Our Veterinary Dermatology Team
We are a team of specialists, registrars, residents, nurses and client care professionals who have focused exclusively on veterinary dermatology. Together, we bring extensive experience in managing complex skin, ear, coat, nail, and allergy cases while providing compassionate, evidence-based care for every patient.
Get to know our team members by clicking through to their bios.
Samantha Somerville
Nurse Manager
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Derm-Experienced Nurse
Will be starting in October
Experienced Nurse
Will be starting in November
Dermatology Resident
Will be starting in January
Join Our Team
Are you interested in joining the Animal Dermatology Specialist team?
Samantha Somerville
Nurse Manager
Sam is an experienced veterinary nurse, beginning her career in early 2015. She completed her studies alongside her nursing employment and overseas travel, graduating from TAFE NSW Distance Education in 2019. Sam worked in general practice exclusively for the first five years of her career before transitioning into a specialist dermatology setting in 2020.
As the first member of our team, Sam has been instrumental in shaping the business from its inception. She helped establish the processes, systems, culture and values that continue to guide how we care for patients, support clients and nurture our team. She has been invested in creating something genuinely special since day one, a workplace grounded in compassion, connection and excellence in care.
Her deep understanding of every aspect of our operations and her commitment to supporting both clients and colleagues made her a natural fit for her current role as Nurse Manager. In this role, she oversees clinical logistics, team schedules, nurse training programs and their ongoing development, helping create a smooth, compassionate and consistent experience for patients, clients and the team at every stage of care.
Sam is passionate about educating clients and supporting them through every stage of their pets’ care. She embraces all patients and is always ready with those much-appreciated back scratches, ensuring clients feel confident, supported and reassured every step of the way.
More about Sam:
Where are you from?
I grew up in a small country town in Northern NSW.
Do you have pets?
Yes! I have two dogs: Panda (cattle dog X dalmation), and Rosa (Great Dane x Coolie x???), we also have a spotted python named Earl.
Fun Fact
I am allergic to cats but hope to have one join our family in the future!
Where did you get your love for the veterinary field from?
I have just always loved animals, both domestic and wild, and find their personalities and quirks fascinating! I am also a very curious person who needs to understand how things work, so studying science during school (especially biology) led to me wanting to study in the medical field. Veterinary nursing is a pretty perfect combo of both those interests.
Natalie Amat
Senior Nurse
Nat began her Veterinary Nursing career at her local GP clinic while still in school. She continued to work in-clinic while completing her university degree in Communications. After a brief detour in online media advertising, she returned to Veterinary Nursing and the hands-on patient care and client support it involved. She completed her Cert IV through Sydney TAFE in 2017 while working on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches. She moved to Queensland and into specialty practice in 2018, and has worked in Animal Dermatology ever since.
As a Senior Dermatology Nurse at Animal Dermatology Specialist, Nat supports patient care, diagnostics and treatment delivery while also coordinating stock and supplies across our clinics. Drawing on her communications background, Nat also manages our social media content and contributes to client education, sharing information in a way that helps clients feel informed, connected and confident. Her work sharing our updates, patient stories and educational content is deeply appreciated and helps bring our ADS values to life in a meaningful and engaging way.
Nat is passionate about ensuring clients feel informed, supported and confident throughout their pets’ care, and she strives to make every visit as positive as possible for both patients and their families. Nat enjoys the long-term relationships with patients and clients that specialty practice fosters, and being part of their journeys to a more comfortable daily life. She is also a highly trained patient cuddler and treat dispenser!
More about Nat:
Do you have pets?
I have 3 rescue cats who are now very accustomed to the comforts of indoor life, and a Cattle Dog that is part gremlin – activated if he goes for a swim!
What are your favourite aspects of veterinary nursing?
Getting to know patients’ stories along with their families and seeing them along their journey in the management of their conditions get to a point where they are comfortable and happy.
Fun Fact
My favourite animals are wombats!
Melissa Shaw
Senior Nurse
Mel has over nine years of experience working in veterinary dermatology. She began her veterinary nursing career in 2013 in general practice around Brisbane and graduated from The University of Queensland in 2016 with a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Veterinary Technology.
In her final year of study, Mel discovered her passion for veterinary dermatology and joined a specialist dermatology practice, where she remained for nearly nine years. After briefly exploring a career change in the legal industry, Mel was drawn back to her true passion in veterinary dermatology and joined the team at ADS.
As a Senior Dermatology Nurse at Animal Dermatology Specialist, Mel plays a vital role in patient care, diagnostic support and treatment delivery. She also contributes to team development by mentoring junior nurses and supporting a consistent, high standard of care across our clinics. Her extensive experience in veterinary dermatology enhances the coordination, efficiency and overall quality of our clinical services, helping to create a smoother, more reassuring experience for clients and their pets at every stage of care.
Mel is particularly passionate about client education and collaborative care. She believes that when pet owners and veterinary teams understand the “why” behind a condition and its treatment plan, and when each step is made as positive as possible for patients both in clinic and at home, it leads to better compliance and ultimately, better outcomes.
She adores all of her patients and is always trying to win them over with scratches and snacks during consultations. That said, she has a well-known soft spot for Labradors.
More about Melissa:
What inspired you to work in veterinary dermatology?
I’ve always loved animals and spent almost every school holiday at my aunty’s farm, surrounded by horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, geese and dogs. It was a bit of a zoo, and I loved every minute of it. I always knew I’d end up working with animals in some way.
During uni, I got my own Labrador, Cairo, who happened to have skin and ear issues. That’s what really sparked my interest in dermatology. Supporting pets and their owners through these often complex and emotional cases is incredibly rewarding.
What’s your go-to snack or drink?
It’s hard to go past Nandos, Kettle salt and vinegar chips or a cheeky glass of champagne – sometimes all three!
Fun Fact
My first pet was a chicken called Penelope, who I trained to do tricks. She’d even sleep on my lap!
Grace Millar
Senior Nurse
Grace completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at the University of Queensland and began working in the veterinary industry in 2022. She started her nursing career at the UQ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where she worked across emergency and critical care, primary care and client services, developing strong clinical capability and experience in a specialist teaching environment. She also contributed to student learning through mentoring and training veterinary science and technology students.
At Animal Dermatology Specialist, Grace plays a valuable role in patient care, supporting our team with diagnostic preparation, treatment administration and compassionate client communication. She cares deeply about providing thoughtful and compassionate care to patients and their families. With her veterinary teaching background, she brings a fresh perspective to client education and is passionate about ensuring clients feel understood and supported so that treatment plans can be carried out successfully at home.
More about Grace:
Do you have pets?
Yes! I have three cats — Tess (a smoochy and playful tuxedo), Neko (a cuddly calico with no teeth), and Max (a flame-point Persian cross who thrives on chaos or love, with no in between).
What are your favourite aspects of veterinary nursing?
I love connecting with patients and their owners, hearing their stories and seeing just how much love we all have for our furry family members. I also love watching pets progress to a stage where they are more comfortable in both their physical health and emotional wellbeing.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Other than providing endless cuddles for my cats, I love indoor rock climbing and frequently go bouldering or top roping.
Lisa Wraith
Client Care Nurse
With over 20 years in veterinary nursing, administration, and client care, Lisa brings both practical clinical experience and strong administrative skills.
Her career began as a volunteer at an animal shelter before progressing to Veterinary Nurse in a GP clinic, where she completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2003. She has since held roles as practice manager, founding vet nurse at a boutique clinic, and Executive Assistant at a veterinary dermatology pharmaceutical company. During this time, she also worked as an Immunotherapy Technician, manufacturing allergy desensitisation treatments under quality control conditions and providing technical support to dermatology specialists, veterinarians and clients.
Over the past 7 years, Lisa has focused specifically on veterinary dermatology, including clinical nursing and management, supporting clinical research and development projects, preparing immunotherapy formulations, and assisting with company operations. This work has given her a deep understanding of dermatology workflows.
As a Client Care Nurse at Animal Dermatology Specialist, Lisa plays a valuable role in supporting our clients with scheduling, queries, and treatment plan support. Known for her exceptional organisational skills, Lisa also contributes to behind the scenes operations and can still be found on the floor giving our patients hugs and treats.
More about Lisa:
Where are you from?
I was born in a mining town in the red dirt of the Pilbara, WA.
Do you have pets?
We are very outnumbered animals: humans for sure! Our family consists of RubyRoo (Kelpie X), Tinka (a tiny fluffy tortoiseshell cat), 8 hens and both native bees and honey bees.
What do you love about vet nursing?
I love building lasting relationships with families and their pets, ensuring every furbaby enjoys the happiest and healthiest life possible. Supporting both animals and their people through every stage of care is incredibly rewarding.
Fun fact
Recently I discovered a passion for astrophotography, so you’ll find me outside marvelling at the sky on a clear night.
Freya Livesey
Senior Nurse
Freya joined Animal Dermatology Specialist as a Senior Dermatology Nurse after relocating to Australia in 2026. At ADS she supports clinical patient care, diagnostic testing and treatments, while helping our clients feel confident and informed throughout their pet’s dermatology treatment plan.
Freya discovered her passion for veterinary dermatology in 2022 when she commenced a role in specialist practice as a Dermatology Veterinary Nurse and Immunotherapy Technician. In this role she supported veterinarians with dermatology consultations and procedures including intradermal allergy testing and video otoscopy, while also performing cytology and other diagnostic tests. Freya developed particular interest in allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT), preparing formulations and guiding clients through safe administration and allergy management at home.
Freya began her veterinary nursing career in 2013 in New Zealand and gained several years of experience working in general practice before moving into dermatology. During this time she developed strong skills in surgical nursing, anaesthetic monitoring, diagnostic imaging and patient care. She holds both a Level 5 National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing and a Level 6 National Diploma of Veterinary Nursing from Otago Polytechnic.
Freya is passionate about creating a positive experience for both patients and their families and enjoys building strong relationships with clients while helping pets achieve a more comfortable life.
More about Freya:
What inspired you to work with animals?
I was born in England and moved to New Zealand with my family when I was seven. Growing up we always had animals around, including goats, chickens, lambs and calves, and that’s where my love for animals really began.
When I was about 12 years old I raised a baby hedgehog until it was old enough to be released back into the wild. That experience made me realise I wanted to spend my life caring for animals.
What do you enjoy most about working in dermatology?
I really enjoy the connection with clients and taking the time to explain things so they feel comfortable and confident with their pet’s care. With patients, it’s incredibly rewarding seeing the difference we can make in how they feel. It’s always special when pets who were once uncomfortable and itchy come back happy, relaxed and excited to see us.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work I love spending time at the beach, reading, baking, and going on adventures with my daughter.
Fun fact
I’m actually allergic to cats, which makes my career choice a little ironic! I’ve had cats at home before and just have to keep the antihistamines handy. I’m also known in the clinic for talking to patients in a little baby voice and giving plenty of cuddles.
Sophie Grinham
Nurse
Sophie has had a lifelong passion for animals and their wellbeing. She has always been drawn to caring for animals and helping ensure they are comfortable, healthy, and well supported. She is currently studying Veterinary Technology (nursing) at the University of Queensland with the long term goal of becoming a veterinarian. Through her studies she has developed a strong interest in veterinary dermatology, recognising the important role it plays in improving animal comfort and quality of life.
In early 2026, Sophie joined Animal Dermatology Specialist in a nursing role, where she is building her clinical experience while learning more about dermatology alongside our specialist team. She values the opportunity to contribute to a field where thoughtful care and targeted treatments can make a meaningful difference to a patient’s daily comfort.
Sophie is passionate about clear communication and client education, and strives to ensure owners feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their pet’s care. She is highly motivated to continue developing her skills and contributing positively to patient outcomes and the care we provide to clients and their pets. She is known for her gentle approach to patient handling and will happily try to win over even the most nervous patients with treats, cuddles, and plenty of reassurance whenever possible.
More about Sophie:
Where are you from?
I’m from a remote town in western New South Wales, Burren Junction.
What inspired your interest in dermatology?
There’s nothing worse than seeing an animal suffer, especially with ongoing skin conditions. Being able to provide owners with management options that improve their pet’s comfort and support their overall wellbeing is something I find really rewarding.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love being outdoors, especially camping, four wheel driving, horse riding, and spending time in nature. I also really enjoy spending time with family and friends and appreciating the simpler things in life.
Fun fact
I’m most at home outdoors and happiest when I’m somewhere remote with animals, fresh air, and a bit of dirt on my boots.