Veterinary Nurses

Emma Dolley – Deputy Head VN

I joined Woodlands in August 2000; 2 weeks after my school prom so no summer holiday for me! I did my training at Woodlands and attended Duchy College where I qualified.
Outside of Woodlands I attend Dell Dance School where I have been a member since the age of 4. I perform in pantomime every January at the Athenaeum Theatre. I attend dance class twice a week and on Saturday mornings I help the younger children in their dance classes.
I also enjoy holidays abroad from skiing in Switzerland to cruising around the Caribbean.

Claire Striplin – VN

I am a fully qualified veterinary nurse and I currently work part-time at the hospital branch after having my first child in March 2007. I have been working at Woodlands since I qualified seven years ago. I generally enjoy all aspects of my work and have been involved in running weight clinics and puppy parties. Outside of work I enjoy spending my time with my daughter, eating out and going to the gym (when I get the time!).

Vikki Stokes – VN

I have been employed by Woodlands since March 1999 and became a qualified nurse at the end of 2007. My length of employment obviously reflects job satisfaction. I really enjoy my role and have become firm friends with the colleagues I work with.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my dogs, Darwin my English Bull Terrier and Kujo my Rottweiler bitch, who like nothing more than a walk through Saltram and a swim on the beach.

Tina Evans – VN

I have worked at the hospital branch since August 2003 as a qualified night nurse. I have been in the veterinary profession for twenty years and qualified from Bicton College in 1999. As a night nurse I care for all the inpatients and deal with all emergencies that come in out of hours.

I live with my partner of eighteen years – Martin and have a 6 year old son, James, who loves animals as well. We have a Border terrier, Tegan, a cat, Jake, and an indoor guinea pig, Chip.
I enjoy holidays in the sun, watching films, shopping, eating out and spending time with my family and friends.

Tina Bond - VN

I have worked as a VN at Woodlands Veterinary Hospital since 2003 as part of the dedicated night team here. I take care of the inpatients, deal with telephone enquiries out of hours and assist the duty vet in the treatment of Emergencies as they arise throughout the night.

Originally from Ireland I have worked and studied throughout the UK since I was 17. I qualified from Berkshire College of Agriculture when I was 21 and have since enjoyed working within the Veterinary profession and continuing to develop professionally.

I live in Plymouth with my easy going husband, 2 energetic sons and a rather grumpy old cat. I thoroughly enjoy my job because of the time I get to spend nursing the inpatients and the unpredictability of the out-of-hours emergency work. It is always varied, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding.

Outside of Woodlands I like to spend time enjoying the natural benefits of where we live, the moors and the water (weather permitting).

Samantha Kempshall - VN

I trained as a vet nurse in Swindon at a large and small animal practice that also specialized in exotics. I qualified in 2001 and chose to locum in order to gain more experience and have worked in a variety of small animals practices in England, New Zealand and Austrailia.

I have an interest in animal behaviour and in 2003 obtained a Level 1 Animal Behaviour Certificate. I enjoy working closely with clients and their pets and in April 2009 I completed my Veterinary Health Advisor training, which allows me to advise clients on the many aspects of their pets health. Aside from animals, my other passions include travel, photography and food!

Yvette Thomas – Student VN

I have been working at Woodlands since July 2002. I also assist at the Woodside Animal Sanctuary neutering clinic once a week. At present I am still a student vet nurse but I hope to qualify in the near future. I would also like to do a course in hydrotherapy as this is of great interest to me.

Outside of work I have two kittens which are always getting into trouble!

Tracie Ardis – Student VN

I first started at Woodlands Veterinary Hospital in September 2007 after I enrolled on a 3 year degree in Veterinary Nursing at Duchy College. During the first year I worked voluntary for 2 days a week, the 2nd year required a placement for full time work 5 days a week. Then at the beginning of February I was offered a full time employment position at the Hospital and will now begin an NVQ 3 in Veterinary Nursing in September 2009 and will hopefully qualify the following June.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time and walking with my two dogs, a Westie and a Cocker Spaniel. I also enjoy going to the gym, swimming and socializing with my friends.

Laura Peters – Student VN

I have been employed with Woodlands since June 2005 after I carried out a weeks work experience and continued with voluntary weekend and evening work. I started my Nurse training in September 2006; I am currently in my final year of study and hope to be qualified by the end of 2009.
I enjoy working with animals and thoroughly enjoy my job although I am not sure my long term career lies within Veterinary Nursing and hope to go on and qualify in surgical nursing after I complete my VN training. I have recently bought a house and re-homed a one-eyed cat called “Winky” from Woodside.

Outside of work I spend time letter writing and parcel sending to my partner who is in the Marines and is currently away. My hobbies include going to the gym, socializing with friends and renovating the house and garden.

Todd Jones – Student VN

I have been working for Woodlands as an SVN at the Ivybridge branch since Christmas 2007. I am currently in my 1st year at college studying for my NVQ 2 in veterinary nursing. Prior to Woodlands, I gained 7 years experience working with animals in a non veterinary profession. Upon completion of my studies I will continue using my spare time and holiday leave to support and work with charities helping stray animals abroad.

Sophie Foot – Student VN

I am currently training as an Animal Nursing Assistant then progressing to student veterinary nursing. I go to Bicton College one day a week and work at the Ivybridge branch for the rest of the week. I am 16 years old and used to attend Ivybridge Community College. I am a fun loving person who chose this career as it’s a very satisfying job helping a sick animal to regain its full health.

In my spare time I love to go shopping and spend time with my family.