Meet The Team

Dr Vanessa Harkess BVSC (Hons 1) MANZCVS (Avian Health)

Vanessa knew from the age of 4 when her pet dog miraculously returned from a trauma visit to the vet, that this would be her lifetime vocation. Vanessa graduated from University of Qld with first class honors in 2000 and has worked with exotic pets and other small animals for over 20 years. She achieved Membership of Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in 2006 in Avian Health. Vanessa has worked with other experienced Avian and Exotics veterinarians including Professor Bob Doneley and Dr Adrian Gallagher. She has worked in England and New Zealand gaining experience with native and exotic species in these countries. The Exotics Vet is a long-awaited dream to practice specifically for the health and wellbeing of birds, reptiles, small mammals, amphibia and fish. With no canine or feline predators as patients we have a relaxed clinic environment for your pet. Vanessa has 2 daughters, 2 pet cockatiels, a green cheek conure and a stumpy tail cattle dog at home to keep her busy when not at work.

Dr Brock Warren, BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Avian Medicine and Surgery)
Associate Veterinarian

From a young age, Brock knew that he wanted to work with animals, inspired by his childhood favourite, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. After graduating with honours in Veterinary Science, he spent the past four years honing his skills in avian and exotic practices in North Brisbane. With a deep passion for birds and exotic species, Brock is dedicated to providing expert care to animals that are often overlooked in traditional veterinary practices. When he’s not caring for feathered or scaly patients, you’ll find him living vicariously through his dad’s impressive 300-pigeon collection, or relaxing with his pet fighting fish, Boots. Outside of work, Brock is an avid NFL fan, and a diehard supporter of the Los Angeles Chargers. Brock is excited to bring his expertise and enthusiasm for exotic animals to the team, and to continue learning and growing in this specialized field.

Kiri

Office Manager, Reception & Veterinary Nurse

Kiri has always had a love for animals. This love saw her working as a Zookeeper looking after a variety of species ranging from Australian marsupials such as Koalas, Kangaroos, Tasmanian devils Quolls, Possums and Gliders and a variety of reptiles and birds. Her passion for caring for these animals saw her change career paths into veterinary nursing, which she has been doing for the last 23 years. Kiri completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2002 and went on to further her studies by obtaining her Extended Certificate in Surgery in 2005. Kiri has worked in a couple of small animal and exotic vet practices where she developed a keen interest in Avian medicine. The opportunity arose to follow her passion with exotics and work with Dr Vanessa Harkess as Office Manager/Receptionist and Veterinary nurse as she established her own practice, The Exotics Vet. In her spare time Kiri loves to relax at home with her husband and twin girls, and enjoys playing with her two very energetic kittens Oakley and Evie.

Chrissy

Veterinary Nurse

Chrissy commenced studying her certificate III in Animal Studies in 2020 and began work placement in a small animal and exotics clinic shortly after. Due to her dedication to her patients she quickly secured a position within the clinic where she was able to focus on her interest in exotic veterinary nursing. The opportunity arose for Chrissy to follow her passion for exotic nursing by joining the team at The Exotics Vet in 2022 as a Veterinary Nurse. Chrissy has a special interest in rat, mice and guinea pig medicine, nutrition and husbandry. Over the years she has adopted 20 rats of her own and has fostered others through a Brisbane based rodent rescue. Her current fur family consists of 2 rats, 2 guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, 2 cats and 1 dog.

Emily

Veterinary Nurse

Emily has always had a love for animals of all kinds, from the weird to the wonderful. Growing up, Emily always had a special interest in animals and after owning her first Cockatiel at the age of 8 this kickstarted her dream to one day work with birds of all shapes and sizes. Through volunteering in wildlife rescue and animal shelters, she discovered her passion for veterinary nursing and after completing her studies, Certificate II in Animal Studies and a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2019, started her career in a small dog and cat clinic. From here she moved to Queensland Veterinary Specialists and in 2022, spread her wings to her true calling and joined The Exotics Vet team. Emily is dedicated to providing excellent care and advocacy for her patients, clients. Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys exploring the outdoors and is a fur mum of two cats and a collection of Spiny Stick insects.