Dr Sebastian Olasek BVSc PhVM
Practice Owner & Clinic Veterinarian
Like any good vet, Sebastian became what he is today because of his love of animals. His decision concerning his chosen career was only enforced when he discovered his passion for horses. It was what made him apply for a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
Sebastian graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 and begun working with both large and small animals. He thoroughly enjoyed his time working in a mixed practice setting, but in the year 2000 he had to make the hard decision to focus on small animal practice. Sebastian resolved to relish his passion of horses on a purely recreational level. He also enjoys the simple pleasure of taking his dogs Hilda, Sparky & Kirri for long walks.
Sebastian is an accomplished surgeon and this is his favourite aspect of being a vet.
Dr Annabel Shepherd BVSc BAppSc
Practice Owner & Clinic Veterinarian
When Annabel was eleven years old, she decided that she wanted to be a vet. She had spent a great portion of her childhood around animals, and was determine to base her career around her love of them.
She graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 and it was in the January of 1988 that she opened the Maud Street veterinary practice in Maroochydore with partner, Sebastian. In 1997 they opened Chancellor Park as a ‘part-time’ clinic and Annabel worked here alone until the year 2000. In 2000 they moved to Chancellor Park Vet Surgery full time, and now 20 years on, they have created Aura Veterinary Hospital.
Annabel is a beautiful soul and has a gentle hand with the animals. She has a special interest in behavioural medicine.
Annabel surrounds herself with animals at home too, with a loving family of horses, dogs, chickens and a cockatoo waiting for her each day.
Dr Candice McKeone-Taylor BVSc (Hon)
Clinic Veterinarian
Candice is passionate about working with animals, and has worked with animals since she was 15 years old – working with horses and on a cattle farm from a young age.
She has special interests in dentals, scope, soft tissue surgery and ECC.
Candice loves all sports and spending time with her family; her two sons Ashton and Xavier, and her fur babies Ted (Bull Arab x Wolf Hound), Milo (Jack Russel Terrier) and Spud (Pug).
Dr Allison Van Gelderen BVSc Cert SAM MANZCVS (SAM)
Clinic Veterinarian
Allison graduated from the University of Queensland and a few years after graduation headed to England. Whilst over there she developed and interest in small animal medicine and completed her Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2002. She then went on to complete an alternate track residency in Small Animal Medicine at the University of Cambridge. Following this she worked at a number of referral centres including the Royal Veterinary College and the Animal Health Trust.
After 23 years in England she returned back to Australia and completed her Australian
membership in Small Animal Medicine and also a post graduate certificate in Small Animal
Abdominal Ultrasound. She has a special interest in oncology but also enjoys gastroenterology and endocrinology. Allison three cats, two Australian- Soldier and Mali, and one British imports - Pixel along with a Labrador called Sunny. In her spare time she likes pilates, walking and cycling.
Dr Louise Savage BVSc (Hon)
Clinic Veterinarian
Louise has wanted to be a vet for as long as she can remember. Her love for animals lead her to study Veterinary Science, Louise graduated from the University of Queensland in 2017.
When she is not at work she enjoys keeping active by playing netball, swimming, aerial silks classes.
Louise loves going on adventures to find dog friendly places with her dogs Spotty and Henry, at home she also has a cat named Hunter.
Dr Suzanne Standen BVSc (Hon)
Clinic Veterinarian
Suzanne is a dedicated and compassionate veterinarian with a deep love for animals that began in her childhood growing up in the country. From a young age, Suzanne was drawn to the care and well-being of animals, a passion that has only grown throughout her career.
Suzanne graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland in 2003. Since then, she has built a well-rounded and diverse career, working in a variety of veterinary clinics across rural and regional areas. Her experience spans a wide range of animal care, with a particular interest in general practice, dermatology, and veterinary medicine.
In addition to her clinical experience, Suzanne has pursued advanced education in her field, doing a postgraduate qualification in Veterinary Medicine. This continued learning has allowed her to stay at the forefront of evolving veterinary practices and offer the highest standard of care to her patients.
Outside of her professional life, Suzanne is an avid adventurer. She enjoys hiking, sailing, and windsurfing, often seeking out new challenges and experiences. Her beloved camper van, Betty, is a constant companion on her travels, giving her the freedom to explore the outdoors and discover new places.
Dr Isobel Readett BVSc
Clinic Veterinarian
Izzy grew up in Tasmania surrounded by animals, with her mother, a veterinarian, inspiring her love for the profession. After working as a vet nurse in Melbourne, Izzy followed her passion for animals and pursued veterinary medicine. She moved to Townsville at 26 to study at James Cook University, where she graduated in 2023.
Izzy has a special interest in emergency care and surgery, where she thrives in high-pressure situations. She loves the challenge and the responsibility that comes with surgery, as each procedure is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on an animal's life.
Outside of work, Izzy is an avid cook, loves surfing, and is completely devoted to her dog, Scruffy Billie, who she calls "the best dog in the world." Izzy and Billie share an inseparable bond, with Izzy often saying she couldn’t imagine life without her. Whether they’re out for walks or curled up together, Izzy’s love for Billie is truly unmatched.
With a deep commitment to animal care, Izzy provides compassionate and expert veterinary services to both pets and their owners.
Mandy Blackhall
Administration
Mandy's love for animals lead her to a lifelong career within the Animal Care Industry that has spanned over 30 years. Working alongside Dr Sebastian Olasek and Dr Annabel Shepherd in clinics on the Sunshine Coast, her vast experience as a vet nurse lead her to Practice Management roles over the last 15 years.
When she is not working Mandy enjoys travelling, running and spending time with family.
Amanda Atkinson
Head Nurse
Amanda never really had much of a chance to do anything other than veterinary nursing. She grew up on a farm which only developed her love of animals and she fell into her first job within the industry in 1999. Since then she has worked seven years in a mixed practice and six more with small animals, four of which have been with our clinic.
She is an invaluable member of the team. Her extensive knowledge, experience and bubbly attitude help to make each day run smoothly.
“We basically work, eat, sleep and breathe vet nursing not to mention taking our work home with us!” Amanda’s love of the job has ultimately brought home 5 rescue cats and 6 rescue pigeons and other assortments of birds to her family!
In her rare moments of free time, Amanda enjoys developing her photography talents, taking her Toyota Prado 4 wheel driving, camping and going to the beach.
Tameka Harden
Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Officially graduating in the year 2015 as a qualified Veterinary Nurse, Tameka was already working in a general practice across three clinics on the Northside of Brisbane.
After finding a passion in anaesthesia and oncology she made the big leap to a large Specialist Animal Hospital, where she became second in charge of the Surgical Department for over 5 years.
Tameka then dived deep into emergency work in 2021 continuing her learning with emergency care.
Living on the Sunshine Coast, you can be assured she will always be at the beach in her spare time with her scruffy Wolfhound, Warner and her Fiancé Joey
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Evie Watts
Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Evie started working with animals when she was 16 yrs old. She first started working with animals at a pet resort where she found her love for working with animals. She got her first placement in 2019 at a veterinary clinic while she started studying vet nursing. She loves working with all animals, but cats have a special place in her heart. She has 5 cats at home, 3 of which are rescues. Evie has a special interest in assisting in surgery.
When Evie is not working she likes to spend her free time painting, watching movies or tv shows and going on nature walks
Amie Low
Veterinary Technician / Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Amie is a passionate and experienced Veterinary Nurse with a lifelong love for animals that began during her childhood on a farm, where she developed a deep connection to animals of all kinds. Her journey into veterinary care began in 1998 when she started working as a kennel hand, and from there, her commitment to animal welfare grew stronger.
In 2009, Amie became a qualified veterinary technician and has continued to expand her knowledge and expertise ever since. With a diverse career that includes working in emergency and critical care, wildlife medicine, and general practice, Amie has gained a wealth of experience in a variety of clinical settings. She has also worked as a university lecturer, sharing her knowledge and passion for veterinary science with the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Amie’s special clinical interests include surgical anaesthesia, emergency care, and the treatment of critically ill or hospitalised patients. She is deeply committed to providing exceptional care and support to animals during their most vulnerable moments, ensuring the best possible outcomes for every patient.
Outside of work, Amie enjoys spending time with her dogs and pet pigs, as well as enjoying the outdoors through camping, hiking, and exploring nature.
Maxine Crawshaw
Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Max's journey into animal care began with her involvement in wildlife rescue in the UK, where she spent many years rehabilitating and caring for injured and orphaned animals. This experience deeply shaped her understanding of animal welfare and solidified her passion for working with animals.
Before transitioning to veterinary nursing, Max worked as a qualified plumber and gas engineer in the UK for 20 years. While she found success in her trade, her love for animals and the desire to make a greater impact in their lives never faded. In 2019, Max moved to Australia and decided to pursue her long-held dream of becoming a veterinary nurse. Her extensive background in wildlife rescue naturally aligned with her new career, allowing her to combine her technical skills with her deep empathy for animals in need.
As a veterinary nurse, Max brings a wealth of experience, skill, and compassion to her work. Max is passionate about all animals, but she has a particular fondness for Boxers, having developed a soft spot for the breed over the years.
Max is also a proud pet parent to her 18-year-old cat, Odie, who traveled with her from the UK to Australia. Odie is now living out his retirement years in the comfort of Max’s care.
Outside of work, Max enjoys scuba diving, embracing the opportunity to explore the underwater world when she isn’t busy being a mum.
Melinda Daly
Receptionist
Melinda has been working in the veterinary industry since 2016, driven by her lifelong love for animals. Originally from Newcastle, she has lived in various parts of New South Wales before recently making the move to the coast and joining our team.
With her friendly nature and genuine passion for animal care, Mel is often the first warm face our clients see when they walk through the door. Whether it's answering questions, helping schedule appointments, or simply offering a kind word, she plays a key role in making sure both pets and their owners feel welcome and supported.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys the calming craft of candle making and has a soft spot for both cats and dogs. Her caring nature and love for animals shine through in everything she does.
Ellie Jones
Animal Attendant
Ellie is a 15-year-old student in Year 10 on the Sunshine Coast. She began working at Aura Vets in May as part of her work experience, and since then, she has been warmly welcomed into the team. Ellie has thoroughly enjoyed working with both the animals and the kind group of people at the clinic. She has always had a passion for animals, and this opportunity has given her a valuable insight into the veterinary field.
Ellie's dog, Oreo, also occasionally visits the clinic, though he can be a bit noisy at times! Outside of her work at Aura Vets, Ellie has a strong interest in music and is dedicated to her studies and academic achievements. She also enjoys spending quality time with her supportive family and friends. Overall, Ellie finds her work at Aura Vets rewarding and takes great pleasure in helping the team of skilled vets and vet nurses.
Mark Olasek
Animal Attendant
Mark has always had a deep connection with animals, growing up surrounded by them as the son of Annabel and Sebastian. From a young age, Mark was actively involved in the family clinic, helping his parents with the care and well-being of the animals. This early exposure to animal care sparked his passion and continued his desire to work with animals professionally.
More recently, Mark has joined the Aura team, bringing with him years of hands-on experience and a genuine love for animal welfare. His background in the clinic, combined with his witty jokes and bubbly personality makes him an important asset to our team.
When he's not working, Mark enjoys embracing the outdoor lifestyle the Sunshine Coast offers. He loves going to the beach, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. At home, Mark is often found spending quality time with his beloved dogs, who are a central part of his life
