A Brisbane local, Dr Connor grew up surrounded by pets of all shapes and sizes. Some of his favourite childhood memories are of visiting his grandmother's property, where his love for animals continued to grow. After completing work experience at a veterinary clinic during high school, he knew a career in veterinary science was the perfect fit.
Connor first completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at The University of Queensland before moving to Townsville to study Veterinary Science at James Cook University, graduating at the end of 2024. After gaining valuable experience working in rural practice out west, he returned home to Brisbane to be closer to family and to care for the community he grew up in.
Connor enjoys all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine and is passionate about helping every patient that comes through the door, whether it's for a routine health check or a more complex medical case.
When he's not at the clinic, you'll usually find him reading, or spending time with his friends and family.
Charlotte
Veterinary Nurse Student
Charlotte is currently studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and joins the Third Avenue Veterinary Surgery team one day a week as part of her training. She has a genuine passion for animals and is excited to be developing her knowledge and practical skills while gaining hands-on experience in the clinic. Charlotte enjoys being part of the team and learning something new each day while helping care for our patients. Outside of her studies, Charlotte enjoys relaxing at home with a good movie or TV series and spending quality time with her family. She also works casually at a jewellery store.
Chelsea
Receptionist / Veterinary Technician
When Chelsea isn’t at the clinic, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sun at a nearby beach with her two dogs or getting lost in a good book. She has a passion for camping, exploring the great outdoors, and travelling to new and exciting destinations. With a wealth of experience as a veterinary technician, Chelsea has already enjoyed a wide range of adventures in the veterinary field. Now, she’s excited to expand her skills by learning the ins and outs of the administrative side of clinic life here in beautiful Sandgate.
Kelsey
Veterinary Nurse
Kelsey began her career as a dog groomer, which ignited her passion for working with animals. She went on to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through TAFE and gained hands-on experience in a veterinary clinic.
After a year in the industry, Kelsey took a break to explore a different path, spending two years working as a professional body piercer. Despite the change, her love for animals never faded, and she soon felt the pull to return to veterinary nursing. Now back in the field, Kelsey brings a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm for animal care.
Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with a good book or spending quality time with her family and partner. While she doesn’t currently have any pets, she’s excited to welcome a puppy into her life soon!
Deleen
Practice Manager
Deleen has always had a deep love for animals, growing up with dogs and cats. When she married Garreth, her passion for animals expanded to include reptiles, birds, and exotic pets. After completing her schooling, Deleen pursued a degree in finance and earned her Honours Degree in Financial Management. In 2023, she and Garreth took a significant step by purchasing Third Avenue Veterinary Surgery.
Although she doesn't work full-time at the clinic, Deleen plays a vital role in managing the clinic’s HR, financial matters, and day-to-day operations, giving it a truly personal touch.
Geraldine
Veterinary Nurse Student
Geraldine has had a passion for animal care from a young age and has always dreamed of working in an environment where she could support and care for animals.
After finishing high school, Geraldine began volunteering with the RSPCA while completing a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology and Biomedical Science, with minors in Ecology and Marine Science. Through these experiences, she developed a strong appreciation for different ecosystems and environments, as well as the importance of conservation and environmental health. This background has given her the opportunity to connect with and learn about many diverse and fascinating species. After completing her degree, Geraldine realised she wanted to further expand her knowledge and hands-on involvement in veterinary care, which led her to begin studying a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Outside of the clinic, Geraldine enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places with her dogs, and travelling whenever she can. She especially loves beach days and tries to visit the coast as often as possible.
Laura
Veterinary Nurse
From a young age, Laura always dreamed of becoming a vet. Growing up, she had various pets including chickens, guinea pigs, fish, and a blue-tongue lizard. But her passion for animals truly deepened when she brought home her first dog and cat at the age of nine.
After finishing school, Laura began volunteering at the RSPCA, and a year later went on to complete her Certificate III in Animal Care Services. It was during this time that Laura realized veterinary nursing was her true calling, leading her to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2024.
Laura has a keen interest in pathology and outside of work, she enjoys staying active by going to the gym, visiting cafés, taking sunset beach walks, and spending quality time with her two senior dogs.
Kerri
Veterinary Nurse
Kerri’s love of animals started back in 1998 when she scored an after school job at the local pet shop but her nursing career began in 2007 working in a small animal practice in Cairns. It is here, teaching Puppy Preschool that her love of behaviour and dog training began. After a few years she started making her way back to Brisbane working in other small animal clinics along the way.
After returning to Brisbane and beginning her family, she continued to work part time both as a nurse and also continuing her journey in canine behaviour and training. For Kerri her love of her patients shines through in her care for them. Whether it is a pat, a brush, scratch behind the ears or head bumps or just sitting in the sun with them. It is the bond and trust of her patients that helps to make her a favourite with her patients. A hazard of the job is when they steal your heart as is the case of Kerri’s old pup (they are all pups or kitties to Kerri) Scruff who came into her workplace in Maryborough as a stray and decided Kerri was his human. And after a month of trying to contact his former owners Kerri officially belonged to Scruff. Scruff now has another 4 legged companion a mischievous caboodle called Sunny.
When not at work or study you can find Kerri spending time with her daughters playing in the park, walking along the Margate foreshore, enjoying a movie or getting messy crafting, cooking or in the garden.
Kate
Veterinary Nurse
Kate has loved animals since she was very young. After studying multiple years of Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Science, Kate has landed on Veterinary Nursing as her chosen career. She has a keen interest in exotics and cat behaviour. Kate has also previously done wildlife care, stabilising wallaby joeys to pass on to their next carer.
Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her two cats, budgies, friends and family. She also enjoys sewing, doing jigsaw puzzles and a cheeky beverage every now and again.
Dr. Sarah Silveria
BVSc
Originally from the US, Sarah moved to New Zealand in the summer of 2009 and completed her veterinary training at Massey University in 2013.
After a few years of doing 100% dairy work in rural New Zealand, Sarah moved to Perth with her young family and made the move to companion animals. Sarah and her family have recently moved to Brisbane and are looking forward to becoming part of the Brighton / Sandgate community. She has an interest in dermatology and soft tissue surgery.
When not at work, you can find Sarah chasing her two kids around the coast, enjoying hikes in the hills and just relaxing in the sun.
Maddy Evans
Veterinary Technician
Maddy joined our wonderful staff at Third Avenue Vet Surgery in 2019. Maddy came to us with Veterinary Technician qualifications plus a host of office administration experience.
She has had a love of all animals since a young age and enjoys being involved in soft tissue surgeries.
Maddy has been known to enjoy a lazy glass of red wine now and then, purely for medicinal purposes of course!
Dr Heday Nakayama
BVSc
Originally native Japanese living Down Under, Dr Heday is now a true blue Aussie and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2011.
After spending 7 years in different veterinary positions (from animal shelter to rural mixed practice) as well as 3 years of doing locums around Brisbane working in over 10 different practices, Dr Heday has now settled here at Third Avenue Vet Surgery in 2022. He loves all aspects of veterinary medicine and has a keen interest in surgery.
Dr Heday will bring joy and smiles to our clients and their furry friends at every visit.
In his spare time, he will be juggling taking care of a little human boy and two senior cats, together with his lovely wife.
Dr. Garreth van Bart
BSc BVSc
Originally native to Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Garreth has had a passion for veterinary science since he can remember. This has been a driving force to get him to where he is today.
After qualifying from the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort in 2002, he spent some time at the local RSPCA and did a few locums at other clinics in the area, before starting work at Rant en Dal Animal Hospital. Here Dr Garreth became a partner and stayed there until 2019, when he moved to Australia with his wife and two sons. Dr Garreth and his family love it here and love being a part of the community.
With a keen interest in surgery and canine reproduction, as well as small exotics such as reptiles, birds, guinea pigs, rats and mice, Dr Garreth believes he will fit right in.
When not at work he loves spending time with his family or fishing from his kayak out on the bay.
Dr Garreth is looking forward to meeting all your furry family members.
