DR MAX SLEEMAN B.V.Sc (Syd)
Max is a partner of the practice and veterinary director. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 2014 and has worked at Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital ever since. Max’s medical interests include endocrinology and oncology. Also a keen surgeon Max has sought advanced training in both orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. Max’s real passion still lies in general practice and working with the local community to achieve the best outcomes for their pets. In spare time you’ll often find Max on the golf course or cricket pitch and during the winter months he is an avid skier.
DR AMELIA TENNENT B.V.Sc (Massey)
Amelia graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2004. After three years in mixed practice in New Zealand she moved to the United Kingdom and spent five years working as a small animal veterinarian. Amelia moved to Australia and started at Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital in 2011. Amelia enjoys all aspects of her work as a veterinarian, especially the challenge presented by complex medical cases. Outside of work she can be found chasing her three small, energetic children around or pottering in the garden.
DR TERRY JUNG D.V.M
Terry completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine course in South Korea in 2017 and then passed the Australian Veterinary Examination in order to practice here in Australia. He has completed an internship and worked in general practice, referral hospitals and emergency hospitals. Terry has a special interest in emergency/critical care and surgery but does also enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine. He is fluent in both English and Korean. Outside of work, Terry spends his spare time with family (wife, daughter, son and Nacho the Cavoodle) and also enjoys playing tennis.

Dr Aimee Smith
Aimee originally completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2014, before completing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2023. Prior to that, she worked in a social work setting, with victims of domestic violence and homelessness in Albury-Wodonga. Aimee has a special interest in ophthalmology, surgery and feline medicine. In Aimee’s free time, you’ll often find her creating various artworks, recipes and DIY projects or playing with her very cheeky kitten, Liam.
Dr Katy Edwards
Katy graduated from Cambridge University in the UK in 2021 and spent her first few years working in a mixed practice focusing on small animals, horses and farmyard pets. After deciding to focus on companion animals, Katy made the big move to Sydney in 2024 where she joined the Castle Hill team. Alongside a keen interest for diagnostic imaging and surgery, Katy loves being part of the community and helping improve the health and welfare of their furry friends. Outside of work Katy can be found on the soccer field or in the ocean trying her hand at surfing with varying degrees of success.
Dr Ailie Yeh
Ailie completed a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) with a double major in biology and neuroscience in 2020, before completing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2024. Ailie has a keen interest in surgery, diagnostic imaging and emergency/ critical care. Outside of work, you’ll find her trying new restaurants, playing on the piano or spending time with her 2 senior dogs and 1 cat.
Dr Tina Baxter
NATALIE HECKMANN
Natalie has worked in all areas of the hospital for over 25 years. Her current role is that of Practice Manager. Her interests include animal welfare, staff wellbeing and education.
Natalie started up our kitten adoption program many years ago which has seen hundreds of kittens being rehomed.
Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her family and all her special rescue pets.
SARA NAJAFIPOUR
Sara studied Veterinary Science at Shiraz University in Iran. In 2012, Sara and her family moved to Australia permanently and while she was preparing for her NVE exam, she also applied for the vet nurse position at Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital. She finds working in such a friendly environment an incredible blessing which helped her to settle down in a new country much more easily. Sara is married and blessed with two children. When leaving Iran to move to Australia, Sara had to rehome her fur baby which was heart breaking. However, she was lucky enough to adopt the most beautiful poodle Lola, which was one of Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital’s leukaemia patients at the time. Another addition to her family is Leo the handsome dachshund cross which she rescued in 2016 and Mr Luke a cheeky kitten from our kitten adoption program. She enjoys spending her spare time doing courses on small animal nutrition and is passionate to help clients to get the right diet for their furry friends.
NATALIE SALE
Natalie is one of our veterinary nurses and has been working at Castle Hill Vet Hospital since 2015. She is very passionate about conservation and sustainability and is currently undertaking extra training with Vets Beyond Borders in native wildlife care and rehabilitation. At home she has a three-legged cat named Ollie and two Jack Russell Terriers named Ginny and Harry 💕
Emma
Emma is a Registered Nurse who began her career in 2007. She has been with us since 2019, during which time she has gained experience in various roles, including working in kennels, reception, and nursing. Currently, she serves as our Senior Nurse/Kennel Supervisor and truly enjoys all aspects of her job. Outside of work, Emma is a proud dog owner to four dogs: Cricket, Bean, Ollie, and Kevin.
Sharon Richey
Sharon completed the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in December 2020 and worked at Terrey Hills Animal Hospital prior to commencing work at Castle Hill in July 2024. Sharon came to vet nursing later in life when looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career in which she could satisfy her passion for providing quality care for animals. Sharon has had pets all her life and understands they are a part of the family and enrich our lives. She currently enjoys the company of her three Burmese cats: Milo, Luna and Mocha. Sharon is committed to furthering her education in veterinary nursing and regularly attends workshops and webinars. In her spare time, Sharon can be found enjoying long walks; watching the latest sci-fi or superhero movie; and spending quality time with family and friends.
NINA REDFERN
Nina has been in the Veterinary Industry for over 20 years and has completed her Vet Nursing Certificate. Previously she worked at Parramatta Vet, before joining Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital in 2008. As a receptionist she believes in giving a high level of customer service. When not working Nina enjoys catching up with friends over a movie or coffee and looking after her own pets.

Taylor Foxall
Taylor started at Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital in February 2022 and is one of our receptionists. She has studied at the University of Sydney, completing a Bachelor of Science and Advanced Studies: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, and has finished her honours project looking at koala survival rates. Taylor is interested in pursuing a career in wild life conservation and rehabilitation, and often takes home joey possums to care for them overnight. In her spare time, she loves to surf with her boyfriend, go thrifting with her friends, crochet and read books while also spending time with her rescue dog, Poppy.

Dev Patel
Dev is a receptionist at Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital and is currently studying a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney. Dev is intrigued by all areas of veterinary medicine but has a particular interest in surgery and internal medicine. In his spare time, Dev enjoys rock climbing, spending time with his friends, and playing with his beaglier Petal.
CAITLIN GIAM
Caitlin Started working at Castle Hill Veterinary Hospital in April 2014 in the kennels. She is currently studying Animal & Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Sydney with hopes to train in Animal Physiotherapy in the future.
BELLA FRANICH
Bella started working as a Kennel Attendant in September 2020. She plans on completing her Vet nursing qualifications, then continuing her studies into a Bachelor of veterinary science. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and cooking, and playing with her adorable and crazy rescue kitten, Calla.
Lily Wilson
Lily has been working at CHVH as a kennel attendant and more recently as a receptionist, since October 2018. She will be studying Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide in 2024 with plans of going into mixed practice. She enjoys chai lattes and spending time with her beautiful dogs Dijon and Bean.

Maya Cowling
Braydon Learmonth
Braydon graduated from WSU in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science: Zoology and joined the CHVH team as an animal attendant at the start of 2023 to gain valuable, hands-on experience with animals. He is also currently studying a Certificate III in Captive and Wildlife Animal Care through Taronga Zoo’s Training Institute with hopes of becoming a zookeeper in the future. Braydon has a lifelong passion for animals of all kinds and in particular for animal behaviour, training and conservation. When not at work or studying, he likes to spend his time playing guitar or helping out at his church as one of the youth group leaders.

Hanah Bloodworth
Lauren Brand
Lauren has been a member of the team at Castle Hill Vets since February 2024, currently working towards her Certificate III in Animal Studies. With seven years of experience in a large boarding facility, Lauren has honed her skills supervising dogs and cats in boarding, as well as managing the daily care of over 30 dogs in daycare of many different breeds and socialisation levels. Throughout her career, she’s attended numerous seminars on behaviour, training, nutrition, scent work, and protection sports to deepen her expertise.
As a dog trainer, Lauren has specialized in both general and complex training, focusing on daycare and boarding dogs. Her passion lies in understanding animal behaviour and providing the best nutritional care for pets, particularly dogs, cats, birds and wildlife.
Caitlin Slowgrove

Abbey Foxall

