Learn about our team you will meet at our veterinary practice at Brookvale.
Dr Chris Hong
Chris had an early career as an environmental consultant after graduating from the University of Sydney in 2003 with a combined Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce. Prior to starting, and during vet school, Chris worked as a nurse at Mosman Veterinary Hospital. He also worked for several other vet clinics during this time, including the North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre and Hornsby Veterinary Hospital. Soon after graduation from the University of Sydney, he began work for Collaroy Vet where he developed interests in surgery, internal medicine and behaviour.
Chris started Vet-O Brookvale with the aim of providing competitively priced vet care with a strong customer service focus. He currently lives in North Manly with his wife and two young daughters. He is a keen surfer and when he’s not saving animal lives he likes to catch a wave or two at the local beaches.
Luciana Bumbel
Luciana holds a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, bringing a rich skill set to Vet-O Brookvale, particularly in the field of orthopaedic procedures. Her comprehensive experience spans working as both a nurse and a veterinarian in Brazil. A key player in numerous animal welfare initiatives in her home country, Luciana's dedication to socially conscious animal care forms a significant part of her professional ethos. Her knowledge, coupled with a strong focus on orthopaedics, makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
Lilli Bell
Lilli is a junior veterinary nurse, who is completing her Certificate II in animal studies. She plans to go on to do her Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing early next year. Lilli started with the Vet-O Brookvale team in February 2022, learning the ropes from senior nurses. Originally from Byron Bay, Lilli discovered her love of animals at a young age and is embracing t4at now at Vet-O. At home, Lilli has a New Zealand Huntaway x Australian Kelpie (Kel) and 3 Chickens (Olive, Daisy and Torchic).
Lani Alexander
Lani joined Vet-O Brookvale at the start of 2021. Graduating with Certificate II in animal studies, she is continuing her education in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She was born and raised in Manly where her love for animals started as a child when she got her first cat, Claw. Her dream is to one day travel and work internationally with wildlife conservation organizations, animal sanctuaries and animal shelters to help improve the quality of life for all animals around the globe. Outside of work she enjoys going to the beach, bush walking and adventuring with her Border Collie Ollie.
Helen Armitage
Helen was born in the United Kingdom and grew up on the family farm surrounded by animals. She has been a dedicated veterinary nurse for over 14 years with more than 8 years spent working on Sydney’s northern beaches as Head Nurse. Helen has a Higher National Diploma in Animal Science from The University of Central Lancashire, graduating in 2003. She is skilled in all aspects of nursing and support work for veterinary practice.
Currently, she lives in Dee Why with her partner and young son. When she’s not caring for animals or her family she likes to relax at the beach, watch movies and sample produce from many of Australia’s renowned wine regions.
Mieke originally hails from the Netherlands. Growing up on a dairy and show jumping farm cultured her love of all animals great and small. In 2014, Mieke completed her course in Vet Nursing and Animal Health Care Management from Groene Welle in the Netherlands.
She has worked as a vet nurse in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia with both large and small animals. She has two dogs of her own, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Keiser and a ‘Bitsa’ called Possum, devoting much of her free time to their care. She is excited to be a part of the Vet-O Brookvale team
