VETERINARIANS
Dr Riley Nibbs
Clinical Director and Veterinarian
Dr Riley is our full-time Veterinarian who joined the Capalaba Vet team in 2023. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2019 and has worked in numerous clinics and shelters across Brisbane and the Gold Coast since then. She has an interest in surgery and whatever it takes to make your little furry friends feel better!
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When not at work, she can be found staying active and discovering the best food around town, all whilst accompanied by her Maltese, Oswald (pictured).
Dr Briar Ballantyne
Veterinarian
Dr Briar is one of our part time Veterinarians at Capalaba Vet.
She graduated with honours from the University of Queensland in 1995. Briar initially worked in rural mixed practice for several years. She then travelled and worked in both the UK and India, spending a year working at Help in Suffering Animal Shelter in Jaipur. Since settling back in Australia in 2002, Dr Briar has dedicated herself to small animal general practice and has worked at many clinics across Brisbane.
Dr Briar has a diverse set of skills and expertise in Veterinary medicine and regularly attends conferences and continuing education seminars. She has a special interest in internal medicine and dermatology.
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Dr Briar has a Labrador called Betty, a cat called Rafiki, a small flock of pet chickens, budgies and Guinea Pigs at home. When not at work, she is kept very busy with her family and three children.
Dr Laura Fayad
Veterinarian
Dr Laura is one of our part time Veterinarians who joined the Capalaba team in February 2024. Dr Laura graduated from the University of Queensland in 2023 with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science, she has always had a strong passion for helping animals. Laura moved from Canada to Australia to pursue her dream of being a Veterinarian. She has an interest in surgery and has a special place in her heart for our feline friends.
When not at work she loves to be active outdoors, enjoys going camping and spending quality time with her friends and of course her feline companion, Taz (pictured).
NURSES
Karen Modra
Team Leader and Veterinary Nurse
Our Team Leader Karen has a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She is a valued long-standing member of our team, having been with us since 2005. She has seen many pets grow from puppies and kittens through to their senior years, which has allowed her to develop close friendships with many pets and clients.
Karen is passionate about wildlife, having completed a Certificate III in Native Animal Rehabilitation as well as volunteering for the Redlands After-hours Wildlife Ambulance and caring for orphaned possums and wallabies.
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Cooking is another of Karen’s passions – she loves to attend foodie events! When she is not busy working, you can generally find her in the kitchen preparing delicious dishes for her family and friends. She also has a cheeky Cavoodle called Maisie (pictured).
Lara Jones
Veterinary Nurse
Lara is one of our full time nurses who joined the team in August 2024. Lara has a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology from the University of Queensland and graduated in 2023. She has always been a passionate vet nurse and thoroughly enjoys surgical nursing in particular. Lara has worked as a vet nurse in the Redlands for a number of years and is excited to continue her nursing journey within the Capalaba Vet Clinic team. In her spare time you can find her spending time with her corgi, Beauty!
Sarah Smith
Veterinary Nurse
More information coming soon...
GROOMERS
Nicole Holmes
Groomer (currently on maternity leave)
Nicole joined our team at Capalaba Vet Clinic as our qualified dog groomer in 2025. With a passion for making dogs look and feel their best, Nicole brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our clinic.
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Nicole began her grooming journey in 2010 when she completed her first grooming course. Since 2011, she has been dedicated to transforming dogs into beautifully groomed pets that not only look great but also feel comfortable and happy. She holds a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services, highlighting her commitment to providing exceptional care for your furry friends.
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Outside of work, Nicole cherishes spending time with her little family and friends. She is also the proud owner of Chloe, her Chihuahua cross, who brings endless joy to her life.
Donna Clark
Groomer
More information coming soon...
Melissa Staines
Groomer
More information coming soon...