UPDATE: Please be aware that our opening hours have changed on Monday 19th September. Please contact us for any emergency care.
MEET THE
Nurses TEAM
Our Nursing team are dedicated to making sure that all the animals under our care have a comfortable and seamless recovery, helping them adapt to the effects of surgery, and managing and monitoring their treatments. We have a large team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, Patient Care Assistants and Theatre Technicians who provide dedicated care for our patients, day and night. Our team includes multi-disciplinary nurses as well as those who have chosen to specialise in specific areas of nursing and work closely with our specialist teams.
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.
Laura Claire Adams
Surgical Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Laura started working in a small private practice in 1999 after leaving school and went on to obtain her RVN qualification. She then moved to the PDSA in 2010, where she furthered her experience clinically and surgically and was able to carry out various schedule 3 procedures. This gave her a keen interest in surgery, orthopaedics, and emergency critical care. Laura then returned to a small animal practice to work as a sole surgical nurse, whilst balancing the demands of work with also being a mum to her two young children.
In her spare time, Laura can usually be found at the beach, if the sun is out, or walking her two dogs. She has a general passion for all aspects of nursing, but surgical nursing holds a special place in her heart.
Jessica Akca
Theatre Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Level 2 Certificate in Patient Care Support
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
Jess has grown up around animals, working and training dogs in agility from a young age. She turned her attention to animal welfare and started her veterinary career in 2018 at a busy 24-hour small animal hospital. She completed her Patient Care Support by 2021, until qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse in 2023. Jess enjoys all aspects of general veterinary nursing but has a particular interest in theatre practice, anesthesia and emergency critical care which she intends to develop further skills in at Southfields.
Not long after starting her veterinary career, Jess adopted a young cat called Cassie after being in a road traffic accident and needed a leg amputation. Cassie now lives her best life on 3 legs with Jess and her other furry siblings.
In her spare time, Jess continues her animal care at home, spends time with her family and friends, focuses on physical health, listens to music, and enjoys making art.
Leanne Anderson
Surgical Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Leanne studied Art and Design at college but after a short while, she decided that she wanted a career working with animals. Leanne began by volunteering in a cattery before she took up the role as trainee veterinary nurse at a local practice in 2000. After three years of studying and working within a first opinion, ophthalmology referral and exotic referral practice, Leanne qualified with Merit. Leanne joined our nursing team in 2007 and loves all aspects of referral nursing, but has a special interest in surgery.
Leanne has a cat called Minstrel and a rather large collection of creepy crawlies. She lives with her husband and her little boy.
Hilary Baker
Anaesthesia Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
In 2010, Hilary started her veterinary career in a first opinion, small animal practice as a student veterinary nurse and qualified in 2013.
She became deputy head nurse in 2016 before deciding that referral nursing was a career path she was keen to explore after 10 years in general practice. Hilary joined the team at Southfields in July 2021.
She has an interest in all aspects of nursing but is particularly attracted to feline nursing having always owned cats. She has a super senior domestic shorthair cat called Lillie who she has had from a kitten.
Outside of work, Hilary is a member of the Scout Association, plays the alto saxophone in a concert band based in Rayleigh and enjoys movies; she considers herself a cinephile.
Samara Brunning
Oncology Registered Veterinary Nurse
ISFM CERT FN
Samara is a mum to a human and five fur children. One crazy Cocker Spaniel and four cats. She adores everything cat and has a keen interest in feline behaviour. In her spare time, Samara enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and reading.
Samara has been qualified since 2018, and worked in first opinion practice for 12 years before taking the leap into referral. She joined the team at Southfields in 2022.
Lucy Campbell
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
From an early age, Lucy has always had an interest in animal care.
In her free time she likes to read, spend time with her friends and family and go on walks and hikes.
Amy Checksfield
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, FdSc Degree Veterinary Nursing
Amy studied at Nottingham Trent University and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in July 2018.
She previously worked in first opinion, orthopaedic and emergency out of hours clinics prior to coming to Southfields. Having gained a qualification in canine hydrotherapy she worked doing this before starting her nursing training.
Amy enjoys all aspects of patient care and always strives to make their experience while in hospital as comfortable as possible.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her Andalusian horse Viento and likes to take him out eventing over the summer months. She is also learning Japanese and has aspirations to travel around Japan one day.
Abbigal Clarke
Student Veterinary Nurse
Amber Cooke
Ophthalmology Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, BSc BVS, RCH, ISFM Cert Feline Nursing, RVN
Amber qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2014 and started her career at a busy 24 hour hospital. In September 2018, Amber decided to go travelling for three months before starting her role here at Southfields. Amber has a keen interest in feline nursing and emergency care.
Outside of work, Amber enjoys hiking in Scotland, horse riding and spending time with her family and cats.
Wendy Drain
Ward RVN
ISFMDipFN RVN
Wendy started working at a local first opinion practice in 2002 and qualified, as an RVN, from Writtle college in 2009. In 2016, Wendy completed the ISFM diploma in feline nursing. She has an interest in medical nursing and has also developed a keen interest in palliative and end of life care.
In her spare time, Wendy enjoys caring for her family, walking and spending time in the garden.
Charlotte Dyall
Senior Anaesthesia Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, DipVNES, C-SQP, RNPD(A+A)
Charlotte worked in a busy first opinion veterinary hospital for 6 years, starting as a veterinary care assistant then registering as a veterinary nurse in May 2017.
She joined Southfields as a multi-disciplinary nurse in February 2020.
Charlotte enjoys all aspects of her job, but after starting at Southfields discovered a love of anaesthesia and joined the anaesthesia and analgesia team in January 2021.
She has been volunteering at the local wildlife hospital since May 2019 and enjoys nursing a variety of exotic pets and British wildlife.
Connie Ellis
Multidisciplinary Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, FDSC degree in veterinary nursing
Connie spent 4 years studying veterinary nursing at the Royal Veterinary College and graduated in July 2021. Once qualified she spent a year working in a busy First Opinion practice, gaining lots of practical experience.
In her spare time, she looks after her horse named Romeo, who she rides and regularly competes with.
Clare Feeney
Diagnostic Imaging Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Clare started nursing in 1997 and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2005. Clare has worked in a variety of first opinion practices over the years, where she gained experience in all aspects of nursing and met some wonderful colleagues along the way. During her most recent job before joining the team at Southfields, Clare had the opportunity to be part of the nursing CT imaging team, where she gained a passion for diagnostic imaging. This led her to join the team at Southfields as a Diagnostic Imaging nurse.
When not at work Clare enjoys spending time with her family and friends and finding new walks in the countryside with her dog. She tries to keep active and has run the odd half marathon or two. Her family also have a Cobra replica kit car that they have been known to take on road trips in the UK and Europe with other car enthusiast friends.
Charlotte Fennell
Clinical Services Team Leader RVN
RVN, CertVNECC BSc (Hons), VTS (SAIM)
Charlotte studied for three years at The Royal Veterinary College, where she graduated with FdSc in Veterinary Nursing, qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in 2014. She continued her studies there for a further year, whilst working as an RVN part-time for her BSc Honours in Veterinary Nursing and graduating in 2015.
Charlotte joined Southfields Veterinary Specialists in 2016 as a multi-disciplinary nurse and later moved to the internal medicine department in December 2017. Charlotte was appointed Senior Internal Medicine Nurse in November 2019 and in this role she manages the internal medicine nursing team, working closely with the internal medicine specialists and wider nursing team. Charlotte obtained the Vets Now Emergency and Critical Care certificate in 2019 and Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) status in small animal internal medicine (SAIM) 2022.
Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys going to the gym, travelling and spending time with family and friends. Charlotte has previously volunteered in animal sanctuaries abroad and has worked with vervet monkeys and baboons in South Africa and at an Elephant sanctuary in Thailand.
Emma Fordham
Radiotherapy Therapist, Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, DipHE CVN DipAVN (Small Animal)
Emma qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003, and became especially interested in critical care whilst working at the Royal Veterinary College. She joined our team in 2009, and completed the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Small Animal) in 2010. Emma has one cat, a three-legged extremely affectionate black cat called Marley.
Outside of work, Emma spends her time with her husband, young son and cat and likes to go rowing whenever possible.
Marie Gordon
Diagnostic Imaging Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Marie spent 6 years in general practice before deciding to try referral nursing. She joined us in 2004. In 2007, Marie became deputy head nurse and was also our surgical nurse, until she left on maternity leave in 2011 to have her daughter. Since returning from maternity leave Marie now works part time as a general nurse.
When Marie is not working, her daughter usually keeps her very busy. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends
Jenny Gordon
Senior Radiation Therapist, Registered Veterinary Nurse
BSc (Hons) RVN
Jenny qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2001 and was promoted to head nurse in 2002. She joined Southfields Veterinary Specialists (then VRCC) in 2004 and whilst working full time as head nurse, she managed to complete her BSc Honours Degree. Jenny then took up the role of radiotherapy technician. Following maternity leave, she returned to Southfields and trained in CT imaging. After a brief spell back in first opinion practice, Jenny resumed her role as radiotherapy technician at Southfields in 2017.
When she is not at work, Jenny is very busy with her husband, two young boys, four cats and dog called Murphy who loves to go on very long walks. And if that’s not enough to keep her busy, she also enjoys socialising with family and friends and takes part in zumba and pilates too!
Emma Hill-Gowing
Clinical Operations Team Lead RVN
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.
Jessica Jackson
Senior Diagnostic Imaging Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, CertVNECC
Jessica is a Registered Veterinary Nurse who joined the Southfields Veterinary Specialists’ team in December 2017 as a Diagnostic Imaging Nurse. Jessica has more than 6 years' experience working as part of a diagnostic imaging team, operating and performing basic and advanced diagnostic imaging.
Jessica thoroughly enjoys diagnostic imaging, particularly CT and is also very interested in emergency and critical care medicine and in 2017 completed her CertVNECC certificate.
In her spare time, she enjoys keeping fit, spending time with her husband and her two handsome nephews; as well as enjoying cuddles with her Lilac British shorthair Doris and her Staffordshire bull terrier Bruce.
Kira Jarvis
Student Veterinary Nurse
BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Companion and Zoo)
Kira has always wanted to work with animals and has previously volunteered at numerous animal establishments including a cattery, Essex Wildlife Trusts, two veterinary clinics and at a nature reserve in South Africa. She has a degree in Animal Management and undertaking this inspired an even greater interest in improving animal welfare.
In her spare time, Kira is an Assistant Cub Scout leader and has been through all sections of Scouting having completed her Queens Scout Award and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. She also enjoys reading, swimming and trips out to animal establishments.
Vinny Karnovski
Neurology Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Veterinary Nursing - 2021
Level 3 qualification in Canine Hydrotherapy - 2018
Clinical coach certification - 2022
Vinny began working in a busy 24 hour hospital as an auxiliary nurse in 2016 and found her passion in Veterinary Nursing. She attended Greyfriars Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy Centre in 2018 where she achieved a level 3 qualification in Canine Hydrotherapy. She then attended The College Of Animal Welfare in 2019 in order to obtain her level 3 diploma in Small Animal Veterinary Nursing. Vinny qualified as a clinical coach in April 2022. She has a keen interest in Surgical Nursing, Patient Rehabilitation and Canine Hydrotherapy. In her spare time Vinny enjoys cooking and doing both yoga and artwork.
Kismet Kazmi
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing
Kismet previously obtained a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management at Capel Manor College. She worked at a city farm looking after a range of different animals including livestock and small mammals.
She first joined Southfields Veterinary Specialists in 2020, as a student and undertook a placement year as part of her veterinary nurse training at Harper Adams University.
Kismet has had experience within a charity and first-opinion practice but soon realised that she was most passionate about referral nursing. She returned to Southfields in September 2022 to join the post-registration programme. During this time, she developed an interest in internal medicine.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially visiting new places and trying new activities. As well as this, she loves cooking, self-care and has a cat called Keira.
Susan Keefe
Senior Oncology Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, FdSC CertSAN
Susan joined us many years ago after completing a foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing & Practice Management. Prior to this she had worked in both mixed & small animal first opinion practice. She has also spent time as a volunteer, working on a rehabilitation project for monkeys and baboons.
During her time with us, Susan has completed a certificate in Small Animal Nutrition. Her main interests at work include oncology, nutrition, medical nursing and physiotherapy.
Outside work, Susan has a keen interest in horses and has owned a horse for many years. She also has a cat called Felicity.
Victoria Knott
Senior Ward RVN
RVN, BSc Animal Behaviour Science
Victoria qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2018. Victoria worked in charity and first opinion practices before moving to Southfields in January 2023.
She has an interest in animal behaviour, which she has a degree in, and also medical nursing.
At home Victoria has a 3 year old daughter and a cat to keep her busy.
In her spare time she likes to bake, go running and enjoys doing DIY.
Bethany Lawrence
Internal Medicine Registered Veterinary Nurse
Animal Management Extended Diploma and Registered Veterinary Nurse
From a young age Bethany wanted to work with and help animals. She started her nurse training in a busy 24 hour hospital in 2017, after finishing her extended diploma in animal management at Writtle College. Bethany qualified as an Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2019 and became a Deputy Head Nurse at the beginning of 2022 and joined Southfields in 2023, after deciding that referral nursing was the path that she wanted to take. Bethany has always aimed to work as a Nurse at referral level and is so proud to finally be in a position to be able do that. Bethany’s main nursing interest has always been inpatient care and in particular feline nursing, and owns a senior asthmatic cat called Bart, who she rescued in 2013.
Outside of work Bethany enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening and walks in the countryside.
Katie Lewis
Diagnostic Imaging Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Katie is currently studying towards her FdSC Degree in Veterinary Nursing at Nottingham Trent University and joined Southfields in June 2018.
Through her studies, Katie has discovered that she has interests in anatomy, specifically the kidneys and the skeleton.
Victoria Ma
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN BSc(hons)
Victoria graduated from Middlesex university in 2018 with a degree in veterinary nursing. She worked five years in general practice, but then decided to try referral nursing to further her knowledge and experience.
Her passion is in patient care and she has an interest in hydrotherapy and has some experience with this from her last practice and hopes to one day gain a qualification in this.
Victoria has three cats whom were all rescued. In her spare time she likes to read, watch movies and learn Mandarin.
Jordan McCloskey
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, DipVNZS, BSc Veterinary Nursing
Jordan studied for three years in Dundalk Institute of Technology in the Republic of Ireland, where she graduated with a BSc in veterinary nursing, and qualified in November 2019.
She then joined a joint first opinion and referral hospital in Derbyshire in July 2020 working in a rotational nursing role during the coronavirus pandemic and stayed there ever since. Jordan has grown to enjoy all aspects of nursing but gained interest in exotics and anaesthesia, having completed her exotics certificates in July 2023 and gaining the APVN (Exotics) certificate, She hopes to complete further qualifications in anaesthesia in the future. She also has completed her clinical coach qualification during her time in practice.
Outside of work, she has an adopted cat called Potato (due to looking like a potato when he sleeps), and when not working, she enjoys baking, going to concerts, and regularly travelling home to Northern Ireland to visit family and friends.
Zoe Meen
Deputy Head Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Zoe joined Southfields in December 2019 after working in several first opinion practices for seven years. Zoe qualified as a nurse in 2017 and has a keen interest in diagnostic imaging.
Outside of work, Zoe likes to spend time with her horse Larry, travelling and socialising with her family and friends.
Katie Mills
Senior Diagnostic Imaging Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Katie Joined Southfields in April 2019, she began her Southfields journey working as a multi-disciplinary veterinary nurse and in December 2019 made the move to join the Imaging team as Diagnostic Imaging Nurse.
Katie enjoys all parts of Imaging, especially CT and taking specialist radiographs.
In her spare time, Katie enjoys spending time with friends and family, and also playing with her two new kittens, Nala and Loki!
Cassie Morrison
Exotics Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN APVN (Small Mammals)
Cassie qualified as a veterinary nurse in January 2021. During her nursing training she developed a passion for exotic species and wildlife, particularly rabbits.
She is passionate about improving welfare and husbandry for rabbits and all exotic animals.
Cassie volunteers for the Association of Zoo and Exotic Animal Veterinary Nurses and has done various lectures for them over the past few years, varying from rabbit behaviour to medical conditions like E.Cuniculi.
Her free time is still very much focused around rabbits. She enjoys rescuing and rehabilitating rabbits as well as spending time with her own 4 rabbits. She also works closely with a local rabbit rescue and enjoys researching various aspects of rabbit care that can improve how we treat rabbit patients.
When not spending time with rabbits, she also enjoys reading, writing and spending time with family and friends.
Emma Moss
Deputy Head Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Emma started her career as a trainee veterinary nurse in 1999 working in a local practice and subsequently qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002. After four years working in general practice, Emma decided to move into referral nursing and joined us in 2003. Emma worked full time for a number of years, but then left to have her first baby and, after maternity leave, she now works part time.
In her spare time, Emma spends most of her time looking after her three children and her ‘crazy’ Boxer, Henry. Emma enjoys going on holiday with her family in their VW Campervan.
Grace Oldham
Anaesthesia Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Grace spent her training years in a busy 24 hour hospital, where she enjoyed the fast paced environment. Previously to training as a veterinary nurse, Grace was a dog groomer, which enabled her to learn more about canine behaviour.
Outside of work Grace loves to scuba dive and likes to compete in muddy obstacle races. She recently rehomed an older cat, affectionately called Gummy Joe due to not having any teeth.
Chloe Peirce
Anaesthesia Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN FdSc Veterinary Nursing Science
Chloe started attending work experience in many different veterinary practices from 2015. She then went to college in 2016 for two years to study animal management in which she received the award most dedicated with a trophy and certificate at the end of her course.
Chloe was then accepted onto the Veterinary Nursing Science foundation degree at Sparsholt College. She was honoured to graduate with a foundation degree in 2022 and was picked by her tutors to receive an endeavour award at her graduation.
Chloe has been proud to gain experience in a first opinion small animal and exotic veterinary practice since graduating. She also attended two referral centres to gain experience in the anaesthesia departments. This experience instilled her desire to work within a referral hospital and have an interest in anaesthesia.
Outside of work Chloe enjoys watching TV movies, spending time with family, friends and partner and has an interest in cars.
Elise Porter
Multidisciplinary Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN BSc
After qualifying from the RVC in 2019 Elise went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree whilst working part-time in a first opinion clinic. Over the last 4 years she has gained lots of experience and further developed the passion she has for Veterinary Nursing. She loves learning and especially enjoy hands-on clinical nursing.
In her spare time Elise enjoys socialising with family and friends, shopping and going to the gym.
Katie Potter
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Katie joined the veterinary profession in 2013 where she qualified as a Veterinary Care Assistant. Katie moved quickly onto her veterinary nursing qualification which she achieved in 2018 in a busy first opinion, small animal practice.
Alongside experience in 24 hour hospitals, training upcoming Student Nurses and leading a team of her own as Head Nurse, Katie decided to join the Southfields night team to explore a new avenue of veterinary nursing at referral level.
Katie enjoys walking her two Jack Russell's, frequents the gym and dives into a puzzle in her free time.
Katie Rose
Senior Surgical Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Katie qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2017. After completion of her training, Katie worked in a busy 24 hour veterinary hospital where she developed an interest in emergency and critical care.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys keeping fit and loves to take part in giant obstacle courses. Katie also enjoys travelling.
Ipek Seyis
Neurology Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Prior to joining Southfield Veterinary Specialists, Ipek worked in a first opinion practice in London for 9 years where she completed her qualification as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in February 2019.
Outside of work, Ipek loves to spend time with her family and son, cooking and exploring different cuisines!
Ipek joined the team at Southfields in April 2022.
Charlotte Sharrad
Multidisciplinary Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Charlotte started nursing in 2009 and qualified in 2011. She has experience working both in a hospital environment and at a local vets.
Charlotte has completed a diploma in Veterinary Nursing of Zoological Species as she has a keen interest in exotics. She is also interested in animal behaviour.
Charlotte currently has one dog, two cats and three chickens and enjoys spending her spare time reading or with her family.
Megan Sullivan
Student Veterinary Nurse
L3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management
Megan has always been passionate about animal welfare and knew from an early age that she wanted to dedicate her time to helping animals. She has volunteered and worked at many animal rescue centres and sanctuaries looking after a wide variety of different animals, from cats and dogs to reptiles and parrots. Megan also has many rescue animals at home, some of which have physical disabilities or behavioural complexities.
Megan joined the Patient Care Assistant team at Southfields in November 2021.
Lauren Thomson
Senior Night Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Lauren has been working in Small Animal practice for 15 years. She has a particular love for our feline friends and has had cats since she was little.
Laurens gorgeous 3-year-old Son takes up most of her time outside work, but she also loves exploring the outdoors and can be found on different walks most weekends.
Georgina Turner
Senior Neurology Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Georgina has spent most of her childhood living on a farm and loves to spend time outdoors. She also enjoys social time with family and friends at the weekend.
Georgina qualified as an RVN IN 2018 while also working for a very busy 24-hour hospital. Since then, she has spent time gaining experience with smaller practices in and around London. Georgina then decided to take the leap of faith into referral nursing, working for Fitzpatrick referrals in Eashing during covid. This is where she discovered her love for Neurology.
Georgina joined our Neurology department in the autumn of 2021. Georgina has a strong interest in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Tommy Watson
Student Veterinary Nurse
VCA, Dip Animal Care
Tommy joined the Southfields team in May 2018 as a Nursing Assistant.
Tommy has worked in veterinary practices since 2014 and is keen to become a veterinary nurse. He is particularly interested in animal psychology.
In his spare time, Tommy likes to spend time with his family and looking after his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jessie and his Bearded Dragon, Hagrid. He is also currently learning British Sign Language.
Dominic Weller
Registered Veterinary Nurse (Post Registration Programme)
RVN (FdSc Degree Veterinary Nursing)
Dominic has a passion and keen interest in animals since a young age, and after doing a work placement within a veterinary clinic he chose to pursue veterinary nursing as a career, getting accepted to RVC, doing placements in both first opinion and referral as a Student Veterinary Nurse and graduating as a RVN in July 2023.
After qualifying he joined the Post-Registration Program to support the leap from student to Registered Nurse and to further develop his skills and interest in emergency and critical care.
Dominic has one dog, called Leia, who was a rescue from Romania in 2017. In his spare time he enjoys watching all sorts of movies with friends and trying his hand at scale models.
Gemma Whitbread
Internal Medicine Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, VCA, CertVNECC
Gemma worked in primary care practice for eight years and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2018. She moved to Southfields Veterinary Specialists in October 2019, initially working as a multi-disciplinary nurse and became a medicine specific nurse in March 2020. She has a keen interest in emergency and critical care and feline medicine. In 2022 Gemma obtained the Vets Now Emergency and Critical Care certificate.
Outside of work, Gemma enjoys travelling and spending time with family. She undertook volunteer work at the Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa in 2018, where she was able to work with rhinos, lions, wildebeest and impalas. She also loves small animals and has rescue cats, Merlin and Luna, and also a leopard gecko called pancake.
Alice Williams
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
From a young age Alice has always had a dream of working with animals and trying to provide a voice for them in receiving the best care possible. At the age of 17 she volunteered for a few months as a veterinary care assistant in her local vets before becoming employed fulltime. Here she developed the ambition to become a qualified veterinary nurse, qualifying in June 2021.
She has loved working in general practice finding confidence in anesthesia and assisting in orthopedic surgeries later then developing her true love for emergency and out of hours in a busy hospital.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her hand reared cat Batfink and spoilt miniature dachshund Winnie. She enjoys the outdoors, walking, hiking and cycling as well as the opposite often playing video games with friends. Travelling is an interest after recently having a solo adventure in Australia with hope to explore more of the world in the future.
April Wood
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
April qualified in 2022 while working in a busy general practice. To widen her knowledge she decided to move to a referral hospital.
In her spare time April enjoys going on walks, going to the gym, and spending time with her family, friends and pets. April also enjoys travelling and going to Disney.
Matilda Woodward
Multidisciplinary Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN, Level 3 Diploma for Veterinary Nurses
Schedule 3 Surgery Course Certificate
Matilda had a great interest in helping animals from an early age. Once she started working within a veterinary environment, she gained a Diploma as a Veterinary Care Assistant. She then decided to undertake a Diploma for Veterinary Nurses and her interests developed from there. She discovered a love for Emergency & Critical Care, and also enjoyed developing her skills in Cardiology and Neurology. She also has gained considerable experience in hand rearing neonatal animals. Matilda has recently completed a certificate in Schedule 3 surgery. She enjoys a challenge and wishes to provide the best care for every animal that comes into her hands, whether that is at work or at home.
Matilda also has a keen interest in horses, and currently loans a horse 3 days a week, which her son also enjoys. Aside from horse riding and hand-rearing, Matilda likes to spend time with her son, visiting farms, zoos, the beach and the park.