Healthcare Team – Administrative Staff

Our health care team at St. Francis Vet Hospital all have one thing in common – they are passionate about pets! From our highly experienced vets, to our dedicated nurses/kennelman and welcoming reception staff, everyone at St Francis Veterinary Hospital works together to provide you and your pet with the best possible care.

Our team is dedicated to providing a service to our patients and clients of the highest possible standard. The team continually review their facilities, equipment and training in order to implement their policy of always striving to exceed the expectations of all who visit the hospital.

Our comprehensive patient record system allows us to care for your pet as a team, however you can request which vet you would like to see, and our friendly reception team will gladly assist you with booking your appointment.

Melissa Lehman Calitz

Practice Manager

Melissa Lehman Calitz has been a valued member of St Francis Veterinary Hospital since 2008 and has worked in the veterinary field for over 10 years, gaining experience in all areas of a veterinary practice and continues to attend professional seminars on a regular basis.

“A different day, a different hat” – human resources, facilities repair, budgeting, marketing, project management, client relations- you-name-it! Working together with our Owners, Dr Simon Rigby and Dr Leigh-Anne Ehmke, Melissa makes sure we have our bases covered. Melissa began her journey as a veterinary receptionist – part time while studying through UNISA, and quickly worked her way up to Practice Manager. She passionately believes in our mission to provide the highest quality of patient care in a compassionate environment that provides exceptional client service and education.

Upon matriculating from Edenglen High School Melissa completed a diploma in Travel and Tourism with Hartwell Business Institute for which she graduated Cum laude. Her passion for travel inspired her to explore America where she joined Greencove girls summer camp coaching tennis, one of her hobbies she enjoys when time allows it. Upon returning home she continued her studies and completed her degree in Public Relations with Management/Marketing as a subdivision through the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Melissa has a passion for animals and runs our very successful pet slimmer programme, she has over the years helped many pets in achieving their goal weight. Outside of the practice Melissa enjoys everything outdoors, from fresh farmers markets to country getaways, scuba diving and of course building memories with her husband and son.

Tersha Malan

Head Receptionist

Tersha Malan has been a valued member of St Francis Veterinary Hospital since 2012 and is our Head Receptionist.

Tersha Malan grew up in Primrose, part of a big family of 5 and spent her schooling career at Vryburger High School where she matriculated in 2002. Tersha started her career in customer service from an early age at a local retail store during the school holidays. Once matriculated she joined the corporate field as a call centre manager at M2 North where she had 11 agents working under her supervision. Tersha’s career also involved working in the human healthcare sector as an admission clerk at Glynwood Hospital, she has spent a total of 19 years in the customer service field, which is one of her passions. Her love for animals drew her to join the St Francis Family in 2012 as a full-time receptionist. Tersha’s knowledge and passion for customer service and satisfaction was noticed from an early stage and she was quickly promoted to Head Receptionist working closely with our Practice Manger Melissa Lehman Calitz.

Tersha ensures our staff are fully trained, our clients are left satisfied with the best experience and organises our very successful puppy school.
In her spare time she enjoys watching cricket, having a braai with family, or sitting down to enjoy a good movie.