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 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
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (London) in summer of 2020. I spent some time working in a busy urban practice near Manchester, before embracing the opportunity to move back to my native Lancaster.
I have a particular interest in canine internal medicine, as well as all soft tissue surgery.
In my spare time I enjoy 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
I graduated from the University of Liverpool in July 2022. After a short, restorative break, I commenced my job search in the fall and ultimately decided to join the team here. 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, I enjoy yoga and spending quality time with close ones in nature. My interests include fashion & interior design, books/film & travel – of the latter I hope to do a lot more of. I also love good food and good coffee, most probably a legacy of my parents’ line of work…; as such, I am always exploring what the local area has to offer by way of this.
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 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.
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.
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 – 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 – Student Nurse
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.
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 (Student nurse)
My name is Charlotte and I joined the bay vets team in September 2021 as a student nurse and I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in May 2023. I have a keen interest in anaesthesia and inpatient care. When not at work you may find me out walking my French bulldog Freddie or being kept on my toes by my cat Kennie who is always up to mischief. I also enjoy watching stock car racing with my partner and spending time with family and friends.
STEFFANI WEBSTER RVN
Steffani Webster RVN
Hello, my name is Steffani. I joined Bay Vets in June 2021 after registering as a veterinary nurse in March 2021. I enjoy assisting in surgical procedures, monitoring anaesthetics and caring for inpatients. When I am not in practice, you can find me working as a Donor assistant for the Pet Blood Bank. I have a spotty monster (Dalmatian) called Holly and a bread thief (Cat) called Nile, who both keep me on my toes. I like to play video games, binge watch TV and listen to K-pop in my spare time.
KATIE STEELE RVN
Katie Steele RVN
Hello, my name is Katie and I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in July 2021 after completing my degree at Myerscough College. I joined the team at Bay Vets in January 2022 and enjoy all aspects of nursing but especially love caring for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs; as well as nursing in-patients.
When I’m not in work I enjoy getting out on walks around the lakes with my Working Cocker Spaniel called Barney and we also enjoy going to gundog training. I also have a rabbit and 2 guinea pigs at home and enjoy skiing which I have done from a young age.
MEGAN WOODHOUSE RVN
Megan Woodhouse RVN
Hello! My name is Meg and I 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. I work predominantly at the Lancaster surgery but you may have seen me running Nurse Consultations at our Caton branch. I have a particular interest in running nurse clinics and also in inpatient care.
When not at work I can be found walking and swimming in the Lake District, playing netball, or helping on our family’s dairy and sheep farm with my sheepdog Bess.
CHARLOTTE THOMPSON – ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT
Charlotte Thompson – Animal Nursing Assistant
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
DENISE THWAITE
Business Support
Denise Thwaite - Business Support
I have been with Bay Vets for the last 12 months, my role is dealing with the Bay Vets Health Care Plan for pets.
Have always loved animals and have 4 little chihuahuas Milly, Olly, Bear and Enzo that love attention and getting into mischief ,enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, socialising with friends, walking with my dogs especially around Whitby and going abroad for holidays