Dr Ben Fell
BA. BVSc (Hons) MANZCVSc (Surgery)
I joined the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2005 and apart from a year of travelling, have been here since. I studied my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland and graduated with first class Honours. I have obtained a Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the area of Small Animal Surgery. This involved intensive post-graduate study over two years and a series of written and oral examinations. In 2014, Kim and I became the full owners of the practice and we are very excited to take over such a successful clinic.
My professional area of interest is that of surgery. I routinely perform major orthopaedic and soft tissue surgical procedures at our hospital and accepts referrals from veterinary colleagues. My particular interest is cruciate ligament injury (TPLO surgery), fracture management, corrective osteotomies for growth abnormalities and reconstructive surgery.
Away from veterinary practice, my interests are sports (I am a keen Brisbane Lions supporter), literature, music, food and wine.
Dr Kim Johnson
BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Medicine of Horses)
Dr. Olivia Sullivan
BAnimSc, PostGradDip (AnimSci), BSc, DVM
Dr. Ryan Sack
BSc, DVM
I joined the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital team in 2021 after completing a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
From an early age I decided I wanted to become a vet as I grew up with a variety of animals and enjoyed meeting and working with lots of different people. I find it rewarding being a part of the relationship between animals and humans, and particularly enjoy working with small animals and horses. I have a special interest in small animal surgery. Previously I have worked on a hobby farm producing wool sheep.
Outside of being a vet I am a keen surfer and am often found at the beach in my spare time. I also enjoy riding a Clydesdale cross called Mav, hiking, and cooking. I also have a passion for sport and played footy for many years, as well as cricket and basketball.
Dr. Yang Loh
BSc, DVM
I joined the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital team in 2023 after having worked in a variety of practices and locations throughout Australia.
Despite having experienced and traveled to some interesting areas for work, it has been a welcome change moving back to Melbourne.
I enjoy the variety of animals and cases mixed practice has to offer but find particular enjoyment in working outdoors with large animals (even when it’s bucketing down in the valley). I have a Jack Russell X named Gingy and in my spare time I enjoy camping and fishing.
Dr. Paige Layfield
BSc, DVM
I joined the Yarra Ranges team in 2024. I grew up on the Sunshine Coast on a hobby farm surrounded by horses, goats, chickens, ducks and dogs. Unsurprisingly, I ended up learning a lot about vet medicine as a kid from our local vet who inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I moved to Melbourne to complete a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. While I was studying I was working as a vet nurse and running puppy preschool. After much deliberation, I’ve decided to stick around Melbourne and see where life takes me. To seal the deal, I got myself a border collie puppy called Percy
Fiona Morse
Veterinary Nurse (Diploma in Dental Nursing)
Louise Birchall
Surgical Nurse/Receptionist
I was originally employed in 1980 as a Technician at the Yarra Glen clinic, four name changes later, (one by me and three by the practice), I am still here. I help with the reproduction side of our practice, but mainly work at our Lilydale Hospital as a surgical nurse.
I am married with two grown up girls and have a black Labrador named Bailey. My interests include netball, walking, reading and the Essendon Bombers. My favourite thing to do is going away with friends.
Emma Noonan
Veterinary Nurse/Receptionist
Growing up in Dixons Creek, I’ve always had a desire to work within the local community and with my passion for animals both large and small, this lead me to the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital. With over 7 years of experience in the animal care industry working as a veterinary nurse and receptionist at a large veterinary clinic in Whittlesea, I was very honoured when I got the opportunity to join the YRAH team in November 2019.
I’ve have a very diverse range of pets at home including Wiggle the pig, Franklin the goat, Mickey a Heeler x and my two rescue cats Noodles & Sophie. And to keep me on my toes even more, I have beautiful but mischievous twin daughters. When I’m not looking after all of them, my other passion is exercise. I love keeping fit, healthy and active.
Sue Leviston
Veterinary Receptionist
I joined the team at YRAH in late 2021and what a rewarding and exciting time it has been. I enjoy
the interaction with our clients and their much loved pets. My previous work experience included 12
years with a local equine vet.
I am passionate about the Yarra Valley having lived and worked here for 36 years. I have recently
moved to Glenburn on the Yea River, on our own little piece of paradise, with my dog Laylah, horse
Maya and my partner. I have travelled extensively and enjoy music and camping with friends.
Animals are my passion and I’m happiest when riding or bush walking with my dog by my side.
Maddy Kitto
Veterinary Nurse
I joined the team at Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2022, I later completed my Cert IV in Veterinary nursing and have found my area of interest to be Surgical Nursing and emergency.
At home I have 2 Jack Russell’s and a farm which includes many animals both large and small. In my spare time I compete in eventing with my Two thoroughbreds, Leo and Mila.
Siobhan Sharp
Veterinary Nurse
I am a qualified veterinary nurse with a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare and veterinary science. My journey as a vet nurse started in 2014 and I haven’t looked back. When I’m not busy offering the best care at the clinic, you’ll find me at home spending quality time with my cherished family. Fig, my spirited ginger cat, and two Rhodesian ridgebacks, Ode and Finn. Not to be outdone, I also have three cheeky goats and chickens who offer endless amusement. My partner and daughter help me with the menagerie. Beyond my love for animals, I am an avid gardener and artist. Currently finding my niche with drawing, it wouldn’t be unusual to find me indulging in a sketch with a nice glass of wine.
Laura Gray
Veterinary Nurse
Laura started working at Yarra Ranges Vet in 2023 after previously working at a local emergency centre. Laura is currently completing her certificate 4 in vet nursing. You’ll often find her giving cuddles to our hospital patients or chatting to clients. Laura has a busy household with her husband and child and their three dogs and two cats! In her spare time she enjoys camping, drinking wine and gardening.
Emelie Patafta
Veterinary Nurse
I joined the team at Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in 2023 following 4 weeks of placement at the clinic, while studying my Bachelors of Veterinary Nursing. Before getting the opportunity to work here I worked in the Yarra Valley as a stable hand/groom as well as various retail positions. I’m very excited to continue my nursing journey with the Yarra Ranges team. At home, I have Jazz the Labrador, Tinkerbell the Cat and Enzo Ferrari the Rabbit. In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing games and finding new places to explore and eat with friends.
Barney
Clinic Dog
I was rescued by Starting Over Dog Rescue from a country pound, and adopted by Dr Kim and Dr Ben in 2012 when I was a year old. I live in Yarra Glen and love coming to work every day, whether it is at Lilydale or Yarra Glen, and I particularly love going out on large animal calls in the car. My interests are eating, sleeping, playing and I love people and other dogs. My favourite thing to do is go for a walk. Each month I write “Barney’s Blog” for the clinic’s monthly email newsletter.
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