Meet the Team

Dr Vanessa Escott DVM

Principal Veterinarian

Dr Vanessa has dreamt of being a vet for as far back as she can remember! After she realized this dream in 1999 she developed a new dream – to own her own veterinary practice – a dream which became a reality with the opening of Happy Paws in October 2017!

She loves all aspects of general practice, so much so that even after 20 years in small animal practice she still loves talking about fleas! Her special interests include dentistry, soft tissue surgery and fostering the human-animal bond.

She lives in heaven (on the Gold Coast!) with her husband Dave her three non-furry children (Sebastian, Oscar and Darcy) and her furry children (Chicken and Noodle, the cats).

In her free time (ha, what’s that?!) she enjoys reading, watching The Block, pub lunches, and family time. She is looking forward to welcoming you and your fur babies to Happy Paws and getting to know you!

Dr Jessica Norman BVSc(Hons)

Veterinarian

Dr Jessica has dreamed of being a vet since the age of four. It was in 2014 when this dream became a reality, graduating with an honours degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland. Since then, Dr Jessica has gone on to hone her skills in small animal vet care on the Gold Coast, before joining the team here at Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic.

The New-Zealand-born vet shares her home with an absolutely spoilt rotten mini house panther called Toothless, a recently adopted senior feline resident, Misty, her partner’s family dog, Meeka, a Maltese Shih Tzu, and her newest addition, Homer Stimson, the Stimpson Python!

When Dr Jessica is not caring for fur babies, she is out at the gym, participating in pilates classes, or is out on a long run. She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, and can’t wait to get to know you and your loved pets.

Dr Rachel Bush-King BVSc(HonsI)

Veterinarian

Dr Rachel Bush-King joined the Happy Paws team in August 2018. She received her Bachelor of Veterinary Science [with first class Honours] from the University of Queensland with her identical twin sister in 2009 and has been working in general practice since.

Dr Rachel has such a love of medicine that she has decided to pursue further qualification in this field. She is currently studying and plans to sit her exams in Internal Medicine through the Australian and New Zealand Veterinary College. She is passionate about all things medical and finds endocrinology (diseases affecting the balance of hormones) of particular interest.

Rachel’s strengths are her patience and thoroughness and she is dedicated to being an excellent clinician. She is always kind and sensible in her approach and really enjoys getting to know her clients and their fur families. Dr Rachel has her own fur babies who she loves dearly including “Rosie” the Golden Retriever, “Chester” the cheeky Groodle, and her two cats “Sprinkles” and “Yoda’

Allison Vanderpeet

Senior Veterinary Nurse

Having always been around animals while growing up it was an easy choice for Allison to go into veterinary nursing after she completed year 12 at school. She remains as passionate about her career today as she did when she started and brings 30 years of experience, knowledge and compassion with her to Happy Paws.

When she’s not at work Allison enjoys spending time with her family (husband, 2 nonfurry kids and 2 furry ones). Her German Shepherd, Korah, and her Chihuahua, Andy, currently rule the roost. She is excited to meet you and your furry friend at Happy Paws.

Alana Sherwell

Veterinary Nurse

Alana has grown up with animals all her life. She knew that working with them would be very rewarding so vet nursing was an obvious career choice.

Alana is our newest cert IV nurse, gaining her qualification in November of 2018. She undertook her training through TAFE and did the practical part of her course at Happy Paws. She liked it so much, and we thought she was so great that she has become a permanent member of the team.

At home Alana has two very spoilt Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chloe and Lyla, whom she loves to pieces. She takes her doggies everywhere she possibly can.

In her spare time Alana loves to stay physically active, drink coffee and spend time with her family and friends.

She is very excited to meet you and your furry friend at Happy Paws!

Lea Geale

Receptionist Nurse

Lea joined the Happy Paws Team in May 2018. She began her career at the AWL in 2004 volunteering with the homeless animals. She fell in love with taking care of them and decided to go into veterinary nursing. She became a qualified nurse in 2008. While she loves nursing she discovered that she has a real passion for the reception side of things and all the direct contact it gives her with patients and their families. She just loves fussing over everyone in reception!

After losing her soul mate Dozer, the British Bulldog, Lea discovered a lack in help and understanding for people grieving and going through a difficult time after losing their beautiful fur baby. She is currently studying a Bachelor in Counselling to be able to help fellow pet lovers through this hard time.

Lea is also a real fitness nut and in her spare time she can be found at the gym/pool or somewhere deep in the forest competing in various trail runs, mountain bike and adventure races.