Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Dr Shuen Tan

Job Title: Veterinarian

Qualification: DVM

Shuen is a proud graduate of Murdoch University, with three years of experience in a mixed practice before making the move to Melbourne and joining the team at Burke Road Veterinary Clinic. Regardless of the size or species of her patients, improving and maintaining their quality of life has always been the biggest motivation for Shuen.

Outside of the veterinary clinic, Shuen channels her creativity through activities like drawing and pottery. On her days off, she enjoys the company of her playful furbaby, Moochi.

Shuen is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.

Dr Jessica Rossi

Job Title: Veterinarian

Qualification: BVSc

Dr. Jessica is a dedicated veterinarian with nearly two decades of experience in the field. Her clinical journey has taken her from rural practice to feline referral care, greyhound medicine care and back to general practice. She holds a membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in feline medicine and has a keen interest and passion for treating cats with all of their very unique complexities. Dr. Jessica’s varied experiences have given her a well-rounded knowledge base and an ongoing appreciation that I am so lucky to care for clients’ beloved furry family members.

In her spare time, Dr. Jessica enjoys spending time with her two handsome cats, Mr. Darcy and Ollie. She is an avid competitive swimmer and also enjoys running, reading, and sharing meals with family and friends.

Dr Tina Missen

Job Title: Veterinarian & Director

Qualification: BVSc, Ass.DipAG

Tina is a graduate of Melbourne University and began her veterinary career as a horse vet, working in that field for 10 years. She joined the clinic in 2005 and became the Practice Owner in 2007. Tina has a keen interest in ophthalmology, animal dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. She is the proud owner of a Labradoodle named Charlie Brown, a Groodle called Tippa, and a cat named Maui Jim.

Throughout her career, Tina has cared for a diverse range of animals, from quokkas, wombats, and kangaroos to emus, ferrets, camels, and even beached whales in Western Australia. However, her true passion lies in caring for and supporting your four-legged family members, ensuring they live happy, healthy lives.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys playing and watching competitive tennis. She participates in the annual Country Week tennis tournament in rural Victoria.

Dr Melania Bennetts

Job Title: Practice Owner

Qualification: PGDipAnimScMgt, DVM

Melania is a University of Melbourne graduate having completed a Bachelor in Science along with a postgraduate research year and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. With a deep passion for all aspects of veterinary care, Melania has developed a particular expertise in surgery, including proficiency in Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) surgery, having pursued advanced training in this specialized area. She is also committed to ensuring that pets receive appropriate pain management and offers personalized chronic pain management plans tailored to each animal’s needs.

Over the years, Melania has had many great animal encounters including taking blood from a shark, to being bitten by a camel; Melania’s journey has certainly been a memorable one! Her favourite part of being a local veterinarian is getting to know her patients and everyone in their family.

When Melania is not at work, she and her husband Daniel are often down at the beach or park with their daughter Chloe, son Frederyk and Standard Groodle Marlo.

Dr Lucie Gniel

Job Title: Veterinarian

Qualification: DVM, BAnimScMgt

Lucie graduated from the University of Melbourne with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, and Bachelor of Animal Science and Management (Hons) in 2014. She started her veterinary career as a mixed practice vet in South Gippsland where she treated all creatures great and small; including some whales! She enjoyed the diversity of mixed practice life, but found her calling to small animal surgery. She has studied further in Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), TPLO’s and has just finished her course work for accreditation to become a qualified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist.

She has a strong passion in surgery, rehabilitation and pain management. Outside of work she enjoys horse riding, gym and seeing her family/friends and spending time with her goofy black labrador Kenai.

Karlena Proctor

Job Title: Head Veterinary Nurse

Qualification: BSc, Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

Karlena started her career with animals specialising in marsupial teeth through her Zoology degree at Monash Uni, however decided she wanted to help animals with a more hands-on approach. Consequently, Karlena switched career paths to veterinary nursing, and completed her Certificate IV through Box Hill Tafe. Karlena has a special interest in animal behaviour and training.

In her free time, Karlena can be found cruising around Melbourne in her ’60 classic Volkswagen Beetle with her puppy “Saja”!

Carmen Corso

Job Title: Veterinary Nurse

Qualification: Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

Carmen has been working as a Veterinary Nurse since 2002, having completed her studies through Box Hill Tafe in Melbourne. She has specialised in emergency and critical care nursing, and has been a great addition to Burke Road Vet Clinic since late 2010.

Carmen has a  Blue Heeler named Bobby, and a Bengal cat called Jumunji. In her spare time Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband Ben and her beautiful children Isabella & Xavier.

Amy Singh

Job Title: Veterinary Nurse

Qualification: BSc, Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

Amy has been a veterinary nurse since 2010. She completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology at the University of Melbourne and completed her honours year working on the reproductive cycle of the elephants at Melbourne Zoo. However, following this she worked in a laboratory before realising a hands-on career with animals is what she really had a passion for. Amy completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through Box Hill TAFE in 2023.

Amy has two cats, a Bengal and a Chinchilla cross, and a playful Dalmatian. If they weren’t enough to keep her busy she also helps her husband run his two businesses while raising their two daughters, Annabelle and Felicity.

Matisse Evans

Job Title: Veterinary Nurse

Qualification: Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

Matisse completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill TAFE in 2023. Having such a love of animals she knew veterinary care was the right place for her.

Matisse has a loveable whippet named Nahla and in her spare time, Matisse enjoys swimming and spending time at the beach where she volunteers as a Surf Life Saver.

Jessica Harris

Job Title: Receptionist

Jess is one of Burke Road Vets friendly receptionists.

She has been involved in the foster care of animals and has volunteered at local animal shelters, helping those in need. This has encouraged her love of animals and the dream of being a Veterinary Nurse.

Jess has nearly completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Melbourne Polytechnic.

Jess has a Miniature Longhaired Dachshund, named Axel and 2 cats, Mia and Ava.

In her spare time Jess enjoys relaxing at home with her fur family and bringing out her creative side by painting and drawing.

Laetitia Parker

Job Title: Receptionist

Bio coming soon

Niamh Murphy

Job Title: Receptionist

Niamh is currently pursuing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Melbourne Polytechnic. She has a passion for all animals but is particularly interested in specializing in canine rehabilitation.

Outside of her studies and work, Niamh enjoys staying active, practicing Pilates, and spending quality time with her beloved Groodle, Koda. She loves taking Koda on long walks and staying engaged in an active, healthy lifestyle.