Amy (Head Nurse)
Having always enjoyed being around animals, Amy decided to turn that affinity for animals into a career. She graduated from CPIT in 2008 with a certificate in Veterinary Nursing. After working in temporary roles in a few veterinary clinics around Christchurch to gain experience, she eventually landed a full-time job with the Avonhead Vets team towards the end of 2009. Prior to studying at CPIT, Amy studied at Canterbury University, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts. Outside of work she is kept busy with Frankie, a three-year-old Staffy/Lab cross adopted from Dogwatch and Nessie, a nine-year old cat adopted from the SPCA.
Olivia
Olivia has always had a deep love and respect for all animals, that upon finishing school in 2007, she went on to study at CPIT, to become a Veterinary Nurse. She wanted to help and work with animals on a daily basis. During her second year of study, she began working part-time at Avonhead Vets and was thrilled to be given a full-time role when she completed her studies, in 2009. Olivia loves all aspects of the job and working with all types of animals, but cats and dogs are her favourites. She has acquired a few of her own over the years. Bella, a thirteen-year-old lab; Lilly, an eleven-year-old Maltese; Murphy, a three-year old cat; and Saffie, a seventeen-year-old cat are all loved dearly and keep Olivia entertained. After returning from maternity leave, Olivia works every Saturday.
Averlea
In 2016, Averlea pursued her passion for animal welfare and completed her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing. Previously, she had a successful career in marketing having worked in the arts, education and most recently tourism as the Online Marketing Manager at Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism. In her spare time, she is a pet sitter and she volunteers at the South Island Wildlife Hospital and Orana Wildlife Park. Her home is a menagerie! Along with her husband and son, they have 3 cats (although one is really a neighbourhood cat that treats their home as his winter palace!), 3 chickens, and a rescue turned sentry pigeon. She is released every day, but stays close to the house and always returns to the backdoor each night!
Amy
Amy studied veterinary nursing at CPIT in 2000, then relocated to Melbourne, Australia, where she worked as a veterinary nurse for 15 years! Missing home and family, Amy and her husband made the big decision to move back to Christchurch! Moving their daughter, cat Moose, dog Ngia, and their horse Essy along for the adventure. Amy enjoys riding and competing with Essy in her spare time.
Cassandra
Cassandra graduated from UCOL Palmerston North, with a diploma of veterinary nursing in 2012. She worked in sunny Nelson for 3 years, before moving to Christchurch, after working in temporary roles in a few veterinary clinics over the last few years. Cassandra joined our team in April 2017, on a maternity cover, which turned into a full time position. Due to her love of emergency and critical care nursing, Cassandra also works part-time at the After Hours Veterinary Centre. In her down time, Cassandra enjoys being out doors, hanging out with her SPCA rescue cats, Franky and Annabelle.
Gemma
Gemma started working for us part time in July 2018. She completed her certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 2009. After she had her son, she went on to complete her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2015. She has loved all animals big and small since she was young and enjoys working with hospitalized patients and senior pets. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son, her fur baby Frankie the cocker spaniel and her family and friends!