24 Hour Phone: (02) 4832 1977

Veterinary Nurses and Support Team Members

Meet our caring, enthusiastic and dedicated nursing and administrative staff.

Karen Reeves

Practice Manager

Karen ReevesKaren is the founding staff member of Crookwell Veterinary Hospital. Joining Jennie and Rob as all-round vet nurse / receptionist / administrator straight from high school in 1982, Karen has notched up over 30 years with CVH. As Rob says, "Karen knows more about the practice than I do".

She rapidly learnt to stay upright during surgery, monitor anaesthetics, provide vet nursing care for sick and injured animals, answer the phone, do the accounts and single-handedly make sure the small but growing practice was never less than brilliantly organised.

As Practice Manager, Karen is responsible for managing and overseeing all practice administration and non-veterinary staff. Her enormous contribution to the development of our veterinary practice in Crookwell over so many years is valued and respected by the practice partners, our staff and our clients.

Jess van Groningen

Receptionist and Administration Manager

Jess’s diverse experience and skills complement the CVH team perfectly. After a 12 year career as an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia and Indonesia, Jess turned to animals, first as an equine nurse while studying for a Bachelor of Equine Science and in 2013, she completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Jess maintains a part time career as an educator. Working for the NSW Responsible Pet Education Program since 2011, Jess takes her two German Shorthaired Pointers Mojo and Ned into preschools, childcare centres and primary schools teaching children about being safe around dogs and how to be responsible pet owners.

Outside work, Jess has successfully competed in dog field and retrieving trials with Ned, and is currently breaking in and training her three year old Warmblood gelding Remi for dressage.

Louise Duncan

Veterinary Nurse

Louise DuncanLouise gained her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and started work in vet clinics after an incredibly varied and interesting 20 year career in the corporate sector, where she worked for large companies including the NRMA and IAG.

All that experience has made Louise a valued team member. She’s turned her hand, in between vet nursing duties, to writing the practice policies and procedures and earning the role of OH&S guru. We expect Louise will be the staff member we turn to for unusual projects needing excellent attention to detail.

Outside work, her interests are equally eclectic. Louise breeds Arabian horses and is a passionate – and competition winning – photographer of children and animals and we’re proud to feature some of her beautiful images on this website.

Jayden Scobell

Veterinary Nurse

From hometown Mudgee to veterinary nurse at Crookwell – Jayden‘s move cross country has been a positive for CVH.  

Jayden was raised surrounded by animals of all kinds and has a particular affinity for birds and wildlife. That, plus a Certificate 2 in Animal Studies, Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing and experience in a Mudgee veterinary practice, has given him broad and valuable skills.

Jayden is serious about his birds! He has successfully shown chickens and ducks in agricultural shows and breeds Conures and Indian Ringnecks. Jayden believes birds are the best type of therapy: ‘If I've had a stressful day, the best way to relax is to spend some time with my birds’.

Jayden’s family also includes a rescue dog Sghettie, a Bull Terrier Layla and two cats, Tinks and Tyrion.

Maryann Storey

Maryann StoreyMaryann joined the team in 2006 when we moved into our new premises. The hard worker who keeps the hospital pristine and sparkling, Maryann’s love of animals and birds shows in the extra TLC she gives to all our patients.

Maryann is an ace gardener and she has an amazing menagerie at home. She breeds rare ducks, poultry and cockatiels, and a young milking goat called Skip is the latest addition to her animal family (which also includes Bundy the dog, Libby her horse, Tigger, a cat with serious attitude, and Simba, his feline companion). We’re looking forward to the first batch of goat’s cheese.

Lily Panne

Lily is the latest in a long line of smart and enthusiastic high school students to work at CVH while they go through school. Currently in Year 11 at Crookwell High, Lily’s ambition is to join the NSW Police Force and be selected to join the prestigious Dog Squad. In between graduating from high school and joining the police force, she plans to study for a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Not surprisingly, Lily loves animals and has a rather large menagerie at home – 2 dogs, 3 cats and 4 horses. And not only does she love riding, Lily is a competitive dressage rider. Lily says developing both people and animal skills while at CVH is a great way to work towards her career plans.

Harry

Vale Harry - Head of PR

(20 April 2004 - 7 May 2017)

HarryFor 13 years Harry was the go-to man for welcoming clients, visiting the local aged care facility, supervising staff from his comfy bed in the office and socialising pre-school children and kittens – the wilder the better, he loved a challenge. Sometimes he even thought of himself as a dog. Harry was the official tester of the electronic scales (anything less than 29kg and he got a liver treat) and he saved the odd life donating blood. We reckoned he was a bit of a hero. Harry will always hold a special place in the hearts of staff and clients. We miss him.

Vinnie

Resident feline

VinnieVinnie (aka Vincent the Invincible) narrowly escaped death after being discarded in a shopping bag in the middle of a country road. He arrived at CVH a tiny, disheveled ball of fluff, and rapidly grew into a handsome black and white heartbreaker. His main role, as well as smooching the staff, is managing our Cat Adoption program cats and kittens. Vinnie’s favourite place is his bed – preferably surrounded by adoring kittens.