Daniel Hogan

Hospital Director

RVN

After completing A-levels, Daniel began a career as a Veterinary Nurse, and after completing his training, qualified as an RVN in 2007. He became Head Nurse at a large 24-hour veterinary hospital in East London, before progressing to the role of Hospitals Manager for Village Vet Group. Daniel became Operations Manager and Academy Principal at a large referral centre and training academy in Cambridgeshire, before joining our team in 2017 to take up the role of Operations Manager.

Daniel holds the A1/V1 Clinical Coach qualifications, Level 3 in British Sign Language and is currently completing a Chartered Management Institute Level 7 qualification in Strategic Leadership. He also sits on the project board for Vet Futures, an organisation set up by the British Veterinary Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to help deliver the very best for animal health and welfare, the public and the veterinary profession.

When he’s not at work, Daniel plays the drums in a band, does a lot of running (he’s training for his next marathon!) and enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Trevor.

Kerry Smith

Clinical Director and Ophthalmologist

BVetMed CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS

Kerry graduated from the RVC. After several years in practice during which she obtained the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology, she undertook a Residency at the Animal Health Trust. She gained her ECVO Diploma in Ophthalmology in 2007 and became a member of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Panel in 2008. She worked at Linnaeus sister hospital, Davies Veterinary Specialists, from 2006 -2023, becoming Head of Ophthalmology in 2020. She was a member of the ECVO Education and Residency Committee from 2010-2021, External Examiner for the BSAVA PGCert in Veterinary Ophthalmology from 2017-2021 and in 2018 was invited to the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Panel Working Party. She is current Linnaeus Subject Matter Expert in Veterinary Ophthalmology. Her professional interests are post-graduate education in Ophthalmology and corneal surgery.

She is thrilled to be starting a new phase of her career as Clinical Director of the amazing and talented clinicians at Southfields. Her focuses are continuous Quality Improvement for pets, clients and referring vets, and the professional growth and development of her team.

Out of work Kerry’s time is occupied by her two funny and gorgeous teen-aged sons and delinquent working cocker spaniel, Rhubarb. She likes walking in National Parks, long baths and Earl grey tea.

Nicola Barrigan

Head of Nursing Services

RVN, ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management

Nicola qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2009 while working at a busy 24-hour Veterinary Hospital in East London. She has a keen interest in anaesthesia and ECC and, following qualification, she held the roles of Orthopaedic Nurse and Charge Nurse before progressing to the position of Nursing Managing in 2014. In 2019, Nicola successfully completed her ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Nicola owns a classic VW Campervan and enjoys socialising with other VW enthusiasts.

She has two rescue dogs, Harry and Winston, and loves to spend her weekends walking the dogs in Epping Forest with family and friends.

Sarah Stam

Operations Manager

Sarah worked as a weekend kennel hand in a local boarding kennels, before joining our team as an Evening Receptionist in 2005. In 2006, she decided to go to Australia for 6 months and her mother kept her evening role open for her.

Upon her return, Sarah became a full time member of our reception team and eventually became the Senior Receptionist. Sarah’s role changed again in December 2017 when she was promoted to Operations Assistant and then to Operations Manager in 2020.

In her spare time, Sarah shows her family’s Field Spaniels and is also a volunteer dog trainer at a local training school. She also enjoys going to the gym. At home, Sarah has a golden Cocker Spaniel called Pippa, who keeps her very busy!

Kathryn Witney

Operations Assistant

Kathryn joined the Client Care Team at Southfields in January 2020. She has a huge passion for exploring around the globe and went away travelling for three years, she then lived in Australia for two.

She has two family cats called Millie and Lucy who she loves very much and visits regularly at her family home in Manchester.

Her creativeness was articulated when she joined Oxford School of Drama for a year. Her dexterity of acting was presented in many theatrical productions over the years.

Of a weekend, Kathryn tends to enjoy many walks; exploring the tranquil areas around her home. She also often appreciates catching up with the friends made over the years and from around the world.

Kerry Egan

HR Advisor

Kerry joined Southfields in August 2019 as our People Coordinator, after previously working in customer care for 18 years. Prior to coming to Southfields, Kerry worked in HR support for 3 years.

At home, Kerry lives with her son Ryan and her German Shepherd x Akita, Chunk. In her spare time, Kerry enjoys making chocolate bouquets and sweet treats. She enjoys writing short stories, eating out with friends and watching shows.

Donna Leach

Human Resources Admin

Donna has over 25 years of experience working within HR and Administration roles. She has previously worked for Greggs PLC and Benefit Fraud.

After leaving school, Donna qualified as a Florist and opened her own business when she was 19 years old. She is a creative person and loves card crafting, gardening and DIY. Donna also enjoys visiting English Heritage sites, Archery and spending time with her family.

Donna has a dog called Loki who is very naughty, enjoys cuddles and makes her laugh.

Will Clayton

Facilities and Safety Lead
Relocation Lead

Will started his working career in sales working as a market trader on Essex, Kent & London markets, then moved to sales in Basildon’s then Allders Department store in the Eastgate Centre for several years, selling furniture and beds.

He took some time out to travel and work in India, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand & America , learnt to dive in Australia on the barrier reef and worked as a cocktail waiter in New Zealand!

When he returned home, he started his career in Facilities, working for multi-national law firm Ashurst working in the London office and setting up new offices in Europe, then international award winning architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, working in the cheese grater as well as Thames Wharf, where I also gave support to the River Café (Michelin starred restaurant and celebrity hang out) and then finally Allies and Morrison again an international practice who were the designers of the Olympics Masterplan.

Will then returned full circle to come back to working in Basildon and at Southfields.

In his youth, Will competed in athletics for Basildon, karate and jiu jitsu, rugby and has cycled to Italy twice. He is also qualified to teach exercise to music (aerobics!)
His hobbies are now a little more sedate and he spends time standing in rivers to recover!

Having four children, Will spends a lot of his spare time picking them up and dropping them off, as well as holidaying in Spain where he has recently acquired an apartment.

Mark Larwood

Facilities Operative

From a young age Mark took an interest in decorating and motor sport racing. At the moment he is restoring a Isetta BMW (bubble car) as a stepping stone to a Chevy truck which will accommodate more space to drive.
Growing up, Mark always wanted to work in the city in IT but his interest turned to cars when he worked in the motor trade.

His interests have lead him to enjoy Formula One and complete charity drives across Europe. He also has an interest in architecture and in the future would love to design and build his own home.

Emma Hill-Gowing

Training and Development Lead, Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Prior to joining Southfields in April 2018, Emma worked in a first opinion 24 hour hospital. She has a strong interest in emergency and critical care nursing and hopes to pursue further qualifications in this area in the future.

After adopting a stray cat with heart disease, Emma has discovered an interest in cardiology.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys caring for her own pets, travelling as much as she can and keeping fit.

Nadine Crissell

Pharmacy Assistant

NPTC Level 2 National Certificate for Veterinary Care Assistants

Nadine joined the Southfields Pharmacy team in June 2023. She has been an animal lover since she was little, growing up with dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses.
Nadine gained her VCA qualification from Writtle College in 2012 and worked in a couple of 1st opinion practices in the local area. Nadine then worked for a charity veterinary hospital where she discovered a passion for pharmacy.

At home Nadine has a Yorkshire Terrier called Bella, a Beagle cross called Clyde who is known for always wearing a bow tie and being very handsome and an 11 year old cat called Hetty.
In her spare time Nadine enjoys walking her dogs, reading and knitting.

Jo Ryan

Business Relations Manager

RVN Cert SAN

Jo started her career as a Veterinary Nurse at a busy hospital in Wanstead where she worked as a Surgery Nurse, with a main interest in Orthopaedics and Neurology. She went on to work at the Royal Vet College nursing in theatre and wards. Jo went back to open a new clinic and managed the opening and training of nurses.

After having a career break to raise her two children Jo went back to work at a local clinic in Chelmsford. She worked as a consulting nurse for ten years before moving on to a sales role for Hills Nutrition. She worked there for 8.5 years and enjoyed forging good relationships with many clinics.

Jo lives in Chelmsford with her two adult children 24 and 20 years. three cats, two tortoises and a Gecko. Jo also enjoys fostering cats for Cats’ Protection and seeing her friends.

Deana Goom

Client Finance Manager