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 2 dogs, 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 Sophie Lawson – MA VetMB MRCVS
Dr Sophie Lawson – MA VetMB MRCVS
After graduating from Cambridge University in 1998, Sophie spent two years in mixed practice in Cornwall. Following six months travelling and working in Australia, she worked for a large small animal hospital in Plymouth. Sophie moved to Cumbria with her husband in 2004 and has worked in companion animal practice in the local area since then. Sophie joined Bay Vets in 2014 and particularly enjoys the diversity of small animal practice. In the last few years she was employed as a Practice Standards Assessor for the RCVS and now combines her clinical work at Bay Vets with her role as a Claims Advisor for The Veterinary Defence Society. She has three teenage children and a menagerie of pets to keep her busy at home and is a keen runner and open water swimmer.
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, moved to New Zealand in 2010 where she returned to small animal practice, coming back to the UK in 2014 to live in Lancaster. She joined Bay Vets in 2014 and enjoys all aspects of her job, particularly feline medicine. With 4 teenagers, 2 dogs, a cat and 2 guinea pigs to look after, spare time is limited but Louise enjoys walking, reading and cooking.
Dr Susi Fernandez Parker – MRCVS
Dr Susi Fernandez Parker – MRCVS
Susi graduated at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) in 2012. After doing some small practice work she decided to move to the UK to learn and improve her clinical skills. Susi worked in a busy small animal hospital for 6 years before joining bay vets in July 2018. Currently she is undertaking a GPCert in feline medicine and would like to carry on with further studies in the future. In her spare time Susi 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 Eamonn Bedford – BVSc MRCVS
Dr Eamonn Bedford - BVSc MRCVS
Eamonn graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019. He joined the team at Bay vets in 2019 and enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery. In his spare time Eamonn enjoys being in the outdoors; cycling, running and hiking with his dogs.
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!
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 such as promotions and newsletters. 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 Behaviour
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. Outside of work Lauren can be found outdoors horse riding. She also spends her spare time agility training her much loved Labrador, Beau, and working gundog tests.
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 for 4 years and recently qualified with an honours degree in Veterinary Nursing from UCLAN. She enjoys the varied nature of nursing, from puppy parties to assisting vets in theatre, and everything in between. In her spare time Mary is busy looking after her son, James. She enjoys going to music festivals and gigs, and looks after her pets including her cat and energetic retriever, Cloud.
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 and genuinely enjoys all aspects of her job. Emma doesn’t have much spare time as her little girl Pippa and all her pets fill it! However outside of work Emma enjoys catching up with friends and family and looking after her animals; Stella the Labrador cross (who likes lying in dirty puddles) and Thomas, the lovely old foster cat from Cats Protection.
Susan McArthur-Gibbons – RVN NCert(anaesth)
Head Nurse (Lancaster)
Susan McArthur-Gibbons – RVN NCert(anaesth)
Susan joined the team in 2013 after moving to the area from Scotland and became Head Nurse of our Lancaster surgery early 2016. Susan qualified as a Veterinary Nurse from Edinburgh Telford College in 2012 with an RVN Diploma and has since completed a certificate in Anaesthesia. Susan is interested in all aspects of Nursing, especially diabetes and runs regular clinics for our diabetic patients. Outside of work Susan enjoys competing her horse and walking her dogs Belle and Daisy.
Stephanie Lindsay – Animal Nursing Assistant
Stephanie Lindsay – Animal Nursing Assistant
Steph has worked at Bay Vets for 16 years as an auxiliary nurse, supporting the RVN’s 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. Her responsibilities also include prescriptions and the running of the pharmacy.
She loves the bay vet’s 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
Gemma is a nurse at our Lancaster surgery. She 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. In her spare time Gemma enjoys walking in the countryside with her lively spaniel, Poppy, and spending time with her family and friends. She is a keen runner now too, having completed the Manchester 10km race.
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 bay vets in fall 2015, she has always loved animal since a young age and started riding horses form the age of 4. She has worked in kennels, groomers and dog and wildlife rescue centers. She has studied animal management and is currently about to finish her RVN training. Demi has also undertaken specialist wildlife training with the RSPCA. She has a keen interest in wildlife and exotics. At home Demi has a staffy called Tia, a staffy cross called Spike and a bearded dragon called Bella. When she is not at work demi enjoys walking with her dog, eating out and spending time with her family.
Rachel Rogers – RVN
Rachel Rogers – RVN
Rachel qualified in 2018 and did her training at a mixed practice in Skipton, she has been with us for a year now and enjoys all aspects of the job. She is particularly interested in wound care and nursing wildlife when it comes into the practice. Rachel worked and lived in New Zealand for a year and then went on to travel bit of the east coast of Australia. In her spare time she likes running, walking, gardening and playing netball for Kirkby Lonsdale.
Kirsty Thomson – RVN BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing CertVNECC
Kirsty Thomson - RVN BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing CertVNECC
Laura Hayes – RVN, BSc (Hons) Clinical Veterinary Nursing, DipAVN Surg, DipAVN Med, CertVN ECC
Laura Hayes - RVN, BSc (Hons) Clinical Veterinary Nursing, DipAVN Surg, DipAVN Med, CertVN ECC
Laura qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1998 whilst working in a small and large animal practice in Blackburn. In 1998 she began working at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. Whilst employed there as Clinical Manager she completed the Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) in 2003, Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Medical) in 2007 and also completed a BSc (Hons) in Clinical Veterinary Nursing in 2007.
For 3 years she worked as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in an out of hours emergency veterinary hospital in Manchester, followed by 18 months in an Orthopaedic Referral Centre. Since October 2018 she has worked as a Registered Veterinary Nurse within the Bay Vets nursing team. In June 2019 she completed the Vets Now Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care. She is interested in all aspects of veterinary nursing but especially anaesthesia, medical nursing and inpatient care, and infection control.
Ashleigh Burkitt BSc (Hons) – RVN
Ashleigh Burkitt BSc (Hons) – RVN
I studied Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management for 4 years at Harper Adams in Shropshire after seeing practice here at Bay Vets from 2013.
I have a Cavalier King Charles called Zak and enjoy spending my time with horses outside of work. I am passionate about rehabilitation and physiotherapy and try to improve animal’s lives by working with owners to make a routine that best suits them and their pet’s condition. I also run the puppy parties and enjoy helping owners have the best experience possible with their new little family members.
Georgia Lambert – Student Nurse
Georgia Lambert – Student Nurse
Georgia joined the Bay Vets team officially in the Summer of 2016 after a gap year. During this time, Georgia gained experience in veterinary nursing by volunteering at the Lancaster Bay Vets Surgery. Georgia is interested in all areas of veterinary nursing and is currently in her second year of college to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. During her spare time, Georgia enjoys walking in the Lakes with her three chihuahuas and Labrador. She also enjoys music festivals and going to see her favourite bands.
Vicki Peters – Student Nurse
Vicki Peters – Student Nurse
Vicki joined the team in January 2018 and worked at a different practise for 3 years previously. Due to growing up in the countryside she has always had a passion for animals and nature. She has a 2:1 hon degree in Biological sciences and aims to do her nurse training in the coming years. In her spare time, she spends time with her cocker spaniel Molly. She also enjoys reading, playing tennis and ultimate frisbee.
Diane Bain – Animal Nursing Assistant & Cat Advocate
Diane Bain – Animal Nursing Assistant & Cat Advocate
Diane joined Bay Vets in November 2010. Diane loves all thing cat and has recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Feline Behaviour, and is at hand to solve all your cat troubles. Diane also completed her Animal Nursing Assistant Award last year, and is currently studying Anaesthesia, before embarking on student veterinary nursing in the near future. In her spare time Diane is mummy to Noah, wife to Brett and head staff member to cats Olivia and Cody. Diane has worked towards making our Lancaster surgery accredited with the ISFM Cat Friendly accreditation with her Cat Advocate colleague Jo McCartney.
Rachel Simpson – Animal Nursing Assistant
Rachel Simpson - Animal Nursing Assistant
In December 2016 Rachel started as a work experience student at the Morecambe surgery, she then started her nursing role every Saturday before joining our team full time as an animal nursing assistant and weigh consultant at our Morecambe Branch. 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 and after 9 years of persuasion, she finally adopted her beautiful staffie cross ‘Meg’ from Animal Care.
Kate Bell – Auxiliary Nurse
Kate Bell - Auxiliary Nurse
Kate joined Bay Vets as a receptionist in 2017, after spending six years in Pharmacy. She has recently moved onto our nursing team as an auxiliary nurse.
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 two very 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.
Jennifer Hughes BA (Hons), MA, PhD – Auxiliary Nurse
Jennifer Hughes BA (Hons), MA, PhD – Auxiliary Nurse
Jennifer officially joined our team as an Auxiliary Nurse in January 2020, after having done work experience at our Lancaster surgery since October 2018. Jennifer has a particular interest in the nursing and welfare of exotic pets, and is currently gaining work experience at the Exotics Department of Rutland House Veterinary Hospital in St Helens. Jennifer is also trained in hedgehog rehabilitation, and has recently led Lancaster University to become a Bronze accredited ‘Hedgehog Friendly Campus’. At home, Jennifer has three Syrian hamsters called Lucy, George, and Keeva, as well as two bunnies called Anna and Bertram. Jennifer gained a PhD in Linguistics before joining Bay Vets, and she enjoys attending ballet and tap classes in her spare time.
Receptionists
Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin – Receptionist
Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin - Receptionist
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.
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.
Charlotte Eames – Receptionist
Charlotte Eames – Receptionist
Charlotte joined us at Bay Vets in the Summer of 2015 after previously working in the hospitality industry for 3 years in a busy city centre establishment. In her spare time Charlotte likes to help her dad on his local farm. She has a keen interest in all types of animals and even looks after her own pets being sheep, dogs, ducks, chickens and pigeons. Charlotte is looking forward to spending her future with Bay Vets and sharing her past experiences from her time in hospitality and the love of all things on 4 legs.
Vanessa Boismaison – Receptionist
Vanessa Boismaison – Receptionist
Vanessa has joined us in the Spring of 2016. After eight & a half years in banking Vanessa is really pleased to be starting a new role at Bay Vets. Vanessa loves animals and working with people. At the moment she only has tropical fish but we are sure that will soon change. Vanessa has two grown up children and loves spending time with her family. She also researches and visits places of local history in her spare time.
Victoria Orange – Receptionist
Victoria Orange – Receptionist
Victoria joined us in the Spring of 2016, after working as an optical dispenser for 15 years. She has a passion for animals, especially cats, and loves to work with people, so working on the reception desk is the perfect job for her.
Victoria has 2 cats of her own, Tinker & Lady, which she’s had from very young. They’re both in their retirement years now, but oh so spoilt!
In her spare time, Victoria loves walking with her photographer husband Clive, especially coastal walks in Britain, where she gathers lots of inspiration for her watercolour & acrylic paintings.
She enjoys spending time with her family, days out, eating fish & chips by the sea.
Victoria puts her counselling qualifications to use on a daily basis, on the busy reception desk. She also practices hypnotherapy…& says it keep her nice & calm.
Stacey Murphy – Receptionist
Stacey Murphy – Receptionist
Stacey joined us at the start of 2017 and is usually based at our Milnthorpe surgery on a Saturday morning. Stacey has worked with animals since leaving school and has experience in working with birds of prey, horses and then worked in a kennel & cattery for 9 years. In her spare time Stacey loves spending time with her family, walking her dogs and horse riding.
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 Wilson – Receptionist
Rachael Wilson - Receptionist
Administration & Support
Karen Postlethwaite FCCA
Finance & Practice Manager
Karen Postlethwaite FCCA
Karen joined us in Autumn 2017. Karen has previous experience as an accountant and practice manager working in a local accountancy firm. She is excited to join the team and is looking forward to combining her love of animals with her profession. Karen has a pet cat called Maisy who she adopted from Bay Vets over 10 years ago, when it was left as the surgery as a stray. 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. She hopes to have her own dog to enjoy walking with one day, but has to persuade Maisy first!
Louise Gilbert
Credit Control Manager
Louise Gilbert
Louise started working as a nurse/receptionist for the vets back in 1989, before the merger that established Bay Vets Ltd. Her role is reception/credit control manager and sorting out insurance claims. outside of work Louise loves to spend time with her grown up children and 3 energetic dogs. Her interests are dog walking and reading.
Suzanne Kitching
Business Support
Suzanne Kitching
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. Outside of work Lauren can be found outdoors horse riding. She also spends her spare time agility training her much loved Labrador, Beau, and working gundog tests.
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.