Team
Semaphore Veterinary Surgery
Semaphore Vet
Our Veterinarians.
Dr Alison Booth BSc BVMS (Hons)
Veterinarian
Alison graduated from Murdoch University, Western Australia in 1990 before working in small animal practices in Perth, the UK and Adelaide.
In 1999, she joined forces with former classmate Bruce Wells to form Semaphore Veterinary Surgery.
From humble beginnings, SVS has evolved into a busy nine-veterinarian practice.
Alison enjoys all aspects of small animal practice, particularly senior canine and feline medicine, soft tissue surgery and dermatology. Alison is married to Paul and has two daughters. Her family work hard as the staff for two spoilt felines. She loves to travel but will always call Adelaide home.
Dr Bruce Wells BSc BVMS (Hons)
Veterinarian
Bruce set up Semaphore Veterinary Surgery with Alison Booth in 1999. Both Bruce and Alison have recently constructed a purpose built practice at 113 Semaphore Road.
They are both very happy to have more room and comfort for patients, clients and staff.
He has an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Harlow. She rules the house and is much loved by all who meet her.
Bruce enjoys all aspects of small animal practice, particularly the interaction between clients and their furry families.
His special interests are in dermatology and knee injuries.
Dr Terry Bannister BSc BVSc
Veterinarian
Terry qualified as a veterinarian in 2007 from Massey University (NZ). He began his career as a mixed animal veterinarian in the sunny Hawke's Bay of New Zealand, before immigrating to South Australia in 2010. He has been with Semaphore Veterinary Surgery since 2011 (aside from an 18 month COVID prolonged sabbatical to NZ in 2019). He has a keen interest in orthopaedic surgery, particularly knees and hips, and has extensive experience in performing the MMP procedure for canine cruciate rupture. His spare time is taken up with reading, watching movies and sport, and keeping his two young sons entertained (Bandit, eat your heart out!).
Dr Carly Condon BSc BVMS
Veterinarian
Carly graduated from Murdoch University, WA in 2010 and moved to Adelaide to start work in small animal practice. She enjoys all aspects of her work but is particularly interested in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery.
Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, 3 human kids and 2 border terriers. Trips to the beach, family bike rides, and kiteboarding are a few of her favourite pastimes.
Dr Emily Brandon BSc BVMS
Veterinarian
Emily graduated from Murdoch University in 2012, and despite being from Adelaide originally, spent most of the next 4 years travelling and working all around Western Australia. Emily and her family now call Semaphore home and she has been a permanent member of our team since 2017.
Emily enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine, including the occasional emergency to keep her on her toes, and soft tissue surgery. Emily and her husband have two young kids, as well as a cheeky kelpie pup and two kitties.
When she's not working Emily loves to bundle up the kids (both human and canine!) and head off camping, or venture down to the beach and enjoy the sunshine and relaxed Semaphore vibe.
Dr Alana Potgieter BVSc
Veterinarian
Alana moved to Adelaide in 2007, after graduating from the University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort) in South Africa where she was born.
She enjoys travelling, photography, gardening, walking and (when someone lends her a horse), horse riding. She has a particular interest in radiology and ultrasound, but enjoys working up tough medical cases. Pocket pets are also something of a passion as long as they have fur and good manners!
She is the mother of two cats, Klaus and Clementine, that were both orphaned and now live a very posh life. Every other spare minute is spent renovating her old stone cottage and making her garden bigger.
Dr Daniel Colella BSc DVM
Veterinarian
Daniel graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2018 and has been working at Semaphore Veterinary Surgery since.
He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has a strong passion in veterinary dentistry, ensuring our patients have a pain free and healthy mouth.
Daniel cares for two ginger cats, Ori and Shane, who enjoy gardening just as much as he does, but unfortunately they are less helpful with his many home improvement projects.
Dr Sarah Hill BVETMED MANZCVS
Veterinarian
Sarah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1999. Following graduation she has worked as a small animal practitioner in Scotland, England, and now Australia. She moved to Australia with her husband and 2 boys in 2009 and now lives in beautiful Williamstown with her human family and her beloved furry family, her cat Maui, and 2 dogs Stanley and Archie.
Through the course of her career her lifelong love of all things feline has developed into a deep interest in cat medicine. To this end, she has committed many hours to studying the subject and in 2021 passed the Membership examinations in the Medicine of Cats, proudly becoming a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
In her spare time, Sarah loves to run around the beautiful Australian countryside, walk the dogs and enjoys a variety of creative persuits.
Dr Megan Bouchier BSc DVM
Veterinarian
Megan graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2015, and has loved working as a small animal vet every day since. She enjoys a good balance of medicine and soft tissue surgery, and is particularly passionate about animal behaviour and the management of behavioural problems.
Outside of the clinic Megan likes to keep herself busy painting, sketching, baking and reading as many books as she can get her hands on.
She is mum to one very spoiled cat Lilo, Atticus the crazy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and sweet Kiara the Rough Collie.
Dr Julia Riches BSc DVM
Veterinarian
Julia graduated from The University of Adelaide in 2021 and joined the Semaphore Vet team in 2023.
She is passionate about the human animal bond (nothing makes her happier than talking about how much you love your pets, and them you) and has recently developed an interest in soft tissue surgery.
Julia loves spending time with her loved ones, a glass of red, reading, gardening, and staying fit & healthy. She is mum to a spoilt golden retriever, Lottie, and a cheeky German Shepherd, Klaus.
Semaphore Vet
Our Support Staff.
Jessie Marshall
Administration Manager and Veterinary Nurse
Jessie joined the practice in 2005, the same year she began her vet nursing course at TAFE. She graduated with a Certificate IV in 2008 and enjoys welcoming clients at reception and assisting with administration in the office.
Outside office hours, Jessie is a busy mum of two kids and shares her home with her chatty (and naughty) Rainbow Lorikeet, Lenny.
Melissa Brodie
Veterinary Nurse Manager
Mel joined the team in November 2014. As the nursing manager, she enjoys connecting with both staff and clients and thrives on triaging emergencies that keep her on her toes.
When she’s not at work (or wrangling teenage kids), Melissa is busy showing her beloved German Shepherds. She shares her home with three of them, plus a Labrador, three cats, and an Eclectus parrot, making for quite a full house!
Makayla Ellul
Veterinary Nurse Team Leader
Makayla joined the Semaphore team in March 2020 after finishing her studies at the end of 2019. She has a strong interest in surgical nursing and enjoys the fast-paced, hands-on nature of the role. Caring for patients and supporting them through their recovery is what she finds most rewarding. She also helps run the clinic’s social media, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and updates.
When she’s not in scrubs, you’ll probably find Makayla out for a run or at the gym. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and family—and her lively little dog, Bailey, who keeps things interesting.
Louise Murphy
Veterinary Nurse
Louise joined the Semaphore team in July 2018 after loving her nursing placement with us. She’s all about the variety — whether it’s helping clients out front, jumping in during surgeries, or cheering on furry patients as they recover in the treatment area.
Growing up with a Labrador named Sandy and a Golden Retriever called Tilly, plus the newest family member, Crumpet the cheeky Cavoodle, Louise has always had a huge soft spot for animals. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her diving, dancing up a storm, camping under the stars, or hanging out with her friends and family.
Nicola Beaumont
Veterinary Nurse
Nicola joined Semaphore Vet Surgery in October 2021 after moving from Melbourne to Adelaide to study veterinary medicine at the University of Adelaide. She completed her Certificate IV in vet nursing in 2019. Nicola particularly enjoys furthering her surgical nursing skills.
In her spare time she loves to keep active by playing basketball, rock climbing and wakeboarding. She's also kept busy by the many foster kittens that she is usually caring for.
Sophie Edwards
Veterinary Nurse & Puppy Pre-School Instructor
Sophie completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2018 and joined the team in 2022. She loves hospital nursing and working with cats, as well as her puppy preschool classes. In her spare time, her menagerie of animals keeps her very busy, including Cooper the cocker spaniel and her four rescue cats, Scarlett, Mika, Peach and Ollie.
Nicole Herbener
Veterinary Nurse
Nicole graduated from Gilles Plains TAFE in Veterinary Nursing in 2013. Worked at a general practice and emergency hospital in the emergency department for 8 years before joining Semaphore Veterinary Surgery in 2022.
She enjoys the surgery and the hospital component of veterinary nursing and also has an interest in cat behaviour and making sure their experiences in the clinic are as stress free as possible.
At home, Nicole has a Corgi x Jack Russell called Kol, who helps at GAP (Greyhounds As Pets) for their green collar assessments. She also has two cats called Alfie and Dory.
Tulsi Patel
Veterinary Nurse
Tulsi joined Semaphore Vet in October 2022, having enjoyed her vet nursing placements here. After completing a BVSc & AH from India in 2010, Tulsi did her Honours in pathobiology from the University of Adelaide in 2014. Tulsi loves working with animals and caring for them. She enjoys surgical nursing.
Outside the clinic, Tulsi loves to travel and explore new places, walking, exercising and cooking. Tulsi enjoys her family time with husband Bhaskar and two lovely daughters Heli and Shree.
Andrea Phelps
Veterinary Nurse
Andrea joined the Semaphore Vet team after graduating in 2023. She enjoys nursing patients during their visits and giving them their well-deserved attention!
Andrea has recently joined our Puppy Preschool program as an instructor. She has a passion for helping owners build strong bonds with their new pups, as well as stealing a puppy cuddle or two!
When Andrea is not in the clinic, she is often with her four-legged friend Eddie, or at the gym.
Anna Avonlea
Veterinary Nurse
Anna graduated with a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2019 and joined the team in May 2023. She enjoys all aspects of nursing and has a particular soft spot for the spicy kitties.
In her free time she is ruled by her seven foster-fail felines at home and dreams of one day adding a giant Maine Coone to the mix.
Abbey McCluskey
Receptionist and Puppy Preschool Coordinator
Abbey got her start as a receptionist at an emergency clinic in 2021 and in March 2023, Abbey joined the team at Semaphore Vet.
With a big heart for both people and their pets, Abbey takes care of front desk responsibilities, administration support, the clinic social media and coordinates our puppy preschool program for our instructors & new-pet families.
When she is off the clock, Abbey loves running errands, going to the gym and catching up with friends & family.
Kylie Nguyen
Hospital Maintenance
Kylie joined our team in April 2023 and is charge of keeping our workspaces spotlessly clean.
She has a gorgeous little Chihuahua x Pomeranian, Ruby. In her spare time, Kylie likes to experience new things and spend time with her three sons and husband.
Nikki Schamschurin
Veterinary Nurse & Puppy Preschool Instructor
Nikki graduated from Gilles Plains TAFE in Veterinary Nursing in 2015 and joined the Semaphore Vet team in June, 2023.
She has a strong passion for dental procedures and exotic animal care, whilst also being a lover of all things small and senior.
Nikki is a dog mum to Arnie (Chihuahua x), Gus (Shar Pei), Juniper (Maltese Shih Tzu) and Teddy (Toy Poodle). When Nikki isn’t in the clinic, you’ll often find her out with friends or seeing family.
Blanche Phillips
Veterinary Technician
Blanche joined the Semaphore team in late 2024 after completing her placement with the clinic. She graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology from the University of Adelaide and enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, especially surgical care and supporting patients through recovery.
Outside of work, Blanche loves spending time with her two cats, both adopted from Semaphore Vet – one of them in her very first week at the clinic.
Chloe Sawlwin
Veterinary Nurse
Chloe is committed to providing exceptional care to animals, especially focusing on the needs of senior pets. Currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, she is excited to build a career in the veterinary industry.
Outside of work, Chloe enjoys a range of activities including camping, baking, and sewing. She’s also a proud pet owner of Eddie Kelpie X, Leroy ginger cat, and Ben turtle.
Chelsea Farrugia
Veterinary Nurse
Chelsea is a qualified veterinary nurse since 2016 and couldn’t imagine doing anything else! She has a special interest in medicine, dental care and surgery. She loves being hands on when it comes to helping pets feel their happiest and healthiest!
At home, Chelsea’s world revolves around her own fur-family – her cheeky Kelpie Casper and three mischievous cats, Sushi, Alphie and Mac. Living with her own mini zoo means she truly understands how important it is to have someone you can trust caring for your beloved companions.