Our team is made up of passionate individuals who are on a mission to change the lives of animals in need. Get to know the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to make a real difference:
“Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, committed to providing a second chance for every animal that comes through our doors. Join us in making a difference in the lives of animals in need.”
We believe in working collaboratively, in alignment with our core values of Compassion, Respect, Enthusiasm, and Education, to provide our rescue animals with excellent care. We are continually looking at ways to improve our standards of care through further education and constructive feedback.
Meet the team
Dr Robert McMahon
Director & Veterinary Surgeon BVSc
Read more about Rob
Role: Chief Veterinarian
With years of experience in animal healthcare, Dr. Rob ensures that every animal receives the medical attention they need to thrive.
Started at Sweet Pea: January 2014
Pets:
Work Experience:
If I had one wish:
Samantha Blake
Director & Veterinary Nurse MSc
Read more about Sam
Role: To keep the rescue running as smoothly as possible (and to smooch & cuddle lots of critters!).
Founder and Director, Sam's unwavering love for animals led her to establish Sweet Pea Animal Rescue. Her vision and leadership have been the driving force behind our lifesaving work.
Started at Sweet Pea: January 2014
Pets: Jack - the sweetest cat in the whole wide world!
Work Experience: The past 10 years as Practice Manager at Sweet Pea Animal Hospital. Previous to that, Vet Nursing for many years. And in centuries long gone, Sales and Marketing in carious industries.
If I had one wish: Equality for all living beings.
Kristy Gray
Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Ree Tooley
General Manager
Read more about Ree
Role: General Manager
Started at Sweet Pea: October 2024
Pets: Simba (Cat), Ghost (Dog), Kovu (Dog) and Kion (Dog)
Work Experience: Various Administration Roles in Leadership & Management, Compliance and Risk, Recruitment and Training.
11 Years in the Australian Defence Force - Security Police - Military Working Dog Handler
If I had One Wish: That we live in a society where the laws better protect mis-treated animals.
Read more about Kristy
Role: Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Started at Sweet Pea: As a volunteer in 2018
Pets: Bojo and Teaka, both Chihuahuas, adopted from Sweet Pea.
Work Experience: Bachelor of Science (Zoology) 2005, Wildlife carer (currently with FAWNA) for 30 years. Currently working at Sweet Pea Animal Rescue.
If I had One Wish: For all animals to experience a happy and healthy life, and to spread kindness and positivity.
Rose Burt
Adoption & Foster Care Coordinator
Read more about Rose
Role: Adoption & Foster Care Coordinator
Started at Sweet Pea: May 2021
Pets: Marley ex-SPAR aged 11 (Border Collie X ??), Ruby aged 10 (Cattle Dog/Jack Russell X).
Work Experience: So long ago, I can't remember.
If I had One Wish: clear the worlds waterways of plastic pollution, stop deforestation for yet more development, make sure no animal ever suffered again at the hands of curel animals.
Maria Schwensen
Adoption Coordinator & Grants
Read more about Maria
Role: Adoption Coordinator & Grants
Started at Sweet Pea: October 2024
Pets: 2 rescue dogs - Buddy and Hallie. 3 horses - Rolly, Cascade, and Farrah.
Work Experience: 15 years Administration and Management experience at University of New South Wales. Last Roles: Research Manager - Faculty of Built Environment UNSW 2018 to 2020 and School Manager - School of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW 2016 to 2018. School Manager - School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW 2014 to 2016.
If I had One Wish: Loving homes for all pets.
Barnabus Sweet Pea
Security
Read more about Barnabus
Role: Sit atop inappropriate spaces and oversee proceedings, lounge about the place looking regal, salutes to the sun.
Started at Sweet Pea: This dude is pre-Sweet Pea. I know all the ins and outs!
Pets: I have so many dogs, I have lost count of their names. They come in and out all day long, one after the other.
Work Experience: Oh, I know how to work it!
Favourite Food: Anything that is not mine eg. Krispy Kreme doughnuts gifted to the nurses, bread rolls or sandwiches in the staff room, meat pies cooling on the window sill, you get the picture!
Favourite Travel Destination: Consult Room 1
Favourite Species: Humans are okay, I guess.
Loved Ones: The Sweet Pea Team and Daisy <3 data-preserve-html-node="true"
If I had One Wish: That I could eat what I want, when I want!
Daisy Sweet Pea
Team Supervisor
Read more about Daisy
Role: To find the highest, most inaccessible, and disruptive place to supervise everyone. I fulfil my role to the best of my ability.
Started at Sweet Pea: I arrived as a tiny lost kitten in February 2019 and decided to stay!
Pets: Barney
Work Experience: I have not worked a day in my life and don’t intend to start anytime soon.
Favourite Food: Bugs
Favourite Travel Destination: The Meeting Room - it used to be so easy to access and was so chilled out but that’s all changed now. They’ve closed the borders. It’s so hard to get in there!
Favourite Species: Bugs
Loved Ones: Barney is okay, I guess.
If I had One Wish: That I could visit The Meeting Room any time I like and destroy as many chairs as I want to.