Meet the Team

Dr John Montgomery BVSc

Dr John has been working as a veterinarian since he gained his Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne in 1972.  He built the first veterinary practice in Eden NSW where he worked for many years, before relocating to Sonza.  Again, he established a clinic and quickly developed a loyal clientele.  Working 50 hour weeks, Dr John has clients extending from as far north as Newcastle, down south to Cooma, east to Batemans Bay and to the west to Albury, as well as locally throughout Canberra, Queanbeyan, Bungendore and the surrounding region.  With almost 50 years experience as a veterinarian, John is a highly skilled clinician and constantly keeping up to date with the latest advancements by attending seminars and conferences.

Dr John is a very forthright and honest person.  Our clients value that he is straight to the point and works tirelessly to provide the best of care to his patients.

Outside of work, Dr John loves spending time with his wife Gill and two beautiful children, Hayden and Tayah.  He also judges at obedience trials and conformation shows in the group rings for Utility and Gundogs.  He enjoys working on the family property and breeding horses and dogs with his family.

Dr Hayden Montgomery BVBio / BVSc

Hayden graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Charles Sturt University in 2021.  The son of Gill & Dr John, Hayden has grown up in the veterinary industry and is eager to now develop his skills as a clinician.  He has a special interest in assisted reproductive techniques, breeding methodologies and heritable traits in horses and dogs and is hoping to complete further studies in companion animal theriogenology.

In his spare time, Hayden enjoys spending time with our horses and dogs, attending dog shows and doing work around the family farm.  Hayden has a strong passion for genetics, bloodline research and other aspects of the dog and horse breeding operations at Sonza.

Gill Montgomery

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Accredited Veterinary Nurse

Gill has been working as a veterinary nurse since 1992 and joined the team at Sonza in early 1993.  Whilst Gill has done her fair share of full-time nursing over the years, these days you’ll often see her popping in and out of the clinic as she manages the team and helps out wherever she is required.

With numerous qualifications under her belt, Gill enjoys continuing professional development and the immense benefits that go with furthering qualifications and education. Gill became an Accredited Veterinary Nurse in 2009 and continues to strive to do the best she can. Being very passionate about the veterinary nursing profession, Gill enjoyed a long tenure on the Executive Committee of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) and held the position of National President in 2010 and 2012.

Gill has two beautiful children, Hayden & Tayah, who both share their parents passion for animals.  Outside of the business, Gill also breeds Paint Horses and is regularly seen around the equine show circuit competing at both State & National levels.

 

Tilly Turner

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Tilly joined the Sonza team at the beginning of 2016 and has loved every moment of it!  She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and became qualified at the end of 2017.

Tilly grew up on a farm from a very young age, and this is where she found her love for animals, big and small.  She has many animals, including horses, dogs and birds.  One of her horses, named Flash, has been in her life for the past 14 years.

Tilly has a passion and empathy for all animals which is displayed every day in her nursing at Sonza. Tilly’s hobbies include anything and everything equestrian, travelling, camping and is currently planning her wedding for 2018.

Brittany Heycox

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Brittany joined the Sonza team in mid-2020 and is enjoying each and every moment of it.  She has since completed the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Brittany has grown up with animals her entire life and has always had a passion for caring for them.

When Britt is not at work, you can find her at home with her two dogs, two cats or out riding and competing on her horses.

Britt’s hobbies include horse riding and competing in dressage / showing, getting away camping on her days off and spending time with her family and friends at the beach.

Felicia Thomas

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Felicia began working at Sonza mid-2020.  She has since completed the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing after having previously successfully completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies.

Felicia grew up in Canberra, but has travelled to every state within Australia plus seven countries all by the age of 16 years competing in BMX racing.

Felicia became fascinated with all animals from every walk of life and knew it was her passion to work with animals.

In her spare time, you will find Felicia attached at the hip to her Kelpie Mishka or playing sport such as BMX racing, Oz-Tag or rugby league.

Emily Andres

Animal Attendant

Emily is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing (yes, human, not veterinary!) and enjoys working at Sonza to support her income while being a full-time uni student.

Emily also enjoys training off the track Thoroughbreds and competing in showjumping on her Thoroughbred Ollie.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys working on cars with her Dad and spending time with her Labrador Max and Mini Fox Terrier Nemo.