Our Team
Meet the superstar team at Karori & Island Bay Vet Clinics
Dr Glenn Armstrong BVSc, Senior Veterinarian and Clinic Owner
Glenn has owned and managed both Karori and Island Bay Vet Clinics since 2001 when he took over the clinics from Bryan Gartrell. Glenn graduated at Sydney University in 1993, then worked in both Sydney and London before moving to Wellington with his wife Katie. They have two children, Luke and Chloe, an Australian Shepherd called Levi, and the latest addition to the family is a puppy for Chloe called Snowball. Glenn has a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery. In his spare time, Glenn is a keen competetive sailor and is often found at Worser Bay boat club with where he helps coach the young Optimist sailors.
Dr Kiki Majert (Kirsten) BVSc MVM Veterinarian
Kiki graduated in 2003 in Munich. Following her graduation, Kiki decided to start her family but kept connected with the industry by volunteering in different clinics in Germany and France between 2004 and 2007. She started her first full time position in 2007 working as a companion animal vet in Switzerland. In 2011 she embarked on a new adventure that bought her to New Zealand where she began work in January 2013. Being a vet is Kikis's passion and there is little she doesn't like about it. She finds it hard to choose only one field of interest as she gets excited about so many different areas including surgery, emergency care, ultrasound, cytology and clinical pathology. When combined with common veterinary areas (dog and cat behaviour), study never ends! Next to her two children, Kiki share's her life with two cats, two dogs, two goats, a horse and too many chickens.
Dr Kate Robinson B.Sc B.V.M.S. Veterinarian
Kate graduated from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 1982 and joined the team at Karori Vet Clinic in 2003. Four years ago she adopted Oscar, her diabetic cat, from the clinic when he was only expected to live a few months. She also has Pussy Cat who is now 18 years old. She has travelled extensively, loves sailing and enjoys volunteer work and luckily has a wonderful flatmate who looks after her fur babies when she is away travelling.
Dr Kate Robinson B.Sc B.V.M.S. Veterinarian
Kate graduated from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 1982 and joined the team at Karori Vet Clinic in 2003. Four years ago she adopted Oscar, her diabetic cat, from the clinic when he was only expected to live a few months. She also has Pussy Cat who is now 18 years old. She has travelled extensively, loves sailing and enjoys volunteer work and luckily has a wonderful flatmate who looks after her fur babies when she is away travelling.
Jen Maxwell - Practice Manager
Jen is our Karori Vet Clinic Practice Manager. Jen started her nursing career in Epuni in 2001 and then moved to Karori in 2007. She worked as a zookeeper at Wellington Zoo and then came back to the clinic after her three children were a bit bigger. She has always had a passion for animal care and for helping owners who are worried or upset about their family members. She has cats, a dog and chickens at her rural home.
Frances Allan - Head Veterinary/Surgical Nurse & Practice Manager
Frances joined the team at Karori Vet Clinic in 2009 and has progressed to the position of Head Nurse. She completed her Certificate in Vet Nursing in 2008 and her Diploma in Vet Nursing through Otago Polytechnic in 2013. She taught 'Certificate in Animal Care' at Weltec for two years while working part-time as a vet nurse. She has a special interest in emergency care. Frances shares her life with her 3 cats and her baby boy. She is currently on maternity leave.
Juliana Zuchinalli - Head Surgical Nurse
Juliana joined the team in November 2022. Originally from Brazil, she’s been in New Zealand for some years now where she shares life with her partner, three cats and a crazy dog. Juliana has a special interest in internal medicine and critical care. Her hobbies include baking, reading and taking her dog out for long beach walks.
Jade Blackburn - Veterinary/Surgical Nurse
Jade studied 'Animal Care' in 2011 and Vet Nursing at Weltec in 2014. She joined the team at Karori Vet Clinic in 2014 and works mainly in our Island Bay Clinic. Jade has always loved animals and knew her career would involve caring for these special family members.Jade loves cats and when Karori Vet Clinic was looking for homes for two cats, Gin Gin and Misty, she adopted them both. Her partner Zee is a chef and they have a son Zayvion who also has a special interest and love for animals. Jade's passion is anaesthesia and surgery and she is constantly upskilling and learning new things.
Tiffany Schlup - Veterinary Nurse
Tiffany studied Animal Care and Vet Nursing at WelTec graduating in 2016. She joined the team at Karori Vet Clinic in 2018.Tiffany enjoys developing her skills and knowledge in surgical nursing and her areas of interest include radiology and pathology. Tiffany enjoys spending time with her big, beautiful cat Cynthia, exploring the outdoors and cooking.
Celeste Fredrickesen - Receptionist
Celeste joined the team in 2018 as a receptionist, She is very passionate about caring for animals and their well-being. Celeste is the face of Karori Vet Clinic and is the person who greets you as you walk in the door. She has a lovely kitten called Klaus. Celeste is currently studying Veterinary Nursing.
Monique Gaskin - Veterinary Nurse
Monique graduated from Otago Polytechnic in 2009 with a 'National Certificate in Vet Nursing'. She began working at Karori Vet Clinic in 2007. Monique has three children and their pets include a cats, chickens and an axolotyl. She loves spending time with her children, gardening and travelling.
Jesse Nicholson - Veterinary Nurse
Jess has worked at our Island Bay Vet Clinic since completing her Veterinary Nurse studies. Jess loves her job and is very passionate about making your pets visits as happy as possible!
Bethany Oxley - Veterinary Nurse
Bethany started working at Island Bay after her student placement back in 2021. Bethany loves helping pets recover from surgery and illness and reuniting them with their families. When shes not working, Bethany loves being outdoors, walking dogs and spending time with her family and friends.