CareVets Kilbirnie

Linda originally studied at Victoria University of Wellington and achieved a BSc in Biochemistry/BSc (hons) Physiology before returning to academia and gaining her Veterinary qualification, graduating with the year of 1988 from Massey University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Linda was the original owner of Kilbirnie Animal Health Centre & Cattery before selling to CareVets in November 2015 and thankfully, she stayed with us. Linda really enjoys forming relationships with her clients and their pets and has been fortunate enough to establish long-term relationships with her clients over the many years she has worked at Kilbirnie. Linda is particularly interested in oncology, soft tissue surgery and pain management. She currently has quite the collection of animals at home including a pack of Curly Coated Retrievers, cats, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks and geese. In her spare time, Linda breeds and shows her Curly Coated Retrievers and also enjoys gardening and cooking.

Originally from Ireland, Nicole graduated from veterinary school in the UK in 2019. After five years caring for a wide range of farm animals and pets across Ireland, she moved to New Zealand and joined the CareVets team in March 2024.

Nicole has a special interest in ultrasonography, surgery, and feline medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys keeping active — whether that’s at the gym or running along the Wellington harbour.

Linda achieved her Class 1 Veterinary Technician qualification through the Royal Army Veterinary Corp in the British Army in 1994. After relocating to New Zealand, Linda settled in Upper Hutt and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team in November 2015 as Clinic Manager. Linda is responsible for the smooth running of the clinic and enjoys interacting with staff and clients who come through the doors. She also likes to keep her hand in on her clinical work and has a special interest in emergency medicine and surgery cases. She also has an interest in companion animal behaviour and can offer advice to clients in need. In her spare time, Linda enjoys relaxing at home reading, watching movies, socialising with friends and playing board games. She also enjoys camping, travelling, and spending time with her three dogs.

Delaney completed her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at the Southern Institute of Technology in 2007 and has since gained extensive experience working in both small and mixed animal practices across the South Island, as well as small animal practices in Wellington.

She is passionate about all aspects of pet care and has a particular interest in nursing consultations, where she enjoys supporting clients to help their pets live happy, healthy lives.

Sam qualified in 2018 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through UCOL in Palmerston North and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team shortly after. She loves every aspect of her work, particularly surgical nursing and caring for geriatric cats.

At home, Sam is kept busy by her two cats — Henry and Ninja. Henry was brought into the clinic at just two weeks old and hand-raised by Sam, while Ninja, a 13-year-old ginger gentleman, was surrendered after being diagnosed with diabetes. Sam couldn’t resist adopting him and enjoys being able to put her nursing skills to use at home to keep him happy and healthy.

Grace graduated from WelTec in November 2024 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and has been part of the CareVets Kilbirnie team since her student days. She has a keen interest in animal welfare, nutrition, and training, which keeps her inspired in her work.

In her spare time, Grace enjoys a variety of arts and crafts — crocheting, sewing, painting, and bedazzling just about anything she can get her hands on. At home, she shares her life with two beloved (and mischievous) cats, Torbie and Hogan, and a leopard gecko named Athena. Grace looks forward to continuing to develop her nursing skills — and perhaps adding a tortoise to her family one day.

Mayz graduated from WelTec in 2019 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Before joining the CareVets Kilbirnie team in June 2024, she gained valuable experience working with animals from all walks of life — from a wide range of small pets to the occasional pet sheep.

She has a strong passion for hospital care and internal medicine, finding deep fulfilment in helping animals through complex treatments and recovery. Mayz also has a keen interest in animal dentistry and the vital role it plays in overall health and wellbeing.

Outside of the clinic, Mayz shares life with her partner and their spirited 13-year-old dog, who still lives for zoomies, hanging out of car windows, and claiming the bed as his own. She loves spending time with family and friends, travelling near and far, and camping under the stars whenever she gets the chance.

Michele achieved her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through Unitec in Auckland in 2018 and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team in 2019.

She has a strong passion for animals and a special interest in feline health and welfare. Michele enjoys supporting clients in caring for their pets and ensuring the wellbeing of the clinic’s patients.

Outside of work, Michele loves spending time with her family and her cat. She also volunteers for a cat charity, enjoys Middle Eastern dance, takes her car out on a closed racetrack, and hits the slopes whenever she can.

Ella joined the team in April 2024. Prior to joining the CareVets family she lived and worked on a farm in the Wairarapa where she was responsible for the care of donkeys, goats, sheep, cats, dogs, pigs and the occasional possum! She is deeply passionate about animals and their welfare and plans to study veterinary nursing after attending Te Wananga O Raukawa. Ella has a red heeler named Rogue who is the apple of her eye and has sparked a lifelong passion for Australian and New Zealand herding breeds and stock dogs in general. If you bring in a collie, huntaway, heeler or kelpie she may just steal a cuddle!