Veterinary Nurses

Emma Dolley – Head VN
Plymouth

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).

Laura Peters – Acting Head VN
Ivybridge

I started working at Woodlands Veterinary Centre in 2005 after leaving school.  I had been on a 3 year work experience placement, working every Saturday morning at our Veterinary Hospital at Manadon.

In 2006, the Ivybridge branch was inspected and achieved RCVS Training Practice status (much to the hard work and dedication of Jane Hitchings) and I was able to  begin my VN training later that year.  I qualified in 2010 and now am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and head nurse in the Ivybridge branch.

I am planning to attend the Harper Adams University College to further my training and achieve a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (DipAVN) with BSc.
I have a 2.5 year old one-eyed cat, which I rehomed from the Woodside sanctuary, who we do charity work for.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, mainly running and going to the gym.  I also enjoy socializing and going to the cinema.

Todd Jones – VN

I have been working for Woodlands as an SVN at the Ivybridge branch since Christmas 2007. 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.

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.

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!

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.

Becky Price - Student VN
I have been working for Woodlands Veterinary Group as a Student Veterinary Nurse since November 2009.  In September 2010 I started a day release course at Bicton College of Agriculture, studying for a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.  I am hoping to complete the course and become a Registered VN in 2013.   

Before moving to Woodlands I spent 5 years working at Woodside Animal Welfare Trust.  I gained experience with many different types of animals including sheep and goats as well as dogs and cats.  I was a supervisor for 2.5 years and my main responsibility was running the catteries which I loved, especially in the kitten season!

I have two cats (Dot and Bert) which I hand reared, and a crazy Springer Spaniel called Sadie Sue who is 6.5 years old and shows no sign of slowing down!

In my spare time I like to go for long walks with Sadie and my friends, socializing and reading.