Joanne Hanssens

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Jo started her career as a part-time veterinary nurse at Yamanto Veterinary Surgery whilst still in high school and during her university years (2000-2007). Once a graduated veterinarian she then worked full time in Goondiwindi (Dec 2007-  Jan 2011) and then worked as a locum for 13 months where she has gained much experience in various practices including Guyra, Tenterfield, Pittsworth, Dayboro, Kilcoy, Dalby, Mt Isa and Roma. Jo joined the Maranoa Veterinary Surgery in Feb 2012 and enjoys almost all aspects of veterinary science but mostly cattle work, mare breeding and soft tissue & gastro-intestinal surgery in small animals. Jo has many pets including dogs, cats, goats and cattle that she adores and are known to most people as her "fur-kids". Shelley, Vegas, and Mindee the clinic cats and sometimes her dogs Dixie and Betty will greet you at the practice. Jo became practice director in Dec 2012 and continues to enjoy the veterinary challenges of being a mixed practitioner.

Veterinary Certifications

- Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association NCPD tail tags to certify pregnancy testing- manual

- Australian Cattle Veterinarians NCPD tail tag accredited examiner

- Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association Veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (bull testing) Accredited Veterinarian. 

- Equine Dentistry

- Hendra Vaccination Accredited Veterinarian

- Stud Book Accredited Veterinarian

- NSW Ovine Brucellosis Accredited Veterinarian

Chloe Howlett

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Riley Spooner

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Riley commenced casual employment at Maranoa Vet Surgery in April 2023 as a kennel hand after school, on school holidays and weekends. He demonstrates a natural affinity and deep compassion for animals. As Riley has now left school he is working towards his career in Veterinary Nursing and works for us part time. He especially enjoys surgical nursing and emergency work. Outside of work he plays football and enjoys running.

Elsie Irwin

Animal Care Taker

Elsie started employment as junior animal attendant with us in December 2023, wanting to learn more about animal care and vet work. She progressed very quickly and, beyond tending to animals, Elsie is very handy in the surgery/ theatre as a nurse, does an excellent job grooming animals as well as assisting customers at reception. She has proved an all-round team player, is impeccably diligent and undertakes her duties accurately and speedily. Elsie attends St Johns School and outside of school she enjoys motocross competitions and dance. Elsie has ambitions to become a large animal Veterinarian and loves learning new things, and we love teaching her.

Tristan Nel

Animal Care Taker

Tristan started with us in November 2024. He attends school at St Johns and completes afternoon shifts and Saturday morning shifts with us.Tristan enjoys learning new things, likes that each day is different, and, of course, working with the variety of animals our practice encounters which he is very competent at. Tristan is aspiring to be an occupational therapist. 

Emmy-Lou

Animal Care Taker

Emmy started with Maranoa Vets in June 2025 and bought with her years of experience handling dogs and cats, and training and working horses. She has also undertaken studies in Emmett’s therapy and is a level 5 therapist having undertaken 5 sessions of 16 hour courses over 2 days. She has worked hard all her school holidays for us, but as she currently studies at Downlands College we miss her when she’s away at school. Her work ethic, speed and problem solving skills are second to none. She has proven to be a fast learner, an excellent surgical nurse, great on computers and she is multi skilled in that she cares for animals and can fix just about anything we break. This solidifies why we look forward to school holidays…. Emmy is back! Outside of work she may be found at school, on the footy field, mustering cattle, exercising her dogs and horses or welding up dog boxes and trays. A truly multi-talented and accomplished young lady! When she graduates from high school she is planning to get an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy as a line person.

Charlotte Lucas

Animal Care Taker

Charlotte started with us in February 2026. She attends school at St Johns and completes afternoon shifts and Saturday morning shifts with us. Charlotte has leaned her animal attending role so quickly she has started training in reception and surgical nursing.  She is keen to learn, polite with a cheeky little sense of humour. When Charlotte grduates from high school she is hoping to become a Veterinarian.

Maggie Butler

Animal Care Taker

Vegas

Clinic Cat

Vegas was adopted from Maranoa Animal Rescue in July 2013 as a 5month old kitten and has been our original clinic kitty (aka supervisor) since. She likes napping, belly rubs, food and rolling on items that have come back from the field that smell like cows. She dislikes barking dogs and exercise. Vegas is frequently employee of the month.

Shelley

Clinic Cat

Shelley joined us in June 2014 as an approx 1 year old pregnant cat. She was found to be living on the railway tracks near Ergon Energy in Roma and her lovely rescuer, an Ergon worker named Nadine, bought her into us. Shelley had her kittens within a short period after arriving and they all found homes fairly promptly. Shelley on the other hand remained unwanted/ not adopted. She had however made friends with our existing clinic kitty, Vegas, (good move on her part) so after about 6months of trying to find her a home, we gave up and she got to stay. Shelley is a gentle and sweet, super smoocher and is always up for a pat or cuddle.

Mindee

Clinic Cat

Mindee came to us in July 2023 when she was about 6months of age. She was found roadside with a dislocated elbow, broken ribs and sternum and skin infections- It was assumed this was due to vehicular injury. Although we were able to fix her bones, she had sustained ongoing radial nerve damage to her front left leg, meaning she couldn't move it. After 6 weeks, the decision to remove the leg was made, and she has never looked back. She's playful, social, and rather mischievous. She definitely wins the hearts of many clients, and we refer to her as the "people's choice" award winner.