. Outside of work she loves to keep active at the gym and spend time with her friends and family.
Dr. Olivia Ryan
BVSc DVM
Dr. Olivia has been an invaluable member of our team since 2021. She graduated from Murdoch University in 2020, where she honed her skills and knowledge with distinction.
Her career began in a rural small animal practice, where she spent her first year mastering emergency care and refining her surgical expertise. This experience laid a solid foundation for her multifaceted role in our hospital, where she now excels in both consulting and performing intricate soft tissue surgeries.
Dr. Olivia’s passion for veterinary medicine is matched only by her love for her two adopted cats, Neville and Tommy, whom she affectionately calls her sons.
With a compassionate heart and exceptional skill set, Dr. Olivia continues to make a profound impact on the lives of pets and owners every day.
Dr. Michelle Goerke
BSc BVMS MANZCVS
Dr. Michelle graduated from Murdoch University in 1991 and has since dedicated her career to the care and well-being of animals, with a particular focus on Veterinary Anaesthesia and Critical Care. Her passion for this field led her to attain her membership qualification, making her an expert in providing the best possible care to our most vulnerable patients. With a special soft spot for our scruffy and fluffy patients, Dr. Michelle’s compassionate approach and gentle touch make her a favourite among pets and families. At home, she is adored by her gorgeous feline friend, Dexter, who surely benefits from her vast knowledge and loving care. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Michelle here at Vital Vet, where she brings both her heart and her skills to every patient she treats.
Dr. Rebekah Bruce
BSc BVMS
Since graduating from Murdoch University in 2015, Dr. Rebekah has dedicated her career to delivering exceptional veterinary care. Her journey began in large, bustling hospitals, where she honed her expertise in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments. After taking time to connect with her patients in a smaller clinic, she realised her heart belonged to the dynamic energy of a larger, well-equipped practice, leading her to join us here at Vital Vet in early 2024.
Dr. Rebekah’s passion is unparalleled. Whether she’s expertly managing pain, solving complex dermatology cases, or providing gentle care to pets who are nervous at the vet, she does it all with extraordinary compassion and skill. Her ability to turn anxiety into trust is nothing short of magical.
At home, Dr. Rebekah is the devoted mum to two sweet to rescue cats, Molly and Pepper, and dreams of welcoming a dog into her family soon.
We feel beyond blessed to have Dr. Rebekah as part of our team, where she brings warmth, wisdom and unwavering dedication to every patient she sees.
Bethany Maree
Veterinary Nurse, RVN
Bethany Maree is one of our compassionate and loving casual Veterinary Nurses at Vital Vet.
Bethany’s journey into veterinary nursing began in high school in 1988, where she started as a kennel hand and quickly progressed to vet nurse duties and puppy pre-school training. After spending two years studying Environmental Science at University, she realised her true calling was to be a voice for the animals. In 2005, she completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and has been dedicated to the field, working in both general practice and emergency practice.
Growing up, Bethany was always “that” girl — the one who rescued and cared for every injured or abandoned animal she encountered. Her deep connection with wildlife led her to work closely with rehab centres and eventually become a wildlife carer in the Northern Suburbs for five years.
Her love for animals is matched by her love for her family. She has a beautiful daughter named Isla and a whole crew of fur children, including a Corgi named Harry, two chihuahua crosses named Evee and Lola, Rosie, a diabetic rescued cavoodle, and a goofy, friendly Rottweiler named Axel, along with her beloved chooks. Bethany’s warm heart and dedication make her an invaluable part of our team.