Mark
Practice Owner
Mark is responsible for business operations across both clinics and has been co-owner since June 2023. He has a background in accounting and professional services, having owned and operated accounting practices for several years, and has also managed various educational organisations, including as Director of College Services at Flinders University. Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Accountants and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He also serves as Chair of the Board for Sophie’s Legacy, contributing his expertise to support the organisation’s mission.
Since moving into the veterinary industry, Mark has embraced the learning curve and enjoys working with the team and clients, valuing the amazing culture at Animalia. At home, he and his wife Clare share their lives with three dogs and four cats, continuing their long-time love of Golden Retrievers.
Mark
Practice Owner
Mark is responsible for business operations across both clinics and has been co-owner since June 2023. He has a background in accounting and professional services, having owned and operated accounting practices for several years, and has also managed various educational organisations, including as Director of College Services at Flinders University. Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Accountants and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He also serves as Chair of the Board for Sophie’s Legacy, contributing his expertise to support the organisation’s mission.
Since moving into the veterinary industry, Mark has embraced the learning curve and enjoys working with the team and clients, valuing the amazing culture at Animalia. At home, he and his wife Clare share their lives with three dogs and four cats, continuing their long-time love of Golden Retrievers.
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Dr. Stephen
Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc Hons)
Stephen Crouch (better known as Steve) earnt his Veterinary Degree graduating with honours from the University Of Melbourne in 1992. Since then he has practiced as a small animal veterinary surgeon in the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide, in the United Kingdom, at the Adelaide Veterinary Emergency Centre, and over the past 15 years here in Gawler. In 2013 Steve joined Dr David MacPhail as a partner here at Gawler Animal Hospital and was an integral part of the development of the new hospital premises. Toward the end of 2020, due to Dr Dave’s retirement Steve took on ownership of the practice along with his wife Anne.
Soon after marrying, Steve and Anne travelled to the UK for one year which turned into nearly seven years abroad. Steve managed a busy small animal practice in greater London and enjoyed the various accents of clients as well as the opportunity to sight-see and contribute to a lively and healthy church community. Steve and his family returned Adelaide in 2004 to take up residence near Gawler. Steve’s kids both completed their entire schooling locally at Trinity College and he is immensely proud of both of them.
In the mid-90s his potentially outstanding career in sled dog racing was stunted by owning a beautiful but purely social and NON-competitive Siberian Husky named Sofia. Since being back in Gawler he was fortunate to own a ginger longhaired cat named Shinay who survived THREE snake bites and made it to a ripe old age of 19yrs before passing, AND Harry the wonder dog who in Steve’s own words is ‘probably the BEST dog on the whole planet EVER!” Harry was a Labrador X Kelpie and was Steve’s great mate, wandering around with him when they were on their property ‘helping’ with cutting wood, fixing fences, moving sheep, building ‘stuff’ in the shed and doing lots of gardening. Happy made it to almost 16yrs of age and will always hold a special place in Steve’s heart!
After moving to the suburbs, along came the adorable Morgan – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who has totally won the entire family’s heart. She terrorised Harry, lives to a completely different set of rules, and just makes everyone so happy with her antics and cuddles. As a pet owner his entire life, Steve appreciates the amazing bond that exists between us and our pets and the amazing joy and love that they provide us. In 2022 Morgan had a lovely litter of puppies and Steve and Anne decided to keep one of puppies and named her Adeline, she now harasses Morgan like Morgan use to harras Harry. As a vet, he appreciates the deep levels of concern that owners experience when their pets are injured or unwell.
Throughout his veterinary career, Steve has had a keen interest in surgery in particular and believes that blood should stay inside the body as much as possible! He’s a very skilled and meticulous surgeon and takes referrals from a number of regional practices for orthopaedic cases (leg fractures, cruciate ligament damage, patellar instability and other conditions).
He has enjoyed the opportunity to visit his country of birth, Papua New Guinea, several times for mission trips and more recently Romania, with a charity he supports called Big Love. Steve and Anne are super excited about the prospect of becoming grandparents soon….watch this space!!
Dr. Stephen
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Stephen Crouch (better known as Steve) earnt his Veterinary Degree graduating with honours from the University Of Melbourne in 1992. Since then he has practiced as a small animal veterinary surgeon in the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide, in the United Kingdom, at the Adelaide Veterinary Emergency Centre, and over the past 15 years here in Gawler. In 2013 Steve joined Dr David MacPhail as a partner here at Gawler Animal Hospital and was an integral part of the development of the new hospital premises. Toward the end of 2020, due to Dr Dave’s retirement Steve took on ownership of the practice along with his wife Anne.
Soon after marrying, Steve and Anne travelled to the UK for one year which turned into nearly seven years abroad. Steve managed a busy small animal practice in greater London and enjoyed the various accents of clients as well as the opportunity to sight-see and contribute to a lively and healthy church community. Steve and his family returned Adelaide in 2004 to take up residence near Gawler. Steve’s kids both completed their entire schooling locally at Trinity College and he is immensely proud of both of them.
In the mid-90s his potentially outstanding career in sled dog racing was stunted by owning a beautiful but purely social and NON-competitive Siberian Husky named Sofia. Since being back in Gawler he was fortunate to own a ginger longhaired cat named Shinay who survived THREE snake bites and made it to a ripe old age of 19yrs before passing, AND Harry the wonder dog who in Steve’s own words is ‘probably the BEST dog on the whole planet EVER!” Harry was a Labrador X Kelpie and was Steve’s great mate, wandering around with him when they were on their property ‘helping’ with cutting wood, fixing fences, moving sheep, building ‘stuff’ in the shed and doing lots of gardening. Happy made it to almost 16yrs of age and will always hold a special place in Steve’s heart!
After moving to the suburbs, along came the adorable Morgan – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who has totally won the entire family’s heart. She terrorised Harry, lives to a completely different set of rules, and just makes everyone so happy with her antics and cuddles. As a pet owner his entire life, Steve appreciates the amazing bond that exists between us and our pets and the amazing joy and love that they provide us. In 2022 Morgan had a lovely litter of puppies and Steve and Anne decided to keep one of puppies and named her Adeline, she now harasses Morgan like Morgan use to harras Harry. As a vet, he appreciates the deep levels of concern that owners experience when their pets are injured or unwell.
Throughout his veterinary career, Steve has had a keen interest in surgery in particular and believes that blood should stay inside the body as much as possible! He’s a very skilled and meticulous surgeon and takes referrals from a number of regional practices for orthopaedic cases (leg fractures, cruciate ligament damage, patellar instability and other conditions).
He has enjoyed the opportunity to visit his country of birth, Papua New Guinea, several times for mission trips and more recently Romania, with a charity he supports called Big Love. Steve and Anne are super excited about the prospect of becoming grandparents soon….watch this space!!
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Helen
Practice Manager
Helen initially joined us as a casual member of the customer care team, where her favourite part of the role was meeting new pets and their owners. Over the years, she has grown with the clinic and is now our Practice Manager, bringing a wealth of management, customer service, and administration experience to the role.
Helen moved to South Australia in 2011 and worked in the not for profit sector before joining the veterinary industry in 2018.
At home, Helen lives with her husband Gary in an old bluestone in Gawler. They share their home with three black cats, Nigel, Suzy, and Peppa, the ex-clinic cat, as well as Barkley, an energetic Westie X who goes everywhere with them. When not renovating their property, Helen enjoys gardening, particularly growing fruit and vegetables. Her dream pet would be a donkey.
Helen
Practice Manager
Helen initially joined us as a casual member of the customer care team, where her favourite part of the role was meeting new pets and their owners. Over the years, she has grown with the clinic and is now our Practice Manager, bringing a wealth of management, customer service, and administration experience to the role.
Helen moved to South Australia in 2011 and worked in the not for profit sector before joining the veterinary industry in 2018.
At home, Helen lives with her husband Gary in an old bluestone in Gawler. They share their home with three black cats, Nigel, Suzy, and Peppa, the ex-clinic cat, as well as Barkley, an energetic Westie X who goes everywhere with them. When not renovating their property, Helen enjoys gardening, particularly growing fruit and vegetables. Her dream pet would be a donkey.
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Sabrina
Veterinarian (BVSc (Hons1))
Dr Sabrina grew up on an equine farm with her father and has always loved animals. From a very early age she has always been passionate about their welfare and care and the decision to become a veterinarian was easy and never questioned.
Sabrina graduated in 2005 from her veterinary degree with first class honours at the University of QLD. She went straight into small animal practice, and has not looked back.
After doing some casual shifts, Sabrina officially become a member of the Animalia team in December 2024. She has since become an integral part of the team and also works at the Gawler Animal Hospital. Sabrina has a strong interest in ultrasound and surgery, areas of veterinary medicine she loves and has pursued these areas diligently over the years to improve her skills and knowledge. Although not an expert, she also has an interest in rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, and ferrets.
Sabrina prides herself on her work, strongly believing in working with her clients to provide the best care possible in the individual circumstances patients present.
Sabrina has three cats adopted from work and a dog. Sadly, Sabrina and her family lost their beautiful big Rhodesian Ridgeback, Hugo, leaving a big sad empty hole in their lives. Sabrina has always owned large dogs so we won’t talk about how small her dog is. Suffice to say her little dog’s big personality has helped fill the big ridgeback-sized hole Hugo left.
Like most staff pets in the veterinary industry, Sabrina’s pets have their own health challenges and, whilst difficult, they have taught her a great deal as a veterinarian - although not always easy, she believes there is always a positive somewhere, one just needs to look for it.
Sabrina also has three aquariums with tropical fish, and a flock of chickens which are quite possibly her favourite!
Sabrina is also a strong mental health advocate.
Sabrina
Veterinarian
Dr Sabrina grew up on an equine farm with her father and has always loved animals. From a very early age she has always been passionate about their welfare and care and the decision to become a veterinarian was easy and never questioned.
Sabrina graduated in 2005 from her veterinary degree with first class honours at the University of QLD. She went straight into small animal practice, and has not looked back.
After doing some casual shifts, Sabrina officially become a member of the Animalia team in December 2024. She has since become an integral part of the team and also works at the Gawler Animal Hospital. Sabrina has a strong interest in ultrasound and surgery, areas of veterinary medicine she loves and has pursued these areas diligently over the years to improve her skills and knowledge. Although not an expert, she also has an interest in rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, and ferrets.
Sabrina prides herself on her work, strongly believing in working with her clients to provide the best care possible in the individual circumstances patients present.
Sabrina has three cats adopted from work and a dog. Sadly, Sabrina and her family lost their beautiful big Rhodesian Ridgeback, Hugo, leaving a big sad empty hole in their lives. Sabrina has always owned large dogs so we won’t talk about how small her dog is. Suffice to say her little dog’s big personality has helped fill the big ridgeback-sized hole Hugo left.
Like most staff pets in the veterinary industry, Sabrina’s pets have their own health challenges and, whilst difficult, they have taught her a great deal as a veterinarian - although not always easy, she believes there is always a positive somewhere, one just needs to look for it.
Sabrina also has three aquariums with tropical fish, and a flock of chickens which are quite possibly her favourite!
Sabrina is also a strong mental health advocate.
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Dr Donata
Veterinarian (BVSc DVM)
Dr Donata – New Graduate Veterinarian
Dr Donata is a New Graduate Veterinarian with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science (Animal Science), Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Donata grew up surrounded by animals and developed a passion for animal care from a very young age. Her childhood was filled with rabbits, chickens, she even bred stick insects, which helped shape her strong desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Donata finds the profession incredibly rewarding and is passionate about making a difference for animals.
Her special interests lie in cardiology, and she is keen to gain further experience and develop her skills in this field as her career progresses.
At home, Donata lives with her partner, Saxon, and a lively collection of pets including dogs Benji and Mitzi, cats Felix and Mojo, a turtle named Turbo, a 10-year-old Chihuahua called Biski, and even pet Hereford cows.
Outside of work, Donata enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, going on adventures, socialising with friends and participating in car events.
Dr Donata
Veterinarian
Dr Donata – New Graduate Veterinarian
Dr Donata is a New Graduate Veterinarian with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science (Animal Science), Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Donata grew up surrounded by animals and developed a passion for animal care from a very young age. Her childhood was filled with rabbits, chickens, she even bred stick insects, which helped shape her strong desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Donata finds the profession incredibly rewarding and is passionate about making a difference for animals.
Her special interests lie in cardiology, and she is keen to gain further experience and develop her skills in this field as her career progresses.
At home, Donata lives with her partner, Saxon, and a lively collection of pets including dogs Benji and Mitzi, cats Felix and Mojo, a turtle named Turbo, a 10-year-old Chihuahua called Biski, and even pet Hereford cows.
Outside of work, Donata enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, going on adventures, socialising with friends and participating in car events.
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Dr Sahara
Veterinarian (BVSc DVM)
Dr Sahara Craig – Veterinarian
Dr Sahara is a new graduate veterinarian, having completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Adelaide. From a young age, Sahara knew she wanted to work with animals and grew up on a property surrounded by a wide variety of animals, which shaped her passion for veterinary care.
Sahara has a special interest in canine behaviour and surgery, and enjoys continuing to develop her skills as a new graduate veterinarian.
At home, Sahara lives with her parents and sister, along with two Australian Shepherds, Macy and Teddy, and a Netherland Dwarf rabbit named Luna. Outside of work, she enjoys dog training with Macy, including obedience and rally obedience, and is looking forward to starting agility training in the near future.
Dr Sahara
Veterinarian
Dr Sahara Craig – Veterinarian
Dr Sahara is a new graduate veterinarian, having completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Adelaide. From a young age, Sahara knew she wanted to work with animals and grew up on a property surrounded by a wide variety of animals, which shaped her passion for veterinary care.
Sahara has a special interest in canine behaviour and surgery, and enjoys continuing to develop her skills as a new graduate veterinarian.
At home, Sahara lives with her parents and sister, along with two Australian Shepherds, Macy and Teddy, and a Netherland Dwarf rabbit named Luna. Outside of work, she enjoys dog training with Macy, including obedience and rally obedience, and is looking forward to starting agility training in the near future.
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Bridie
Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing )
Bridie joined Animalia in April 2021 as a trainee nurse and has since completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through TAFE. She is also our Team Leader, after displaying her excellent coordination skills. She has always loved and cared for animals, often bringing home sick or injured wildlife as a child. Her special interests include monitoring and participating in surgeries, and learning new veterinary techniques.
At home, Bridie shares her life with three Australian Cattle Dogs, Philo, a 9-year-old Blue Heeler, Macey, a 5-year-old Blue Heeler, and Reggie, a pair of Galahs, a Rainbow Lorikeet, a Red Rump Parrot, and 23 chickens.
Outside of work, Bridie enjoys walking her dogs, weekly training sessions with Reggie, spending time at the river with family and friends, cooking, and working at her local pub. Her dream pet would be a donkey.
Bridie
Veterinary Nurse
Bridie joined Animalia in April 2021 as a trainee nurse and has since completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through TAFE. She is also our Team Leader, after displaying her excellent coordination skills. She has always loved and cared for animals, often bringing home sick or injured wildlife as a child. Her special interests include monitoring and participating in surgeries, and learning new veterinary techniques.
At home, Bridie shares her life with three Australian Cattle Dogs, Philo, a 9-year-old Blue Heeler, Macey, a 5-year-old Blue Heeler, and Reggie, a pair of Galahs, a Rainbow Lorikeet, a Red Rump Parrot, and 23 chickens.
Outside of work, Bridie enjoys walking her dogs, weekly training sessions with Reggie, spending time at the river with family and friends, cooking, and working at her local pub. Her dream pet would be a donkey.
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Gay
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Gay’s nursing career began during her school work experience in Port Moresby, PNG. After returning home, she took on a trainee vet nurse role in Newton, SA at just 18 years old, and she’s never looked back. Now a Cert IV qualified veterinary nurse, Gay brings a huge amount of practical experience, kindness, and good humour to the team. She genuinely loves animals and gets a real kick out of seeing owners happy with the care their pets receive.
Over the years, Gay has developed a particular interest in orthopaedics and laser therapy, and she enjoys the hands-on, problem-solving nature of both areas. She’s also very much a morning person. Her day usually starts with a walk with her two dogs.
At home, Gay lives with her daughter, Amara the German Shorthaired Pointer, Alfie the Vizsla, and Benson the galah, who is known for his very convincing smoker’s cough and a fondness for swearing. Outside of work, Gay is a devoted Crows supporter and makes it to as many home games as possible. She also loves spending time in the garden with a glass of champagne or a tequila cocktail in hand. And if she could adopt any dream animal? An orphaned baby hippo, preferably one that needs lots of hand-rearing.
Gay
Veterinary Nurse
Gay’s nursing career began during her school work experience in Port Moresby, PNG. After returning home, she took on a trainee vet nurse role in Newton, SA at just 18 years old, and she’s never looked back. Now a Cert IV qualified veterinary nurse, Gay brings a huge amount of practical experience, kindness, and good humour to the team. She genuinely loves animals and gets a real kick out of seeing owners happy with the care their pets receive.
Over the years, Gay has developed a particular interest in orthopaedics and laser therapy, and she enjoys the hands-on, problem-solving nature of both areas. She’s also very much a morning person. Her day usually starts with a walk with her two dogs.
At home, Gay lives with her daughter, Amara the German Shorthaired Pointer, Alfie the Vizsla, and Benson the galah, who is known for his very convincing smoker’s cough and a fondness for swearing. Outside of work, Gay is a devoted Crows supporter and makes it to as many home games as possible. She also loves spending time in the garden with a glass of champagne or a tequila cocktail in hand. And if she could adopt any dream animal? An orphaned baby hippo, preferably one that needs lots of hand-rearing.
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Caitlan
Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Caitlan joined the Animalia team in 2010 and is a qualified veterinary nurse. She has a particular passion for surgery, with a keen interest in assisting and monitoring orthopaedic procedures.
Outside of work, Caitlan enjoys riding her horse Ned, spending time with her young family, and keeping up with her energetic Dalmatian, Arlo.
Caitlan
Veterinary Nurse
Caitlan joined the Animalia team in 2010 and is a qualified veterinary nurse. She has a particular passion for surgery, with a keen interest in assisting and monitoring orthopaedic procedures.
Outside of work, Caitlan enjoys riding her horse Ned, spending time with her young family, and keeping up with her energetic Dalmatian, Arlo.
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Tayla
Veterinary Technician (Vet Technician)
Tayla joined the team in 2023 in a mixed role that brings together her skills in veterinary nursing and her growing passion for marketing. From a very young age, it was clear to everyone around her that she would one day work with animals. Throughout high school she worked at a horse racing stable in the Barossa Valley, where she gained valuable experience in equine health and developed a strong interest in animal welfare.
She went on to study Veterinary Technology at the University of Adelaide. It was during this time that Tayla discovered her love for patient care and client communication. She also became increasingly fascinated by business and marketing, which she now combines with her nursing role.
Outside of work, Tayla enjoys going to the gym, running, riding her horses and spending time with her partner Matt, their friends and her much loved fur family.
Tayla
Veterinary Technician
Tayla joined the team in 2023 in a mixed role that brings together her skills in veterinary nursing and her growing passion for marketing. From a very young age, it was clear to everyone around her that she would one day work with animals. Throughout high school she worked at a horse racing stable in the Barossa Valley, where she gained valuable experience in equine health and developed a strong interest in animal welfare.
She went on to study Veterinary Technology at the University of Adelaide. It was during this time that Tayla discovered her love for patient care and client communication. She also became increasingly fascinated by business and marketing, which she now combines with her nursing role.
Outside of work, Tayla enjoys going to the gym, running, riding her horses and spending time with her partner Matt, their friends and her much loved fur family.
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Emma
Customer Service
Emma – Customer Care Team Member
Emma is originally from the United Kingdom and emigrated to Australia with her husband in 2012. After spending nearly 10 years in Sydney, they made the move to Adelaide in 2021 and have been enjoying life in South Australia ever since.
Emma spent much of her working life in childcare across a variety of roles before deciding on a career change. She is now thriving in her role as a Customer Care Team Member at Animalia Vet Clinic and loves being part of the veterinary industry.
Outside of work, Emma and her husband enjoy riding their motorcycles through the South Australian countryside. Her favourite colour is green, and it features heavily in her life, including her car and motorcycle. The couple recently welcomed a Cavoodle puppy named Charlie, who has quickly become the centre of their world.
Emma
Customer Service
Emma – Customer Care Team Member
Emma is originally from the United Kingdom and emigrated to Australia with her husband in 2012. After spending nearly 10 years in Sydney, they made the move to Adelaide in 2021 and have been enjoying life in South Australia ever since.
Emma spent much of her working life in childcare across a variety of roles before deciding on a career change. She is now thriving in her role as a Customer Care Team Member at Animalia Vet Clinic and loves being part of the veterinary industry.
Outside of work, Emma and her husband enjoy riding their motorcycles through the South Australian countryside. Her favourite colour is green, and it features heavily in her life, including her car and motorcycle. The couple recently welcomed a Cavoodle puppy named Charlie, who has quickly become the centre of their world.
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Ashley
Animal Care Taker
Ashley – Animal Care Attendant
Ashley is an Animal Care Attendant who looks after many of the cats in the cattery and provides support to the nursing staff. He holds a Certificate II in Animal Care and is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, with the goal of becoming a zookeeper. Ashley finds caring for the pets entrusted to him both rewarding and fulfilling.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys a wide range of activities including martial arts, competitive inline speed skating, and music. He holds a black belt in American Kenpo, plays multiple instruments, and participates in various bands and orchestras. At home, he shares his life with two dogs, a cat, and multiple birds, including lovebirds that he breeds.
Ashley
Animal Care Taker
Ashley – Animal Care Attendant
Ashley is an Animal Care Attendant who looks after many of the cats in the cattery and provides support to the nursing staff. He holds a Certificate II in Animal Care and is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, with the goal of becoming a zookeeper. Ashley finds caring for the pets entrusted to him both rewarding and fulfilling.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys a wide range of activities including martial arts, competitive inline speed skating, and music. He holds a black belt in American Kenpo, plays multiple instruments, and participates in various bands and orchestras. At home, he shares his life with two dogs, a cat, and multiple birds, including lovebirds that he breeds.
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