About Coast Cardiology

Working together to provide the best cardiac care for our community

At Coast Cardiology we believe in providing a personalised approach to your heart health.

We know seeking cardiac care for the first time can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to a compassionate approach to care that is focussed on giving you the expert guidance you need and the peace of mind you deserve.

From our cardiologists and experienced technicians to our office management and support staff, our entire team works collaboratively to provide exceptional care and support to our patients to help you to feel informed at every step.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

We’ll always take time to give you a thorough understanding of the care available, so you can make the best decisions about your treatment options.

We’ll work closely with your GP, other medical specialists and our collegial connections to provide a collaborative approach to your cardiac care.

We’ll combine our approach with evidence-based care to see that every patient receives the most advanced medical support tailored to their unique heart health needs.

MEET OUR SUPPORT TEAM

Melinda Prados

GENERAL MANAGER

Melinda oversees the business operations at Coast Cardiology. With two postgraduate degrees and extensive experience in corporate, business and retail financial management experience, Mel ensures we continue to function efficiently and safely - delivering the best possible care for our patients keeping costs as low as possible without compromising quality of care.

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Sean Carroll

Cardiac Nurse Practitioner

Sean began his cardiology career at Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he worked in both the Coronary Care Unit and Cardiac Catheter Laboratory. He later completed a Master of Nurse Practitioner (Chronic Disease) and played a key role in establishing the Heart Failure Service at Redland Hospital. As an endorsed Nurse Practitioner across both hospitals, he provided inpatient and outpatient care for patients living with heart failure and other complex cardiac conditions.

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Michelle Hoy

SONOGRAPHY TEAM LEADER
Michelle completed her bachelor degree at Wollongong University. She continued her cardiology training at Westmead Hospital, where Michelle was involved in working with pacemakers in the cardiac labs in addition to being involved in cardiac research. At Coast Cardiology, she performs echoes, stress testing and has a special interest in electrophysiology.
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Cohen Stanley

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
Cohen completed the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Following this she commenced her career as a Radiographer in 2004 in Queensland, providing Medical Imaging Services along the South East Coast...
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Michelle King

Cardiac Sonographer
Michelle began her working career as a Registered Nurse in Port Macquarie over 30 years ago, she then embraced the opportunity to train in Cardiac Ultrasound and went on to complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound (QUT).
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Jaala Buckmaster

RECEPTION TEAM LEADER

Jill McKittrick

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST

Jamie-Lee Bishop

Medical Receptionist
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Melinda Prados

BUSINESS MANAGER

Melinda oversees the business operations at Coast Cardiology. With two postgraduate degrees extensive experience in corporate, business and retail financial management experience, Mel ensures we continue to function efficiently and safely - delivering the best possible care for our patients keeping costs as low as possible without compromising quality of care.

Mel enjoys spending time in the community with her young family. She is actively involved in long distance triathlon events, ultra trail running, and promoting healthy living to improve long term health outcomes.

Sean Carroll

Cardiac Nurse Practitioner

Sean Carroll is a highly experienced Cardiac Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of clinical experience across the Australian health system, specialising in cardiology, heart failure and complex cardiac care.

A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse with advanced training, expertise and clinical authority to assess, diagnose and manage patients with acute and chronic health conditions. Sean brings a depth of knowledge and practical experience to his role, providing comprehensive, patient-centred care across the cardiac spectrum.

Sean began his cardiology career at Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he worked in both the Coronary Care Unit and Cardiac Catheter Laboratory. He later completed a Master of Nurse Practitioner (Chronic Disease) and played a key role in establishing the Heart Failure Service at Redland Hospital. As an endorsed Nurse Practitioner across both hospitals, he provided inpatient and outpatient care for patients living with heart failure and other complex cardiac conditions.

After relocating to Port Macquarie in 2017, Sean worked at Port Macquarie Base Hospital within the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory and Coronary Care Unit. He also practised as a Clinical Nurse Specialist supporting Exercise Stress Testing and Transoesophageal Echocardiography, and expanded his acute care expertise as a Registered Road Nurse with CareFlight.

In 2025, Sean joined Ramsay Home Health as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner within their virtual Heart Failure service, contributing to innovative models of care supporting patients living with chronic cardiac conditions.

Outside of work, Sean enjoys golfing, surfing and spending quality time with his family.

Qualifications

  • Master of Nurse Practitioner Studies (Chronic Disease Management – Subspecialty Heart Failure and Complex Cardiac Conditions), The University of Queensland (2010)
  • Bachelor of Nursing (Griffith Award for Academic Excellence), Griffith University (2002–2003)

Michelle Hoy

SONOGRAPHY TEAM LEADER

Michelle began her career in cardiology in 1996 and leads the team of Cardiac Sonographers at Coast Cardiology.

Michelle completed her bachelor degree at Wollongong University. She continued her cardiology training at Westmead Hospital, where Michelle was involved in working with pacemakers in the cardiac labs in addition to being involved in cardiac research. At Coast Cardiology, she performs echoes, stress testing and has a special interest in electrophysiology.

Michelle is an enthusiastic member of the team and enjoys supporting the community of the Mid North Coast.

Cohen Stanley

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
Cohen completed the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Following this she commenced her career as a Radiographer in 2004 in Queensland, providing Medical Imaging Services along the South East Coast, later extending to Melbourne, and Tasmania. After developing a keen interest in cardiac care, Cohen completed the Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound (QUT) in 2020 and has been assisting cardiac patients within the Public Hospital System in Northern, North West, and Southern Tasmanian regions through delivering appropriate and timely Cardiology services

Treatment of valvular pathology is one of her special interests. Her experience includes pre and post operative imaging studies for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and Replacement’s (TAVR), Valve in valve implantations, with the more recent introduction to Mitral Valve Repair via the Mitra Clip implantation. Additionally providing Imaging support for the treatment of congenitally or acquired septal defects along with assistance in the provision of Electrophysiology Studies.

Cohen is dedicated to best practise and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the industry through ongoing professional development. She relishes working within a busy team environment to provide quality imaging services that meet and exceed the Cardiology demands of the community.

Michelle King

Cardiac Sonographer
Michelle began her working career as a Registered Nurse in Port Macquarie over 30 years ago, she then embraced the opportunity to train in Cardiac Ultrasound and went on to complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound (QUT). Michelle has worked in diverse teams and roles. including managing a large team of Cardiac Physiologists for a private Cardiology group. She has spent many years training and mentoring emerging cardiac sonographers. Her interests are in Structural Heart Disease, Ischaemic Heart Disease, Cardio-oncology and Athlete's Heart. Michelle strives to provide a professional and caring approach to cardiac testing focusing on best practice and care for patients.

Miranda Morrison

Medical Receptionist/Nursing Assistant
You may have seen Miranda at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital where she has been a valued member of the administrative team for 17 years, 10 of those working as the receptionist of the Cardiac Catheter Lab. During this time, Miranda has gained a vast array of cardiac knowledge and will no doubt transfer these skills and knowledge to Coast Cardiology.

Miranda is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing degree and will be helping Coast Cardiology patients with their ECG’s, holter monitors and a variety of other clinical needs, as well as being one of our medical receptionists.

Miranda and her small family enjoy the beautiful lifestyle Port Macquarie has to offer, particularly exploring the outdoors with the family dog. Miranda values community service and is currently a local Scout leader.

Jaki Bowden

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST
Jaki has always been a people person and has been working in medical administration and reception since 2010. Working at the Private Hospital and specialist practices over the years she has gained invaluable knowledge and disseminates her knowledge to give a better understanding of processes to the unknown.

Jaki finds delight talking with our diverse range of patients about their life experiences. She is an active person, who you may see around town walking her dog and enjoys sighting the wildlife of Port Macquarie.

Jill McKittrick

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST
Jill has been working in medical administration and reception for over twelve years which has enabled her to gain a vast and diverse skill set. Over this time, Jill has gained her knowledge across both general and specialist practices and she is keen to share this experience with her colleagues and patients at Coast Cardiology.

Jill is excited to provide all patients with an efficient and friendly experience in their dealings with Coast Cardiology. Jill and her family have lived in Ellenborough, west of Port Macquarie, for over twenty years and she looks forward to greeting you all when you visit the practice.

Marella Edwards

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST/NURSING ASSISTANT
A Lifelong Passion for Helping others.

Marella’s journey began during high school, where she volunteered working at a local nursing home. From this experience, Marella then felt drawn to the healthcare field.

Growing up in Port Macquarie, she was surrounded by natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Her caring nature and desire to help others led her to pursue a career in healthcare.

Marella has medical knowledge and training in Electrocardiogram (ECG's) Holter Monitors and much more, which she uses to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Playing an integral role in patient care, the information she provides helps doctors determine appropriate treatments and courses of action.

Marella feels fortunate to do work that is both personally fulfilling and contributes value to the community. Marella’s path in healthcare has truly been a ‘hearts calling’.

Jaala Buckmaster

RECEPTION TEAM LEADER

Jaala is an experienced and dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience in the specialist medical field as a medical secretary and receptionist, with 13 of those years focused specifically on cardiology. Her passion for this field began when she started working as an administrator in cardiology right after completing high school, and she has continued to develop her expertise and knowledge ever since.

As a senior medical administrator, Jaala has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the cardiology field. She has received training in Electrocardiogram (ECG's) and Holter Monitors and is always ready to assist patients within her practice. Her attention to detail and patient-focused approach have earned her a reputation for providing high-quality care and service.

Jaala has lived in the Camden Haven for the past 16 years, establishing a long-term home for her young family. She takes pride in supporting the local community in various endeavors, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact wherever she goes.

As an Office Manager, Jaala's experience, knowledge, and dedication is invaluable. She is detail-oriented, patient-focused, and has a deep understanding of the medical field. She is eager to bring her skills and expertise to any new challenge and is committed to making a meaningful contribution to her new team.

Karen Hillcoat

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Cardiac), AMS

Obtaining her Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Cardiac) in 1994, Karen has been instrumental in establishing imaging cardiac investigation services in the region. Karen has been a cardiac sonographer for almost 40 years and has been an examiner for the Queensland Ultrasound of Technology course. For more than 20 years , Karen has been performing echoes, stress echoes and other cardiac investigations in the Mid North Coast area.

Committed to supporting the local community, Karen has also been involved with an indigenous cardiac clinic in Kempsey since 2017.

In addition, Karen regularly attends cardiac conferences, learning the latest developments in diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, and has organised and presented at regional professional meetings.

Karen is passionate about teaching echocardiography and has been actively involved in the training of echo technicians and medical students, as well as doctors at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and other hospitals.