Ben Poole BVSc, MANZCVS (Equine Medicine)
Veterinarian & Practice Principal
I began my veterinary career in 1990 after graduating from the University of Queensland. After working for a number of years here as a general mixed practitioner, I pursued my growing interest in horses. In 1996 I became a partner in the practice and in 2007 became the sole owner. In 2004 I was admitted as a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Equine Medicine. My main interests are equine internal medicine, ultrasonography and reproduction. I enjoy interacting with animals and observing their behavior. From 2012-2019 I was a member of the executive committee of Equine Veterinarians Australia, holding the position of President in 2017/18. I am lucky to have such a professional team of veterinarians and veterinary nurses who share my desire to provide high quality veterinary care. I have tremendous support from my lovely wife Tanya, and 2 beautiful 'grown up' children, Theresa and Nick. My main interests outside of work are my family, farming & recreational aviation.
Shane Schofield BVSc (Hons.), MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
Senior Associate Veterinarian
I graduated from the University of Queensland in 1994. I worked in mixed practice in Allora on the Darling Downs for 2 1/2 years. Moving to the coast allowed me to be closer to my family and to receive the professional support of a larger practice. Even though I continue to see all animal species it became clear that small animal surgery brought me the most enjoyment. A couple of years of further study and a set of examinations in 2003 allowed me to a become a member of the Australia New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Small Animal Surgery. Regular visits to specialist centres helps me to bring new surgical techniques back to the practice.
I consider myself fortunate to have two wonderful children, a dog, a cat, five chickens and one fish. My hobbies include squash, touch footy, sailing and building / gardening projects around the yard.
I consider myself fortunate to have two wonderful children, a dog, a cat, five chickens and one fish. My hobbies include squash, touch footy, sailing and building / gardening projects around the yard.
Cameron Hosking BVSc (Hons.), MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry)
Senior Associate Veterinarian
I joined the Cooroora family just before Christmas in 2003 after graduating with from the University of Qld. I initially started at the clinic doing both small and large animals, however demand and my own interest has seen my days filled with my favoured areas. Dentistry of horses is very rewarding due to the rapid improvement in a patients well being and performance which makes for happy owners and riders. In 2012 I was admitted as a member of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Equine Dentistry. Lameness and care for performance horses is also an area of particular interest to me. I spend my spare time with my wife Deanne, children Ewan & Deanna and our four legged family.
Danielle Flint BVSc (Hons.), BVBiol., Grad. Dip. VWHM (Veterinary Herbal Medicine)
Senior Associate Veterinarian
I graduated from the University of Queensland in 1997 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology with Distinction. During my final year at university I spent time working at Cooroora and felt that this would be my dream job, so I was delighted to join our wonderful team in 2017. Over the previous decades I've enjoyed expanding and consolidating my experience working in small animal, equine and mixed practice in Brisbane and in England. I have special interests in emergency, general and preventative medicine and in optimising the health of our pets by addressing underlying causes of chronic ill health. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine, undertaken over two years of formal study, and I'm excited to be able to offer the additional service of animal naturopathy and veterinary medical herbalism for clients who are seeking this approach. I have a balanced and holistic perspective, and can draw from the strengths of both complimentary and western medical systems of healing. I'm passionate about integrating the best of these to achieve optimal outcomes for my patients. I love living in the Hinterland with my two wonderful boys along with 7 miniature cows, 6 horses, 4 chooks, 3 dogs, 1 cat and 1 snake. We divide our time between caring for our land, horseback adventures in the forests and hills around home, and exploring our spectacular coastline and beaches.
Reinder Schuurmans DVM
Senior Associate Veterinarian
Tamika Madden BVSc(Hons.)
Associate Veterinarian
After graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) in 2020 I was lucky enough to join the Cooroora Veterinary Team. My days are mostly filled with creatures of the larger variety, but I do spend days indoors on occasion. My areas of special interest include reproduction and obstetrics in all species, as well as soft tissue surgery. Time away from work is spent with my husband Kurt and our fur babies; two horses and a mini snag.
Naomi Good BVSc (Hons.)
Associate Veterinarian
Maddy Thomasson BVSc.
Associate Veterinarian
I started my Veterinary career in a Rural Mixed Practice in Central QLD, after graduating from JCU in 2020. I joined the Cooroora Vet Clinic team in mid 2023. Working as a mixed veterinarian, I enjoy the variety and challenge of seeing all animals, in the clinic and on the road. When I’m not working, I love exploring and taking in the scenery that this beautiful part of world offers!
Ben Morley BVSc.
Associate Veterinarian
Theresa Poole B.Bus.
Practice Manager
Growing up in a farming family and being a vet’s daughter, I developed a strong love for all animals from a very young age. In fact, I was put in the saddle and on the back of cows before I could walk. Despite having a passion for all things great and small, I decided to pursue a career in Business Management which I studied at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. After working in Retail Management for 8 years, I was given the opportunity to put my 2 passions; Animals and Management together and join the Cooroora Veterinary Clinic in 2019 as Practice Manager. Outside of work you’ll find me travelling the world, camping up the beach or in the outback, out the backyard with the animals or foraging in the veggie patch, spending time with friends and family, or enjoying a good gin!
Leanne Sutton - B App Sc - Nursing Team Leader
I have always had a strong interest in animals. After Completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Queensland, Gatton, I pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing. I started nursing in 2006 and have spent most of my time living and working in the Gympie area before coming to Cooroora in January 2020. I have a lovely family, a few pets and love going for a run.
Kelly Milne - B App Sc. (Vet Tech) - Veterinary Technician and Nurse
I joined the Cooroora Team in 2003 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Queensland. What I love most about this clinic is the passionate and caring team we have and our awesome facilities. There is never a dull moment, I especially love the diverse medical cases, emergencies and aspects of the job that involve design, organisation and cleaning. I was away for a few years while having my two children Jack and Grace. I have grown up with a variety of pets over the years but now only have my dog Mya, a geriatric Mini Fox Terrier.
Laura Wust - Veterinary Nurse Cert III
Hi, I'm Laura and I'm very excited to be working with the Cooroora Vet Clinic Team. I have been vet nursing for 16 years, I enjoy surgical nursing & reception administrative duties. Living on a small farm. I have an assortment of animals, cattle, 1 horse, dogs, 1 cat and ducks. In my spare time I love bush walking and exploring the hills with the metal detector, still waiting to find that big nugget !
Xanthe Smith - Veterinary Nurse Cert IV
Olivia Hodge - Veterinary Nurse Cert IV
Kira-Lee Newman - Veterinary Nurse Cert IV
Sally Fisher - Veterinary Nurse Cert III
I was born and raised here on the Sunny coast, living in Nambour with my partner Jacob and my fur baby Kiba, a very lively and very hairy husky. I am definitely the nerd of the clinic, outside of work I enjoy videogames, VR, Anime and Web comics.
I started vet nursing in 2019 in Brisbane where I completed my Cert III and have since moved back to the coast and have been working here at Cooroora since 2022.
I absolutely love nursing and can’t see myself doing anything else. Just being around the other staff here inspires me as I learn so much from everyone here. My passion is mostly with the small animals and exotics but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a bit of large animal work too!
I started vet nursing in 2019 in Brisbane where I completed my Cert III and have since moved back to the coast and have been working here at Cooroora since 2022.
I absolutely love nursing and can’t see myself doing anything else. Just being around the other staff here inspires me as I learn so much from everyone here. My passion is mostly with the small animals and exotics but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a bit of large animal work too!
Tahla Lanigan - Veterinary Nurse - in training
Vicki Jenkins - Veterinary Nurse Cert IV
Kelly Gordon - Veterinary Nurse - In training
Hawkeye - Stable supervisor
Hawkeye's day to day duties at our equine facility include desensitising horses, quality controlling horse feed, child-minding, client support, and generally being busy, unless he's bludging in the aircon.
He is a much loved member of the team.
