Our Team

Establishing Allambie Vet with his wife Elaine in 1984, Brian’s philosophy is that patient care is paramount in all decision making. This has been the base supporting Allambie’s quality reputation and the pride the entire team feel to be part of it. 

It’s all about getting the right people; vets, nurses and admin staff who share the view that patient care comes first. 

These days, Brian has stepped back from consulting at the family owned and operated clinic, but still has a hand in surgery and various procedures. 

Outside of the vet clinic, you can always catch Brian enjoying time with his family, playing and watching rugby, sailing or walking his Kelpie (aptly name, The Kelpie).

Jane began her time at Allambie Vet in 2008, after graduating from Sydney University with Honours and working in animal practices across the UK and Sydney. She is a highly experienced vet with a wealth of knowledge and over 18 years of experience.

Jane is heavily involved in the education evolution that Allambie Vet is dedicated to, completing continuing education workshops in small animal ultrasonography, endoscopy, advanced echocardiography, oncology, anaesthesia, wound management, diabetes management, surgery for brachycephalic airways and ear diseases as well as chicken medicine. 

Jane is passionate about ultrasonography, medicine, and soft tissue surgery. For the past nine months, she has been utilising her off days to explore the Northern Beaches and Lower Northshore with Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Anna Dengate. This has allowed her to develop her skills further and expand her knowledge in ultrasonography and medicine.

She is pursuing additional Feline Medicine education and enhancing her surgical expertise to treat Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

During her downtime, Jane spends quality time with her three sons, Oscar, Harry and Charlie, her beautiful hand-reared cat and rescue dog. The Vine Family especially enjoy venturing out on camping holidays when time permits. 

Jane is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Knowing she wanted to be a vet from childhood, Linda spent her life working towards that goal. Linda graduated from Sydney University with Honours, working in the UK and Sydney and eventually becoming a vital member of the Allambie Vet team. 

Linda's primary interest lies in soft tissue surgery and dentistry, as well as skin reconstructive surgery, wound management, abdominal ultrasound, stifle surgery and perineal surgery. 

Linda has also completed her Masters in Veterinary Science (small animal). 

Linda is kept busy outside of the clinic running around after her three boys James, Harvey and Otto.

Linda is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Starting with Allambie Vet in 2007 as a work experience student, Faon soon fell in love and began as a Vet Nurse while completing her degree in Veterinary Science at Sydney University (graduating in 2013).

Faon is passionate about all aspects of being a vet and has a special interest in emergency medicine and behaviour. Completing further study in emergency medicine, ultrasonography, echocardiography, cardiorespiratory medicine, Faon has become an invaluable asset to the clinic. 

At home, Faon's caring for her fur baby, Beefy - a handsome British Shorthair. 

Faon is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Joining us in 2015, Kate brought with her over 15 years of experience, particularly in anaesthesia. 

Working throughout Sydney since graduating in 2000, including as an Anaesthetic Register at The Sydney University Teaching Hospital, her vast knowledge has been invaluable to the clinic. 

Kate has a keen interest in medicine, anaesthesia, oncology, skin diseases and surgery and is currently studying for her memberships in Small Animal Surgery.

While Kate’s not working she’s studying and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Kate is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Natalie joined Allambie Vet fresh out of year 12. Fast forward 13 years she’s now Hospital Manager overseeing a very busy vet practice and leads our hospital in all clinical matters.

Natalie’s role at Allambie Vet is extremely important. She’s responsible for making sure the hospital runs efficiently, patient care is never compromised by making sure our clinical protocols are continuously updated to ensure your pets are being cared for to the highest standards and making sure we have the right team and resources to maintain a harmonious practice focused on patient care.

After graduating from the University of Sydney in 2016, Danni worked in general practice on the Northern Beaches before joining Allambie Vet in 2021.

Danni has a strong interest in internal medicine (especially endocrine diseases) and chemotherapy. She is passionate about pursuing further education and broadening her veterinary skills. Danni’s favourite part of being a veterinarian is getting to know individual pets and building a long lasting relationship with their families.

Danni has a beautiful dog-called Cleo who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. She knows firsthand what it feels like to hear this devastating news, followed by the emotional rollercoaster of decision-making. Danni is extremely compassionate and is here to help support families in similar situations.

When she’s not at work, you can usually find Danni with her nose in a book! She also loves playing flute in the Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble, playing piano, running and spending time with her cocker spaniel Cleo & rescue cat Billy.

Danni is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and every second Saturday.

Lauren graduated in 2014 from Sydney University. She worked in mixed animal practice for many years; working with small animals, exotics, horses and cattle before going on to complete a small animal rotating internship at the Sydney University Veterinary specialist hospital.

She has a keen interest in all areas of small animal veterinary practice and has a passion for internal medicine cases, emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery and imaging.

Lauren values continuing education and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in veterinary abdominal ultrasound through the University of Melbourne.

In her free time, she enjoys beach walks, hiking and spending time with her active blue heeler Olive. 

Lauren is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and every second Saturday.

Dr. Louise Schaffer immigrated to Australia from England with her family in 2009. She graduated from the University of Sydney with a BVSc in 2013. Louise worked for several years in mixed practice in Hobart, Tasmania and in Manhattan, New York, before returning home to practice in the Northern Beaches.

Louise loves getting to know our clients and their pets. She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine, and is particularly interested in soft tissue surgery and sonology.

In her spare time, Louise enjoys running, ocean swimming, and playing netball. She shares her home with her Kelpie X Cattle dog Holly.

Louise is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and 1 in 4 Saturdays.

As an enterprising 12 year old James got his first job walking dogs in 1998. Always passionate about animals, as soon as he could legally work at 14 years old James he started as an animal attendant in the local vet clinic. James graduated with a bachelor of Veterinary Science from Sydney University in 2016. Since then James has spent 6 years working in small animal practices in Sydney including completing a 1 year program working with the Specialist and Emergency departments at Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists hospital in Rosebery.

James is passionate about providing the best possible care for his patients and tailoring treatment plans to best suit owners' circumstances. James is enthusiastic about all aspects canine and feline care including medicine, surgery and emergency work. James emphasizes building relationships with clients to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met. This is especially important in pets with recurring or chronic conditions.

Outside of work, you can catch James playing guitar, on the basketball court or on the couch with a good book and a purring cat. James currently is the proud father of 2 little (human) girls and his cat Whiskey.

James is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Anthony joined Allambie Vet in January of 2022. Anthony has spent time in both mixed and small animal practices and was happy to join a great clinic on the Northern Beaches where he grew up.

Anthony is interested in internal medicine, emergency work and pets with neurological disorders.

Outside of work Anthony loves the ocean. He frequently enjoys surfing, scuba diving and swimming. At home Anthony has an 8 year old Tabby.

Anthony is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and every second Saturday.

Courtney is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian who graduated from Sydney University with an interest in small animal endocrinology and urogenital medicine. With a strong commitment to professional development, Courtney actively stays at the forefront of veterinary medicine through continued education.

Courtney understands the importance of building long-lasting relationships with pet owners and involving them in caring for their pets. She recognizes that their active participation is essential to ensure the well-being and happiness of their beloved pets. Through open and empathetic communication, Courtney empowers pet owners with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their pets' health. She strives to create a supportive environment where clients feel understood and actively involved in treatment.

When not practising, Courtney loves spending time at the beach and cherishes quality moments with her own Kelpie cross. Her love for animals extends beyond the hospital, and she embraces opportunities to promote animal welfare and community engagement.

Courtney is available Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and every second Saturday.