Our Staff

Mbathsi Mazwiduma - Director/Veterinarian

A passionate petcare professional with over 10 years extensive experience in large, small animal and wildlife medicine and surgery in Australia and Africa .

He has a special interest in oncology (cancer medicine), surgery, fish medicine and pocket pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats etc )
When not at work he is either looking after his kids, camping, or tending to his small thriving bonsai and fish collections.

Jessie Smith - Veterinarian

Is the newest Veterinarian to join our Team in March 2011.

Jessie graduated from Sydney University in 2001 and brings with her many years experience. Jessie has worked in the Northern territory and Hunter Valley since graduating.

Jessie was born and raised in the Newcastle region

Jessie lives in Newcastle with cat Max and enjoys mountain bike riding on her time off.

Trudy Balstad - Manager/Verinary Nurse

Trudy started as a work experience student here in 1993 and graduated Certificate II & IV Veterinary Nursing in 1996.

Trudy has an interest in dog behavior, so participated in the running of our “Puppy Parties” for some years before becoming Practice Manager in 2001.

Trudy lives locally with her partner, niece and animal family consisting of: 4 pet dingos, “Sandy”, “Ringo”, “Candy” & “Fella”. 1 cat, named “Geddit”, 2 horses, “Tara” & “Natty”, 1 Cockatoo and lots of chooks! “Yes, it’s a menagerie but they’re lots of fun”.

In Trudy’s spare time she loves to cook, go horse riding, swimming or kayaking.

Debbie Pratten - Veterinary Nurse/Lead Surgical Nurse

Debbie has been employed by the same Practice for the past 32 years. It was her childhood dream to work with animals and has been fortunate to fulfill her dream and now teach it as well. Debbie is also employed by TAFE NSW and enjoys sharing her knowledge to up and coming veterinary nurses.

Debbie lives locally on a small acerage with her daughter and her collection of animals, which include dogs, cats and horses.
Debbie enjoys showing and breeding horses with her daughter.

Laurie Harper - Veterinary Nurse/Groomer

Certificate IV Veterinay Nurse. Laurie started working at Greenhills in 1996. She Lives locally with her husband and children and has an animal family consisting of a german shepherd named Gracie, a Cairn terrier (toto dog) named Lloyd and 2 cats Princess Aurora and Rosie. Laurie enjoys keeping active and playing sport.

Di Aulich - Veterinary Nurse

Di began her career in the animal care industry in 1994 working in a kennel complex in North Queensland, obedience training and dog showing then moved to Newcastle and started working at Ekan Aquariums & Pets in 1999.

In 2004, Di migrated to Greenhills Veterinary Hospital, where her tasks include, Reception, Customer Service and Surgery. She has completed Certificates II and IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Di resides in Newcastle with her daughter Paije, their two dogs Gizmo & Quest & numerous fish.

Di loves to spend time walking her dogs and going to the gym.

Kylie Scotman - Veterinary Nurse/Puppy Pre-school co-ordinator

Kylie started working at Greenhills veterinary Hospital fresh out of high school in 2007 while completing her certificate II in Animal Care.

Kylie graduated certificate IV in veterinary Nursing in 2009. Kylie enjoys all aspects of Nursing and is particularly interested in Surgical & Emergency Nursing, Puppy Preschool and Behaviour.

Kylie has adopted quite a few pets whilst working at Greenhills. Her family consists of: “Bella” the black sharpador (Sharpei X Labrador) “Max” the Tabby Cat & “Gorgi” the fawn Pug.

Tony Rakus - Veterinary Nurse/Groomer

Tony Rakus holds a Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing, Tony graduated in 2010. He has a collection of animals from cats and dogs to chooks and sheep. Tony loves the beach and surfing.

Amy Desmond - Veterinary Nurse/Kennel Assistant

Amy completed Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing 2010 and received an Award of Excellence for Surgical Nursing.

Amy’s position at Greenhills Veterinary Hospital is Head Kennel Nurse but includes tasks such as Reception, Surgery and Grooming. Amy loves outdoor activities and going to the beach Amy started working at Greenhills Veterinary Hospital in late 2009.

At home Amy has two dogs, a kelpie called “Tahli” and a Jack Russell called “Bailey” and two cats, a Russian Blue called “Yuri” and a Domestic Short Hair called “Mitsy”

Colleen Etta - Veterinary Nurse

Colleen has worked at Greenhills veterinary Hospital since 2007, Colleen brings with her extensive experience in Veterinary Nursing. Her Veterinary Nursing career began in South Africa, before moving to Australia.

Colleen is kept busy in her spare time by her two young boys, her husband and her Golden Retriever Lilly and grey tabby cat called Silver

Heidi Watson - Veterinary Nurse

Heidi Watson lives on a small property just outside Maitland with her family and animals. Heidi is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and works at Greenhills on the weekends. In her spare time she enjoys riding the quad bike around her property.

Rebecca McIntosh - Account Manager

Rebecca is the newest member of our team, starting in February, 2011. Rebecca lives locally with her husband, two beautiful daughters and a happy little Black & Tan Dachshund called Macca.

Rebecca has a Diploma in Accounting and a passion for animals.