Ogawa Dream Team

  • Dr. KUMIKO

    Integrative Veterinarian

    Areas of interest:

    - Dermatology

    - Geriatric care

    - Cancer and palliative care

    - Small animal acupuncture

    Dr. Kumiko is the founder of Ogawa Vet Clinic.
    Kumiko graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Sydney in 2010 and has since worked in small animal clinics and shelters, treating a wide range of health problems in dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

    Her childhood experience with Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine) for asthma inspired her to study small animal acupuncture (Chi University) and Chinese veterinary herbal medicine (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society). She is also pursuing certifications in veterinary food therapy and aromatherapy.

    In September 2023, Kumiko established Ogawa Vet Clinic after running a mobile integrative veterinary service. Since then, she has been enjoying helping pets and their pawrents live locally and coming from far away.

    She aims to combine traditional and holistic methods with Western medicine to ensure pets live happy, pain-free lives, especially in retirement.

    Outside of work, Kumiko enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two rescue cats, Kinako and Pudding.

  • portrait of Karmen

    Dr. KARMEN

    Integrative Veterinarian

    Areas of interest:

    - Canine rehabilitation

    - Orthopaedic conditions (IVDD, cruciate ligament)

    Dr. Karmen graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from the University of Melbourne. After several years in general practice, she recognized the limitations of conventional medicine in managing chronic diseases, geriatrics, and cancer patients. This, coupled with her personal experiences, led her to explore holistic veterinary medicine.

    Since beginning her journey in 2019, Karmen has been practicing acupuncture, Western herbal medicine, remedial massage, and works as a rehabilitation veterinarian. She finds great joy in helping her patients feel better, and supporting their owners throughout the process.

    Outside of her work, Karmen enjoys challenging herself by cooking with whatever she has on hand. She also loves creative projects, whether it's crafting home décor or painting by number. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, Karmen offers care and support in multiple languages.

  • Dr. KEITH

    GP Veterinarian

    Areas of interest:

    - Dentistry

    - Soft tissue surgeries

    - Small animal acupuncture

    Dr. Keith earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience from the University of Adelaide in 2017. Before moving to the inner North of Melbourne late 2019, Keith spent two years living in his hometown of Newcastle, practicing in small animals. Dr. Keith has a love for general practice, from  medicine to surgery and he brings his extensive skills and knowledge to Ogawa Vet Clinic. He is also on track to become a certified veterinary acupuncturist after passing the small animal acupuncturist exam with Chi University.

    Outside of work, Keith enjoys keeping active, and spending time with his three-legged cat, Rocket, as well as his beautiful Scottish Deerhound, Crow.

  • Dr. MICHELLE

    GP Veterinarian

    Area of interest:

    - Veterinary behavioural medicine

    Dr Michelle is an experienced GP Veterinarian, with memberships in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. She is passionate about integrating behavioural and mental health considerations into everyday medical and surgical care. Dr. Michelle thoroughly enjoys working with pets who find the vet stressful, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored, welfare-centred approach.

    She works closely with a diverse range of dogs, from pets all the way to those employed in demanding industry roles. Her work is driven by a commitment to improving quality of life for dogs and the people who care for them, and to provide kind and genuine support to those in need.

    An Inner North local, Dr. Michelle currently owns and trains a Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) named Nara. She owns two cats of her own, Hinkle and Roman, and is a foster carer for Maneki Neko Cat Rescue.

  • Dr. NICOLE

    Integrative Veterinarian

    Areas of interest:

    - Natural nutrition

    - Gut health

    - Integrative cancer care

    Dr. Nicole graduated from the University of Glasgow and moved to Adelaide to chase the sun and sea. After spending a couple of years in GP practice, she realised the limitations of treating patients this way and quickly moved into an integrative position. Nicole recently moved to Melbourne after taking a career break to backpack in Latin America. She enjoys all aspects of holistic medicine, but has a special interest in gut health, natural nutrition  and integrative cancer care. Nicole has completed certificates in Western herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine, and she is currently studying a natural nutrition course. 

    When Nicole is not at work, she enjoys travelling, being at the beach, hiking, speding quality time with friends and family, and all things health and fitness. She is a yogi but also loves a good gym session. 

    Nicole currenlty doesn't have any pets of her own, but she happily pet sits at any opportunity. 

  • VICTORIA

    Practice Manager & Lead Nurse

    With 20 years of veterinary nursing experience across New Zealand, the UK, and Australia, Victoria is passionate about integrative medicine, nutrition, and animal mental health.
    She loves discussing dog behaviour, training, and GRC sports, and has a special talent for working with all breeds, especially bully breeds. Victoria’s approach is all about making pet owners feel valued and heard she’s always ready to help wherever she can.

    Outside the clinic, she enjoys travelling, live music, and spending time with her son and her American Bulldog, Dio.

  • JENNIE

    Veterinary Nurse

    Jennie has been a veterinary nurse for over 6 years in general practice, and graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing in 2021.

    She enjoys the variety that this role brings, and enjoys all aspects of patient care. Her calm approach, attention to detail, and compassionate nature allow her to provide high-quality care while helping both patients and their owners feel at ease.
    Jennie particularly enjoys building strong relationships with clients and their pets, and takes the time to ensure each patient receives personalised care tailored to their individual needs!

    Outside of work she enjoys creative activities such as pottery, going to markets and spending time with her pets Cricket (Mini Dachshund), Enoki, (Italian Greyhound) Momo (Domestic Shorthair) and Crumpet (British Shorthair).

  • ANNALISE

    Veterinary Nurse

    Annalise is a veterinary nurse who has worked across a variety of settings, including rural practice, emergency, and now holistic care. This diverse experience has shaped her calm, adaptable approach and deepened her passion for supporting patients through all stages of their health journey.

    She has a strong interest in integrative medicine, behaviour, and working breeds, and is particularly passionate about meeting dogs’ biological needs – from movement and enrichment to emotional wellbeing. Annalise enjoys helping owners better understand their dogs, and takes a whole-animal approach to care, supporting both physical and behavioural health.

    With her gentle handling style and genuine connection with animals, she strives to create a low-stress, positive experience for every patient. Having her own reactive dog, she understands the pressures many owners face and brings empathy, patience, and practical support to every interaction.

    Outside of work, she spends most of her time training and competing in dog sports with her dog, Mala, building a strong partnership through activities that channel natural drive and engagement.

  • TAYLOR

    Veterinary Nurse

    Taylor is a UK-registered veterinary nurse who graduated in early 2025, bringing five years of clinical experience and three years of nursing to her role. Originally from Belfast, she made the move to Melbourne in January and has been loving the change of pace (and weather!).

    Taylor enjoys all aspects of vet nursing, with a particular interest in surgery, and has a growing passion for holistic and integrated care. She takes pride in creating a calm, supportive environment for both pets and their owners, and is excited to continue developing her skills in this space.

    Outside of the clinic, Taylor fosters kittens and enjoys cycling, pilates and cooking. Known for her bubbly and friendly nature, she brings a positive energy to everything she does.

  • PAIGE

    Veterinary Nurse

    Paige is a Qualified Veterinary Nurse and has been nursing since 2011. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Ogawa team, having worked in veterinary hospitals across Perth and Melbourne, including specialist referral hospitals alongside highly regarded veterinary specialists. A time she still holds close to her heart and still remembers so many of the patients that came through the doors.

    Paige later stepped away from specialist hospital work to create more time for family life while continuing to pursue her passion for animal health.

    For the past three years, Paige has worked in the pet nutrition industry, further developing her knowledge of canine and feline health and nutrition. She continues to enjoy hands-on nursing and joins the Ogawa Vet Clinic team every Thursday as one of our senior veterinary nurses.

  • OLIVIA

    Receptionist

    Liv’s passion for animals and experience in shelters, clinics and pet retail spans across 15 years. Her experience and love of animal care environments started as soon as she fostered her first brindle Bull Arab at 12 years old. Starting in animal rescue young, she grew up to be a strong advocate for adoption, and once she moved to Melbourne, she helped start a small grassroot foster based animal rescue.

    Liv strongly aligns with holistic and integrative approaches, and has her own experience in these treatments in her own life, and with her foster failed rescue mutt Gruber.

    She is a friendly face at our clinic, and is dedicated to making every visit to our clinic a positive experience for pets and their owners.