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.

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.

Stephanie Belcher

Surgical Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Stephanie registered as a veterinary nurse in 2021 having worked and trained in a busy first opinion practice for five years. She enjoyed all aspects of nursing in general practice and has developed a keen interest in theatre and surgical nursing. Stephanie is interested in gaining extra certification to her qualification in this area.

Stephanie has a 14 year old Lurcher called Molly. Outside of work, she likes to stay active and tries to go to the Gym regularly. She has aspirations to travel abroad to South Africa and Australia in the near future.

Stephanie joined the team at Southfields in April 2022.

Hilary Bell

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.

Kayleigh Bowen

Surgical Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Kayleigh volunteered and worked in a first opinion practice for six years before joining Southfields Veterinary Specialists in February 2021. During this time she worked with cats, dogs, small furries and exotics. Kayleigh enjoys all aspects of nursing but has a special interest in diagnostic imaging.

When not at work, Kayleigh likes to practice yoga and take her dog for walks.

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.

Sana Chaudhry

Anaesthesia Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN, BSc Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science

Sana joined the team at Southfields in January 2021. Sana knew she wanted to work with animals since she was 7 years old, even convincing her parents to get a cat when she was 10. She undertook work experience in stables, sheep and pig farms and many veterinary practices before being accepted onto a Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science degree at the University of Bristol. She was honoured to graduate with a Bachelors degree in 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Sana has been proud to gain experience in busy first opinion, 24-hour and referral hospitals throughout her studies. This experience instilled in her a desire to work in a referral hospital and an interest in physiotherapy.

Outside of work, Sana enjoys reading and writing short stories and spending time with her cat.

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

Alice Cook

Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

From a young age Alice has always known she wanted to be a veterinary Nurse. Two weeks after leaving school, at 16, she started working in a local Vet as a nurse assistant, two years later she started training to become a RVN as an apprentice. She qualified in 2018

After qualifying Alice worked her way up to Senior Nurse in a practice in Royal Berkshire. She worked for a short time before moving to a referral practice and worked as a ward nurse where she loves taking care of the patients. Alice recently moved to Essex with her cat Tinkerbell and loves to bake in her spare time and occasionally enjoys a jog.

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

Senior Internal Medicine Registered Veterinary Nurse

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

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.

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

Multidisciplinary Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Veterinary Nursing - 2022

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.

Lucy Kramer

Diagnostic Imaging Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Lucy qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2009 from Writtle College. During her studies Lucy worked in general practice and once qualified, went onto work at the PDSA. After leaving the PDSA, Lucy worked for the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Basildon as their sole veterinary nurse. Prior to joining our team, Lucy was the head nurse at a local general practice.

Lucy is particularly interested in canine behaviour and pain management. For the last two years, she has volunteered in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina with a street dog neutering project. At home, Lucy loves to bake and decorate cakes.

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.

Hollie Malster

Exotics Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN, BSc (Hons) APVN (Exotics) DipVNZS

Hollie graduated from Middlesex University in 2016 with an honours degree in Veterinary Nursing. During that time she developed a great love and appreciation for exotic animals. Following qualification, Hollie worked in multiple hospitals around the Essex area and finally gained her exotic species diploma in 2018. More recently Hollie has lectured in Veterinary Nursing but found she very much missed the hands-on aspect of the job, which led her to join the team at Southfields.

In her spare time, Hollie is enjoying learning Japanese, practicing yoga, gaming and taking long relaxing walks. She has three dogs and an axolotl, all of whom keep her very busy.

Jessica McIlroy

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Jessica qualified as a RVN in 2021 whilst working at a busy first opinion practice and locum work at an out of hours emergency vets.
She is interested in all aspects of nursing but has a special love for ward / medical nursing and emergency and critical care.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys travelling in her campervan and rock climbing.

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!

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.

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 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.

Kristina Stavrinou

Student Veterinary Nurse

Kristina loves riding and looking after her loan horse Alfie and going on long walks with her dog Diesel. She also has 3 rabbits. In her spare time, she loves playing sports – especially football – and has played for Rayleigh Town Women’s and Southend teams. Before joining Southfields, Kristina volunteered at South Essex Wildlife hospital which gave her a real insight into working with animals. Kristina joined Southfields in October 2021.

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.

Chloe Williams

Night Registered Veterinary Nurse

Chloe studied media at university before realising she wanted a career working with animals. Chloe began by volunteering at a rehoming centre before taking the role as a student veterinary nurse at a busy first opinion small animal practice and she qualified in 2022. Prior to joining Southfields Chloe worked in a busy 24 hour hospital and carried out voluntary work at a turtle sanctuary in Sri Lanka. while she enjoys all aspects of her role she has a keen interest in emergency and critical care.

Whilst not at work she enjoy spending time with family, friends and her dog, Frank. She also enjoys travelling and baking in her spare time.

Catherine Wood

Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Catherine started working in a first opinion practice in 2014 and qualified as a RVN in January 2021.
She has always had a keen interest in animal care and has known since she was little that she wanted to work with animals.

When not working, Catherine enjoys spending time with family, going out on long dog walks and looking after her two cats.

Tamsin Wood

Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN, BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care, Clinical Coach Training.

Tamsin decided to retrain as a veterinary nurse following a cancer diagnosis as it was something she always wanted to do. She did all of her training in a first opinion practice working on the nights.
Outside of work she volunteers for a breast cancer awareness charity called CoppaFeel! and enjoys going to the theatre and travelling.
Tamsin has 2 black cats at home called Bellatrix & Narcissa, both came in as strays at the previous practice she worked in.

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.