138 Castle Hill Road
West Pennant Hills
NSW 2125
By Appointment
Mon to Fri: 9am-12pm, 3:20pm-6:30pm
Sat: 9am-12pm, Sun: Closed
Areas of interest: Imaging, Ophthalmology, Small animal medicine
Stephen graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2002. Prior to this Stephen had completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in physiology and pharmacology and completed an additional year of study to graduate with honours.
After graduation, Stephen worked in an inner city small animal practice before joining West Pennant Hills Veterinary Hospital in 2004. Stephen has completed continuing education courses in Radiology, Ophthalmology and Ultrasonology and is a member of the Australian Small Animal Veterinarian Group and of the Centre for Veterinary Education. In 2014 Dr Stephen Abrahams handed the baton of ownership over to Stephen. Since then, Stephen has been attempting the juggle of providing the best possible care for patients, managing a small business and not being an absent father.
Outside of work Stephen has an interest in sustainability, the environment, bush-walking, cricket and baking. He attempts to bake something delicious for his staff members to celebrate their birthdays but isn’t always successful. He has a rescue cat called Minerva as well as two daughters.
Areas of interest: Internal medicine, behaviour and dermatology
Fiona graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology from The Sydney University of NSW in 1999. Fiona worked as a veterinary nurse at Kingsford Veterinary Hospital before commencing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2003. Fiona was an outstanding student and graduated with the University Medal in 2007. Following graduation, Fiona commenced her veterinary career at West Pennant Hills Veterinary Hospital and has been with us her whole veterinary career. Fiona is the unsung hero of our veterinary team, she provides essential and reliable support to all member of the clinic team.
Fiona is the pet parent of a rescue cat and an energetic labradoodle as well as the human parent to three children. Her interests outside of work and family are travelling, reading and baking.
Areas of interest: Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture
Emily was also in Stephen Reis’ year at The University of Sydney. Emily has worked in country NSW and Hong Kong before returning to Sydney and small animal practice. She joined West Pennant Hills Veterinary Hospital in 2017. Emily works casually most Fridays and some Saturdays and as holiday relief.
Emily speaks Cantonese and Mandarin. She has two boys and a Cavoodle called Belle. In her free time, Emily enjoys badminton and Karaoke.
Areas of interest: Soft-tissue surgery, dentistry, feline internal medicine and shelter medicine
Leonie graduated from Sydney University in 2016 and commenced work at the RSPCA in Yagoona in 2017. Leonie lives locally so works weekend shifts for us regularly. Leonie is an enthusiastic veterinarian with excellent communication skills and a passion for continuing education.
Leonie recently got married and moved into her own home. Leonie is a wonderful artist and to relax she enjoys life drawing and painting.
Areas of interest: Pharmacology
Claude was in Stephen Reis’ graduation year at Sydney University and he started at West Pennant Hills Veterinary Hospital after graduation in 2002. In fact, when Claude left to travel over-seas in 2004, he recommended the practice to Stephen. Claude worked in the United Kingdom for two years before returning to Australia. Claude decided to move away from full time clinical practice and joined the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. He has undertaken further examinations and gained qualification in pharmacology with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2012. Although Claude decided full time practice wasn’t for him, moving to part time clinical work allowed him to reconnect with his passion for animal health and client support. Claude typically works one weekend shift a month along with his full time Monday to Friday industry role.
Claude has an elderly Shih Tzu and a rescue cat called Fletch. He is the proud father of a daughter. Apart from spending time with his family, Claude enjoys exercising on a mountain bike or relaxing with a fixing rod in hand or following MotoGP on television.
Bernadette is a very experienced veterinary nurse and has helped to train many junior nurses both at West Pennant Hills and at other clinics. She has worked in many clinics in Sydney including the Animal Referral Hospital at Homebush, Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Concord Veterinary Hospital. Bernadette has also worked as a human nurse and as a dental nurse so is skilled in multiples facets of nursing. The physical demands of nursing has required Bernadette to move into a less hands-on, clerical role. She’s always willing to tackle those challenging administrative tasks that no one else wants. While still very interested in wildlife and surgical nursing her focus is mainly on reception and practice management these days.
Bernadette lives with two cats, “Jasper” and “Lemon” and likes to relax by reading and making beaded jewellery. She is always looking forward to her next trip and the opportunity to take some stunning photos.
Jess completed her Certificate IV qualification with us in 2023. She previously completed a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience in 2019 so she is a very qualified and capable veterinary nurse. Jess is passionate about all animals but especially horses and large breed dogs. She worked as a kennel hand from a young age and also spent several years working as a track rider. Jess is currently the proud dog mum of a large, shaggy, black Newfoundland called Winnie and has a long-standing partnership with a Clydesdale cross horse, Apollo. Although not currently competing, she loves all forms of horse riding with a particular love of showjumping competitions.
Bianca commenced with us as a volunteer on Saturday mornings in May 2024. We were so impressed by her energy, reliability and attitude that she was offered employment in November 2024. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience and would love to enrol in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science course in the future. Bianca and her family have a Schnauzer called Monty and Bianca has a soft spot for the breed. When not studying or working Bianca enjoys being active and outdoors and spending time with friend and family.
Meg undertook her high school work experience placement at the clinic in 2015. Meg’s enthusiasm and motivation prompted an offer to work as a holiday animal attendant which then evolved into a casual nursing position over the years. Meg has continued to work through the completion of her HSC and onto the commencement of her tertiary studies. Her passions are animal welfare, animal health and veganism. Meg started her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Sydney University but the moral and ethical challenges of veterinary training and practice forced Meg to reassess her career focus. She is now pivoting toward a career in human medicine and leaving her love of animals as a stress-relieving recreational pursuit.
When not studying or working Meg is cooking vegan recipes, reading and listening to 1940s and 1950s music.
Violet is a veterinary student who commenced their tertiary studies in 2021 and started working weekends with us in February 2024. Violet is enjoying the veterinary science course and the opportunity to gain practical experience in small animal practice. With a strong interest in small animal medicine, Violet is especially passionate about fear-free animal handling techniques that help reduce stress for pets during their visits. Outside of the clinic, Violet enjoys baking sweet treats, crocheting cozy creations and unwinding with peaceful walks.
Shannon completed a week of high school work experience in 2017. Shannon demonstrated a quiet determination and competence unusual for her age. When Meg took time off for her HSC preparation Shannon was offered the role of animal attendant. Shannon was proved extremely reliable, intelligent and motivated. At the completion of her HSC she was offered a position in the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Shannon is keen to have pets but has not had the opportunity. Shannon relaxes by playing the flute, reading and attending Church camps.
Terry started at West Pennant Hills in 2005 after taking time off to start her family. Terry’s prior employment was working as a conveyancing officer. Terry loves interacting with clients by phone and in person. She is always happy to have a chat and her interest in clients is not just superficial. She loves being able to provide advice, support and comfort to pets and their owners. She never gets tired of seeing puppies or kittens come through the door.
Terry is the proud mother of two adult children. Until recently, she regularly dog-sat her daughter’s boisterous Staffordshire Terrier but now has to be satisfied with interstate visits. Terry’s interests outside of work include sport and having spent her early years in Melbourne, particularly AFL. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and going for walks along Sydney’s beautiful coast.
Renee started grooming at West Pennant Hills Veterinary Hospital in November 2017. She is an experienced and qualified groomer who has been grooming for over 9 years and has worked in a several different Veterinary Clinics and grooming salons in the Sydney metropolitan area. Renee enjoys grooming all breeds with her focus being small breeds such as poodles, cavoodles, pomeranians, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Renee takes a lot of pride in her work and finds a lot of satisfaction in sending dogs home in the best condition possible after their visit.
Renee has two children, two dogs, and a rescue rabbit. Renee is a fluent Cantonese and Mandarin speaker and loves to spend quality time with family and pets whenever possible.