Meet Our Team

VETS

NURSES

RECEPTIONISTS

SURGERIES

Culverden Vets is owned by four working vets, our Partners, Duncan Mitchell, Tom Doyle, Natalie Harley and Philip Cusack. The practice has been around for more than 70 years and our team is proud to continue the tradition of providing compassionate, cutting edge veterinary care.

Our three surgeries in Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst are very much part of their communities. Each has its own character but in all of them we offer expertise, experience and excellent facilities. We also visit animals in their homes.

Most of our patients are dogs, cats and rabbits, but we are also very experienced in caring for garden poultry, tortoises and small pets such as guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters.

Our Vets

Mr Duncan Mitchell

BVetMed MRCVS – Partner
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice in 2000 having spent the previous year travelling the world with my future wife, Ruth. I became a partner in 2005 and assumed responsibility for the Tunbridge Wells surgery when Brian Rosevear retired in June 2008. I enjoy being a good general practitioner, practising the art of veterinary medicine as well as the science. I am proud to run an independent veterinary practice when the majority are now owned by corporate business. In 2023 it was a pleasure to welcome two new partners (Natalie and Phil) into the practice ensuring that we will remain independent for the foreseeable future.

 I am also proud to train veterinary nurses to a high standard as the surgery is a nurse training centre. Although I seemed to have developed a reputation as a feline vet I am equally keen to see dogs! I have two Street Katz rescue cats at home: Sally and Linus.

Outside of work I am either to be found entertaining my two boys (William, who is reading pharmacology at Bristol, and George, who is in his final year at Skinners’ and hopes to follow in my footsteps) or polishing my classic car – a 1965 Mercedes Benz 230 SL. I am also a very keen cyclist, although Tadej Pogacar won’t be losing any sleep in the near future!

Mr Tom Doyle

MA, VetMB, MRCVS – Partner
Wadhurst and Crowborough 

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I graduated from Cambridge in 2001 and joined the practice as a locum in 2003. Working life at Culverden convinced me to stay for a little longer, and I’ve never left. I’ve been a Partner since July 2012, and enjoy splitting my working time between my home surgery in Wadhurst and our surgery in Crowborough.

I enjoy pretty much every aspect of clinical work and particularly learning new things. I’m a keen “eye geek” and have earned CVS Advanced Practitioner status in Ophthalmology and enjoy seeing cases from across the practice.

I’m one of four Partners and (although my responsibilities have added a few grey hairs) I’m very proud of the team and facilities we’ve built at Culverden.

Outside work I run, swim, cycle, have dipped my toe in the triathlon world, grow vegetables and tramp about the countryside. I have an inordinately handsome and opinionated white cat, Michael D, who features regularly on @CulverdenVets.

Dr Natalie Harley

BSc, BVSc, MRCVS- Partner
Tunbridge Wells

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I graduated from Bristol University and joined the Culverden team in 2013 and became a partner in 2023. I am looking forward to continuing to improve the clinical standards and develop Culverden Vets as a proud independent practice. Prior to this I managed to combine my passion for travel and veterinary medicine, working on animal charity projects in both South Africa and India.

I have recently gained an advanced qualification, a Post Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Internal Medicine. I am also a keen surgeon and love the variety that general practice is able to offer.

In my spare time I enjoy yoga, cooking and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. You will often find me walking around the Kent countryside with my husband and two children. 

Dr Philip Cusack

MVB, MRCVS- Partner
Crowborough

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I joined Culverden in May 2014. I qualified from University College Dublin in 2007. I have completed an internship at University College Dublin and with Fitzpatrick Referrals, Channel 4’s “Supervet”. I became a partner in 2023 and love the variation in practice from chatting to regulars,  medical cases to emergency surgery and orthopaedic surgery.

I enjoy spending time with my wife, three daughters and walking our three rescue dogs.

I used to enjoy basketball to a national level and even won an All- Ireland before concentrating on veterinary medicine. These days you’ll find me gardening , growing veg, doing DIY or popping home to Ireland to see family and friends.

 

Dr Isabel Ballard

BvetMed MRCVS
Tunbridge Wells

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I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014. Since then, I have worked in several small animal clinics in the UK and Australia and have volunteered abroad in India and Thailand.

In 2020, I bought a house in Tunbridge Wells and joined the Culverden team. I now currently live with my husband; rescue cat Odin and rescue buns Hobnob and Bluebell.

I enjoy all aspects of general practice and have a particular interest in imaging and medicine. I have nearly completed a Certificate in Small Animal Medicine to become an Advanced Practitioner.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing netball and gardening. I also love to travel, and whilst away can be found skiing or scuba diving.

Dr Rachel Holbrook

BVSc MRCVS
Tunbridge wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst

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I graduated from the University of Bristol and started working at Culverden in 2017. My favourite aspects of being a vet include the care of hospital inpatients and ultrasound scanning (I am currently studying for a certificate in diagnostic imaging). I recently took a career break and drove all the way around Australia, working in some remote practices along the way. I have a little cat called Rudi (a stray I took on after he was hit by a car), and in my spare time I love to read and go bouldering.

Dr Ella Williamson

BVetMed MRCVS
Tunbridge wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst

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I joined Culverden after graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in summer 2021. I was drawn to Tunbridge Wells having grown up nearby in rural Kent and still visit my family and childhood cat Sparky regularly. I have a particular interest in Emergency and Small Animal Medicine and hope to complete a Certificate in at least one of these areas in the future. I am greatly enjoying all aspects of veterinary life and working with the lovely team at Culverden!

Outside of work I enjoy playing violin and piano with my family, many of whom are professional musicians. I also love travelling and exploring the countryside with my partner Joe, as well as keeping up with friends from Cranbrook School and University.

Dr Elinor Borjesson

BVetMed Bsc MRCVS
Tunbridge Wells

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I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 and have worked in several small animal practices across London, as well as travelling and undertaking a brief spell of work for a charity clinic in Thailand.

My family (including our rescue cat Sebastian) moved to Tunbridge Wells in March 2021 after spending a year living in Sweden, and I am excited to have joined the team at Culverden. My particular interest is medicine, and I love consulting and getting to meet lots of new patients.

When not at work, I enjoy exploring my new home with my husband and our two young children.

Dr Hayley Meekums

BVMSci MRCVS
Tunbridge wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst

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I graduated from the University of Surrey in 2019, as part of the very first cohort of veterinary students from the university. I have worked in small animal practice since graduating, and joined the wonderful team at Culverdens at the end of 2022. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of working as a vet, with a keen interest in surgery. In my spare time, I like walking my dog, Druid, around Tunbridge Wells with my husband. I enjoy travelling, baking, seeing live music and spending time with my friends and family.

Dr Eleanor Evans

BVetMed MRCVS
Tunbridge wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst

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I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2020 and joined Culverden in 2023 after three years working at a busy hospital in West Sussex. I have a keen interest in internal medicine, and hope to complete a certificate in the future. In my spare time, I enjoy open water swimming and long distance running.

Dr Victoria Brown

BA, VetMB, MRCVS

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I qualified from Cambridge in 2000 and spent 7 years in mixed practice before focusing her attention on small animals. I joined the Wadhurst branch in 2020 where I love being a general practitioner.

When off work, I love walking my dog, painting, wild swimming, and yoga.

Dr Teresa Fernandes

MRCVS

Tunbridge wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst

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I qualified in 2017 from Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Portugal. I moved to the UK in 2019 where I worked in small animal practices across Kent. One of the many reasons I enjoy working in England is the amount of love and care people give to their beloved pets. I have a special interest  in soft tissue surgery, having completed a Small Animal Surgical (SAS) certificate in 2021. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary but in particular complex surgeries.  In my spare time I love taking walks in the Sussex & Kent countryside, as well as experimenting with baking and DIY.

Dr Matt Wilkinson

MRCVS
Tunbridge wells, Crowborough and Wadhurst

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I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014. I have worked in several small animal clinics in the UK and Australia. I have been lucky enough to have volunteered abroad in India and Thailand. I enjoy all aspect of veterinary from medicine to surgery but in particular imaging and ultrasound. In my spare time when I’m not looking after our family’s menagerie of animals I enjoy reading, gardening, skiing, travelling and scuba diving.

Our Nurses

Suzie Kirby RVN

Head Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined Culverden as Head Nurse at Crowborough in 2003 but left in 2010 for a short break. In 2014, I returned and became Head Nurse at Tunbridge Wells. I love all aspects of my job, particularly inpatient care. I am a Clinical Coach to our student nurses. At home I have a cat and a 3 legged tortoise, as well as a family who keep me busy. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, films, reading and catching up with friends.

Scarlett Tassaker RVN

Head Veterinary Nurse
Crowborough

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 I joined Culverden and started my degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2014, qualifying in 2017 and taking the Head Nurse role in Crowborough in 2021. I have previously worked with a variety of species in Australia’s outback and volunteered at a cat sanctuary local to my hometown. At work I have a keen interest in behaviour and anesthesia and have a particular soft spot for the misunderstood “bully breeds”.

At home I have two rescues, a dog called Zola and a cat called Coach who never fail to make me laugh and get on like a house on fire!

I am passionate about animal welfare and rehabilitation. In my spare time enjoy a quiet life trekking around the countryside with my husband and dog (and binoculars!) as well as art, photography, country music and travelling.

Tiff Leach RVN

Head Veterinary Nurse

Wadhurst

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I’m very excited to have joined at the team at Wadhurst. I qualified as an RVN in 2007 and worked in a busy practice in Uckfield before taking time out to have a family. With only the arrival of a few more rescue chickens on the horizon, I’m very much looking forward to getting back into nursing. Our menagerie at home includes: a bouncy chocolate lab, an elderly terrier, 7 hens, one cockerel, 2 pigmy goats, a goldfish and two lovely lively daughters! With what free time I have I help out at Stonegate school, with reading, swimming and gardening club. I really enjoy going to circuit training, running (fair weather only), spending time in my garden (especially the vegetable patch), trips to the theatre, and taking our girls on exciting adventures! We’ve recently discovered a new passion for Norway and skiing.

Melissa Jones RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Crowborough

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I joined the Crowborough practice in 2002 as a receptionist, before transferring to the Tunbridge Wells surgery to train as a veterinary nurse, I then qualified in 2006. After a brief trip around the world trip in 2008, to cuddle Koalas, swim with wild dolphins and climb a glacier, I returned to work at the Crowborough surgery in 2009. I have a keen interest in small mammals especially rabbit husbandry and anaesthesial have my own elderly bunny called Blossom. I enjoy running nurse clinics, and love running weekly puppy parties. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and trying to keep up with my two young boys. I enjoy gardening, decorating, and attempting DIY projects!

Becky Cornwall RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Crowborough

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I joined Culverden in August 2014, after qualifying from a small animal practice where I trained for three years. Prior to that, I worked for an animal charity for four years. I own a rescue dog, Zena, who’s quite a handful and with my beautiful son keeps me pretty busy! In my spare time I love horse riding and walking the dog.

Estella Massey RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice in 2016 and am the Tunbridge Wells ‘Cat Advocate’. I have a Lurcher called Polly and a Border Terrier named Rupert. I also have Bruce the cat! Currently I am overseeing the process of preparing the Tunbridge Wells for gold accreditation with the ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine). This means we hope to have the highest accreditation for we will aim to support cats individual needs and perspectives thereby ensuring cat comfort and welfare.

Claire Williams RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Crowborough

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I qualified as a VN in 1996 and have had a varied career!  I enjoy all aspects of being a Veterinary Nurse as every day is different. I especially enjoy nursing feline patients. I joined Culverden in April 2018 after spending a number of years at a mixed practice in Hailsham. In my spare time I enjoy running, walking my terrier and riding my horse Melody.

Amanda Heath RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I started my veterinary nurse training at Culverden in May 2017 having previously worked with exotic mammals and reptiles. I’m exciting to be learning new skills and was delighted to become a veterinary nurse! In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and the cinema. I have a working cocker spaniel called Harry.

Emma Fox RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the team at Culverden in 2018 where I started at the Crowborough branch as a receptionist. I was then lucky enough to have been offered a training position at Tunbridge wells where I have since completed my training, becoming an RVN. I have a whippet called Squid and a cat called Nelly, as well as my newest edition, Flossy, a stray kitten who spent a long time with us in hospital after having her jaw wired and repaired following being involved in a car accident. I am looking forward to starting puppy parties again at Tunbridge wells after covid and hope to look at undertaking a behaviour certificate in the future. In my spare time I enjoy seeing family and friends as well as horse riding and dog walks.

Kate Hanson RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Wadhurst

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I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2001 and joined Wadhurst branch of Culverden in September 2020. I really enjoy all aspects of nursing but I especially like caring for inpatients and seeing our lovely clients for nurse clinics. My own menagerie includes two horses, a rescue staffy cross called Obi and a cheeky rescue cat called Buddy. In my spare time I love riding, dog walking, and cooking.

Sophie Hanford RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined Culverden in 2019 having qualified a year before I have a small menagerie of five cats, three rabbits and two guinea pigs! I have a special interest in rabbits and will sooner start an advanced nursing course in small mammals. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and video games.

Sophie Ongley RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I qualified as an RVN in summer of 2021 and joined Culverden vets a few months later. I enjoy all aspects of nursing especially any small furries! At home I have the cutest little dog called Millie who keeps me very busy, and a cat called Mason. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, seeing friends and going for dog walks.

Carina Zillingen RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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Carina joined the team at Culverden Tunbridge Wells in June 2021 as a Student Veterinary Nurse after having previous nursing experience in both a veterinary hospital as well as general practice. She has a keen interest in rabbit welfare, husbandry, and nutrition. Her menagerie at home consists of two bunnies, two budgies, a Beagle, and a Fiancé. All rescues of course!

Katherine Andrew RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Crowborough

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I started working at the Crowborough branch of Culverden in February 2022. I have already been made to feel very welcome here, and can see they are a great team to work with!

I have been veterinary nursing since 2001, and carried out my training at London zoo.

During my nursing career I have been lucky enough to have done critical care emergency work, run puppy parties, been Head Nurse, and I have been clinical coach to many students, helping them to qualify.

My main interests in the profession are pain management, CATS (anything feline friendly), training students and weight clinics. Outside of work I enjoy anything food or film related, going to the theatre and gardening.

Emilie Packham RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Wadhurst & Crowborough

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Emilie has been a nurse since 2018 and qualified in January 2022. She joined Culverden in May 2022 to work at the Wadhurst and Crowborough branches. Emilie’s keen interests are anaesthesia, post operative care of inpatients and physiotherapy/rehabilitation. In her own time she can be found riding her horse or enjoying many countryside walks with her Jack Russell terrier called Buddy

She loves anything chocolate or cheese!!

Luke Woodhams RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice in 2022 to further my training as a student veterinary nurse with the amazing team at Tunbridge Wells. In my spare time I enjoy watching films and playing video games, I have two tortoises that love knocking plant pots over!

Emma Sellar RVN

Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice in October  2023  after qualifying in Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour at the University of Bristol. I was delighted to join the fantastic team at Culverden Vets Tunbridge Wells branch. I enjoy a lot of aspects of veterinary nursing, I have a keen interest in medical nursing, anaesthesia and physiotherapy. At home I have two family dogs, Mango and Obi, who we rescued from Cyprus when they were 4 months old. In my spare time, I enjoy dog walks, long distance running and watching the Formula 1.

Zoe Bastin

Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the Crowborough team in 2015 as a receptionist, keen to further my career I transferred to the Tunbridge Wells hospital branch in January 2022 to start my Veterinary Nurse training. I am enjoying my training so far and have an interest in emergency and critical care. In my spare time (if I’m not studying!) I enjoy taking my two cheeky Welsh Corgi’s for country walks and enjoy pottery painting with my friends.

Joanna Cook

Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Tunbridge Wells

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I was excited to join the team at Wadhurst in June 2022 and  immediately felt welcomed by a fabulous group of colleagues and have since moved to nurse training in Tunbridge Wells.

I have worked both in the Veterinary and animal rehabilitation industry all my working life, with a passion for Equine Rehabilitation and Complementary Therapies. Over the years I have been fortunate to have my own animals to care for which include hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, dogs and horses.

I love being outdoors whether it’s hiking up mountains, running, horse riding or skiing when the season is right.

I found a new passion for growing edible plants and cut flowers with an interest in improving the habitat for our local wild life which includes my resident hedgehogs and army of frogs.  I have to look out for them when shutting the greenhouse doors at night!

Our Receptionists & Support Staff

Marian Moon (“Toad”) RVN

Small Animal Secretary
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice as a student nurse in 1988 and qualified in 1991. I worked as Head Nurse at the Crowborough branch for 4 years before returning to Tunbridge Wells as the Farm & Equine Secretary. I now have a very varied role running the Practice Care Plan, the Practice Standards and whatever else comes my way! I have 4 horses, 2 dogs and a firm belief I can never have too many cats – 11 at the last count! I also assist as part of the veterinary team for the ‘Horse of the Year’ show.

 

 

Bev Wyatt

Practice Administrator
Tunbridge Wells

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I Joined the practice in 2016 as a receptionist and moved over to the Accounts and administrator roll to learn the ropes in 2019. I have a three legged rescue dog called Rita. In my spare time, I like to accompany my husband to raise money for children’s respite charities with his classic car called Colin ! (A Shelby Daytona if anyone was interested)

 

Rachel Squires

Admin Assistant
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice in 2011 as a receptionist and have since become part of the admin team. In my spare time I love to bake, run and do yoga. I have a mischievous rescue cat called Maggie

Jess Bloom

Receptionist
Wadhurst

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I joined Culverden Veterinary Group in September 2013 and work in our Wadhurst branch as a receptionist and problem solver! In my spare time I enjoy exploring the local areas with my Irish Sport Horse Kevin & terrier Rose.

Susie Collins

Receptionist
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined Tunbridge Wells in 2015 having made a career change from hairdressing. I enjoy drawing and yoga in my spare time, and have a very cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross Bichon Frise (Cavachon!) called Maud.

Jennie Wilkinson

Nursing Assistant
Crowborough

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I joined the practice as a receptionist at Wadhurst in January 2018, in order to fulfil a lifelong ambition to re train and work with animals. I moved over to the Crowborough branch in June 2022. My own menagerie includes one husband, two beautiful daughters, two rescue cats called Hank and Boris (who have taken up residence in the airing cupboard) and a cheeky little black Jackapoo called Raffa. In my spare time I love gardening, cooking, walking the dog and bird watching.

Kay Batchelor

Receptionist
Crowborough

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I joined Crowborough in January 2019 as a receptionist. I especially enjoy meeting  pets and their owners. I have 3 cats at home, 2 of which are rescues, who never fail to keep me amused with their antics! In my spare time I likes to visit National Trust properties, going to the cinema/theatre, holidays and travel, as well as socialising with family and friends.

 

Sandie Rice-Tucker

Receptionist
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the practice in Tunbridge Wells in 2019.  I love meeting new people and enjoy the variety of clients and their pets that I see. When I’m not at work you will find me enjoying walks with her dog Hugo or riding or spending time with her horse Winifred.

Emma Williams

Receptionist
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined the Tunbridge Wells practice in 2019, and you’ll find me at reception most Saturdays, welcoming both humans and their furry friends! The rest of the week, I design brands and paint letters from my home studio, where I’m always accompanied by my trusty cocker spaniel, Harry, and a trio of mischievous cats.

 

Talia Jones

Receptionist
Crowborough

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I joined the practice in January 2022 from working in Kennels for a couple of years-and thought it was time for a change! I have a love for dogs and have my own German Shepherd who keeps me well occupied. I also have a love for sheep and assist with yearly lambing-I haven’t yet managed to sneak a lamb home! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and exploring the countryside.

Vicky Tuson

Receptionist
Tunbridge Wells

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I joined Tunbridge Wells practice in 2022 as a receptionist and I am really enjoying getting to know all of our clients and their lovely pets. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, walking and spending time with family and friends.

Milly Turner

Receptionist
Crowborough

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I joined the Crowborough practice in March 2023 as a receptionist and I am really enjoying meeting all of the lovely pets and owners. In my spare time I love to paint, spend time with friends and adventuring outdoors.

Emily Hawkins

Receptionist
Wadhurst

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I joined the Wadhurst branch in August 2023 as a receptionist. In my spare time you’ll find me down at my partners farm helping care for our animals. I also have 2 horses which i take out showjumping when i have a break from the farming life. Since a very young age I have been very passionate about animals and love working with them. My goal is to get into Veterinary nursing in the future and do some travelling.