I currently work as a practice manager in a two-site small animal IVC Evidensia practice in Norfolk. I  qualified as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in 1993, working in a mixed animal practice in Hampshire before moving into teaching. I have significant operational management of both educational and clinical settings and I am passionate about vet nurse training, education, staff wellbeing, and of course leadership and development.

I joined as a director of the Veterinary Management Group in 2022 because I wanted to live by my own personal mantra ‘to make a difference’ and I needed a new challenge.  I felt my own values aligned with the vision of the VMG and my extensive experiences within the veterinary sector would provide a great opportunity to support leadership within the veterinary sector, working with a passionate and like minded team. I love being part of the board where we work to oversee the strategic direction of the group, all on a voluntary basis.

What leadership means to me…it’s not about the title for me it’s about connection,  empowerment and support of individuals and fostering collaboration to make decisions. It involves a combination of skills and the ability to motivate others to guide a group of people towards a shared goal. 

My proudest achievement is working in a land based college, progressing from lecturer to Curriculum Manager  leading a team of 50 people and in excess of 800 students. Alongside this role I chose to still teach vet nurses. I absolutely loved teaching, empowering and supporting our next generation of veterinary nurses. It is lovely to see those students progress and become our next generation in the veterinary sector, some of whom I even work with on a daily basis. I am so proud to have been part of their journey.

I am married with four older children and our dog Theo. Life has become more complicated in last few months with a recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, it meant a whole new approach to life with a progressive neurological condition. When I am able to, I enjoy walking, socialising with friends, reading  and travelling.