MEET THE TEAM
Founding Director Dr Rebecca Bugg was introduced to Holistic Medicine as a child her exposure led her to study Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture through IVAS in 2005. She has two senior Labradors Poppy and Barney who are adored by herself, her partner and her son. It's no surprise that Dr Rebecca Bugg is passionate about assisting senior pets to live their best lives. One of the first clients to trial Dr Rebecca Bugg’s skills as a Veterinary acupuncturist on her beloved Poodle Lucy was her dear friend Ruth, who has a consultation room named after her at Well Beings. Ruth was a woman ahead of her time who saw the pressing need to help our caring professions deal with their everyday stressors. There wasn’t a term for it back then but since COVID it has been recognised as “compassion fatigue”. Ruth taught Rebecca that as practitioners but also as owners of pets with chronic ailments we take on a huge mental load in caring for these animals. If we don’t take care of ourselves then we are not in the best position to help them. Dr Rebecca Bugg is passionate about this unique aspect of veterinary practice and why it is an important part of her holistic wellness consultation to discuss how pet owners are caring for themselves as well as their pets.
Rebecca
Dr Gloria graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2004. After working in a number of small animal practices in Melbourne she joined Dr Rebecca in opening Well Beings in 2019. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist, and is a member of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and a tutor for the Australian College of Veterinary Acupuncture. Her special interests include canine and feline behaviour, palliative care and management of chronic health conditions, and treatment of rabbits and birds. In her spare time, Dr Gloria enjoys walking her two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, reading and visiting op shops.
Gloria
Dr Gretchen Szabat graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2006 then practiced in Los Angeles for a short while before moving permanently to Melbourne. Her interest in wildlife led her to complete a Masters in Conservation Medicine from Murdoch University. Throughout her career she has treated a wide variety of species and enjoys the variety and challenge that being a vet brings. Most recently she has pursued further qualifications in canine rehabilitation and that has become a passion of hers. Gretchen is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, ACRA member and has a certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy.
Gretchen
Stacey joined our Well Beings team in 2021. She has previously worked in the Pet Food industry for over 8 years moving her love and interests into holistic pet care for animals. Stacey is currently completing a course on medicinal plants, then continuing further studies in Animal Nutrition. In Stacey's free time, she enjoys her families company, exploring wildlife & nature, arts & music. Whilst being around her pack of; Latte the Maltese x Chihuahua, Apollo the German Shepard x Husky, Ocean the Staffordshire, Perisa & Kai the cats, Bugs & Psycho the rabbits, Houdini the guinea pig, Bobby the Cockatiel & the fish.
Stacey
Di’s career in the animal industry spans over two decades, bringing an invaluable wealth of knowledge of pet nutrition and natural health care, she has also established a reputation of building relationships with our store and rehab customers and their pets here at WellBeings. Di lives regional, devoting her time outside of work to her two legged family and her rescued fur babies. She prides herself on being an advocate of all animal's and their rights, and believes in an holistic approach for their Wellbeing.
Di
Originally from the UK Holly relocated to Australia in 2015. After working in various roles she craved a new challenge and a career change was in order. Her love for animals and a creative flair made dog grooming the perfect choice. She completed a course in 2018. She says it's the best thing she's ever done and takes pride in her work, treating every dog as if it was her own with the ethos 'humanity before vanity'. Holly started working at Well Beings in January 2020. She loves working with like-minded individuals in a beautiful peaceful environment. Working with Acupuncturists, Pet Nutritionists, Vets, Hydrotherapists, Physios and Osteopaths is so rewarding, such a wealth of knowledge all in one place. Holly's pooches Echo and Ivy the Tibetan Spaniels, love coming and hanging out at work and of course enjoys the array of treats in store at Well Beings.
Holly
Alex has recently joined the team at Well Beings Holistic Petcare. She has been a veterinarian for 11 years working with animals big and small but is most passionate about animal rehabilitation. After years of seeing pets struggle with arthritis, and difficulties recovering from surgery she decided to dedicate more of her time to helping these patients. Last year she qualified to become a certified canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT) and is already enjoying seeing the benefit that a combination of hydrotherapy, laser therapy and an individualised rehabilitation program can have on pets’ lives.