Meet Our Team
At Payneham Veterinary Centre, our team is the heart of our clinic. As trusted veterinarians in Adelaide, SA, we value clear communication, modern veterinary medicine, and building long-term relationships with our community.
Dr Jon Carruthers
Practice Owner
Jon graduated from Murdoch University in Perth (his hometown) in 1987, after which he drifted around Adelaide, Perth and Europe before opening his first practice in the early 90s. He took over the then Eden Hills Veterinary Clinic in 1994 and then went on to purchase Payneham Veterinary Centre in 1998.
Jon has spent all his working life in small animal practice and has always taken an interest in animal behaviour, running one of the first puppy preschools in Adelaide. Over the years, Jon has undertaken postgraduate certification in Veterinary Oncology, Veterinary Practice management and Veterinary Behaviour.
He spent 18 months obtaining his Membership in Veterinary Behaviour to be admitted to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2018.
He now devotes most of his work time to tending to patients with behavioural problems.
Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his 2 daughters, chickens and working in his veggie garden.
When not at the clinic, he loves water skiing, bike riding (with my best mate Adam), and coaching netball.
Dr Lucy Rosenzweig
Veterinarian
Dr Lucy graduated in 2014 from the University of Adelaide. She joined the team at Payneham Vet Centre in February 2021. Prior to this, she worked at a multi-vet practice with a focus on breeding and greyhounds. Her main interest is in the medical management of cases. She has a particular focus on imaging and loves to find answers through ultrasound.
Lucy grew up on a sheep and cropping farm in the mid north, which is where her passion for animals developed. Her family always had a mixture of sheep, chickens, alpacas, cats and dogs, and you would normally see her with a cat in tow as a young girl.
She now lives in Adelaide with her husband, beautiful son and naughty tortie, called Poppy. Poppy has helped Lucy a lot with how to deal with “special” pets.
Outside of work, Lucy loves exploring the great outdoors, going to the beach and hiking.
Dr Ella Bartolovic
Veterinarian
Dr Ella graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2020 and began working in general practice prior to spending two years in urgent care/specialist practice and then transitioning back into general practice full-time. Ella first started at Payneham Vet Centre in 2023 as a locum and has now been here full-time since 2025.
Lover of all things medicine, dermatology and urgent care.
Fluent in English, Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
Outside of work, she is a self-confessed literature nerd and music enthusiast.
Dr Abby Li
Veterinarian
Abby grew up in China and moved to Adelaide to study Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide, graduating in 2021. Since then, she has been working in small animal practice, where she enjoys caring for pets and supporting their families through every stage of life.
Abby has a particular interest in diagnostic imaging and ultrasound, finding these tools invaluable for accurately diagnosing and treating patients. She is also bilingual, speaking both English and Mandarin, which allows her to communicate with and support a wide range of clients.
Outside of work, Abby shares her home with her cat Jupi and enjoys swimming, Pilates, and spending time exploring South Australia.
Ingrid
Veterinary Nurse
Ingrid grew up in Adelaide, where her love of all things animal saw her pursue a career in Veterinary Nursing.
After entering the profession in 1987 and completing her certificate IV, Ingrid gained much knowledge and experience before joining Payneham Veterinary Centre in October 2001, where she enjoys all aspects of nursing.
Her main interests are in-patient care, imaging and client relations.
At home, she shares her space with a naughty black cat called Nyx.
In her spare time, Ingrid enjoys road tripping, exploring new destinations, hitting the cinema for a good movie and all things paranormal.
Becky
Veterinary Nurse
Becky knew from a very young age that working with animals was exactly what she wanted to do. While still in high school, she started to pursue a career in veterinary nursing and landed her first job as a trainee vet nurse in 2001. She finished high school and then completed her training to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse. After taking a small break once her son was born, she joined the team at Payneham in December 2018.
Becky still enjoys all aspects of nursing, but you will often find her on the front desk, as client communication/ relations is now her passion.
After 25 years, Becky still can’t imagine doing anything other than vet nursing.
Outside of work, she is a busy mum to a wonderful teenage son, and she has a real passion for reptiles and will quite often be out looking for snakes. She enjoys her downtime relaxing with a glass of wine with her beautiful little dog, Lylah and 2 cats, Jonas and Rob.
Alli
Veterinary Nurse
Alli originally qualified as a Veterinary nurse in the UK back in 2003. After moving to Adelaide in 2012, she joined Payneham Veterinary Centre in 2020.
Alli spends most of her time out back as one of our surgical nurses. She has a special interest in radiography and all things surgical. Alli also really enjoys mentoring nurses and veterinary students on their learning placements.
Outside of work, Alli really enjoys astrology, painting, movie nights, ice cream runs and relaxing with her two rescue cats, Leo and Archer.
Tameeka
Veterinary Nurse
In 2020, Tameeka decided to retrain to follow her veterinary dreams after a decade working in support care.
Tameeka joined Payneham Veterinary Centre in 2022 as a registered Veterinary Nurse and has enjoyed supporting her surgical and hospital patients. With a strong interest in dentistry and client education, Tameeka can be found happily out the back completing dental assessments or educating clients out the front.
When not at work, Tameeka is travelling the world with her family or spoiling her 2 dogs (Teddy and Milo), 2 snakes, 2 parrots, and a host of chickens.
Marina
Veterinary Nurse
Marina started her career as a veterinary technician in Croatia for 2 years before relocating to Adelaide and completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She has now been working in GP clinics for the past 3 years.
Marina most enjoys monitoring anaesthetics and providing comfort to patients before and after surgery.
Outside of work, you can find Marina spending time with her husband Zac and cat Marcus, reading, spending time in nature and doing crafts.
Tushni
Veterinary Nurse
Tushni was excited to join the team as a vet nurse shortly before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology in 2025.
She has grown a special interest in surgical and ICU nursing, though she is always eager to learn and get involved in all things veterinary.
Outside of work, she loves crocheting and reading, has a handsome rescue dog called Mogli who would do anything for a tasty morsel.
Her main goal is to become a registered Veterinarian and one day contribute to veterinary initiatives in Mongolia, especially in Przewalski horse conservation.
Roy and Keeley
Roy and Keeley have had long and active careers in the entertainment industry before joining the social media team at Payneham Veterinary Centre.
Keeley, as a PR officer and then influencer in both industry and latterly her own company, has had many celebrity clients including Kermit, Toad of Toad Hall, and Shrek.
During this time, Keeley met Roy, at first in a professional capacity before evolving into a personal and professional partnership.
Over the past years, they have become inseparable, both being avid cricket fans.
Roy and Keeley have a pet nurse, called Tameeka.