Our Veterinary Nursing team has both a wealth of experience and youthful exuberance which together provides a dynamic combination. It is headed by practice manager Cathy Forrester, and includes Kelly McGrory, Deanne Pappas, Erin Oswald, Val Smith and Briana Sharp.

We are very fortunate to have a group of such enthusiastic, dedicated and caring nurses who day in day out look after our client concerns and provide them with the peace of mind that their pets are in good hands. They are also more than happy to provide nutritional advice and answer any questions on routine worming and parasite preventative programs for your pets.

Cathy Forrester

Cathy began work at Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital in 1980 after completing a Bachelor of Education and deciding teaching was not for her! Cathy heads the veterinary nursing team and still thoroughly enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing.

Over her time at Brandon Park Vet, Cathy’s infectious smile and warm greetings have endeared her to many clients and pets alike. Her customer service is second to none and her attention to detail and respect for client needs act as a model for all our junior nursing staff. Combined with her senior veterinary nursing role, Cathy is also the Practice Manager, where her leadership and positive attitude bear well with all our staff.

Cathy loves spending time with her husband and three children. She spends most of her leisure time camping with family and friends. The “Darling Heart” of her life however is her Golden Retriever Tyler, who despite three legs and a constant stream of drool has managed to become a mascot of the practice. Cathy is a dedicated pet parent who can often be found at the doggy pool where Tyler tries to race the able bodied dogs (and wins).

Kelly McGrory

Kelly gained a Bachelor of Psychology from Deakin University in 1998. She started working at Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital in 1999 and has since completed Certificate III in Veterinary Nursing.

Kelly is one of our senior vet nurses who has a keen interest in surgical nursing, and patient monitoring, which she excels in. Kelly is also the coordinator of our Puppy Preschool Program, which she thoroughly enjoys. She loves meeting all the new puppies and their pet parents, and in particular loves seeing how they progress. Her caring, compassionate nature and her “can do” attitude, has seen her become an integral part of our team.

Kelly enjoys going to the gym and shopping. She has a spoilt Chihuahua called Tara who hates to get her feet wet and has a different coat for each season.

Deanne Papas

Deanne was born and grew up in Adelaide but moved to Melbourne in 1999, when she joined the team at Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital. Deanne started her working life as a fitness instructor, but her passion for animal care saw her seek out a career in Veterinary Nursing.

Since joining our team Deanne has become involved in many areas of the practice and currently manages our inventory and pharmacy. She is one of our experienced, senior veterinary nurses who really enjoys her veterinary nursing, combined with her various administrative tasks.  

Together with her husband, Deanne lives in Olinda with their beloved Labradors Cooper and Molly. Molly is like Deanne's shadow and at the clinic can often be found hiding under Deanne's desk. Cooper on the other hand is a little more care free and just enjoys playing around. Deanne also has a special interest in rearing and breeding birds and has several breeding aviaries, and an Alexandrine parrot by the name of Pete.

Erin Oswald

After working in the hospitality field for several years and volunteering at various animal shelters, Erin's caring nature and love of animals guided her into a career in Veterinary Nursing. She joined the team at Brandon Park Veterinary hospital in 2006.

Recently Erin has become involved in the clinic's Pet Slimmers Program and she also has a keen interest in helping injured wildlife. Erin is currently undertaking Certificate IV - Veterinary Nursing.

Erin is kept busy at home looking after two energetic Staffies, Roxy and Frog, as well as a pair of green tree frogs.  

Val Smith

Val began her career as a vet nurse soon after leaving school. She has spent the majority of this time at Brandon Park, and now excels at charming clients at the front desk!

Val's special interests include Asian cooking and her Golden Retriever Indy! Apart from being a doting grandma, Val enjoys wining and dining with her husband, two beautiful daughters and friends.

Brianna Sharp

Brianna joined the veterinary nursing team in 2008. She has always had a love of animals and a keen passion to become a Vet Nurse. After completing high school Brianna volunteered regularly at the RSPCA and undertook an animal science course at Tafe. Brianna has a very calm and caring nature which has seen her fit into her nursing role very well.

In her spare time Brianna enjoys spending time with her friends and looking after her household of animals, including Harley the Jack Russell, Billy the cat, a rabbit, a bird and three mice (who can all see very well).