Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood

Graduated: 1989, Kosice, Slovakia.

Joined the team: 2011

I graduated in Kosice, Slovakia, in 1989. I then worked in first opinion and later referral practice at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary School at Kosice University. I went on to achieved my PhD investigating diagnostic approach and therapy of feline liver diseases in 2002. In the same year I started to work in small animal practice in UK, first sole charge in in Somerset and then from 2004 to 2007 for our sister practice Companion Care Vets Portsmouth. In 2007 I accepted the position of Senior Lecturer in Internal Medicine at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary School in Kosice. As a part of my special training I spent 5 months as a Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Cardiopulmonary medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

Despite the fact that my special interest lies in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Ultrasonography, I enjoy the down to the ground, “real life” of a first opinion practice and the daily contact with the clients and their pets. That was the main drive for me to decide to return back to England and to become a Joint Venture Partner with my long-time friends and colleagues Antony and more recently Alex.

I have also continued my studies and in May 2017 I achieved the ESVPS General Practitioner Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging. I will still keep in touch with Academia as a visiting lecturer in cardiology / internal medicine for the Vet School in Kosice, as well as a lecturer / invited speaker for the Slovak Veterinary Chamber training courses.

When not working I love outdoor activities and water sports.

Graduated: 1998 in South Africa

Having worked as an engineer, I went on to graduated as a vet in South Africa in 1998. Following this I moved to Portsmouth. Along with Mackie, I became a Joint Venture Partner in the Portsmouth surgery in 2001. Together with the other partners, there is now a group of associated practices within the Solent area: Companion Care Vets in Portsmouth, Fareham Park Gate and Fareham Collingwood, and Vets4Pets in Waterlooville and Havant.

I have a keen interest in exotic patient care, medicine and surgery.

I often use my engineering background and can be found tinkering, building and making things, at home along with my son.

Graduated: 2011

Joined the team: February 2016

I qualified in Romania in 2011 and then went on to work as a vet in Bucharest. Following this I moved to the United Kingdom in 2013 and started working for the Food Standard Agency. In February 2016 I joined the team at Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood and later became a Joint Venture Partner.

I have an interest in all areas of small animal veterinary medicine but I particularly enjoy ultrasonography and radiography.

My favourite pet is a cat. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors. Travelling, photography and extreme sports.

Graduated: University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine of Banat, Timisoara 2022

Joined the team:  September 2023

When I was 17 years old I had an exchange year in Honduras. During this period I realised there was a need for passionate and empathetic people in the veterinary medicine field. This led me to become a veterinarian, so I could put my efforts in to providing the best care possible to animals in need.

During university I developed a strong interest in soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics and diagnostic imaging. I am looking forward to learning more in these fields and potentially taking a certificate to specialise in one area.

I love hiking, roaming through nature, visiting museums and travelling around hidden gems learning about different cultures. Coming from an island, I definitely love swimming and sunny days so, you’ll only see me walking in the mountains in the warmer weather!

Graduated: Ankara University in Turkey in 2022

Joined the team: October 2023

Before coming to the UK, I worked for 3 years in Turkey in a small animal first opinion practice.

I have a keen interest in internal medicine. I love supporting patients from their initial visit, through their work up and on to seeing a positive outcome.

I am enjoying exploring the UK with my husband. I miss my two cats and can’t wait for them to join me in the UK soon.

Qualified: University Centre Sparsholt, Winchester, 2020

Joined the team: 2020

I graduated from University Centre Sparsholt in 2020 following the completion of my Veterinary Nursing degree. Since, I continued my studies at Sparsholt and completed my BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Science. I am a Clinical Coach too and like supporting the next generation of Veterinary Nurses!

I took on the role of Head Nurse in February 2022 and I am enjoying developing my leadership skills.

At home I have a dog, a cat and a horse and I enjoy travelling with my partner wherever possible.

Qualified: Sparsholt College, Winchester, 2006

Joined the team: 2011

I qualified in 2006 and have a particular interest in pet nutrition and rabbit health. I am a clinical coach and therefore help to guide and tutor our student veterinary nurses through their intensive training.

After many years as Head Nurse I took on the role of Deputy Head Nurse in 2021. This has allowed me to support our team whilst also allowing me to focus on the changing needs of my family.

I enjoy the weird and wonderful that this job so often brings and love the team I work within.

Qualified: Sparsholt College, Winchester 2022

Joined the team: July 2012

I joined the reception team at Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood in July 2012. After spending time as a Student Veterinary Nurse, I returned to my roots on reception and became Reception Manager in April 2018. In September 2019 I decided to continue my Veterinary Nurse training and qualified in 2022.

I enjoy all aspects of nursing but have a keen interest in emergency critical care.

Qualified: MYF Training 2023

Joined the team: February 2024

I always wanted to work with animals in a veterinary setting. I started my journey in a referral centre as a Veterinary Care Assistant in 2015. I then moved to work in a charity and more recently, when a training opportunity presented itself, I joined a first opinion practice. There I commenced and completed my Veterinary Nurse training, qualifying in 2023.

I love the diverse change the profession brings and I enjoy all aspects of the role. I have a keen interest in anaesthesia and surgery. In the future I hope to develop my schedule 3 skills further.

At home I have a dog who I love to take on different adventures. I enjoy exploring new places and love to be active in one way or another.

Joined the team: February 2020

Having previously worked for Pets at Home as part of the Support Adoption team I realised I had a passion for animal care. I joined the team as a Veterinary Care Assistant and developed my skills and knowledge further. In January 2022 I started my journey to becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I enjoy the daily diversity that working in a veterinary practice brings, no two days are the same, which I love!

When I’m not at work I enjoy relaxing with family and my pets.

Joined the team: January 2023

I completed my Animal Management Level 3 extended Diploma at Sparsholt College, Winchester in 2018. I then spent 3 years worked as a veterinary receptionist before going on to start my journey to becoming a Veterinary Nurse - I am currently in my first year of studying at MYF College, Aldershot. I am enjoying the challenges that this brings and especially like to care for our patients after their surgery and when they are hospitalised.

At home I have two dogs, Phebs and Barley, who I love to walk in the New Forest, one cat called Ronnie, a rabbit called Binx and a budgie called Norman.

Outside of work I like to spend time with family and friends.

Joined the team: November 2021

I attended Southdowns College and gained a Level 3 Animal Management extended diploma in 2013.

Following college I worked in retail however, I always had an interest in animal care and so I was thrilled to join Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood in 2021.

I enjoy helping animals and the fulfilment that making them better brings.

Outside of work I love to spend time with family and friends, holidays abroad and spoiling my boxer Jess.

Joined the team: July 2023

I have always had a keen interest to work with animals. I wanted to be able to help them when they need support to feel better.

I love being able to support and help our hospitalised patients and I feel I am a huge advocate for animal welfare.

I have a Spanish rescue dog called Nova and we enjoy exploring the wilderness together. I love horse riding and spending time exploring in our camper van called Wanda!

Joined the team: December 2019

I trained in Animal Care and qualified in 2004. I previously worked as a manager at a riding school and more recently as part of the management team at Pets at Home. I have a special interest in nutrition and enjoy offering advice and support to your pets.

I enjoy horse riding and spending time doing agility with my Labrador, Jessie. I also have a mini Shetland pony called Munchie and an Arab called Scrat.

Joined the team: July 2018

Having qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2006 I have a wealth of experience in the veterinary industry. I worked in practice until 2014 when I took a step out of the clinical side of the role and developed my skills as a claims assessor for several pet insurance companies. After 4 years working in this area I missed practice life and when an opportunity arose to join our reception team I jumped at the chance. I enjoy the customer service and client support aspects of my role.

Away from work I enjoy spending time singing in a choir, swimming, doing crafts and building Lego. I also has a whole host of pets to keep me busy, these include: three cats, three dogs, budgies, finches and a tortoise!

Joined the team: 2020

After several years working in pet shop retail I decided it was time for a change. I have always been interested in the veterinary side of animal care so working as a veterinary receptionist sounded like just the thing for me!

I really enjoy meeting all the different pets that come into to see us and especially like seeing the variety in dog breeds.

When I’m not grooming my pet Chow Chow, l love doing jigsaw puzzles and playing board games.

Joined the team: June 2020

I have always enjoyed working in customer facing roles and have had a variety of pets throughout my life. Currently, I have 12 pets including 4 Miniature Dachshunds.

I am an avid Motorsport fan and particularly enjoy attending Motogp and British Super Bike races with my husband.

Joined the team: 2019

I joined the practice as a weekend receptionist at the beginning of 2019. Although I came from an administrative background I had also been working as a volunteer transport coordinator for a local rabbit rescue.

In April 2019 I began supporting our nursing team as a Veterinary Care Assistant and then went on to start training to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

In July 2023 I returned to a position on reception and I am enjoying the challenges this has brought to my day to day role.

Outside of work I enjoy writing, reading, gaming and caring for my cats and rabbits.

Joined the team: January 2023

I have had a broad spectrum of jobs, starting work as a manager in the retail sector. During this time I volunteered to help hand rear hedgehogs, this lead on to me working in a veterinary practice, which I loved. Due to a change in circumstance I joined the probation service and I enjoyed the challenges and rewards this role offered.

At the end of 2022 an opportunity to working in my original and favourite industry arose. I joined the team at Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood as a Receptionist at the beginning of 2023. I am excited to be back in veterinary practice and am looking forward to supporting our clients and their pets.

I am owned by a Raydoll x called Daisy, who is a bit of a diva! One look into her big blue eyes and she gets her own way.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time doing arts and crafts, playing SC platform games and socialising with friends and family.

Joined the team: Jan 2024

I’ve always loved animals, especially exotics. I worked for HMRC for 20 years and was offered redundancy in 2008. This presented new opportunities enabling me to finally follow my dream and work with animals.

I spent a short time at Marwell Zoo & Sparsholt College before joining Companion Care, Southampton in December 2008. I completed the Animal Nursing Assistant course in 2011, passing with credit. I also hold certificates in Rabbit Care & Behaviour, Pet Bereavement and Microchipping.

Following this I worked at Companion Care, Fareham Park Gate and was their Reception Manager for 5 years.

In January 2024 I joined Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood as a member of their reception team.

I started Southampton Rabbit Rescue back in 2000 after the loss of a very special bunny. The word soon spread and 1 rabbit needing rescue soon became 2, then 3. In January 2023 we closed our doors and changed to a sanctuary caring for elderly and sick rabbits. After 23 years the centre is gradually coming to a close.

I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my life – working with my new colleagues at Companion Care Vets Fareham Collingwood.

Qualified: 1993 Berkshire College of Agriculture

Joined the team: March 2016

Having grown up with dogs and cats I knew I wanted to work with animals when I left school. Following a short spell of work experience it became clear that Veterinary nursing was my calling. After qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 1993 I worked in several small animal practices before settling in our sister surgery Companion Care Vets Fareham Park Gate in 2002.

After having a family my focus become more administrative and I joined the team in Fareham Collingwood in 2016. I gained the Veterinary Practice Administrators Certificate in 2018 and now support the team and Joint Venture Partners with the management and marketing of the practice.