Our Integrated Animal Health Team
Qualified, veterinary-approved professionals dedicated to restoring movement, building strength, and supporting lifelong wellbeing.
Our hands-on rehabilitation professionals work collaboratively to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care tailored to every animal.
Clinical & Rehabilitation Team
-
Qualified hydrotherapist and registered veterinary nurse with a strong focus on rehabilitation, recovery, and whole-body support.
Jess brings a calm, confident presence to every session and is especially loved by nervous or recovering patients.
Known affectionately as our “dog whisperer.” She shares life with Alannah (German Shepherd) and Amara (Aussie Shepherd).
Jess
Canine Hydrotherapist & Vet Nurse
Emmalene
Veterinary Nurse & Animal Rehabilitation Specialist
-
Emmalene has always had a strong connection to animals and a keen interest in rehabilitation. As a canine hydrotherapist, she enjoys helping dogs build confidence, strength, and mobility through supportive, positive sessions.
Her warmth and enthusiasm create a welcoming experience for both pets and owners.
Emmalene shares life with her two dogs, Ellie and Louie.
Alicia
Canine Hydro &
Rehabilitation Therapist
-
Certified through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (USA), Alicia specialises in hydrotherapy and land-based rehabilitation. Her clinical interests include post-surgical recovery, age-related conditions, and prehabilitation programs.
She finds working with neurological patients especially rewarding, celebrating each milestone as a team effort.
Abbie
Veterinary Nurse & Animal Rehabilitation Specialist
-
With a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy from the UK, Abbie blends human sports therapy principles with veterinary nursing to support animal rehabilitation. Practising since 2018, she focuses on recovery, strengthening, and helping pets thrive after injury or surgery.
Abbie has a particular interest in complex rehabilitation and long-term mobility cases.
Maddy
Canine Hydrotherapist
& Veterinary Nurse
-
Maddy holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is deeply passionate about improving animals’ quality of life. Having grown up surrounded by animals and worked extensively with alpacas, her love for animal care runs deep.
She brings compassion, attentiveness, and strong nursing skills to her hydrotherapy work.
At home, Maddy enjoys life with her mini lop rabbit, Ollie.
Narelle
Canine Hydrotherapist
-
Qualified canine hydrotherapist with a strong background in animal care and rehabilitation. Narelle is known for her calm, encouraging approach and her ability to build trust with dogs of all ages and abilities.
Outside the pool, she brings the same dedication to every patient, supporting strength, confidence, and long-term mobility.
-
Miranda began her journey with Water Walkies as a TAFE student and has since grown into a dedicated and skilled canine hydrotherapist. She brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine love of rehabilitation to every session.
Inspired by hands-on learning, Miranda is passionate about helping dogs regain strength and confidence through movement.
Miranda
Canine Hydrotherapist
Shelley
Veterinary Nurse, Canine Nutritionist & Creative Lead
-
Shelley is a qualified veterinary nurse and canine nutritionist who provides nutrition consultations for Water Walkies clients, both in-house and via phone. Her work supports dogs across rehabilitation, weight management, chronic conditions, and long-term wellbeing, complementing the hands-on care delivered by the clinical team.
Working primarily off-site, Shelley supports Water Walkies with client education, and wellbeing planning. She is also the creative lead behind the Water Walkies website and brand, ensuring clear, accessible communication for pet owners.
Outside of Water Walkies, Shelley is a fine art artist (Art by Michelle Alberts), bakes boutique cupcakes in her spare time, and cares for her British Bulldogs and lop-eared bunnies.
Water Walkies is led by experienced clinicians committed to setting the standard in animal rehabilitation, education, and preventative care.
Leadership & Clinical Directors
Catherine
Company Director, Canine
Hydrotherapist
-
Catherine is a professional firefighter with a long-standing history in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Her emergency-response background underpins her calm, decisive approach to complex and special-needs cases.
She leads Water Walkies with integrity, empathy, and a strong focus on ethical, evidence-based care. Pictured here with her Great Dane Alfred.
Allison
Company Director & Canine
Hydrotherapist
-
Allison balances her role at Water Walkies with managing her family’s construction company. A lifelong dog owner and former phlebotomist, she brings precision, care, and dedication to every animal she supports.
Her leadership is grounded in practical experience, compassion, and a strong commitment to animal wellbeing.
Support Team & Emerging Professionals
We proudly support the next generation of animal care professionals through hands-on learning and mentorship within our clinical team.
Rory
Training Canine Hydrotherapist
-
Rory is a young, enthusiastic member of the Water Walkies team who is currently training to become a certified canine hydrotherapist. With a background in dog grooming, she brings excellent handling skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic into every session.
She is highly reliable, quick to learn, and follows treatment instructions with precision, making her a valued support to the clinical team. Rory approaches every dog with care, patience, and a genuine desire to learn and grow within the field of rehabilitation.
Finlay
Canine Hydrotherpist Assistant
-
Finlay brings confidence, intelligence, and a warm, engaging presence to the Water Walkies team. With previous experience as an Entertainment and Events Coordinator at the University of Wollongong, she offers strong communication skills and a natural ability to connect with both clients and animals.
Now re-enrolled at university, Finlay is completing prerequisite subjects with the goal of progressing into a veterinary degree. Alongside her studies, she has gained hands-on animal experience through farm work and practical animal care roles, further strengthening her understanding of animal handling and welfare.
Working part-time with Water Walkies, Finlay is known for her bubbly personality, strong initiative, and genuine passion for animals. She shares her life with two dogs and is deeply committed to building a future career in veterinary medicine.

