Meet the team
Dr Liz Kenny
Beleura Vet owner Liz knew from the ripe old age of three that she wanted to be a vet. It’s a dream that eventually saw her achieve a Veterinary Science degree from the University of Melbourne, graduating with Deans honours in 2008.
Liz has an animal and client centric focus to her work. Possessing a deep dedication to veterinary medicine, she strives to provide the highest level of care for both her clients and patients while delivering stress-free consultations and pain-free treatment as much as possible.
A life-long learner, Liz has completed further training in soft tissue surgery and diagnostic ultrasound, and in 2019 was granted admission to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, after passing her membership exam in small animal medicine.
Having grown up on the Mornington Peninsula, this is where Liz is now raising her two boys, Ari and Luca, along with Connie the beautiful Border Terrier.
Dr Jemma Heritage
Jemma joined Beleura in early 2019, bringing not only her veterinary skills, but also an infectious energy and enthusiasm to the team. Having yearned to work with animals for as long as she can remember, Jemma began her career as a marine biologist. While working in Ireland rehabilitating injured seal pups, she soon realised she wanted to become a vet, knowing that with those skills, she could do more not only for the pups she couldn’t save, but all injured animals.
Fast forward several years and Jemma has graduated as a vet from Perth’s Murdoch University, and moved back to her home on the Peninsula to join the team at Beleura Veterinary Hospital.
Jemma is the proud owner of Marloo, a joy-giving Beagle Staffie cross who she adopted from a rescue centre. In her spare time, you’ll find her enjoying one of her many outdoor pursuits including free diving, hiking and removing plastic and rubbish from local beaches. When at home Jemma is also an avid gardener spending time tending to her loved vegetable patch.
Dr Katrina Couttie
Vet Katrina is a Mornington local who began her veterinary career in equine practice having completed an equine internship following her graduation from Charles Sturt University in 2013.
In 2019, a change beckoned, and Katrina made the switch to small animal practice. Passionate about building relationships with her patients and their owners, she has a particular love of dogs and counts frequent dog cuddles as a perk of the job.
Katrina is a mum to sons Lennox and Henley, who do an excellent job of keeping her busy when she’s not at work, along with a very sooky Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Bronson. In her spare time, Katrina enjoys Pilates and yoga as well as long walks around the neighbourhood with Bronson.
Dr Jessica Connor
Jess joined our team in early 2024 when a beachside change brought her to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Prior to this, Jess worked in a busy small animal clinic in Melbourne.
After growing up with a variety of pets, volunteering at local animal shelters and with a passion for learning, pursuing a career in veterinary medicine was a no-brainer for Jess.
She is interested in all aspects of the job and enjoys the challenge it can provide. Jess is passionate about working with owners to achieve optimal outcomes for their pets and is committed to providing veterinary care that reduces stress and anxiety for pets in the clinic.
Outside of work, you’ll find Jess enjoying the outdoors, working on a new crafts project or at the theatre. Jess is always on the lookout for her next beloved foster animal (and is constantly fighting the temptation to keep them forever!)
Dr Julie Campbell
Julie is a local from the Mornington Peninsula who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2006. Julie is passionate about being a small animal veterinarian and has pursued further studies in ophthalmology, surgery, and reproduction. Throughout her career, Julie has volunteered her skills & expertise in Thailand, Dubai, South Africa, and Bali where she created some wonderful memories. When Julie isn’t working, you will find her spending time with her three children, four grandchildren, and her adorable West Highland White Terrier, Ivy.
Dr Lauren Fahler
Lauren graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Since then, she has gained a diverse range of experience in both small animal general practice and emergency and critical care. Lauren’s areas of professional interest include anaesthesia, pain management and dermatology, and she is hoping to continue to develop her skills and knowledge in these areas.
When she’s not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, and keeping fit either in the gym or doing yoga and pilates. Lauren is the proud owner of 2 oodles - Millie and Willow, along with her domestic short hair Jean.
Kerry Jones
Kerry is one of the Senior nurses here at Beleura with over 15 years of veterinary nursing experience under her belt. Although Kerry loves all animals, she adores her giant breed dogs the most. Her Newfoundland ‘Howie’ makes a regular trip in to say hello to call the staff and clients. If you see him around make sure you give him a big pat but mind the slobber!
Kerry loves that her job is so rewarding and she can go home at the end of a working day and know she has made a difference in peoples and animal’s lives. When she’s not at work Kerry enjoys the outdoors and being on holiday with her husband and 2 girls.
Chloe Rainbow
Chloe began her journey to Veterinary Nursing 8 years ago by starting as a kennel hand in a large mixed country practice. Her weekends involved tending to all the patient’s with lots of cuddles and pat’s and helping her wildlife warrior Mum with every animal under the sun. Growing up in an 'animal centric' household, she knew from the very first moment she could talk that she wanted to love and care for animals. She comes from a long line of veterinary nurses, zookeepers and wildlife carers but has found her true love within the small animal veterinary world. After working in Emergency care, Chloe has found her new home here at Beleura and adores all her colleges and patient’s dearly.
Chloe has a true passion for native wildlife and can often be found nursing a baby possum out in the treatment room or x-raying an injured bird. She loves every aspect of veterinary nursing but particularly loves showering her patients with all the love and care whilst they are in hospital. Chloe is a keen teacher and enjoys taking our junior nurses and kennel hands under her wing, teaching them her knowledge at every opportunity she gets in the clinic.
When Chloe isn't at work, she is spending time with her own fur babies, Betsy, Spud and Bruno (and sometimes a ringtail or two). Her fiancé Trent has had to learn over the years to accept all the weird and wonderful animals she brings home with her at the end of a working day and love them just as much as he loves her.
Jye Ashard
Jye found his passion for animals back in high school when he visited a wildlife sanctuary in Tasmania. After completely his Cert 2 in Animal Studies he started with Beleura Vets in June 2023. Jye has loved being a vet nurse every step of the way and recently completed his Certificate IV in Vet Nursing.
One day he hopes to start his own business through opening a doggy daycare, but until that time he is thoroughly enjoying the difference he gets to make in the lives our beloved patients & their families.
Jye has a big heart & looks forward to welcoming you with a big smile and friendly face.
Suzanne Strapps
Suzanne is a Mornington local and joined Beleura Veterinary Hospital in 2024
I feel like one of the lucky ones who has always known I wanted to be a Veterinary Nurse. Growing up with a lot of pets.
Beginning with work experience in Brighton, I haven’t looked back. Completing an Advanced Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in 1992 and a Diploma in Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Taking a few years break from the industry to raise our two daughters I returned to the profession I love. I am always happy to help with nursing advice or just to listen and support owners and their beautiful pets. I have worked at various clinics including the United Kingdom
Outside of work Life with teenagers certainly keeps Suzanne very busy!
Holly Curigliano
After a few years at University striving towards a career in the healthcare industry, Holly decided to take a break and branch out, finding her way to us and becoming an animal attendant. Having always grown up with animals Holly took an interest in caring for them at a young age and was drawn to working in a role that would help provide care for all animals, big and small.
Holly enjoys working in the fast paced environment that comes with the clinic. She loves that there’s always something new to learn working alongside the vets and vet nurses. Holly thrives on the knowledge she learns everyday and appreciates being given the opportunity to support both patient and client. "All the cuddles and beautiful moments we have with your pet is certainly a perk of the job!' -Holly
Holly's other interests include travelling the world, spending time with friends, family and of course her fur babies, Louis, Milo and Cleo!
Tiffany Baumgartner
Beleura receptionist Tiffany has always adored animals, and feels she was destined to work in a field devoted to their wellbeing.
Although she grew up in the city, as a keen horse-rider and dog-lover, she used to take any opportunity to escape the big smoke and help out on family farms. She has since travelled throughout Australia and worked with esteemed horse trainers learning natural horsemanship in western disciplines, including cutting, reining and camp drafting.
Tiffany loves the amazing stories she hears from pet owners, particularly those involving rescue animals and projects dedicated to improving animals’ quality of life. As the owner of two rescues herself, this holds a special place in Tiffany’s heart.
In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys yoga, being in nature, and pursuing her creative passions which include designing clothes, fashion and interior styling, and furniture restoration. In addition to her travels around Australia, she has explored many other parts of the world including Europe, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Canada, North and South America, and The Caribbean. But for Tiffany, nothing beats Australia.
Her ultimate goal is to live on a farm along the peninsula near family and friends, surrounded by horses, dogs, cattle, sheep and chickens. Just as soon as she’s seen a little more of the world and our great country…
Lily Firth
Lily has been a dedicated vet nurse at Beleura Vet since 2022, driven by a deep passion for advocating for the well-being of pets and a strong commitment to conservation. She is devoted to delivering exceptional veterinary care in a compassionate and professional manner, ensuring every pet receives the best possible attention.
Outside of work, Lily enjoys hiking and spending time in the ocean, embracing the beauty of nature. A proud pet parent to two ginger cats and a lively Kelpie, her love for animals extends beyond the clinic, making her a true advocate for both pets and the planet.
Amber Cooper
Amber is a dedicated veterinary nurse with a deep passion for animal care. She shares her life with a vibrant family of pets, including four blue-tongued lizards, one rabbit, two cats, and two dogs. Her love for animals inspires her to provide exceptional care and compassion to every patient, focusing on delivering the best veterinary services tailored to each animal's needs.
When she's not at work, Amber enjoys unwinding on the couch with her Kindle, savouring moments of quiet relaxation while staying inspired to continue her mission of helping animals live their healthiest and happiest lives.
Rumer Munro
Rumer is a junior vet nurse with a particular interest in anaesthesia and nutrition. She is eager to expand her knowledge and skills with the support of the amazing team of vets and nurses at Beleura. Rumer strives to ensure every patient receives an exceptional level of care & a positive experience, treating them as if they were her own.
When not at work, Rumer is owned by a Maremma X called Lucy, and her palomino Stockhorse Lulu. She finds joy in the outdoors whether that be spending time with the five horses she cares for at home or out on a bush trail with Lucy and Lulu.