Dr CRAIG STANGHON BVSc
Practice Owner & Clinic Veterinarian
Dr Craig Stanghon joined the Chancellor Park Veterinary Surgery team in 2013 and brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to his role as practice owner.
Originally from South Africa, Craig completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Natal in 1992. With a lifelong love for animals and the natural world, it was always clear to him that a career in veterinary medicine was his calling.
While travelling in London, Craig met his Australian wife, Pettina. The pair moved to Sydney in 2000, where Craig pursued his veterinary degree at the University of Sydney. After graduating in 2005, the family relocated to the Sunshine Coast, where Craig began working in companion animal practice.
Craig has a special interest in dentistry and chemotherapy and is passionate about providing the highest standard of care to every pet and their family. He leads the Chancellor Park team with a focus on clinical excellence, community connection, and compassionate service.
Outside of work, Craig enjoys an active lifestyle and can often be found cycling—whether it’s on the road or through the mud. At home, life is busy with his family, four dogs, one cat, and two very cheeky conures who keep everyone entertained.
Dr JULIE KEMP BVSc
Clinic Veterinarian
​
When asked why Julie wanted to become the veterinarian she is today she responded;
“I’ve always liked animals and I quite enjoyed science and maths at school. I thought that the black and white aspect of those subjects would apply to the veterinary world. That was before I went to uni and discovered it’s not like that at all; it’s such a gray area.”
Julie graduated from the University of Queensland in 1996. She spent 4 years developing her veterinary skills in a mixed practice with cows, horses, cats and dogs before travelling to the UK. There she worked a further 3 years and absolutely loved it, but it was the promise of sunshine and her horses that brought her home.
More knowledgeable and wiser from the experience, Julie continued her career at another mixed practice before settling down here at Chancellor Park in 2005.
Many of the nurses love working with Julie, not only for her by-the-book attitude to veterinary techniques but also for the level of care she shows to each and every one of her patients. It is all too common to find Julie here bright and early in the morning and to still have her here long after the sun has set. On her rare days at home she enjoys riding her horses, specifically endurance and dressage.
Her home is complete with her five horses, one special dog and partner; Peter.
​
Dr Samantha Millar BVSc
Clinic Veterinarian
​
Dr Sam is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian who combines a lifelong love of animals with a strong background in both clinical practice and scientific research. She completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland and has since gained experience across a range of veterinary roles, including positions at Pet Emergency and Queensland Veterinary Specialists (QVS).
Prior to clinical work, Sam was involved in research in molecular biology and stem cell science — a foundation that has deepened her understanding of complex medical conditions. She has a special interest in small animal medicine, dermatology, and emergency care, and is passionate about providing thorough, empathetic treatment to every patient she sees. Sam especially loves working with dogs and building strong, trusting relationships with their owners.
Outside of the clinic, Sam enjoys reading, op-shopping, and spending time outdoors with her partner and their much-loved RSPCA rescue dog, Barkley — a spirited Groodle who keeps them on their toes.
Dr Madeline Collins BVSc (Hons)
Clinic Veterinarian
​
Madeline is a dedicated and compassionate veterinarian who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment. Known for her calm, capable approach under pressure, she brings a well-rounded skill set to all areas of veterinary practice, including surgery, hospital care, and general consultations.
A lifelong animal lover, Madeline knew from a young age that she wanted to become a vet. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2022 and completed part of her clinical placement right here at Chancellor Park Veterinary Surgery. After impressing the team with her knowledge, work ethic, and caring nature, she has now joined us full-time as a new graduate vet.
Outside of work, Maddy enjoys staying active by playing netball and touch football. She also loves spending time with friends and family, and making the most of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle with regular trips to the beach.
Dr Jalal Thompson (Hons)
Clinic Veterinarian
​
From a young age, Jalal has had a deep love for animals, which naturally led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Graduating from the University of Queensland in 2017 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons), and since then, I've worked in small animal practices across Melbourne and Brisbane.
While Jalal enjoys all aspects of general practice, he has a particular passion for ophthalmology. This interest led Jalal to undertake a two-year internship at Veterinary Specialist Services, where he focused primarily on ophthalmology, while also gaining valuable experience in small animal medicine and surgery.
Most recently, Jalal spent a year practicing in the Middle East, expanding both his clinical experience and cultural perspective. Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Jalal has now returned home to settle down with my partner.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find him trail running, hiking, travelling, or spending quality time with family.
Dr Sophie Lovell (Hons)
Clinic Veterinarian
​
Dr Sophie graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After completing a rotating internship at Massey’s small animal hospital, she began her career as an emergency veterinarian at a referral hospital in Auckland.
Her love of travel and new experiences has taken her across the globe. She spent 18 months in Canada working in both general practice and emergency medicine, followed by a period in the UK where she worked as a locum vet while travelling around Europe.
Most recently, she relocated to Australia to begin an exciting new chapter in her veterinary career.
Dr Sophie has a strong interest in emergency medicine and enjoys the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the field. She brings a wealth of international experience and a calm, compassionate approach to her patients and clients.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, staying active, and reading. A passionate traveler, she’s always planning her next adventure.
A self-confessed cat lover, she has previously fostered cats for the Humane Society and found the experience incredibly rewarding. Sophie has always wanted to adopt a greyhound and which became a reality when Pablo joined their family.
Dr SEBASTIAN OLASEK BVSc PhVM
Clinic Veterinarian
​
Like any good vet, Sebastian became what he is today because of his love of animals. His decision concerning his chosen career was only enforced when he discovered his passion for horses. It was what made him apply for a bachelor of Veterinary Science.
Sebastian graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 and begun working with both large and small animals. He thoroughly enjoyed his time working in a mixed practice setting, but in the year 2000 he had to make the hard decision whether or not to stick it out with large animals, or become a small animal practice. Choosing the latter, Sebastian resolved to relish his passion of horses on a purely recreational level. He also enjoys the simple pleasure of taking his dogs Hilda, Sparky & Kirri for long walks.
Sebastian is an accomplished surgeon and this is his favourite aspect of being a vet.
Dr ANNABEL SHEPHERD BVSc BAppSc
Clinic Veterinarian
​
When Annabel was eleven years old, she decided that she wanted to be a vet. She had spent a great portion of her childhood around animals, and was determine to base her career around her love of them.
She graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 and it was in the January of 1988 that her and her partner Sebastian started their own practice here on the Sunshine Coast. In 1997 they opened Chancellor Park Vet Surgery.
Annabel is a beautiful soul and has a gentle hand with the animals. She has a special interest in behavioural medicine.
It is not enough to be surrounded by animals at work; Annabel has a loving family of horses, dogs, chickens and a cockatoo waiting for her at home.
