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

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

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 Wynne Collins

Dr Wynne Collins

MBV, PhD, Diploate ACT

Wynne brings extensive international experience in equine reproduction and theriogenology, having completed her Equine Reproduction Residency at UC Davis, a PhD in Animal Science at the University of Maryland, and becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists.

She spent six years as Chief Clinician in Equine Theriogenology at the University of Queensland Veterinary Medical Centre, Gatton, and has worked in specialist reproductive roles across Australia and North America.

We’re thrilled to have Wynne join our team and look forward to offering our clients her extensive experience and specialist knowledge in equine reproduction and breeding management.

Dr Angus McKinnon

Dr Angus 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.

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Dr Caitlin Watret

Dr Caitlin Watret

Associate Veterinarian.

BVM

Dr Chiara Di Donato

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.

Dr Tegan Hine

Dr Tegan Hine

Associate Veterinarian.

BVM

Growing up in Dubbo and Tamworth, NSW, I began my veterinary career as a qualified veterinary nurse before going on to graduate as a veterinarian from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

Since graduating, I’ve gained experience working in mixed practice and as a locum veterinarian across Australia. I’ve developed a particular passion for equine reproduction and am looking forward to building my hands-on experience at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, with the long-term goal of offering my own ambulatory reproductive services.

Outside of work, I enjoy camping, snowboarding and travelling. My husband and I recently completed a lap of Australia, which was a trip of a lifetime — and one we’re already planning to do all over again!

Dr Esther Detailleur

Dr Esther Detailleur

Associate Veterinarian - DVM

I’m Esther Detailleur — Associate veterinarian at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital with a background from the University of Ghent and a one-year rotational internship at Dubai Equine Hospital. My main interests lie in equine surgery and dentistry, and I enjoy the reproductive work as well. Outside the clinic, I’m passionate about Arabian horses and love spending time diving, horseback riding, or hiking through nature.

I’m constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow — both in veterinary medicine and in the world around me.

Dr Max Hannan

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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Our Interns

Dr Amy Beechinor

Dr Amy Beechinor

Intern Veterinarian.

BVM

Originally from West Cork, Ireland, Amy moved to Dublin in 2021 to study Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin (UCD). During her studies, she was inspired by several professors to pursue a career in equine medicine.

Amy’s main clinical interests include neonatal medicine, diagnostic imaging and equine reproduction. She is excited to continue developing her skills and knowledge at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital while working with the team and caring for our patients.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys skiing, Pilates and catching up with friends over a coffee. She is looking forward to exploring Australia and meeting all of our GVEH clients and their lovely horses!

Dr Ella Ryan

Dr Ella Ryan

Intern Veterinarian.

 

Dr Millie Wark

Dr Millie Wark

Intern Veterinarian.

BVM

After graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2025, I moved to Australia to begin my veterinary career as an intern at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital.

I’ve always had a passion for equine veterinary medicine, with particular interests in equine reproduction and dentistry. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and gaining valuable hands-on experience while working alongside the experienced team at GVEH.

Outside of work, I love travelling, am a keen runner and enjoy getting outdoors to hike or explore the coast. I’m excited for the adventures ahead and the opportunity to work with our wonderful clients and their horses!

Our administration staff

Robert

Robert

Practice Manager

Tammy

Tammy

Reception

Rhiannon

Rhiannon

Office Manager

 Emma

Emma

Purchasing Manager

Shawna

Shawna

Accounts Receivable

Julie

Julie

Health and Safety Officer

Our Reproduction Team

 Tahnee

Tahnee

Reproduction Manager

Angus O. McKinnon

Angus O. McKinnon

BVSc, MSc, Diplomate ACT, DipVetMed., Diplomate ABVP

Brooke

Brooke

Reproduction Assistant

Dr Tegan Hine

Dr Tegan Hine

Associate Veterinarian.

BVM

Our Stable staff

 Garry

Garry

Stable Manager

Wayne

Wayne

Stable Attendant

Our Vet Nurses

Nhyah

Nhyah

Lead Equine Veterinary Nurse

Emily

Emily

Equine Veterinary Nurse

Eve

Eve

Equine Veterinary Nurse

Horse handler

Joel Goulding

Joel Goulding

Horse Handler

Kylie Lynch

Kylie Lynch

Horse Handler

Our Veterinary Tutor

Max Hannan

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.