Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Veterinary Surgeons
Dr Katie Kyle – BVetMed MRCVS
Clinical Director
Dr Katie Kyle – BVetMed MRCVS
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 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 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 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 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 Justyna Gemzala – DVM GPCert(Diagnostic Imaging) MRCVS
Dr Justyna Gemzala – DVM GPCert(Diagnostic Imaging) MRCVS
Justyna graduated Warsaw Vet School in 2005 and moved to the UK soon after. She has been practicing in the UK ever since. She most enjoys the diagnostic side of veterinary medicine, particularly ultrasound, and has completed additional qualifications in this discipline. She loves the variety and case load that Bay Vets sees and she enjoys the challenge.
Outside of work, Justyna can be found with her two naughty but lovely border terriers, Ozzy and Lucy, out and about in the beautiful countryside surrounding us. She’s also a keen gardener.
Dr Eleanor Shepherd BVSC mrcvs
Dr. Eleanor Shepherd BVSc MRCVS
Ellie is one of the newest members of our vet team, having graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2025. She grew up just around the corner and was a client before deciding to join our team! She is particularly interested in behavioural medicine and soft tissue surgery. She lives in Lancaster with her partner George and in her spare time can often be found running and hiking up in the lake district.
Veterinary Nurses
Heather Joyce – RVN
Nurse Manager
Heather Joyce – RVN
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) CertVNECC
Kirsty Thomson - RVN BSc (Hons) 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. She has since completed a certificate in medical nursing. Outside of work Georgia enjoys spending time with her family and making memories with her partner, stepson and three chihuahuas, Bailey, Tara and Princess.
Diane Bain – RVN & 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 – RVN
Rachel Simpson - RVN
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. She has since gone on to become a qualified RVN, working nights at our Lancaster surgery. 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.
KATIE STEELE RVN
Katie Steele RVN
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.
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.
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 GOODLAD – RVN
Hannah Mills RVN
Hannah has a little cavalier king charles spaniel called Tess who she adopted 2 years ago. Wherever Hannah goes, Tess goes to! In her spare time Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and her husband, gardening and adding Legos to her never ending collection.
REBECCA SARSFIELD – RVN
Rebecca Sarsfield RVN
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time caring for her horse, dogs and rabbits.
KIRSTY O’CONNOR – RVN
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.
NAZ ISMAIL – STUDENT VETERINARY NURSE
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.
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.
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.
SUSAN MCARTHUR-GIBBONS – RVN CertANA
Susan McArthur-Gibbons - RVN CertANA
Susan started working at Bay Vets shortly after qualifying as an RVN in 2003. She has a keen interest in diabetic care and anaesthesia, completing a certificate in Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2019. Susan took a short break in 2024 and returned as part of the night nursing team, dealing with out-of-hours emergencies and providing inpatient care.
In her spare time, Susan can be found riding her horse or back in Scotland with her family.
AYLA SUZME – STUDENT NURSE
Ayla Suzme - Animal Nursing Assistant
Receptionists
Victoria Orange – 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
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.
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!
Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin
Business Support
Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin - Business Support
She currently lives under the rule of her 6 house rabbits Ben, Sprout, Fuzzy, Bumble, Margaret and Wallace and the squeak of her diva guinea pigs Daphne and Pumpkin.
Cheryl spends her free time covered in hay and sawdust, She also enjoys walking in the country whilst admiring other peoples dogs and listening to a random ‘questionable’ selection of music. When she isn’t out in the wild she loves to crochet and tend to her diva house plants.
DENISE THWAITE
Business Support
Denise Thwaite - Business Support
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.