Tegan Carter

Head Nurse

Veterinary industry experience since 2010 

Interest in wildlife care, holistic health care and patient quality of life 

From a young age I’ve had a strong connection to animals, growing up with an array of little companions. 

My nurturing & compassionate personality led me to spend years volunteering with a local wildlife organisation & by 21 years of age I made the easy decision to begin a career in the veterinary field in a small animal practice while studying a Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill Institute.

This dedication to animals drew me to a unique opportunity to live at an elephant sanctuary/dog shelter in Thailand for 5 months, rehabilitating and caring for many rescued & displaced animals. 

Since moving to the Island in 2018 I’ve enjoyed learning about my new home & making friends in the community through environmental volunteer projects. Participating in regular Eastern Barred Bandicoot trap and release studies with Phillip Island Nature parks and Melbourne Zoos vet team & various bush revegetation activities. It’s a thoroughly rewarding experience contributing to the recovery of a threatened species & the ongoing protection of precious habitat. 

In the future I aspire to work/ volunteer in animal welfare projects in remote communities & travel around doing wildlife rescue or rehabilitation to improve their health & living conditions. 

Outdoors is where I love to be, so when I’m not in the clinic I relish going on adventures with Calli the rescue Rottweiler x, surfing with my boyfriend & friends, hiking, gardening & illustrating native flora. 

Emily Wolfenden

Senior Vet Nurse

My journey into the world of veterinary nursing began with a love for animals and a desire to make a positive impact in their lives. Every day in the clinic brings new challenges and triumphs.

As a veterinary nurse, I understand the importance of building trust and rapport with both our patients and clients. I strive to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where animals feel safe and loved, and pet owners feel reassured and informed every step of the way. My specific areas of interest are cytology and surgery.

Outside of work, I spend time with my wonderful family, my dog, my cat and chickens.

Casey Jordan-Lelliott

Veterinary Nurse

Started in the veterinary industry in 2019
Currently completing Cert IV in veterinary nursing.

I’ve been a resident on Phillip Island for over 20 years, and throughout that time my family has chosen Cowes Vet to be their primary vet care for our pets. Seeing the compassion and care that has been given to my family pets over the years has inspired me to pursue the career of veterinary nursing. I’ve loved being able to give back to a place that had such an impact on my own personal life.

When I’m not at the clinic I’m usually reading, watching a series or movie, going on walks or tending to my plants (when I remember). On my days off I’m typically being a slave to my cat, Loomis’s, feeding schedule or being smothered in “love” by my flat-coated retriever, Dewey.

My areas of interests are imaging, pathology and surgery. And I love asking a question or two (hundred).

Ashlin Stewart

Veterinary Nurse

Started in the veterinary industry in 2022

With a childhood passion for animals I dedicated all my schooling and work experiences to push me towards working in the animal care industry. I transitioned from three years of working as a farm hand to a role in veterinary nursing.

Through my own personal journey of caring for reptiles I have developed an interest in caring for unique pets in the veterinary field. In addition, I am passionate about rescue. The opportunity to provide care and support to animals in need resonates with me. Whether it's nursing injured or neglected animals back to health or offering comfort and rehabilitation to those in distress, I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of animals. This passion drives me to go above and beyond in my role as a veterinary nurse, advocating for the well-being of all creatures, regardless of their circumstances.

Maddy Egglestone

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Currently Studying Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

In 2021, my journey into the veterinary field began with my enrolment in the Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience degree. It was during this time that I embarked on an enriching experience with two placements at Cowes Veterinary Surgery.

My love for animals traces back to my upbringing, where I was surrounded by a variety of furry and feathered companions. This fostered a deep connection and sense of responsibility towards animal care and welfare, shaping my career path as a veterinary nurse.

Working in a clinic holds a special place in my heart, as it allows me to interact closely with both people and their beloved pets. I find immense joy in building relationships with pet owners, listening to their concerns, and ensuring the best possible care for their furry friends. In the future, I aspire to pursue further studies in veterinary medicine.

Outside of the clinic, you will often find me outdoors camping, engaging in friendly competition on the netball courts or going for a morning walk with my furry friend, Harli.

James Elphick

Practice Owner/Manager

Growing up in rural South England as the son of a Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Nurse, I initially pursued a career in engineering. I began my journey as an apprentice engineer in 2005, specializing in building MRI Gradients and Superconducting magnets. After earning my HND in Mechanical Engineering in 2009, I transitioned into project engineering and management for four years.

In 2012, I made the move to Australia, where I spent three years working as a self-employed agricultural engineer. In 2015, my wife Sophie and I founded Corylus Pty Ltd and acquired Station Street Veterinary Clinic. Currently, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the company and spearhead its business development initiatives.

Outside of my professional endeavours, I enjoy driving Woodford, affectionately known as Woody, one of the Clydesdales I bred. You can often find me traversing the roads around Loch and Nyora. Additionally, I manage a flock of 50+ first cross ewes with Southdown Rams to produce Prime Lamb.

Michelle George

HR Manager

Michelle joined Cowes Veterinary Surgery and their sister clinic Station Street Veterinary Clinic as the Human Resources Manager in 2024 with an extensive background in the Veterinary Industry spanning over 34 years.

Michelle’s special interest, apart from animals is ensuring the team members in veterinary practice are looked after and have every opportunity for professional and personal development. Her career in the veterinary industry began as a nurse at Korumburra-Kooweerup Veterinary clinics, moving into practice management in 2007 and business ownership in 2016. During this time Michelle completed her certificate in veterinary nursing in 1997, a Bachelor of Business in 2015 and a Master of Human Resource Management in 2022 to ensure her knowledge and education would be used to benefit the industry she is so passionate about.

After a short time away from the veterinary industry Michelle managed an allied health clinic in Leongatha but was missing the patient and client contact within veterinary clinics. She felt her passion and experience for the veterinary clinic setting could be better utilised with the team at Cowes VS as her values resonated with CVS to provide compassionate and understanding animal care with an open, empathetic and welcoming mindset. Michelle believes by creating a positive workplace that encourages team communication, trust and respect, a greater mindset and work life balance can be achieved.

Michelle has a daughter who is completing university in Melbourne, and she shares her home with her partner Paul, a Golden Retriever, Dolly, a Burmese cat, Yoshi, a Siamese x, Delphine and 3 horses. When not spending time with her partner signwriting Michelle can be found on the speedway track racing a standard saloon at local tracks such as Nyora, Drouin, Rosedale and Bairnsdale.