Dr Michael Hamilton
BVM&S, CertSAS, DipECVS, MRCVS
EBVS® European & RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Founder & Clinical Director, Consultant Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgeon
Michael graduated from The University of Edinburgh in 1998 and following a period in general veterinary practice, in 2002 he embarked upon his specialist surgical training at The University of Cambridge. After completing his Residency, Michael became a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2007 and he is also an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics). He joined Fitzpatrick Referrals as a Senior orthopaedic and spinal surgeon in 2008 where he worked for five years before leaving to set up his own surgical referral service. Michael has extensive experience in complex surgical procedures including; joint replacements, spinal surgery and advanced tumour resections. He has a particular interest in cruciate ligament injury, elbow dysplasia and spinal surgery and has lectured nationally and internationally on these and many other topics. He is also an accomplished soft tissue surgeon with an interest in oncologic and upper airway surgery.
Dr David Sajik
BVetMed MVetMed PGCert Dipl.ECVS MRCVS
EBVS® European & RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
David graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 and following a couple of years in primary care small animal veterinary practice embarked on his specialist surgical career. Following two 12-month internships, he began his surgical residency at the Royal Veterinary College which he completed in 2016. David became a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2017 and is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Since completing his specialist training David has held the position of Lecturer in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College, most recently leading the Orthopaedic department. David’s clinical interests include the streamlining of orthopaedic salvage procedures and he enjoys the complex challenges presented by the trauma patient.
Dr Ricardo de Sousa
DVM, DipECVS MRCVS
EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Ricardo graduated from the University “Vasco da Gama” (Portugal) in 2007. After completing a one year externship in a private referral practice in Barcelona, he moved to UK in 2008 where he spent the following three years working as a veterinary surgeon in a busy first opinion practice. Following his interest in small animal surgery Ricardo completed a surgical internship at Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd., followed by a one-year rotational junior scholarship at Cambridge Veterinary School. In 2013, Ricardo joined Liverpool University’s small animal teaching hospital, where he spent the following two years working as a clinical researcher and orthopaedic intern. Ricardo joined Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists Ltd., in 2013 to complete a three-year residency program, credited by the European Collage of Veterinary Surgeons. Following this, Ricardo joined Langford Veterinary Specialists (Bristol University) and Highcroft Veterinary Referrals Ltd as a senior staff clinician surgeon where he obtained his diploma as a European Specialist in Small Animal surgery. Ricardo has co-authored several research projects, presented at multiple national and international congresses and in 2015 he was awarded with the Leslie Vaughan price for the best clinical abstract presentation at British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association. Ricardo is currently undertaking the CertAVP in imaging and is an examiner for the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies in surgery. Ricardo is interested in all aspects of surgery but particularly in total joint replacement.
Dr John Parker
BVSc, BSc, FLS, DipECVN, MRCVS
EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and Fellow of the Linnean Society of London
John graduated in Veterinary Science from the University of Bristol with distinction in 2007. He completed an intercalated degree in Zoology in 2005 and was awarded first-class honours. After leaving Bristol, he undertook a mixed-species rotating internship in Veterinary Medicine at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital in Cambridge and was subsequently offered a residency in veterinary neurology in 2008, under the supervision of Professor Nick Jeffery. John was the first to be awarded a Wellcome Trust Integrated Training Fellowship for Veterinarians in the same year. This provided funding for both the residency programme and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine (Clinical Neuroscience) at the University of Cambridge. The Fellowship was completed in April 2016 and John remained at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital as a Clinical Neurologist for one year. He left this role in 2017 to become an independent consultant in Veterinary Neurology. He remains closely associated with the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge through his ongoing research into compressive disease of the spinal cord.
Dr Kristina Lehnus
MA VetMB MRCVS DipECVAA
EBVS® EUROPEAN AND RCVS RECOGNISED SPECIALIST IN VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
Kristina grew up in Germany before moving to the UK in 2006 to study Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge, graduating in 2014. Kristina recently completed an Anaesthesia Residency at the Queen Mother’s Veterinary Hospital in Cambridge before passing her board exams. Before joining HSR, Kristina worked for a year at Cambridge with a particular interest in patient flow management and optimising patient safety and welfare. She is also interested in the ethics & welfare of animals and the psychology of medical decision-making. Outside of work, Kristina owns a gorgeous working yellow Labrador and enjoys taking him to the beach in her spare time.
Dr Ricardo Fernandes
DVM, MRCVS
Neurology Registrar
Originally from Portugal, Ricardo obtained his DVM in 2008 at the Universidade de Evora, after which he worked in a veterinary hospital in Parede. Ricardo enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures immensely and thus set himself the goal of seeking to continue his professional development abroad. This bought him to the UK in November 2010, where he joined the small animal rotating internship program at NKR Veterinary Specialists, Kent. He later joined Dick White Referrals in May 2012 to strengthen his knowledge in all fields of veterinary medicine, particularly internal medicine and neurology. After a couple of years working in general practice in Central London, Ricardo completed an ECVN approved residency at Fitzpatrick Referrals, where he worked until February 2020 before beginning the next stage of his adventure at Hamilton Specialists Referrals in April 2020. Ricardo’s particular areas of interest are in neurosurgery and inflammatory CNS disease.
Dr Laura Gardner
BVetMed MRCVS
Orthopaedic & Neurology Intern
BVetMed MRCVS
Laura graduated from the Royal Veterinary College London (RVC) in 2019. During her time as a student, she completed a three-week placement at Hamilton Specialist Referrals and enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to join the team permanently in August 2019. Laura has a particular interest in orthopaedics and neurology and has a long-term goal of becoming a specialist. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts and theatre shows and is an avid cinema goer. Laura is also a member of an indie choir, plays keyboard and guitar and likes to unwind by reading, needle felting and drawing. She is the proud owner of a handsome fawn and white whippet called Jenson.
Dr Maja Schaldemose
MRCVS
Orthopaedic & Neurology Intern
Maja graduated from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, University of Copenhagen in Denmark in Oct 2008. She has since then worked in first opinion practice in Denmark for 5 years followed by 5 years of mixed first and second opinion practice in Sweden. She has primarily worked as a soft tissue surgeon for the last 5 years and now wants to pursue becoming an Orthopaedic surgeon and Neurosurgeon. Her main interests are spinal surgery and minimal invasive surgery. Outside work Maja's biggest hobbies are cross fit and kitesurfing, but the coming year will be dedicated to exploring the UK, together with her 1-year-old son and husband.
Dr Irenka Baldo-Clemot
MRCVS
Orthopaedic & Neurology Intern
Irenka graduated from the University of Murcia in 2016. After graduating, she worked as a vet in first opinion practice in Spain for 10 months before coming to the UK in 2017. Irenka worked in a first opinion practice in Oxfordshire for two years to gain further experience before joining HSR in November 2019. Whilst Irenka thoroughly enjoys orthopaedics, she is very passionate about neurology and aims to specialise in the future. Outside of work she loves spending time with her friends (both human and canine!) and travelling.
Dr Clare Hamilton
VetMB MA MRCVS
Managing Director
Clare graduated as a vet from Cambridge University in July 2005 and has worked exclusively in small animal practice for the past thirteen years. She met her husband, Michael at University and they have been married since 2009. Clare has a special interest in client communication and staff wellbeing. Clare and Michael share their home in Marlow with their two small children, a very naughty cat called Winston and their slightly less naughty little dog, Bumble.
Kirsten Farr
B.Sc (hons) (Estate Management), PGDip (Computing)
People and Hospital Manager
Kirsten joined us at Hamilton Specialist Referrals in January 2019 as our People and Hospital Manager. She has a passion for employee well-being, development and organisational effectiveness and sees this as key to enabling HSR to achieve the highest levels of client service and patient care. Kirsten graduated in Estate Management from the University of Greenwich followed by postgraduate diploma in computing at Metropolitan University. Her early career saw her gain wide experience in vocational training, sales and information technology, progressing her skills into senior level positions across multiple sectors (corporate, education, public sector) and a variety of industries. With over 20 years of people management experience, the last 10 years has seen Kirsten focus on senior level operational management and HR. Passionate about working with and through people, she has extensive experience in achieving operational excellence and developing highly engaged teams. With a strong focus on people development and best practice, she is currently part way through a CIPD Level 7 postgraduate masters level qualification in Human Resources. Outside of work, Kirsten has an adorable chihuahua/pekingese Romanian rescue dog Peggy and a just-as-adorable four year old Dutch Warmblood Kahlo which she is bringing on with a view to show jumping.
Lisa Dover
BSc (hons)
Operational Support Manager
Lisa studied at Loughborough University before beginning her career in the veterinary administration industry. She worked at a busy Equine Veterinary Clinic in the Cotswolds before joining us at Hamilton Specialist Referrals in March 2018. Lisa manages a number of our Operational Support Teams which include Client Care, Clinical Administration, Marketing & PR and elements of HR. Lisa has a passion for staff wellbeing and is trained in Mental Health First Aid. Outside of work, she has a naughty cat called Eddy (or King Edward as he prefers!) two warmblood horses and enjoys long country walks with her boyfriend and their three working cocker spaniels and cockerpoo.
Kimberley Disney
Senior Nurse
RVN
Kim has been qualified since 2014 and has been part of the HSR team since July 2017. She has a passion for emergency work and recently gained her Vets Now Emergency and Critical Care Certificate. Kim is a qualified dog groomer and outside of work she enjoys reading and walking her lovely King Charles Cavalier, Marley.
Megan O'Brien
Senior Nurse
RVN
Megan graduated from the Royal Veterinary College with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing. Having worked alongside Michael Hamilton for a number of years, she developed a keen interest in orthopaedic surgery and enjoys the fast paced nature of referral work. Megan found her niche at HSR as she is able to combine her passion for orthopaedics and neurology with her love of liaising between departments and coordinating the team to ensure the days and surgical procedures are run at optimum efficiency. Megan thoroughly enjoys working in an environment where you learn something new every day. Outside of work she lives in Stoke Poges with her boyfriend and their affectionate, yet mischievous dog, Rusty.
Hayley Barber-West
Senior Imaging Nurse
RVN
Hayley graduated from Harper Adams University with a BSc Honours Degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management in 2015. Since finishing university, she developed a keen interest in diagnostic imaging and oversees all of our advanced diagnostics as our Senior Imaging Nurse. Hayley is also currently studying for her Veterinary Nursing Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care. Outside of work Hayley has an active lifestyle competing her native show ponies, she also enjoys going to the gym, and walking her 2 Dalmatians and naughty Border Terrier puppy Weasley.
Leah Alcorn
Senior Hospital Nurse
RVN
Leah studied her level 3 diploma at the College of Animal Welfare whilst working in a first opinion practice after leaving school. She has always had a passion and deep interest for working with animals. Once qualified in 2015, Leah decided to specialise in referral nursing and nursing post-surgical patients at the Royal Veterinary College. Her interests include emergency and critical care, and she gained her VetsNow ECC nursing certificate in 2019. In her spare time, Leah enjoys walking her gorgeous Labrador, Reggie and socialising with friends.
Louise Richey
Senior Nurse
RVN
Louise started her training to become a veterinary nurse at Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice in 2014, following three years studying for a degree in Zoology. She qualified as an RVN in 2016, and stayed at Cherry Tree for another two years before moving over to Hamilton Specialist Referrals. She has developed a keen interest in anaesthesia and orthopaedics, having worked with Michael Hamilton for four years. Louise doesn’t have any pets of her own, but regularly looks after animals who belong to friends and family. She is hoping to start studying towards the Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2019.
Holly Cadman
Day Nurse
RVN
Holly studied for a Level 3 diploma in Veterinary Nursing at the College of Animal Welfare and qualified in 2017. Working in a first opinion practice throughout her training, she gained a keen interest in orthopaedic surgery and anaesthesia leading her to join the HSR team in 2019. Holly lives in Tring with her boyfriend, a naughty Australian Shepherd called River and loving British Shorthair called Rocky.
Leah Deacon
Day Nurse
RVN
Leah has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Chemistry that she completed in 2014 before deciding to follow her heart and work with animals. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in August 2018 with a Level 3 Diploma that she studied for whilst also working full time in practice. Leah was inspired to join the HSR team in April 2019 after gaining experience nursing emergency, orthopaedic and neurology patients both during and after her training. Leah is particularly interested in emergency and critical and care nursing and anaesthesia, and hopes to further her knowledge in these areas in the future with further study. Outside of work Leah lives in Oxford with her boyfriend, and has two cats called Bailey and Penny.
Sarah Ginger
Day Nurse
RVN
Sarah
Adrienne Pettit
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Adrienne studied for an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing whilst working full time in first opinion practice and qualified in 2017. Having previously worked in a busy hospital environment, she developed a keen interest in anaesthesia, orthopaedic surgery and emergency and critical care. This motivated Adrienne to join the team at HSR in August 2019, where she hopes to further her knowledge and skills in these areas.
Flora Nunes
Day Nurse
RVN
Flora graduated as a Vet Nurse in Portugal in 2010 where she worked for 4 years before deciding to try something new, moving to the UK in 2015. Over the last 10 years, her interest in orthopaedics and neurology have grown, leading her to join HSR in November 2019. Flora has a Certificate in Animal Physiotherapy and recently gained her Vet Nursing Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care. Her interests include anaesthesia and care for the hospitalised animal. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and spending time with her husband and lovely cat Mia.
Fliss Steventon
DAY NURSE RVN
Fliss Graduated from Harper Adams University with a FdSc in Veterinary Nursing back in 2013. Since qualifying Fliss has worked in a variety of different practices across the UK, from first opinion small animal to mixed and referral. Fliss has also spent several months aboard working and volunteering with some weird and wonderful animals . Since returning she has developed a keen interest in anaesthesia and orthopaedics. Outside of work Fliss can be found not far from a polo ground, out on her motorcycle trying to capture the wildlife with her camera or in a far off land exploring.
Melanie Ford
Day Nurse RVN
After gaining her Bsc degree with Honours in Veterinary Nursing at Middlesex University, Mel began working in a first opinion 24-hour hospital in North London before joining Hamilton’s at the beginning of 2020. Mel has a particular interest in Neurology and Emergency Critical Care Nursing and enjoys her role at Hamilton’s as she learns something new every day. She has her own domestic short hair cat called Penelope, who plays fetch like a dog! In her spare time, Mel enjoys yoga and running, as well as spending a lot of time in Devon with her family, which is where she is originally from.
Hannah Jarvis
Day Nurse rvn
Hannah studied Veterinary Nursing (Fdsc Degree) at Hartpury College and trained in a referral practice. Once newly qualified, Hannah spent 4 years in a first opinion practice. Hannah began working at Hamilton Specialist Referrals towards the end of 2019. She enjoys working at Hamilton’s as she likes broadening her knowledge of anaesthesia and seeing the more complex cases that come in. She has a particular interest in anaesthesia and imaging. Hannah has a cat of her own, a domestic long haired called Joey. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys swimming, sailing and cycling on tandem.
Hayley Fairminer
Day Nurse RVN
Hayley trained as a veterinary nurse at MYF training after working as a human care nurse. Hayley joined Hamilton Specialist Referrals towards the end of 2019 and has particular interests in ward nursing and impatient care. She enjoys her role because she learns new things every day. Hayley has her own cat at home called Simba and is currently training for a half marathon.
Rebecca Baron
Ward Nurse
RVN
Rebecca studied veterinary nursing at the College of Animal Welfare in Godmanchester. Before joining HSR she worked at Dick White Referrals where she gained vast experience in patient wards, which is her main passion. She particularly enjoys being able to provide the gold standard of care to both orthopaedic and neurology patients at HSR. Rebecca also has an interest in behaviour and has successfully gained her Certificate in Animal Behaviour. Outside of work Rebecca has two dogs; Angus who is a 10-year-old Parsons Terrier and Teddy-Tucker, a 3 year old Pomeranian. Outside of work Rebecca loves dog walks, baking and travelling.
Carla Smith
Night Nurse
RVN
Carla has been nursing for over 12 years, qualifying from The College of Animal Welfare in 2009. She has always had a keen interest in anaesthesia and a passion for emergency and critical care and has worked out of hours service for four years. In the future she hopes to complete a certificate in both ECC and anaesthesia. Outside of work, Carla lives with her fiancé and their cat, Degu, guinea pigs and rats.
Lisa Macey
Weekend Nurse
RVN
Lisa originally qualified as an RVN in 2011 at a practice in Hampshire. After a total of 10 years there, she followed her heart to Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice in 2015 where she has highly enjoyed working with a wonderful team. In 2018, after having her youngest daughter, Lisa joined HSR to take up a Weekend Nurse role to fit around busy family life. Lisa enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Nursing; but she does have a special passion for cats! Lisa is excited to be part of our Referral Hospital, and to continue expanding her knowledge and skills. At home she lives with her husband, their 2 young daughters, 6 cats and her hand reared dog, Chunk.
Jess Heaton
Nurse Auxiliary
Jess graduated from Kirklees College with a Level Three Extended Diploma in Animal Management in 2014. Following her graduation she went travelling and volunteered in various animal rescues and wildlife conservation set ups around the world, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and Morocco which allowed her to opportunity to work with a variety of different animals including pangolins, bears, monkeys, birds, dogs and many others. Jess is aiming to train to become a vet nurse one day in the future.
Hollie Briggs
Nurse Auxiliary
Hollie originally studied Fashion design in Buckinghamshire New University and graduated in 2015. After taking a year out of further education she went to work as a receptionist in a first opinion veterinary practice, which sparked a new passion for animal care and progressed into working as a nurse assistant. In the future, Hollie aims to go on become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Outside of work she has a lovely rescue cat called Willow who she adopted in 2018.
Neesha Lynch
Nurse Auxiliary
Neesha graduated from Bucks New University with a degree in Textiles and Surface design. Prior to working at HSR, Neesha worked in an Aquatics centre, quarantining fish. Neesha also cares for an abundance of animals at home, including dogs, cats, reptiles, rodents and arachnids. The combination of her previous employment and her home life led her to pursue a career in animal care. She hopes to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the future.
Fran Pontnoy
Nurse Auxiliary
Fran has worked in the veterinary industry for over 6 years and completed her Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants in 2016. Fran aspires to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse later in her career. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her beautiful Rottweiler, Laila.
Rosie Bassingthwaighte
Nurse Auxiliary
Rosie studied at Easton and Otley College, where she gained her Level 2 qualification in Assistant Animal Nursing. Prior to joining Hamilton’s, she was a night nurse assistant at a multi-disciplinary specialist referral hospital in Cambridgeshire. She has also worked in first opinion practices. Rosie enjoys working at Hamilton’s as there is a shared ethos to provide the highest level of specialist care. Outside of work, Rosie enjoys socialising with friends and spending time with her partner and three dogs.
Natalie Moore
Night Nurse Auxilary
Natalie
Karl Jones
ACPAT, CSP, HCPC
Head of Rehabilitation
After over 20 years’ rehabilitating armed forces’ personnel and elite athletes, Karl wanted to develop his interest in and passion for animals, so from 2007–2009 he trained and qualified as a veterinary physiotherapist. Karl's MSc research project investigated outcome measures following cranial cruciate surgery – work that will be very useful in future physiotherapy research. Working from his clinic in Berkshire and with Michael Hamilton at Hamilton Specialist Referrals, he and his team provide skilled, patient and compassionate veterinary rehabilitation. Karl works closely with US-based company Gait4Dog, which specialises in gait analysis using a pressure mat or an instrumented treadmill and video to gain a better understanding of an animal’s lameness, in order to offer a refined tailored programme following surgery or injury. In addition, Karl teaches students who are on the Veterinary Physiotherapy course at Liverpool University and Hartpury College, and speaks on veterinary rehabilitation at various congresses and symposia. He is a Category A member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Walter Dingemanse
DVM, PhD, MRCVS
Physiotherapist
After graduating as a veterinary surgeon in 2011 (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ghent University, Belgium), Walter stayed at the faculty working at the Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics. For the next 6 years he combined clinical work (CT, MRI imaging, orthopaedics) with research work on the role of joint biomechanics in the development of canine osteochondrosis. The use of gait analysis played a central role in his PhD research, combined with advanced biomechanical research techniques (musculoskeletal models) and medical imaging (CT). He successfully defended his PhD in June 2017 and moved to the UK in August 2017. His spare time is dedicated to training and competing in agility with his Border Collies, both nationally and internationally. Sports conditioning has always played a central role in Walter's dog training and provides the perfect link between work and agility.
Heather McDonnell
BSc (Hons) (Animal Biology)
Hydrotherapy Team Leader
Heather has always been passionate about working with animals and graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a BSc Honours in Animal Biology. Heather’s dissertation focused on dog behaviour in animal shelters and was later published in an animal behaviour journal. Post-graduation Heather set up her own dog walking company and ran dog behaviour classes with the kennel club. In 2016 Heather completed her Level 3 Certificate at Greyfriars in Hydrotherapy and Treadmill Practice. Since completing her certification, she has worked at Theravet where she was exposed to and helped rehabilitate a diverse caseload of patients covering: pre and post op conditions in neurological, orthopaedic, spinal cases and soft tissue trauma. Heather has also worked with clients on general fitness, covering geriatric and weight loss to Olympia agility champions. In her spare time Heather enjoys being outdoors, keeping fit and currently Captains the local lady’s rugby team, the High Wycombe Belles. Last year Heather rescued two cheeky cats Arlo and Delilah.
Jenny Austin
Hydrotherapist
Jenny started her small animal hydrotherapy training in September 2018 and in May 2019 qualified as a Small Animal Hydrotherapist (Level 3 Certificate). Since February 2019 she has assisted the growing rehabilitation programme here at Hamilton Specialist Referrals with gait analysis research. Prior to small animal hydrotherapy training, Jenny worked as a Mortgage Administrator and as a Tour Guide on HMS Victory. Jenny has a First Degree and Masters Degree in Geoarchaeology but has now decided to follow her passion and childhood dream job of working with animals. In her spare time, Jenny loves to walk in the countryside with her Shetland Sheepdog Millie, hunt for antiques and have afternoon tea
Letty Piggott-Delves
BSc, MSc, PgD, NAVP, RAMP
Physiotherapist
Letty graduated from the Royal Veterinary College with a BSc in Veterinary Science in 2007 then went on to Aberystwyth University to gain an MSc in Equine Science in 2009. In 2017 she gained her Veterinary Physiotherapy qualification from Harper Adams University. Letty is a member of both the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) and the Register for Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP). She is passionate about encouraging multimodal teamwork in the veterinary industry to provide the best treatment possible for patients. Letty has kept many pets including cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, and more exotic species such as reptiles, amphibians, and many invertebrates. She currently has two corn snakes, a bearded dragon, an African grey parrot, and a colony of cockroaches! In her free time, she likes to be outside walking or gardening, has just started riding horses again after a 15-year break and plays second flute in the Giocoso concert band.
Elly Payne
BSc (Hons), NAVP
Physiotherapist
Elly graduated from Harper Adams University with a BSc Honours in Veterinary Physiotherapy in July 2018. As part of her degree, Elly spent 6 months at a small animal referral and physiotherapy centre. It was during this time she developed a keen interest in small animal osteoarthritis management, neurological and postoperative orthopaedic rehabilitation. Outside of work, Elly enjoys playing tennis and long country walks with her black Labrador, Monty.
Grace Mothersdale
Hydrotherapy Assistant
Grace joined Hamilton’s at the beginning of 2020 after working in Retail, the Medicine industry and on various Competitive yards, where she would be responsible for the care of a range of dressage horses. Grace enjoys her role at Hamilton’s as she learns a lot from other members of the rehabilitation team and enjoys the varied cases that she gets to see. Grace also finds the patient’s continuous improvements week on week very rewarding. She has her own Jack Russell cross Chihuahua called Bluebell and a Palomino pony called Amirah. In her spare time, Grace enjoys long walks with Bluebell and spending time riding and pampering Amirah.
Kiah Trickett
BSc (hons)
Client Care Manager
Kiah grew up in a small town in the Valencia region of Spain where she learnt to speak fluent Spanish. Furthering her education once back in the UK, she graduated from Bucks New University in 2015 with a BSc (hons) in Criminology. After university, Kiah gained three years of client care experience in a first opinion veterinary practice before joining us as at Hamilton Specialist Referrals in August 2018. Kiah is an excellent example of our commitment to career pathways; her dedication to HSR combined with her passion for delivering exceptional client experience lead to a promotion to Client Care Team Leader in February 2019 followed swiftly by Client Care Manager in August 2019. Kiah has a talent for training new team members and is enjoying growing and developing our Client Care Team. She leads an active life outside of work, taking part in running and hiking races. Kiah has two lovely dogs, Sage who she trains in agility and Oscar who is trained in scent detection.
Lizzie Cook
Office & HR Administrator
Before joining the HSR team in August 2019, Lizzie gained three and a half years’ client care and administration experience in two first opinion veterinary practices. Lizzie’s current role as Client Care Administrator sees her providing excellent client experience as well as an efficient and timely insurance process. She lives locally with her boyfriend and their very excitable cockapoo called Luna. In her spare time, Lizzie enjoys being creative with art and exploring new places with her little dog.
Martina Micurova
Office & HR Administrator
Martina moved to the UK in 2002 from Slovakia with her mum. After attending school here in the UK, she graduated with a Joint Honours in Art and Art History from the University of Reading. Prior to Hamilton Specialist Referrals, Martina worked in hospitality for 5 years, allowing her to gain vast experience in a customer facing role. Martina completed her management training in 2018 at her previous place of work. The training resulted in Martina gaining an interest in HR and Admin. This, combined with her love for animals, makes Martina’s role at HSR the perfect fit for her. Outside of work, she has 2 boisterous German Shepherds called Ash and Ember whom she loves to spend time with.
Rebekah Cannell
Executive Assistant to The Clinical Team
Rebekah has always loved animals and started work as a veterinary nurse in New Zealand in 2005. After 4 years she moved to Brisbane Australia, where she worked at the University of Queensland Veterinary Teaching Hospital for 3 years. Ready for another adventure, Rebekah moved to England in May 2013. She started locuming in different clinics around England, as a way of seeing the country, until she settled in London. A move to Buckinghamshire in 2020 gave Rebekah the opportunity to look for a new role closer to home. Ready for a change from nursing, but still wanting to be in the industry she loves, the role of Executive Assistant to The Clinical Team at HSR was just what she was looking for! Rebekah has her own cat, Bill, who she adopted when he was brought in as a stray kitten at one of her locum jobs.
Izzy Pryce
Client Care Assistant
After beginning university in her native Ontario, Izzy moved to the UK to complete her BSc (Hons) Zoology at the University of Exeter in 2016. Izzy has always dreamed of a career as a veterinarian and has therefore gained experience working in small animal, equine and zoo animal health departments as well as wildlife rehabilitation. She is extremely excited to be a part of the team at HSR and learn about all things ortho, neuro and rehab, whilst getting to know our lovely clients! In her spare time, you can find Izzy outdoors or embarking on an adventure to some new corner of the world.
Abbie Spurr
Client Care Assistant
Abbie grew up looking after all sorts of animals including horses, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, geckos and snakes! She started her first client facing role at the age of 13 at a local equestrian school and has gained vast Client Care Experience in different roles ever since. After studying for her A levels, she travelled across Thailand before joining easyJet to fly around Europe as cabin crew. Abbie joined HSR in June 2019 and is enjoying being grounded nowadays and looks forward to progressing her career at HSR. She thoroughly enjoys her role which bundles her love of caring for animals and their owners together!
Mary Galea
Client Care Assistant
Mary has gained a variety of experience in Client Care, having worked in customer service for 10 years, including three years in the veterinary industry. She has had an assortment of pets over the years including reptiles, dogs, fish and birds. Mary does agility with her two rescue dogs Holly and Darkley and German Spitz, Sweeney.
Karen Arthur
Client Care Assistant
Karen started at Hamilton Specialist Referrals in October 2019 in the client care team. Karen previously worked in the dental profession but fell in love with working with animals after 5 years of working in first opinion vets. She lives in high Wycombe with her partner and their working cocker spaniel Summer and crazy cat Lily. In her spare time, she enjoys following motor sport and long walks with pup Summer that mostly finish off in a cosy pub.
Sarah Pook
Client Care Assistant
After studying BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of West England, Sarah trained as a vet nurse in a first opinion practice. Before joining HSR she worked at The Blue Cross and Cats Protection. Sarah loves working in a team and engaging with our wonderful clients and finds the variety of cases that we see fascinating. Outside of work Sarah has two cats called Jaffa and Molly and enjoys the going to the gym, running, skiing and helping feral cats overseas.
Anna Moriarty
Weekend Client Care Assistant
After graduation Anna enjoyed a long and rewarding career in Corporate Occupational Health and Well-being. From there Anna took up a volunteer post with The Cinnamon Trust - a National Charity for elderly people and their pets and decided to start working towards her ambition of working with animals permanently starting work as a self-employed dog walker. Anna has had the pleasure of owning many different pets over the years, including three hand-reared pet sheep! And is particularly interested in animal welfare. In her spare time Anna enjoys long walks in the countryside, the arts, and sporting activities.
