Willows/Kirwan

Dr Wendy Smith

Veterinary Director

I have a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and have been with Greencross Vets for 20 years now. I love my job because I enjoy making a diagnosis and seeing the patients respond well to their treatments. I also love the interaction with clients and my fellow Willows team members.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors triathlon training, running and swimming. I also love spending quality time with my family and my naughty Staffy named Sam.

Dr Mark Whelan

Veterinarian

I graduated from the first batch of veterinary students to leave James Cook University in 2010. I have since worked around Australia and spent a few years overseas in the Caribbean and China.

My passion is helping animals and I get joy from seeing them go home healthy to their owners.

In my own time I try to get outdoors as much as possible, and will go hiking and exploring around the Townsville region. I also enjoy fishing and keeping healthy.

Dr Amanda Drilling

Veterinarian

I graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2019 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I spent the first few years of my career in California and Victoria working with horses and have recently found my way back to small animal practice.

My favourite part of being a vet is working not only with animals but with owners to optimize the health of their pets. I also love diagnostic imaging, and am about to embark on an Ultrasonography course to hone my ultrasound skills.

My spare time is spent hiking, running and going off on various types of outdoor adventures. I love cross stitching and helping my husband paint his mountain of Warhammer 40K models.

Jessika Madden

Hi, my name is Jessika. I started my internship with Greencross Vets at the start of 2022.

I have completed my Bachelor of Science however decided on a career change. I have always loved being around animals, so veterinary nursing is perfect for me, I couldn’t think of a better line of work to be in!

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family and friends, fishing and watching the football!

Danielle Cullen

I have been a Veterinary Nurse for 7 years and absolutely love what I do. I couldn’t think of working with a better bunch of Vets and Nurses!

I am a Mum of two kids – I have a daughter named Ava and a son named Beau.

When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family, exploring new parks and enjoying the outdoors!

Lola-Mae Dobson

Veterinary Nurse

Hi I’m Lola-Mae, I started my journey with Greencross Vets at the end of 2021 as an Intern whilst undertaking my Certificate II in Animal Studies.

I completed that in February 2023 and as of March 2024, I am on a scholarship to complete my Certificate IV in Vet Nursing, to further my education.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing new things in life!

When I am not working or studying, you can find me at the beach with my dog Dakota, or enjoying my time with family and friends.

Monique Fettell

Veterinary Nurse

Hi, my name is Monique and I started at Greencross Vets as an intern in 2019. I have had a passion for helping animals from a young age, and have always aspired to work with animals.

Both members of my fur family came into the Willows clinic as strays.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking on the beach with my dog Leia, teaching puppy preschool classes or I’ve got my nose in a textbook for my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing!

Melissa Thistleton

Practice Manager & Veterinary Nurse

Melissa joined the Greencross Vets team in 2017 and along with being Practice manager is also the Best Behaviour instructor and veterinary nurse. She loves having the opportunity to provide medical support for patients to recover in a comfortable and safe environment. Outside of work, she can be found taking her pet, Crumpet on bush walks, spend time with family and friends and trying new hobbies.