MEET THE TEAM

JEDDA FORD

Practice Manager

Jedda is the Practice Manager at Manukau After hours Clinic and has been with us for 12 years. Prior to this she has worked at other after hours emergency clinics and day clinics. Her passion and dedication to the care of animals shines through as she strives to make the clinic the best it can be.

When asked how she can maintain her enthusiasm in this busy and time consuming role she credits it to her commitment to the welfare of animals and the staff she works with. It comes as no surprise that the extremely busy public holiday periods are her favourite as she can enjoy the team morale as we all pull together.

Outside of work, Jedda is kept busy with her other passion, family. Outnumbered by her Welsh husband and four sons she is always kept busy on weekends with sports. Five cats and three dogs round off the household which mean so much to her.

BEN WILSON

Senior Clinical Veterinarian - BVSc

Ben has varied experience in the veterinary world, starting as a mixed veterinarian in the King Country for a year before moving to Auckland to focus on small animal medicine. He has also worked in the UK as a locum for 2 years as a part of his classic Kiwi OE, Since returning he has been part of the MAHVC team.

Ben's interests lie with surgery, emergency medicine and specifically rabbit medicine.

In his spare time he enjoys playing his guitar, getting out into the bush and looking after his retired clinic cat.

MARY-RUTH DOOLE

Veterinarian - BVSc, BArgSc (Hons)

Ever since Mary-Ruth was 7 years old, she was fascinated by animals, their health, breeding and management. By the age of 8, together with her sister, she had set up a guinea pig breeding programme and knew deep down that she wanted to be a Vet. Throughout her career as a professional veterinarian, she has enjoyed being in both farm and companion animal practices.

Owning a clinic in Parnell for nearly 10 years, Mary-Ruth has found emergency medicine to be both challenging and rewarding. She can be found on her farm in Awhitu tending to her small herd of pedigree Herefords, planting regenerating bush, training her German Shepherd rescue dogs and at film festivals.

MAX CLOUT

Veterinarian - BVSc, MVM (dist) Surgery

Max graduated from Massey University in 2015, and worked as a mixed animal veterinarian in Tauranga for two years, followed by a two year stint in the UK and has been working between MAHVC and Tauranga since returning in 2020. Recently, Max completed a Masters in Veterinary Medicine, endorsed with surgery.

Max enjoys all things veterinary; from diagnosis and treatment of complex medical cases, to stitching up horses, calving cows, and of course, anything surgical!

In his down time, Max enjoys spending time with his wife Abbi and daughters Indie and Mackenzie. In the few remaining hours left in a week, you’ll find him either on the squash court, a bike, or on the mountain.

LEO LEE

Veterinarian - BVSc

Leo (or Haewon) graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North with a BVSc degree in 2015. Since then, he has worked in general practice clinics in Australia and Auckland, until joining Manukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic in 2023.

Leo finds the challenges that emergency work brings to be exciting and very rewarding. Working with excellent facility and staff here has been instrumental in providing quality service to patients and clients in their time of need.

Outside of work, Leo has been busy trying to get better at a new-found hobby called bouldering, this has thus far been quite the challenge, albeit a very enjoyable one.

KEVIN DALTON

Veterinarian - BVSc, BArgSc (Hons)

Kevin was inspired to be a vet after the illness of his childhood bunny, Jumpers. After graduating he spent time in Cairns working with companion animals and the odd snake or lizard. The call of home has brought him back where he alternates his time between a North Shore day clinic and here. Kevin is interested in veterinary opthamology and is currently continuing his education in this area.

When Kevin is not at work he is found at home with his cat Mr (Dorian) Gray who has a “perfect coat, white socks and pink tootsies”, enjoying live music at festivals and exploring his interest in music production. A good summers day will find him at the beach attempting to surf and playing overly competitive ultimate frisbee with friends.

LIZZY LINLEY

Veterinarian - BVetMed

Lizzy graduated from the Royal Veterinary School in London. She moved out to New Zealand in 2018 and works full time as a mixed vet in the rural Waikato. She is passionate about veterinary emergency critical care and loves surgery.

Outside of work she loves travelling, her weekends, when not working, are filled with trips to new places with her favourite people.

NATHAN WONG

Veterinarian - BVSc

Nathan graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2014. He has worked in general practice, shelter medicine and emergency critical care in the Auckland area. He enjoys the variety of caseload you see in emergency work, as well as how rewarding it can be.

Outside of work, he has his three cats Jeff, Jellybean and Juniper, to keep him entertained/on his toes. He also enjoys time out on the golf course, and at the gym which helps enable him to enjoy lots of the great restaurants Auckland has to offer.

LEAH WAKEFORD

Veterinarian - BVSc

Leah graduated in 2017 Massey University and has been working as a mixed animal veterinarian in the Coromandel and Waikato region ever since. She joined the Manukau After Hours team in 2022 and enjoys providing high quality care to pets in their time of need.

In her spare time she is working towards completing her masters degree and spends both summer and winter days taking advantage of her close proximity to the marine environments in the coromandel area. Luckily her veterinary skills are much better than her fishing!

CECILIA BARR

Veterinarian - BVSc

Graduating from Massey University in 2014, Cecilia brings over a decade of experience as a small animal clinician, working in both Wellington and Auckland. Since joining our team in December 2024, she has focused primarily on emergency care—drawn to its unpredictable nature and constant challenges. Cecilia also spends half their time working in remote locations, providing vital veterinary services to communities with limited access to care.

Outside of work, Cecilia is currently completing a Master of Veterinary Medicine and enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path camping spots around New Zealand. She shares her adventures (somewhat begrudgingly) with a very ungrateful ginger cat named Porkchop.

MARIA YANEZ

Veterinarian - DVM, MVM, MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)

Originally from Mexico City, Maria graduated from UNAM and later completed a Master of Veterinary Medicine at Massey University, focusing on companion animal surgery. She also holds a membership in the ANZCVS in Medicine of Cats.

Maria has over a decade of experience and currently works full-time as an emergency clinician in Tauranga, joining our team in 2023. She has a special interest in feline medicine and enjoys tackling complex medical cases, especially in emergencies.

Outside of work, Maria is a Monarch butterfly enthusiast, loves spending time with her daughter Grace and husband Alex, and shares her home with two rescued cats—Moussey and Goose—and a couple of quirky fish, Elliot and Shark.

SUE CROW

Veterinarian

CHIEH-LING EN

Veterinarian

MARTINA LAGATIERRA-WELLINGTON

Veterinarian

MELISSA JONES

Veterinarian

BECKYLEA HURCUM

Veterinarian

MATTHEW WONG

Veterinarian

MARGARET GATER

Veterinarian

KATE HASSALL

Veterinarian

JANA LEPPER

Veterinarian

STEVE OEHLEY

Veterinarian - BVSc

ITSUKI MUELLER

Veterinarian

CHARLOTTE CASTLE

Head Veterinary Nurse - DipVN

Charlotte, a dedicated and experienced Head Nurse, With a love of the dynamic and fast-paced environment of emergency nursing, she thrives in the company of her compassionate and supportive team.

Her commitment to animals extends beyond the clinic, as she volunteers with NZ Animal Evac, diligently pursuing training to join the field deployment team of New Zealand's exclusive animal evacuation charity.

Hailing from a dairy farm upbringing in Hunua, Charlotte's roots reflect her deep connection to animals. Currently, she shares her home with two cherished cats and one distinguished dog.

Away from her professional role, Charlotte's life revolves around quality moments with her family and friends, especially her energetic son. Her nurturing spirit manifests in a thriving collection of house plants. Exploring op shops and embracing 50s pin-up fashion add a dash of individuality.

RACHAEL TURNER

Veterinary Nurse

Meet Rachael, a vet nurse with a remarkable 16+ years of industry experience under her belt. Rachael has left her mark in numerous clinics across South Auckland, and she's also enriched her expertise through vet nursing roles in Perth and Melbourne over a span of three years.

Rachael's devotion to animals has been a lifelong calling, and she's equally passionate about educating pet owners on optimal care practices.

Outside the clinic, Rachael's energy is channeled into a dynamic household. With her three daughters and husband, life is a bustling adventure that she embraces with enthusiasm.

STEPHANIE LOGOPATI

Veterinary Nurse & Public Relations - BSc DipVN

Greeting you with a warm smile as you step into the clinic is Stephanie our Veterinary Nurse and Public Relations Officer.

With over four years of hands-on experience at our clinic, she has honed her skills to deliver efficient and top-quality care, always working seamlessly alongside her colleagues.

Beyond the clinic, Stephanie's life revolves around her two young children and her two feline companions, Boo and Beans.

Whether she's extending a helping hand to a furry patient or connecting with clients, her commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering positive relationships shines through.

NICOLE NAIDU

Veterinary Nurse - BAppSci DipVN

Nicole is a seasoned Veterinary Nurse who successfully earned her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec in 2010. Alongside this achievement, she holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a focus on Animal Management and Welfare.

Nicole's affinity for working with animals has led her to diverse experiences with both large and small creatures. However, her true passion lies in caring for small animals, and she takes every opportunity to provide them with the pats and cuddles they deserve. Her genuine dedication shines through in every aspect of her work.

KENNEDY JAYNE

Veterinary Nurse - DipVN

Graduating with a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in 2024, Kennedy joined the Manukau After Hours team the same year. With a strong interest in emergency veterinary medicine, especially in companion animals, she is passionate about supporting both pets and their owners through stressful situations. Kennedy hopes to continue her studies in the veterinary field with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.

At home, life is never quiet with two big dogs, two cats, and a revolving door of foster animals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with whānau and friends, painting or drawing, and occasionally heading to the gym.

SARAH FLETT

Veterinary Nurse - DipVN

Sarah graduated in 2017 and worked in a mixed practice in the Hawkes Bay before moving to Auckland in 2021. She enjoys small animal/exotics and has a passion for helping new nurses/students. Using her previous experience as a dog groomer, she knows a good dematting is a highlight to any working day.

When the small zoo at home (Husky, 2 cats, rabbit, chinchilla, fish) isn't keeping her busy she loves curling up with a good book and a cup of tea and spending time with her family.

LILY CLARKSON

Veterinary Nurse - DipVN

Starting off as kennel hand/reception and working her way through to doing nursing as well. Lily graduated with her diploma in veterinary nursing in April 2024 and is continuing to pursue her studies.

Thoughtful, caring and with a love of a good chat Lily is open to engaging in new learning experiences. Her favourite part of the job is connecting with owners making sure they are under the least amount of stress as possible and making sure their animals receive the best care.

She has 3 animals, a doberman named Kade and two ragdoll cats named Paxton and Molly. Outside of work she likes to spend most of her time with friends and family, while also doing her Bachelors of Veterinary Nursing.

AMY KEARY

Veterinary Nurse - DipVN

Amy is a passionate vet nurse who joined our team in 2023. She has her Diploma in veterinary nursing, graduating in 2019.

Amy is very passionate about orthopaedics, advanced dentistry and advanced medical cases.

Amy has a big soft spot for special needs patients as she has spent many years fostering special needs animals, resulting in her adopting a blind, FIV positive cat named Loki.

Beyond the clinic Amy enjoys readying, going to the gym and spending some supervised outside time with her blind cat Loki.

BREE GEENTY

Veterinary Nurse - CVN

Bree has experience with most animals, from rats and rabbits to horses and sheep, growing up with more pets than she could count, however companion animals is where she is most passionate.

After the recent passing of her childhood best friend, a springer spaniel named Trixie, followed shortly after by the loss of her beloved black cat Salem, the cat distribution system worked its magic and sent a kitten her way, now named Kewpie and often found lounging about on his cat hammock in the sun.

Outside of work you will find her reading, making music, or writing.

STACEY LIU

Veterinary Nurse - DipVN

Stacey has been veterinary nurse for over five years now and absolutely loves it. So much so that she decided to further her studies and pursue a bachelors of veterinary nursing!

She is passionate about providing kind, compassionate, and professional care to all sorts of animals.

When not at the clinic, Stacey can be found at the gym, out for a run, or indulging in her hobbies of baking and sewing. She also enjoys spending quality time with her Bichon, Zeus, who never fails to bring joy to her day.

ALANNAH FLITCROFT

Veterinary Nurse

VIVIENNE WECK

Veterinary Nurse

HANNAH MARCHAL

Receptionist

SOPHIE PASCOE

Veterinary Nurse

AMIE TURNER

Veterinary Nurse

ELLEN LAURENSON

Veterinary Nurse

KAYLA SHAW

Receptionist

BARBARA STRETTON

Accounts

TRACY DESMOND

Administration and HR Manager