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 built the clinic and quickly established a loyal clientele.  Working 54 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 over 45 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 Alice Lawson BVSc

Alice joined us at Sonza Veterinary Clinic in 2017. She is new to the area, arriving here after living and working both interstate and overseas.  Alice and her family have recently arrived back in Australia following two years living in China. Alice’s husband Paul is also a vet; he is currently still working in China building dairies.  Alice graduated from Sydney Uni back in 1997.  Since then she has worked both in mixed and small animal practice. She enjoys keeping up-to-date with her veterinary studies, earlier this year completing a one year veterinary clinical pathology course.  Alice is looking forward to being an integral member of the Sonza team and applying her newly acquired knowledge.

Alice and her family have chosen now to remain here locally having just finished building their home in the area. Her four kids are happy to be back in Australia especially as it means they can have pets again.  Alice’s family now have a handful of their old horses back to keep them busy and two canine companions, Eadie who was adopted from the Queanbeyan Pound and a Dobermann puppy bred by John and Gill.

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.

 

Shannen Brown – Head Veterinary Nurse

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Shannen joined the Sonza team in 2019.  Originally from Captains Flat, Shannen spent a lot of time on her grandparents farm which saw her develop a passion for animals and encouraged her to pursue a career working with them. Shannen then attended Yanco Agricultural High School to assist her pursue this career.

Shannen then worked in Wagga Wagga at busy veterinary practice for 4 years and she completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and became qualified nurse during this time.

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

Student Veterinary Nurse

Brittany joined the Sonza team in mid 2020 and is enjoying each and every moment of it.  She is currently in the process of completing her 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

Student Veterinary Nurse

Felicia began working at Sonza mid 2020.  She is currently in the process of completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing after having 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.

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 BMZ racing, Oz-Tag or rugby league.

 

 

Hayden Montgomery 

Veterinary Science Student

Hayden is currently studying veterinary science at Charles Sturt University, on track to graduate in 2021.  He enjoys doing shifts at Sonza during his uni breaks, as well as being an extra pair of hands when the need arises.  The son of Gill & Dr John, Hayden has grown up in the veterinary industry and is working hard to one day be a vet like his father and grandfather.  Hayden has a strong passion for genetics, bloodline research and other aspects of our breeding programs with the dogs and horses.

In his spare time, Hayden enjoys spending time with our horses and dogs, attending dog shows and doing work around the farm.

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.

Krystal Allport

Animal Attendant