Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Veterinary Surgeons
Dr Katie Kyle – BVetMed MRCVS
Clinical Director
Dr Katie Kyle – BVetMed MRCVS
Katie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in January 2002. She then spent a short amount of time working for DEFRA during the foot and mouth crisis, before joining us as at Bay Vets. Today Katie works mainly from the Morecambe surgery. She loves her small animal general practitioner role and takes a particular interest in feline work. Outside of work Katie spends her time walking, cycling and gardening. She has a cat named Mario who was a rescue from a local animal charity, and a black Labrador called Molly who loves joining her on many walks in the lakes and dales.
Dr Colin Houston – BVM&S CertSAS MRCVS
Director of Referral Services
Dr Colin Houston – BVM&S CertSAS MRCVS
After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1999, Colin worked in mixed practice in Cumbria for 3 years. He then spent a couple of years travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand. On his return to the UK, Colin worked in a first opinion and referral practice in Norfolk, where he obtained his certificate in Small Animal Surgery. He then returned to Cumbria to work in an orthopaedic referral practice before joining our team at Bay Vets in October 2011. Colin has a keen personal interest in orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery. He is married to Catherine, one of our vets who works at the Milnthorpe surgery, and has three energetic children, Finn, Dougal and Rona. When he has time he enjoys walking with his family, including Mabel his black Labrador, and mountain biking.
Dr Gary N Gibbons – BVetMed MRCVS
Dr Gary N Gibbons – BVetMed MRCVS
Gary graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1993. He spent 5 years working in a busy mixed practice which was interspersed with a little global travel. Gary then worked predominantly in the East Anglia region of the UK where he concentrated increasingly on small animal work. The draw of the hills became too much however, and he moved north to join Bay Vets in 2005. Today he continues to develop his personal interest in small animal medicine. Outside of work Gary enjoys mountain biking, climbing, running, skiing, and in particular keeping his dogs fit in the surrounding fells.
Dr Eleanor Skinn – BVMS MRCVS GPCertSAM
Dr Eleanor Skinn – BVMS MRCVS GPCertSAM
Ellie graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 2002. She spent her first 5 years in small animal practice near Middlesbrough then moved to Lancaster to join our Bay Vets team in 2007. Ellie is married to a chef named Stephen and together they have two children; Emily-Jane and Kieran. The family have a variety of animals at home including 1 dog, a cat and fish – most of them originating from Bay Vets. When she has some spare time she enjoys running and going to the gym.
Dr Catherine Houston – BVM&S MRCVS
Dr Catherine Houston – BVM&S MRCVS
Dr Louise Tulley – BVM&S MRCVS
Dr Louise Tulley – BVM&S MRCVS
Louise graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1999. She initially worked in mixed practice in Cornwall before taking time out of the profession to have and raise her 4 children. Louise is married to Will, also a vet. In 2013 she returned to small animal practice, moving to Lancaster in 2014, where she joined Bay Vets and enjoys all aspects of her job, particularly feline medicine. With children, dogs, a cat and a rat to look after, spare time is limited but Louise enjoys walking, reading, cooking and pottery.
Dr Kirsten Patrick – BVetMed MRCVS
Dr Kirsten Patrick - BVetMed MRCVS
Kirsten is an experienced vet, working largely at our Morecambe branch.
Dr Susi Fernandez Parker – MRCVS
Dr Susi Fernandez Parker – MRCVS
Susi graduated at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) in 2012. She worked in a busy small animal hospital in the UK for 6 years before joining Bay Vets in July 2018. She has undertaken a postgraduate certificate in Feline Medicine (PgCert Fel) and Advance Practitioner Certificate (AVP). Currently she is undertaking further studies in ultrasonography. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her partner, family and friends, loves travelling and taking care of her cat Luah.
Dr Ciara Callan – BVM&S MRCVS
Dr Ciara Callan - BVM&S MRCVS
After graduating from Glasgow University in 2014, Ciara spent 5 years working as a small animal vet in Fleetwood and Preston. She then moved to Lancaster and joined the Bay Vets team in 2019.
Ciara enjoys the variety of being a general small animal practitioner, she has a particularly interest in soft tissue surgery, ear infections and cytology. She has two (spoilt) rescue guinea pigs called Batou and Moppet.
In her free time Ciara enjoys going to concerts, badminton and board games.
Dr Jessica Dawson – BVSc MRCVS
Dr Jessica Dawson - BVSc MRCVS
Jessica graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016, and started out working in Preston in mixed practice, before moving into small animal practice after 18 months. She joined the team at Bay Vets in September 2019. Jessica has a particular interest in surgery and would like to develop her skills in this area, but really enjoys the variety that small animal practice brings.
Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors travelling, hiking and exploring, and is also a keen hockey player. When the weather is too bad for being outside she also enjoys reading and going to the cinema, and cooking and baking when she has the time.
Dr Alex Haine – BVM&S MRCVS
Dr Alex Haine - BVM&S MRCVS
Alex grew up in Jersey before moving to Edinburgh to study to be a Vet.
He graduated in 2015 and then worked in mixed animal practice for 4 years in North Cumbria and the Scottish Borders. He joined Bay Vets in January 2020 and is enjoying living with the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales right on the doorstep. When not working Alex enjoys getting out and about in the countryside with his wife Annie and helping out in the local church. He doesn’t currently have a pet but is willing to adopt one!
DR ALICE ASHWORTH BVETMED MRCVS
Dr Alice Ashworth BVetMed MRCVS
Alice graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (London) in summer of 2020. She spent some time working in a busy urban practice near Manchester, before embracing the opportunity to move back to her native Lancaster.
She has a particular interest in canine internal medicine, as well as all soft tissue surgery.
In her spare time she enjoys baking and crafting, spending time with family and friends, and getting out into the hills.
KRIS HERMAN DVM PG CERT SAS
Kris Herman DVM Pg Cert SAS
My name is Kris and I qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2011. In 2016 I was awarded a BSAVA post graduate certificate in small animal surgery and advanced veterinary practitioner in small animal surgery. From 2017 to 2020 I underwent residency training in orthopaedics and spinal surgery. I joined bay vets referrals in 2020. In my spare time you may find me hiking, doing martial arts and I also enjoy travelling.
Dr Natalia Herman MRCVS
Dr Natalia Herman MRCVS
Natalia qualified as a vet in 2011 in Poland. She worked for a busy hospital in South Wales and two smaller practices in Cumbria before becoming part of Bay Vets team as a veterinary surgeon.
Natalia has a special interest in internal medicine and diagnostic imaging but also enjoys soft tissue surgery . Currently she is undertaking a PgCert in diagnostic imaging.
In her spare time she loves spending time with her family, hiking, traveling around the world and reading.
Dr Sofia Vrella MRCVS
Dr Sofia Vrella MRCVS
Sofia graduated from the University of Liverpool in July 2022. After a short, restorative break, she commenced her job search in the fall and ultimately decided to join the team here. She says “At this point in my career, I would say my focus is on expanding my skills and knowledge in practically all aspects or disciplines of Small Animal General Practice. That said, I particularly enjoy medicine & oncology, as well as veterinary behavioural medicine.”
Outside of work, she enjoys yoga and spending quality time with close ones in nature. Her interests include fashion & interior design, books/film & travel – of the latter she hopes to do a lot more of. She also love good food and good coffee.
Dr Michael Page – BVM BVS MRCVS
Dr Michael Page BVM BVS MRCVS
Michael grew up in Hertfordshire and started with us shortly after graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2023. Based mostly in the Morecambe branch, Michael is really enjoying getting to know his clients while settling into the varied workload of general practice. Shortly after starting, Michael adopted a stray kitten now adored by the staff called Clawrence. When not working he takes an interest in motorsport and taking in the views of the nearby Lakes and Dales.
Dr Victoria Kennedy – BVMedSci BVMBVS MRCVS
Dr Victoria Kennedy - BVMedSci BVMBVS MRCVS
Victoria graduated from the University of Nottingham in July 2021. She completed a rotating internship in a busy referral hospital in the North West before moving back to Lancaster to work as a general practitioner. Victoria joined the Bay Vets team in June 2023. She has a particularly keen interest in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery and hopes to develop these skills further.
In her spare time, Victoria enjoys doing CrossFit or walking her Border Collie Storm.
Justyna – DVM GPCert (Diagnostic Imaging) MRCVS
Justyna DVM GPCert (Diagnostic Imaging) MRCVS
Justyna is an experienced Vet who joined Bay Vets relatively recently. She has additional qualifications in diagnostic imaging and is a great asset to our team.
Aneta Kalenska – MVDr MRCVS
Aneta Kalenska MVDr MRCVS
Aneta comes from a vet family and from early age accompanied and assisted her dad in caring for animals of all species. She later decided to continue the tradition and graduated from University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Republic in 2016. As a young adventurous person, she took a plunge, moved to the UK, and started her first job as an Official Veterinarian overseeing the hygiene in meat-production plants. Later on, Aneta decided to change her career and pursue a job in small animal practice. This role suits her well, as she is a caring and empathetic person who loves both pets and their owners.
In her free time, Aneta loves spending time outdoors, so you might meet her in muddy boots on the fells of the Lakes. She also enjoys travelling and meeting people from different cultures.
Veterinary Nurses
Heather Joyce – RVN
Nurse Manager
Heather Joyce – RVN
Heather worked as a Personal Assistant until she was in her thirties, at which point she made a career change to follow her childhood ambition of becoming a veterinary nurse. As well as her impressive nursing skills, Heather is very involved with other aspects of practice administration.
Heather loves nothing more than spending time with her various pets, but most of all her dogs. She spends her spare time helping her husband work their spaniels on game shoots and being outdoors. She also enjoys travelling and seeing new places and cultures.
Vicky Jones – RVN
Head Nurse (Milnthorpe)
Vicky Jones – RVN
Vicky has been with us at Bay Vets for over 10 years and is mainly based at our Milnthorpe surgery. In 2007 Vicky worked in a vet practice near Brisbane, Australia for a year. She then spent a month in Koh Phangan in Thailand where she volunteered in an animal sanctuary. At home Vicky has a team of working gundogs, several birds of prey and a cat.
Lauren Sykes – RVN FdSc
Head Nurse Lancaster
Lauren Sykes – RVN FdSc
Lauren qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2009 and joined us at Bay Vets in February 2012. She enjoys all aspects of nursing and has a keen interest in companion and animal behaviour. She is knowledgeable and excellent at encouraging team members; a trait that makes her perfect for the head nurse role.
Joanne McCartney – RVN & Cat Advocate
Joanne McCartney – RVN & Cat Advocate
Jo joined us as a receptionist in 1997. However, she soon became more hands on with the animals and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2004. Since having her two children, Jo works part time at our Lancaster surgery. She enjoys all aspects of her job but is especially keen on caring for our feline friends. Many a stray over the years has found a home with Jo, currently she has a rabbit, 2 cats and a dog. Jo has helped to successfully make our Lancaster surgery accredited with the ISFM Cat Friendly accreditation and is now known as one of our Cat Advocates. Jo’s pastimes include volunteering at the local theatre and walking in the hills with her family.
Mary Bench – RVN BSc(Hons) Veterinary Nursing
Mary Bench – RVN BSc(Hons) Veterinary Nursing
Mary has been nursing at Bay Vets for 15 years and qualified in 2010 with a BSc Hons degree in Veterinary Nursing. She is mainly based at our Morecambe surgery and enjoys all aspects of the job, in particular medical nursing and anaesthesia as well as mentoring/coaching our student nurses. Mary has a busy household at home with 3 children, 2 dogs (Hector and Cloud), a cat (Nero) and 2 guinea pigs (Peanut and Cracker)!
Emma Read – RVN BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Emma Read – RVN BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Emma completed a National Diploma in Animal Care, and a Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Myerscough College. She then went on to achieve her dream job of becoming a Veterinary Nurse; qualifying in 2009. She joined us at Bay Vets in 2010. She worked at our Morecambe branch for over 10 years and then relocated to Lancaster for the varied case load and orthopaedic work. She has a keen interest in exotic pets. Outside of work she is often found outdoors with her crazy dogs and children.
Stephanie Lindsay – Animal Nursing Assistant
Stephanie Lindsay – Animal Nursing Assistant
Steph has worked at Bay Vets for over 15 years as an auxiliary nurse, supporting the RVNs and Vets.
She completed her Animal Nursing Assistant training and continues with CPD to keep her skills up to date. She enjoys caring for our patients at surgery time, during hospitalisation and at nurse appointments.
She loves the Bay Vets family and can’t imagine working anywhere else.
At home she has three children who have all flown the nest but she has two beautiful lurchers and keeps fit by hill walking with her husband and going to the gym.”
Gemma James – RVN
Gemma James – RVN
Gemm previously worked as a zookeeper at Blackpool Zoo for 14 years, and has experience working with all animals from kangaroos and elephants to cats and ferrets. Now she spends her time at both Milnthorpe and Lancaster branches. In her spare time Gemma enjoys walking in the countryside with her lively spaniel, Poppy, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jane Whiteley – RVN BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Head Nurse Morecambe
Jane Whiteley – RVN BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Jane started work at Bay Vets in 2012 as an auxiliary nurse. She grew up on the family farm which she was actively involved with and enjoys every aspect of her job. Jane had already attended Myerscough College when she joined us where she gained her degree. After a few years she went back to college where she qualified as a Registered Veterinary nurse. Outside of work Jane enjoys spending time with her husband James, family and gorgeous little boy Archie. She also enjoys going to the cinema, keeping fit and walking. Not forgetting she also has two dogs a young black Labrador called Kent and a crazy collie cross called Deedee. Jane enjoys the hustle and bustle of the Morecambe surgery and loves to manage the team where there is never a dull moment
Demi Ann Seddon – RVN
Demi Ann Seddon – RVN
Demi joined the team in 2015. She has always had a desire to help animals in need and before nursing spent many years working at Wolfwood Rescue Centre, a charity we work closely with here at Bay Vets. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2021 and in 2023 Demi also undertook a certificate in medical nursing to further her knowledge. Demi has worked as part of our night team since 2022 and she was recently promoted to Head Night Nurse, looking after our inpatients and attending to out of hours emergencies. In her spare time Demi enjoys exploring the Lake District with her rescue dog Spike.
Kirsty Thomson – RVN BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing CertVNECC
Kirsty Thomson - RVN BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing CertVNECC
Georgia Horsfield – RVN
Georgia Horsfield – RVN
Georgia joined the Bay Vets team in the summer of 2016 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2021. Outside of work Georgia enjoys spending time with her family and going on walks in the countryside with her husband Ethan and three chihuahuas, Bailey, Princess and Dora.
Diane Bain – STUDENT NURSE & Cat Advocate
Diane Bain – Student Nurse & Cat Advocate
Diane joined Bay Vets in November 2010. She loves all thing cat and has completed a Level 3 Diploma in Feline Behaviour and more recently the ISFM cert in feline nursing. Diane has worked towards making our Lancaster surgery accredited with the ISFM Cat Friendly accreditation with her Cat Advocate colleague, Jo.
After many years as an auxiliary nurse, Diane has recently began her road to becoming an RVN by starting her Veterinary Nursing Course. In her spare time she is often seen on the side of a football pitch watching her footy mad son, and has 4 fur babies: a crazy Labrador called Ivy, 2 cats Ripley and Olivia and a house bunny Alistair.
Rachel Simpson – Student Nurse
Rachel Simpson - Animal Nursing Assistant
In December 2016 Rachel started as a work experience student at the Morecambe surgery before joining our team full-time as an animal nursing assistant and weight consultant. When not in work, Rachel enjoys socialising with friends, aerial arts and singing karaoke. Rachel has done lots of charity work over the years and works closely with Ward 84 at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where she spent a lot of time when she was younger. Since a very young age Rachel has always loved animals.
Kate Bell – Student Nurse & Cat Advocate
Kate Bell - Student Nurse & Cat Advocate
Kate joined Bay Vets as a receptionist in 2017, after spending six years in Pharmacy. She spent a few years as an auxiliary nurse and started her Nursing Qualification Studies in 2023.
She has wanted to work with animals since school so this has been a welcome opportunity.
Outside of work Kate spends as much time as she can with her husband, their ever-growing boys and spoiled cats!
In her not so free time Kate is a keen runner and completed her first half marathon in November 2019. She also enjoys attending exercise classes, being part of a local amateur drama group and taking part in various charity events.
Charlotte Burrows – RVN
Charlotte Eames – RVN
Charlotte has been with Bay Vets for 8 years and outside of work she likes to spend time with her animals.
CHARLOTTE JACKSON RVN
Charlotte Jackson
Charlotte joined the bay vets team in September 2021 as a student nurse and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in May 2023. She has a keen interest in anaesthesia and inpatient care. When not at work you may find her out walking her French bulldog Freddie or being kept on her toes by her cat Kennie who is always up to mischief. She also enjoys watching stock car racing with her partner and spending time with family and friends.
STEFFANI WEBSTER RVN
Steffani Webster RVN
Steffani joined Bay Vets in June 2021 after registering as a veterinary nurse in March 2021. She enjoys assisting in surgical procedures, monitoring anaesthetics and caring for inpatients. When she is not in practice, you can find her working as a Donor assistant for the Pet Blood Bank. She has a spotty monster (Dalmatian) called Holly and a bread thief (Cat) called Nile, who both keep her on her toes. She likes to play video games, binge watch TV and listen to K-pop in her spare time.
RACHEL ROGERS RVN
Rachel Rogers RVN
Rachel has been part of the team for years, is knowledgable and motivated. She enjoys running and being out in the hills with her Brittany, Fleur.
KATIE STEELE RVN
Katie Steele RVN
“Katie qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in July 2021 after completing her degree at Myerscough College. She joined the team at Bay Vets in January 2022 and enjoys all aspects of nursing but especially loves caring for rabbits and guinea pigs; as well as nursing in-patients.
When she’s not in work she enjoys getting out on walks around the lakes with her Working Cocker Spaniel called Barney and enjoys going to gundog training with him. She also has a rabbit and 2 guinea pigs at home and enjoys skiing which she has done from a young age.”
EMMA CAMPBELL RVN
Emma Campbell RVN
Emma has years of experience and spends most of her time nursing at our new Milnthorpe branch.
HANNAH IBBETSON RVN
Hannah Ibbetson RVN
Hannah is an experienced RVN who joined our Lancaster team as a night nurse when we launched our night nursing initiative. She is excellent with the inpatients and ensures they receive all the care they need when they are hospitalised with us.
MEGAN WOODHOUSE RVN
Megan Woodhouse RVN
Meg joined the Bay Vets Team in July 2022 after completing a Bachelors of Science (Hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour at Harper Adams University. She work predominantly at the Lancaster surgery but you may see her running Nurse Consultations at our Caton branch too. She has a particular interest in running nurse clinics and also in inpatient care.
When not at work she can be found walking and swimming in the Lake District, playing netball, or helping on her family’s dairy and sheep farm with her sheepdog Bess.
KATIE PEACH RVN
Katie Peach RVN
Katie qualified in July 2021 from Myerscough and joined the team in August 2022. She enjoys most looking after inpatients and assisting in surgery. Out of work she spends most of her time looking after her son, and walking in the local areas. She has 5 cats and an elderly dog.
HANNAH MILLS – RVN
Hannah Mills RVN
Hannah started working at Bay Vets in 2022 as a student and spent a year on placement as she completed her FdSc in Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College, and qualified as an RVN in July 2023.
Hannah enjoys working with exotic species and inpatient care. She is also interested in clinical coaching and is currently tutoring one of our students.
Hannah has 2 pets of her own, a naughty 4 year old rabbit called Thumper and a cheeky kitty called Violet who she had cared for before adopting her. In her spare time she spends time having fun with her nephew and watching movies with her partner.
REBECCA REYNOLDS – RVN
Rebecca Reynolds RVN
Becky’s love for animals started from a young age when getting involved with the Young Farmers community. She qualified in August 2023 and not long after, joined the Bay Vets Team.
Back in 2021 she obtained her Blue Seal in sheep shearing just in time for getting her own small flock of pedigree Ryeland sheep, which she shows locally and took first prize in 2023.
She currently has a little Dachshund called Frank who is her little shadow and partner in crime: one day to be a little sheep dog with his younger brother Reggie the Fox Red Labrador.
Since working in practice her passion for working alongside animals and caring for them on a daily basis has grown into wanting to undertake extra certificates in her areas of interest.
REBECCA SARSFIELD – RVN
Rebecca Sarsfield RVN
Rebecca qualified as an RVN in 2021 following the completion of the FdSc nursing degree at Myerscough collage. She went straight on to complete a BSc (hons) in veterinary nursing, gaining a first class degree. Rebecca joined Bay Vets in 2023 and has a keen interest in surgery and anaesthesia. She has enrolled on another course for advanced veterinary nursing in surgical care which will start in 2024.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time caring for her horse, dogs and rabbits.
KIRSTY O’CONNOR – VETERINARY NURSE
Kirsty O'Connor Veterinary Nurse
Kirsty first joined the team at 16 while doing work experience alongside an animal care course, she later went onto qualify as a veterinary nurse.
After taking a long break to raise her children she decided to return to the team and the job she loves.
When not at work, family life keeps her busy, looking after 2 boys, Baxter the Labrador and guinea pigs. She also loves to get away with the family in their caravan when she can.
AMY BLEZARD – ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT
Amy Blezard – Animal Nursing Assistant
Amy has been involved in volunteering and working with the local rescue centres since she was 7 years old! She has studied Animal Welfare & Behaviour. She worked in dog rescue and wildlife rehabilitation before joining Bay Vets in 2023. She loves hand-rearing vulnerable wildlife, and has 4 dogs (3 are rottweilers) of her own at home as well as exotic pets too. Outside of work she enjoys socialising with friends and entertaining her pack of animals.
ELLIE BAIN – ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT
Ellie Bain – Animal Nursing Assistant
After completing her Animal Welfare and Behaviour HNC, Ellie went on to spend 6 years working at a local dog rescue and wildlife rehabilitation centre, where she rescued her staffy, Donna. She says “Since starting at Bay Vets, I have learnt so much in such a short space of time thanks to the amazing staff and have signed on to the Animal Nursing Assistant course, due to be completed in 2024.” In her spare time she works on her project cars and takes her 2 crazy dogs on adventures.
CHARLOTTE THOMPSON – STUDENT NURSE
Charlotte Thompson – Student Nurse
Charlotte joined Bay Vets in early 2023. Previously Charlotte has worked in a variety of practices, including small animal, mixed practice, the PDSA and RSPCA. Charlotte has been in the veterinary industry since 2002 and has a keen interest in inpatient care and laboratory work. She is currently in her first year of Veterinary Nursing and looks forward to qualifying.
NAZ ISMAIL – ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT
Naz Ismail – Animal Nursing Assistant
Naz joined the Bay Vets Team in 2023 but previously had experience working on a farm, in kennels, groomers and rescue centres. She has already completed her Animal Management Diploma and hopes to become a Veterinary Nurse in the future. At home she has a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Bella and Dutch cross Lionhead rabbit, Bambi. When not working, she enjoys making memories with friends and family.
MEGAN TOWNLEY – ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT
Megan Townley - Animal Nursing Assistant
Megan started at Bay Vets as a Auxiliary Nurse in January 2024. She previously worked at a rehabilitation centre for ex racehorses & Thoroughbreds nr Lancaster, (very different to small animals!) but she is very interested to learn more about the veterinary side of the animal world and is keen for any challenge! She hopes to progress further in the future and is loving it so far. She says she is excited for her career journey here at Bay Vets 🙂
She has a pony called Beauty who is a 6 year old Cob x Dales and a 13 year old Patterdale x Border Terrier named Inca. She loves spending time riding and going for walks on her days off with these two as well as seeing friends and family.
Receptionists
Victoria Orange – Head receptionist
Victoria Orange – Head Receptionist
Victoria joined us in the Spring of 2016, after training to be a teacher and working as an optical dispenser for 15 years. She has a passion for animals, especially cats, and likes to work with people who love their animals, so being on the reception desk is the perfect place for her. She became head receptionist in September 2020, and is proud to lead our lovely reception team.
Victoria has 2 cats of her own, Lady and David, both rescued and completely adored. Lady is in her retirement years now, and David, much younger keeps them all entertained!
In her spare time Victoria loves walking with her husband Clive, an avid photographer. She especially loves coastal walks, and holidaying in the UK, anywhere with a pretty, rocky cove in sight. These trips create inspiration for her seascape watercolour and acrylic paintings.
Victoria practises mindfulness and hypnotherapy on a regular basis, both helping to keep stress and negativity at bay, and helping to provide a positive and welcoming experience to all who walk through our door.
Angela De Lacy Roberts – Receptionist
Angela De Lacy Roberts – Receptionist
Angela is one of our long-term receptionists. She is one of the friendly faces you will see on reception at Morecambe. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends when not working.
Vanessa Boismaison – Receptionist
Vanessa Boismaison – Receptionist
Vanessa is one of our long term receptionists at the Lancaster Branch, having been with us for 8 years.
She has 2 cats called Timmy and Simba who keep her on her toes and she loves spending time with her 3 grandchildren.
Vanessa enjoys socialising with friends and travelling to somewhere new to explore, she also has a great interest in local history.
Alyson Wakefield – Receptionist
Alyson Wakefield – Receptionist
Alyson left school to study at Durham College of Agriculture and Horticulture, where she gained a qualification in the National Certificate in the Management of Horses. After a year out working in an eventing yard and Point 2 Point yard, Alyson returned to college and gained a diploma in Equine and Business Studies.
Alyson moved into the area from Yorkshire in 2002 with her husband Paul, they have 2 children, Holly and Jack. They gave a forever home to their rescue dog Max who is a white golden retriever in 2011 and are the owners of Buddy who is a Goldador (Golden RetrieverxLabrador) who is 16 months old. Both the dogs love to pop into the Milnthorpe Surgery for a gravy bone!
Laura Robinson – Receptionist
Laura Robinson - Receptionist
Laura joined us in the Winter of 2019. After 3 years as a dental receptionist Laura is excited to be joining the team at Bay Vets. Laura has always had a passion for animals and her dream job was to work in a veterinary practice that was local and independent. Laura has a 1 year old Springer Spaniel called Kipper who has changed her life for the better. She now enjoys walks in the park and the countryside and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys going to live events including music and comedy in her spare time.
Rachael Meadowcroft – Receptionist
Rachael Wilson - Receptionist
Rachael has been with Bay Vets for 3 years now on reception, mainly at our Caton Branch, but occasional days at Lancaster.
She has a Cocker Spaniel called Isla and a Springer Spaniel called Finn, who enjoy their camper van holidays as much as their owners.
Michelle Ridley – Receptionist
Michelle Ridley - Receptionist
Before joining us Michelle was working in the banking sector and Travel industry, but after wanting to take on a new challenge she came to Bay Vets in Autumn 2021.
She has a Border Collie called Skye and a Cat called Whiskey, and is tempted by some of the rescues coming through our doors so may have additions to the family soon!
Michelle enjoys Painting and baking, which means Bay gets some delicious goodies brought in for tea time. She also enjoys getting out for good walks with her family and exploring the countryside.
Victoria Shaw – Reception
Victoria Shaw - Reception
Victoria joined Bay Vets in July 2023. She works alternate days between Lancaster and Caton on reception. She has a grumpy old dog called Holly, breadthief cat Nile and a chatty kitten who stands like a meerkat called Nova. She likes art, reading and playing video and pc games.
Administration & Support
Karen Postlethwaite FCCA
Finance & Practice Manager
Karen Postlethwaite FCCA
Karen has previous experience as an accountant and practice manager working in a local accountancy firm. She loves her role at Bay Vets as it allows her to combine her love of animals with her profession. Karen has a pet cat called Cloud who she adopted from Bay Vets when it was left at the surgery as a stray and a Labrador called Tiggy. In her spare time she has varied interests from anything arts & crafts to enjoying the gorgeous local scenery on walks with friends and their dogs.
Louise Gilbert
Credit Control Manager
Louise Gilbert
Louise started back in 1989, before the merger that established Bay Vets Ltd. Her role is reception and Credit Control Manager and sorting out insurance claims. Outside of work Louise loves to spend time with her family and 3 energetic dogs. Her interests are dog walking and reading.
Suzanne Kitching
Business Support
Suzanne Kitching
Suzanne returned to Bay Vets in 2015 after having her two children. She is part of the admin and accounts team and is based at Lancaster. Outside of work Suzanne is kept busy with her family and two cocker spaniels Bolt and Coco who are always on the go!
Gillian Bell
Pet Transport
Gillian Bell
Gill joined us in 2018 and has “The best job in the world!”. She will collect you and your pet for appointments or in an emergency. Her specialities include retrieving cats from on top of wardrobes or under beds. She is also skilled at calming nerves, putting smiles on faces and wags in tails.
Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin
Business Support
Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin - Business Support
Cheryl has worked at Bay Vets for 13 years on reception at Lancaster and in admin. She love being part of such an amazing team and knowing that each animal that comes through these doors are treated like royalty.
Over the years she has come across a number of bunnies – whether they be stray or rescue which have slowly but surely evolved her in to the ‘crazy rabbit lady’ but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She currently has four trouble makers – Ben, Sprout, Fuzzy and Bumble.
Out of work she spend a lot of time with her rabbits. When she is not covered in hay she loves to be out in the open and she is a big music lover so will often be seen with her headphones on and a bounce in her step.
She love animals as well as people so that’s why she think she has been part of the furniture here at Bay Vets for so long.
ASHLEIGH BURKITT RVN – Clinical Admin Co-ordinator
Ashleigh Burkitt RVN - Clinical Admin Co-ordinator
Ashleigh studied at Harper Adams University until 2019 when she graduated as an RVN and joined the nursing team. She left Bay in 2022 to experience other practices and after completing some charity work too she returned to us as Clinical Admin Coordinator, assisting with the day-to-day running behind the scenes and organisation of our referral services.
DENISE THWAITE
Business Support
Denise Thwaite - Business Support
Denise has been with Bay Vets since 2022, her role is dealing with the Bay Vets Health Care Plan for pets.
She has always loved animals and has 4 little chihuahuas that love attention and getting into mischief. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, socialising with friends, walking with her dogs especially around Whitby and going abroad for holidays.