Meet Our Team
About Us
A world-class centre for equine practice and one of Australia’s leading equine hospitals, located in the heart of the Goulburn Valley region at Shepparton, Victoria.
We offer complete equine veterinary care to the public, ambulatory services and a class of specialist equine referral services in the fields of lameness, medicine, surgery, dental and reproduction.
Meet our team
We have a skilled team, from board-certified specialists in surgery, medicine, and reproduction, to experienced senior veterinarians and our newly graduated and very keen intern veterinarians.
Our Clinicians
Dr Denis Verwilghen
DVM, MSc, PhD, DES, Diplomate ECVS, Dipl EVDC (Equine).
Denis joins GVEH as a specialist equine surgeon, with a passion for arthroscopy, advanced maxillofacial surgery and dentistry.
In addition to a wealth of professional experience, Denis has a PhD in equine orthopedics and is an accomplished internationally published author and teacher.
Dr Gaby Van Galen
DVM, MSc, PhD, DES, Diplomate ECEIM, Diplomate ECVECC .
As a duel diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine and European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, Dr van Galen has special interest in treating critically ill patients such as horses with colic or diarrhea, neuromuscular disorders and sick neonatal foals.
Gaby also completed a PhD investigating the epidemiology and pathophysiology of atypical myopathy in grazing horses and most recently returned to private practice after Associate Professor positions at Sydney University and Copenhagen University.
Dr Fiona Herzog
BVMS, Dipl. ACT
Fiona developed a passion for equine reproduction during her early years of training as a veterinary student at Murdoch University. After graduating in 2011, she spent some time in mixed practice before completing her internship at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital 2015.
Her following employment as resident veterinarian for thoroughbred stud farms in the Barossa and Hunter valleys allowed her to pursue interests in problem mare management and pregnancy monitoring. Fiona then travelled to the US to undertake a Residency in Theriogenology at Louisiana State University, achieving board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists in 2023. Her research interests include the mare reproductive tract microbiome and effects of probiotic application, with aims to complete her Master of Science in this area in 2024. Fiona is excited to have returned to Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital and is looking forward to being part of the team again.
Dr Marie Vandecandelaere
DVM
After graduating from the University of Liège, Marie completed a one-year rotating internship in France at CHVE Livet followed by one year of general practice.
This comforted her in the idea of specializing in internal medicine. She then completed a 6-month temporary internal medicine resident position at Camden Equine Centre followed by a 6 months externship in the Intensive Care Unit at Scone Equine Hospital. In 2021, Marie started a European residency program in equine internal medicine (ECEIM) in Belgium that will be completed at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital under the supervision of Dr Gaby Van Galen.
Dr Chiara Di Donato
Associate Veterinarian
DVM
I graduated from the University of Milan, Italy in 2022 and have since worked in both Belgium and Italy, gaining a wide range of experience in equine medicine. In 2024, I completed an internship in Belgium, where I expanded my expertise by practicing in a variety of equine care fields. With a lifelong passion for horses and a deep interest in the various facets of equine medicine, I am eager to contribute to the wellbeing of horses and their owners in Australia.
Outside work, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast, with rock climbing being a particular passion. When not climbing, I enjoy exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Australia, whether its stunning coastlines or wild forests, always accompanied by some great music.
Dr Max Hannan
Associate Veterinarian.
Max graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2017, she then spent 2 years in mixed practice on the small island of Jersey before completing and equine internship in England. She started working at GVEH two years ago as an intern and now is part of the ambulatory team enjoying all aspects of first opinion practice.
Max is also the rotation coordinator for Melbourne University DVM Program, so you will probably see her accompanied by students wherever she goes! In her spare time she enjoys traveling and hopes to see more of Australia while she is here.
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Dr Angus O. McKinnon
BVSc, MSc, Diplomate ACT, DipVetMed, Diplomate ABVP.
Angus graduated from Melbourne University in 1978, and worked in private practice for a year, before heading to Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada in 1980 to work and study for a Diploma in Large Animal Medicine. He continued at Ontario Veterinary College as Assistant Professor in Large Animal Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction for the period 1982-84.
Angus then travelled to Colorado State University, USA, where he was employed as Assistant Professor in Equine Reproduction and Field Service 1984-1988, and as Associate Professor in Equine Medicine and Field Service 1988.
Our Interns
Dr Katy Johnson
Intern Veterinarian.
BVMEDSCI, BVM, BVS
Katy is a compassionate, friendly, and hardworking intern veterinarian at GVEH with a particular interest in surgery and neonatal medicine. She is excited to be part of a team that handles a diverse and varied caseload, offering her the opportunity to broaden her experience and refine her skills.
Known for her professionalism and dedication to patient care, Katy approaches every case with a thoughtful and meticulous mindset, always striving to provide the best possible outcomes for her patients. Her compassionate nature ensures that both animals and their owners feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.
Outside of her veterinary work, Katy is an avid traveler, always seeking new adventures and experiences. She also enjoys riding horses and spending quality time with animals, reflecting her deep love for the creatures she cares for both professionally and personally.
We’re excited to have Katy as part of our team, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow as a skilled veterinarian here at GVEH.
Dr Rabab Benhjla
Intern Veterinarian.
BVM
Our administration staff
Robert Ralston
Practice Manager
Emma Klug
Purchasing Manager
Joanne Neve
Accounts Receivable
Rhiannon Nicholas
Accounts Payable
Lynette Cornish
Receptionist
Julie McNiece
Health and Safety Officer
Our Reproduction Team
Fiona Herzog
Reproduction
BVMS, Dipl. ACT
Angus O. McKinnon
BVSc, MSc, Diplomate ACT, DipVetMed., Diplomate ABVP
Tahnee Griffith
Reproduction Manager
Our Stable staff
Garry Campbell
Stable Manager
Wayne Marklew
Stable Attendant
Our Vet Nurses
Nhyah Howes
Lead Equine Veterinary Nurse
Emma Downward
Equine Veterinary Nurse
Jacki Pike
Equine Veterinary Nurse
Horse handler
Joel Goulding
Horse Handler
Our Veterinary Tutor
Max Hannan
Associate Veterinarian
Max graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2017, she then spent 2 years in mixed practice on the small island of Jersey before completing and equine internship in England. She started working at GVEH two years ago as an intern and now is part of the ambulatory team enjoying all aspects of first opinion practice.
Max also is the rotation coordinator for Melbourne University DVM Program, so you will probably see her accompanied by students wherever she goes! In her spare time she enjoys traveling and hopes to see more of Australia while she is here.
