Dr. Trudy Seidel grew up in Mount Barker, where she spent her childhood caring for and rehabilitating rescued wildlife. Supported by her parents and inspired by the local veterinarians who helped her in her mission. 

Dr. Seidel recalls wanting to be a Veterinarian for as long as she can remember. A compassionate and attentive doctor, she places great emphasis on her long-term relationships with her patients and the families who love them.

"I love helping pets and animals but I also like the rewarding part of being part of a community, being able to talk with people about their lives and how their pets are part of their lives, how to improve the quality of their and their pet's life," she says. "I feel it is a great privilege to care for pets and to be an ongoing part of their life. I love getting to know people and being trusted to help them make decisions around their pet's health care."

Dr. Seidel earned her Bachelor's of Veterinary Science with first class honours from the University of Queensland. While there, she received an award for demonstrated care and commitment to wildlife.

Her professional interests include internal medicine, surgery, pain management, geriatric care and palliative care. 

She is a member of the Australian Veterinary Association, SA Division of Australian Veterinary Association, Australian Veterinary Dental Society, Veterinary Information Network, United Veterinary Group, Bayer Accelerate, Vet Education Online, University of Sydney Post Graduate Foundation, Idexx Learning Centre, and Australiana Veterinary Association New Graduate Mentor Program.

Dr. Seidel focuses all her free time on raising her two sons. "There is nothing nicer to me than watching my children play and laugh and learn," she says. "Apart from them I have a strong interest in animal welfare and animal rights." 

She has 2 dogs- a chilled Golden Retriever called Buddy, and a neurotic Border Collie called Shadow as well as 4 cats and chickens. 

Dr. Cathy Skinner is a Senior Veterinarian with Para Hills Veterinary Clinic who joined our team in 2001. "I am truly one of those people who only ever wanted to be a vet," she says. "I do not know how old I was when I made the decision, or why, but the desire never changed." "I have never once regretted the choice."

Dr. Skinner has studied at the University of Adelaide and Flinders University for her Bachelor of Science with Honours and the University of Queensland for her Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). She is also a qualified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Her professional interests include surgery, dentistry, behaviour and acupuncture, and rabbit medicine and surgery.

"I love surgery – it is like doing a jigsaw puzzle but with more rewarding, lasting results," she says. 

She loves helping her patients, including the anxious ones, so they all get a better experience at the clinic.

Outside work, Dr. Skinner enjoys cooking, travel, movies, water skiing, wine and Haigh's chocolates and spending time with her two daughters. 

She also shares her life with a Golden Retriever named Bunbury.

Dr. Jo Elliott has been an associate veterinarian at Para Hills Veterinary Clinic since April 2011. Her professional interests include acupuncture and emergency medicine. "I enjoy science, animals, solving puzzles and working with people. Veterinary science seems to include it all!" she says.

An Adelaide native, Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor's of Science in Anatomy and Pharmacology from the University of Adelaide and her Bachelor's of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland.

At home, Dr. Elliott has a dog called Annie. She enjoys spending her free time bushwalking, camping, jogging and laughing with her son and family.

Dr Alanna is from Adelaide and studied for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Adelaide University.

Dr Alanna has always been very active in wildlife rescue and conservation, and still volunteers.

Dr Alanna has an exceptional passion for Small Animal Dentistry, as well as internal medicine, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and other exotic animals. 

Away from vet medicine Alanna loves the outdoors, hiking, cycling, swimming and diving, as well as basketball and reading, and of course volunteering with wildlife conservation organisations. 

Dr Monique Huffa graduated from Adelaide University in 2021. 

Dr Monique loves animals of all kings and sizes, and is most passionate about all the animals that people choose to keep as companions. 

She loves working with dogs and cats, and has a special interest in snakes!. Like many vets Monique loves wildlife and does volunteering with wildlife conservation organisations, especially working with Microbats. 

Monique has several pets, of which her cat and dog are in the very seniors category, which gives her a unique insight into the care of geriatric pets. Outside of work Monique loves hiking and trail walks and wildlife watching on her walks. 

I grew up in the country town of Horsham, Victoria. 

Being a part of a farming family I have always enjoyed being around animals and learning all about how to keep them healthy and help them when they are sick.

I have always enjoyed learning how things work and how to fix things and love a good problem to solve, so naturally veterinary medicine has been my dream career for most of my life.

I truly love all animals, even the ones with scales or sharp beaks.

Outside of veterinary life I enjoy running, travelling, wine, dog training, rescuing sick and injured bats and spending time with friends.

The biggest love of my life (aside from my partner) is my husky staffy cross Chema.

Staff Party 2024