Meet Your Local Skilled and Compassionate Vet Team in Ivanhoe East
Step inside Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital and meet our dedicated team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals. Our staff are committed to providing exceptional care for every furry patient that walks through our doors. Experience top-quality care and meet our dedicated team of professionals at Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital.
Providing Compassionate Wildlife Care
Our unwavering commitment to compassionate care extends beyond domestic pets to encompass all wildlife in need. Our dedicated team of highly trained professionals is ready to provide expert assistance for injured or orphaned animals, ensuring they receive the urgent care and attention they require. Whether you have stumbled upon a lost animal or encountered a vulnerable wildlife species, our 7-day-a-week service is here to offer guidance and support. As advocates for animal welfare, we not only provide immediate medical assistance but also strive to educate pet owners and the community on making informed decisions for the well-being of all creatures. Your trusted partner in wildlife rescue and care, we are here to make a difference for every species, big or small.
Supporting Rescue Organizations for Over 10 Years
At Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital, we’ve proudly partnered with rescue organizations for over 10 years, providing vital veterinary care to animals in need. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that rescue pets receive the medical attention they require, from vaccinations and spaying or neutering to emergency care and ongoing health management.
We understand the unique challenges rescue animals face, and we work closely with these organizations to ensure each pet gets the care and attention they deserve. Our goal is to help these animals find loving forever homes by addressing their medical needs and supporting the efforts of the incredible rescue groups we work with.
We encourage pet owners who are in the position to do so to adopt a rescue pet—giving a second chance to a pet in need. Additionally, we sometimes have rescue kittens available for adoption directly through our clinic.
Our Team
Dr Robert Gropel
Veterinarian
At Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital, Dr Robert Gropel is the dedicated Veterinarian who co-founded the practice with his late wife Marisa in February 2014. Dr Rob leads the team with his extensive qualifications, including advanced practitioner membership in Small Animal Medicine with MANZCVS, a Masters of Small Animal Practice and specialised courses in ultrasonography and cruciate repair. With over 25 years of experience, Dr Rob is committed to ongoing education and providing top-notch care to animals. A proud local of the area, he has deep roots in Eaglemont and a strong passion for animal welfare that drives his exceptional service at the hospital.
Outside of the clinic, Rob lives an adventurous life.
His expeditions include climbing the highest mountains and volcanoes on each continent, completing the triple crown of open water swimming (including the English Channel) and skiing in Antarctica and crossing Greenland.
Brooklyn
Practice Manager
Brooklyn is the legendary Head Nurse and Practice Manager at Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital, having stepped into the leadership role in 2017. She’s been a valued member of the team since 2015, and brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and heart to everything she does.
Known for her incredible multitasking skills, strong work ethic, and eye for detail, Brooklyn plays a key role in ensuring the clinic runs smoothly each and every day. Her leadership is grounded in genuine compassion—for both animals and people—and she is deeply committed to delivering the highest standard of care.
As a proud pet parent to many furry companions, Brooklyn truly understands the special bond between pets and their families. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys playing basketball and going on runs with her dogs.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Brooklyn’s compassionate, capable presence leading our team.
Maddi
Veterinary Nurse
Maddi is a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Nurse who joined the Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital team in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science/Arts, majoring in Zoology from Monash University, where her passion for animals naturally led her into the world of veterinary nursing.
Although she once considered herself a “dog person,” Maddi’s heart was quickly stolen by cats after adopting Lexi from Maneki Neko Cat Rescue—sparking a newfound love for all things feline.
Outside the clinic, Maddi is a talented musician who enjoys playing guitar, piano, and dabbling in instruments like the harmonica and ukulele.
Her calm, caring nature and dedication to her patients make Maddi a truly valued member of our team.
Ashley
Veterinary Nurse
Ashley joined the Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital team in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience in veterinary nursing. Her work as a locum nurse across various clinics in Melbourne has equipped her with valuable skills in both general practice and emergency care.
She is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient, and her calm, capable nature is appreciated by both pets and their people alike.
Outside of work, Ashley is an avid traveller who enjoys exploring new places and unwinding with a good book. At home, she shares her life with three much-loved fur babies—Malcolm, a Labrador cross; Roku, a Kelpie X; and Korra, a Domestic Short Hair cat.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have Ashley’s experience, warmth, and dedication as part of our nursing team.
Maddie
Veterinary Nurse
Maddie joined the Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital team in early 2019 as a trainee nurse and has grown into a skilled and compassionate member of our nursing team. She has completed both her Certificate III in Animal Studies and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, reflecting her commitment to providing high-quality care to all her patients.
Maddie shares her home with a delightful mix of pets—Gertie, a Whippet; Walter, a rescue Greyhound; Herb, her 13-year-old turtle; and Oakie, her cheeky cat. Her love for animals shines through in everything she does, both at work and at home.
With her warm nature and dedication, Maddie is a valued member of our team and a favourite among our furry patients.
Sascha
Veterinary Nurse
Sascha began her journey with us in November 2022 while completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She is now a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse and a valued member of our team.
At home, Sascha shares her life with her adorable 6-year-old Great Dane cross Ridgeback, Scooby. While Scooby has captured her heart, Sascha has always had a soft spot for German Shepherds.
A true lover of the outdoors, Sascha enjoys spending her spare time camping, rock climbing, and visiting the beach. Her love for adventure and nature mirrors the energy she brings to our clinic.
Sascha is a consistent positive presence in the clinic, and she's often the one in the back giving your pet plenty of cuddles before and after surgery. Her warmth and caring nature make her an incredible asset to our team!
Sophie
Veterinary Nurse
Sophie is a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Nurse, soon to be fully qualified, with a special passion for assisting in surgery and ensuring every patient is treated with the utmost care and comfort. Her ability to provide expert care and support to our patients is truly invaluable, and they are lucky to have her by their side.
Outside of her work, Sophie loves embracing the outdoors. Whether it’s paddle boarding, water skiing, or horse riding, she finds joy in connecting with nature and staying active. When she's not enjoying these adventures, you'll find her at home with her beloved tabby cat, Archie, snuggled up on the couch, watching the footy.
Sophie’s dedication, both in and outside of the clinic, makes her a cherished member of our team.
Lisa
Veterinary Nurse
Lisa has been a dedicated Veterinary Nurse since 2019, with a deep passion for animal welfare and a special interest in rehabilitation. She’s always striving to go above and beyond for our patients, particularly those with special needs or senior and anxious pets. Lisa ensures that every animal under her care feels safe, relaxed, and comfortable during their stay with us.
At home, Lisa is surrounded by her own furry and feathered family: “Patches” the moodle, “Lacey” the chicken, and two quails named “Dougie” and “Bob.” Her love for animals truly shines both at work and in her personal life.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Lisa as part of our team, and her compassion and dedication make her a cherished member of our clinic family.
Sarah
Veterinary Nurse
Sarah is the newest member of the Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital team, and we are thrilled to have her on board! With 2 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Sarah is currently working towards completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
At home, Sarah shares her life with Milo, a Keeshond; Pumpkin, a Domestic Short Hair cat; Pythagora, a Domestic Medium Hair cat; and Ameera, her beloved horse.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys
baking and considers herself a true
food connoisseur—a passion that adds an extra sprinkle of warmth to her already vibrant personality. We are so excited to have her as part of our team!
