Our Team Members

Zoe qualified from the university of Bristol in 1994 and started work in mixed practice attending to all species including farm and equine before switching to exclusively working with small animals in 2002.

Away from work she enjoys spending time with her 2 horses and hungarian vizsla Rufus. During the winter she will be found supporting our local ice-hockey team the Billingham Stars.

Danny qualified in 2016 from the University of Pretoria and worked in mixed practice in Gauteng for three years before moving to England and joining the time here in 2021. In his spare time he loves to explore the beautiful countryside and enjoys cooking with his wife. Their cat, Connie, made the move over from South Africa with them.

Miguel joined us in 2019, having qualified from the University of Santiago de Compostela and having gained a further postgraduate qualification in small animals at UAB in Barcelona. He is particularly interested in ultrasound and cardiology. He likes to travel with his dogs and cats and visit new places.

Elizabeth qualified from the university of Pretoria, South Africa in 2019. She joined the Clifton Lodge family when she moved to the UK in 2021. She likes a combination of medicine and surgery but has a special interest in dentistry and hopes to complete her certificate in dental and oral surgery. Her favourite patients are anything small and fluffy and she wishes to have one of her own some time soon. In her free time she enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Louise began working with the practice in 1995 and is now our head veterinary nurse, as well as a clinical coach for our student veterinary nurses. She particularly loves small furries and being in theatre. At home she has two chihuahuas called Rupert and Olive, and Agnes the rabbit!

Sue joined Clifton Lodge in 1993, and qualified as an RVN in 2004. She has a keen interest in dentistry, surgical nursing and exotics, including wildlife. She has an array of pets herself including a dog, cats, a hamster, rats and a gecko.

Lisa first came to Clifton Lodge on a work experience placement in 2000 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2005. She likes all aspects of nursing, assisting with consultations and even helping out on reception. She owns three dogs, two of which she has rescued through the practice.

Matthew joined the team in 2020, and loves the challenge of caring for rarer animals and meeting new patients, as well as the community atmosphere we’ve built in the team. Outside of work he loves getting out and enjoying nature, and is particularly interested in bird watching, going regularly on his weekends off work.

Holly qualified in 2016 with a foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing. She joined Clifton Lodge in December 2024 after moving up from London with her partner and cat Sebastian, after working down there for 7 years. Her favourite part of nursing is in patient care after being a hospital nurse for 4 years. She considers herself a crazy cat lady and has a certificate in feline nursing. Outside of work she enjoys reading and yoga and is currently her yoga teacher training course which she hopes to finish by the end of 2025.

Louise joined the team in 2018 and has enjoyed every minute of her time with us, caring for patients and playing a role in their recovery before returning them to their families! Outside of work she enjoys spending time along the coast and beach with her family, including Ruby the dog.

Sara joined the team in 2020, having previously worked at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, also on reception. She fosters French bulldogs, and has given a permanent home to two. In her spare time she has rebuilt a camper van and enjoys taking short breaks around the UK.

Jo joined the team in 2018, after gaining a degree in psychology and animal behaviour. She has a particular interest in dog training and behaviour, and owns two border collies, Badger and Fancy, who she regularly competes in obedience all around the country.

Michelle joined the team 2006, and has gained a diploma in marine biology and a BTEC diploma in animal management. She enjoys helping out at reception and interacting with the clients and their pets. She has a Jack Russell terrier called Tia, two guinea pigs and a rabbit.

Gaynor joined Clifton Lodge in 2019, having started out in the industry in 1983, during which time she has seen many changes and advancements in veterinary medicine. At home she has a fat cat called Delilah who decided to move in with her a few years ago and snoozes on the sofa most of the day! She enjoys reading and photography of our wildlife, especially birds,

Leanne joined Clifton Lodge in 2019. She is married with two boys and has a Yorkiepoo called Teddy who is like the baby of the family. She loves working here at Clifton Lodge where it just feels like an extension of her family.

Tammy joined the practice in 1999 and particularly enjoys the hustle and bustle of a busy waiting room, and can always be found assisting with Caesarean sections. She has no particular favourites other than boxer dogs – and indeed she has one of her own, who is often seen sleeping in reception!

Andrea loves being front of house meeting and greeting people and their pets and obviously puppy cuddles every day. She has 2 crazy kittens who she adores and would love a puppy to complete her family. She loves spending time with family and friends and is always on a countdown for her holidays abroad.

Alex joined the team in 2023, since this time he has qualified as an AVR (associate veterinary receptionist).He has 2 cockapoos called Charlie and Beau and a mischievous ragdoll called Dimples. Spending time with them is his main hobby along with friends and family

Christine joined the team in 2024 and loves being the first port of call, meeting and greeting clients and their pets. She has two cats but loves all animals and enjoys nothing more than a puppy cuddle! In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, particularly painting and junk journaling.