OUR VETERINARIANS
Dr Joana Roque
Clinical Director & Veterinarian
Dr Joana graduated from Lisbon University with a Bachelor's of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She then completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland, finishing in 2011. Her interests include Surgery, Emergency and Dermatology. Dr Joana joined Northside Vet Care as Clinical Director in early 2026.
Outside of work, Dr Joana enjoys running, particularly trail and ultra running. She also enjoys painting, drawing, contemporary dancing, and playing board games with her family and friends. She has two pets at home: Ivy, a sweet and ball-obsessed Jack Russell, and Eevee, a beautiful Domestic Medium Hair cat.
Dr Kellie Thomas
Veterinarian
More information coming soon...
Dr Emily Quan
Veterinarian
More information coming soon...
Dr Sam Allmark
Veterinarian
Dr Sam graduated in 2009 and joined that Northside Vet Care team in 2025. She enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a particular interest in medicine, dermatology, and geriatric and palliative care.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys live music and community radio, is an avid fibre artist, and considers herself a bit of a foodie.
Dr Chamara Fernando
Veterinarian
Dr Chamara graduated in 2013 with a BVSc from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He completed the Australian Veterinary Examination in June 2025. He is especially interested in surgery and medicine.
Back home in Sri Lanka, he has two dogs called Windy and Poddi, as well as a cat called Poddi. His family includes his loving wife and two kids (a son and a daughter). Dr Chamara is very grateful to his family, his parents and parents-in-law for being so supportive.
His interests outside of work include listening to music (especially classical music), walking, cooking, learning to play guitar, reading romance novels, trying new food, travelling and spending time with his family.
OUR NURSES
Mel Payne
Team Leader & Veterinary Nurse
Melissa started her vet nursing career in a large practice in Rockhampton in 2010. She joined the team at Northside Vet Care in 2013 after moving south to call Brisbane home and completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2014. Since 2022, Melissa has been our dedicated team leader, bringing strong leadership, a calm presence, and a highly organised approach to the clinic.
Melissa’s favourite things about being a vet nurse include surgical nursing and patient care. Our hospitalised patients benefit from the time and meticulous attention to detail Melissa gives to their medical care and rehabilitation.
Melissa has a very active and beautiful Staffy called Lana, whom she enjoys taking on camping adventures with the family.
Annie Bailey
Veterinary Nurse
Annie graduated from veterinary nursing at the end of 2022 and completed her placement at NVC. In 2023, she was thrilled to join our team.
Annie's favorite part of nursing is patient care; she finds great joy in comforting animals when their humans can't be with them.
At home, Annie has two wonderful dogs—a blue staffy named Sadie and a cavoodle named Digby. Outside of work, she loves camping and spending time with her friends and family.
Nat Dootson
Veterinary Nurse
Nat joined the Northside Vet team in November 2024, bringing years of experience since completing her studies in 2017. She has a keen interest in dentistry and enrichment, focusing on both preventative care and improving the overall well-being of her patients.
At home, Nat shares her life with her beloved pets—Alba, a Cattle Dog cross, and her two senior cats, Marcel and Calamity.
Outside of work, Nastassja is passionate about learning and is currently studying a Bachelor of Animal Ecology, deepening her knowledge of evolution, biodiversity, and conservation. She also enjoys traveling around Australia and is an avid AFL fan.
Taylor Weaver
Veterinary Nurse
Taylor began her vet nursing career after completing her studies in 2018. With a strong passion for surgery and reproduction, Taylor brings valuable knowledge and a calm, caring presence to every patient she works with.
At home, Taylor is kept busy by her much-loved French Bulldog, Romeo, who never fails to make her smile. Outside the clinic, Taylor treasures time with her little family. Whether it’s days at the beach, strolls through local parks and markets, or simply being present for her young son, she embraces every moment.
Mia Cariola
Veterinary Nurse
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Mia joined the Northside Vet Care team in February 2025 then completed her Certificate III in Animal Care Services. With a keen interest in medical nursing, Mia is loving every opportunity to expand her hands-on skills and learn from the experienced team around her.
She shares her home with three beloved pets: Bundy the American/English Staffy, Tilly the English Staffy, and Tom the laid-back American Shorthair cat. Outside of work and study, Mia keeps busy with field hockey, playing piano, and watching Formula 1 racing.
OUR GROOMERS
Chey Owen
Groomer
Chey began her grooming career in 2016 at Petbarn and joined Northside Vet Clinic in April 2023.
She enjoys the variety that grooming brings, with each day offering a new bunch of doggies to care for. Chey loves making dogs feel and look beautiful and fresh.
At home, Chey has a spoodle named Charli. In her free time, she enjoys taking Charli to the beach or for walks, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Belinda Ryan
Groomer
Belinda graduated with a Certificate 3 in Animal Care Services - Pet Grooming from Pet Stylist Academy in the Gold Coast on August 11, 2023. She started as a bather at Northside Vet Clinic in March 2023, and began grooming in August 2023.
Belinda enjoys creating Asian fusion muzzles on oodles and giving patients a nice warm bath and scrub so they feel fresh and brand new when they leave the clinic.
At home, Belinda has two pets: Penny, a Cavoodle, and Ella, a Jack Russell Terrier cross. Outside of work, she loves taking her fur babies to the dog park and traveling to the Sunshine Coast to spend time with family.