Jen arrived from the UK at the same time as Louise, but it took a year working in the UK in 2005 to make her realize that Southland is home. She returned to OVL in 2006 and joined the Directorship in 2008. Jen enjoys the variety of work that we see at OVL, with both small and large animal surgery being areas of particular interest. Having spent years watching the sunrise whilst out rowing, she has decided that sleep is more important, but still enjoys a range of outdoor sports and activities. Jen is also interested in improving the reporductive performance of our dairy herds.

Teressa is almost a born and bred Southlander, originating from Millers Flat in Central Otago. She grew up on a sheep farm and studied Zoology at Otago University before starting her Veterinary degree at Massey. Teressa has been working with us at OVL since graduating in 2005, and is continuing to develop her interest in Sheep Medicine. Teressa is a keen artist and spends much of her time away from work painting……when not helping out on the family farm!

Julia graduated from the University of Liverpool (UK) in 2011 and made the big decision to move out to Southland to start her Veterinary career. Originally from Cumbria, Julia is quite the sports enthusiast with hill walking, mountain biking and swimming being particular favourites, along with hockey and Ju-jitsu. She is also a black belt in Karate……you have been warned!

Louise Fieten (Red Louise) has been working intermittently for OVL since 2008 in between raising her young family.  Louise graduated from Glasgow University in 2001 and spent five years working in both mixed and small animal practice in the UK before heading out to NZ on her OE......nine years, one husband and three children later, we are all very pleased that it was a permanent OE!  Louise enjoys most aspects of our varied workload, but has particular interests in the dairy and small animal work.  Outside of work Louise is kept pretty busy ferrying her three children around, but when she does find some time to herself, trail riding, snowboarding and dancing keep her entertained.

Kelly is originally from the suburbs of New York City and has recently graduated from Colorado State University.  Whilst at CSU, she gained her Veterinary degree and also a Masters degree following research with wild pigs in Japan.  Kelly has a particular interest in both Farm and Equine Medicine and Surgery, so we should have plenty to keep her busy!  Kelly loves the outdoors and is an avid horse rider, skier, hiker, mountain biker, camper, traveler and most surprisingly, rugby player!  Kelly has been playing rugby for around 8 years, both 15’s and 7’s, and is usually found at fullback.  Given her love of the outdoors, Kelly has no intentions to return to hectic city life and is looking forward to getting out and discovering NZ. And having timed her arrival just in time for the Rugby World Cup, I’m sure we’ll have her supporting the All Blacks by September.

Emma joined the OVL team in August 2019 having recently graduated from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh.  Emma is originally from France, spending her childhood in Paris before heading to Canada to further her studies.  She completed a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at McGill University, Montreal, which lead her to her chosen career in Veterinary Medicine. And after Paris, Montreal and Edinburgh, Otautau was the obvious choice to begin her Veterinary career! Emma enjoys the outdoors, with a particular love of skiing, surfing and hiking. She is also a keen photographer, so hopefully some of her local photos will feature in future editions of the newsletter!