Clare Morrison MA Vet.MB MRCVS (Director)

Biography:

"I graduated in 2005 from Cambridge Vet School and worked initially in Dudley in a small animal practice. I moved to Gloucester in 2007 and have been enjoying my time here at SPA ever since. I became a partner in the practice in 2014.

I love all aspects of the work here and have really enjoyed getting to know the clients and their pets well since being here. I also enjoy working in the relaxed, family-like atmosphere at SPA.

Outside of work, my husband and I enjoy walking , trips to the cinema and to our local country pub. Our sons and rescue dog feature heavily in our lives too!"

Becky O'Dowd BVSc CertGP (SAM) MRCVS (Director)

Biography:

Becky qualified from Bristol Veterinary School in 2004 and after an 8 year spell working in London was desperate to get back to the Gloucestershire countryside! Having had such a positive training experience with Cliff and Bill during her university days she was keen to re-join SPA as a partner in 2016. Becky enjoys all aspects of medicine and surgery but has a particular interest in internal medicine gaining a post graduate General Practitioner certificate in 2010. Outside of work her two girls and menagerie of rescue animals keep her extremely busy.

Special Clinical Interests:

• General Practice: Small Animal Medicine

Steve Parker MA Vet.MB MRCVS

Biography:

Steve came to work at SPA after graduating from Cambridge University in 1997. He has been a loyal member of the team here ever since.

Steve enjoys all aspects of the work at the practice but does have a particular interest and talent in surgery, particularly orthopaedic surgery.

Outside of work he enjoys flying, playing in a band and keeps fit running and cycling.

Louise Baxter, BVSc, MRCVS

Biography:

I graduated from Bristol Vet School in 2020 and have been part of the SPA team ever since. I have already enjoyed meeting many of you and your pets and look forward to meeting everybody else in time. Outside of work I enjoy running, squash and am currently on the hunt for the perfect first dog!

Tania Ball

Biography:

Tania has been with us as a locum for many years, finally joining as full-time employee in 2023.

Kirsten Wilkinson, BVM&S MRCVS

Tania Chan

Biography:

Tania joined SPA Vets in Sept 2023, having recently qualified from Edinburgh University. She's excited to start her first job at SPA Vets. In her spare time, Tania enjoys dancing and hiking and dreams of one day adapting a pet cow!

Samantha Borland RVN

Biography:

Samantha started at the practice in 1989, became Head Nurse in 2000 and qualified in 2004.

Out of work she has a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who keeps her (and her colleagues!) entertained with her antics.

Julie Fox BSc (Hons), RVN, VNMA (Willdife), A1

Biography:

Julie joined the practice in 2000 after working previously at a veterinary referral hospital. She qualified in 2004, and in 2005 she qualified as a trainee nurse assessor and was the 'Clinical Coach' at SPA Vets, responsible for teaching all our trainees the practical elements of nursing until 2022, when she passed the reins on to Charlie and Lauren.

In 2018, she took a step back from clinical work to take on more a admin-based role and now spends most of her time in the office dealing with practice administration.

She has a keen interest in animal psychology and completed a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare in 2009. She runs behaviour clinics for anyone wanting behavioural advice via her own business; Problem Pets, but is still on hand for advice in areas relating to veterinary treatments. 

Julie has three dogs which she has rescued over the years. She also has a passion for wildlife (particularly foxes, must be something about the name!) and has attended many courses on the care and rehabilitation of injured wild species.

In her spare time, she volunteers with various wildlife rescue centres and is on the committee of a veterinary education organisation. She has also been a 'supply' teacher for the University of the West of England, lecturing in animal behaviour and ethics and welfare, as well as veterinary nursing.

Special Clinical Interests:

• Animal Behaviour
• Wildlife Medicine

Helen Hill RVN

Biography:

I have been at S.P.A Vets since I left school after completing my A’ levels in 1998. I qualified as a RVN in 2003.

Animals have always been a big feature in my life, our first dogs were miniature poodles who were adopted by us when their owners passed away and we also had cats, guinea pigs and chickens.

When I was 7 year old my introduction to horses began when I started to spend my weekends with Peter the Shire horse at the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester Docks, I began riding lessons at aged 10. I was very fortunate to receive my first pony as my 13^th birthday present and have never regretted a moment.

Since working here I have taken home many unwanted animals, including my current 4 dogs and 2 cats!  I’m lucky that my parents are as soft as I am and the only thing that suffers is my bank balance!

I love my job helping our clients and their furry friends.  As well as the hands on care, reception duties and routine cleaning, I also carry out some of the admin including ordering supplies and dealing with insurance claims so it's a very varied profession.

Amanda Campbell RVN

Biography:

Amanda joined our team in 2002 as a trainee nurse and qualified in 2006. She left in 2007 to be with her husband who is in the army. Mandy returned to Gloucestershire, and SPA Vets, in 2012.

She has 2 daughters, 4 horses, 2 dogs and 2 cats  which all keep her very busy when not at work.

Samantha Critchley RVN

Biography:

Sam has worked at SPA vets since 2006. She started as a nursing assistant and went gone on to complete her veterinary nursing training qualified as an RVN in 2010.

She has two children, a dog, a cat and a horse which keep her very busy when she's not at work!

Charlotte Williams, RVN

Biography:

Charlie joined the practice in 2018 on a 12-month training placement but we liked her so much, we decided to keep her! She stayed with us on a part-time basis whilst she finished her training. She has since qualified and is now a full-time member of the nursing team! Charlie has taken over from Julie as one of our Clinical Coaches and is now responsible for training our student nurses. Outside of work Charlie has a dog and three horses (well, one and two-halves in the form of two cheeky Shetland ponies!). She also loves sport and plays both cricket and netball for her local teams and watching rugby.

Lauren McMahon, RVN

Biography:

Lauren started working at SPA Vets in 2015.

She enjoys every aspect of the job but has a particular interest in surgical nursing. She started her official vet nurse training in September 2017 and qualified in 2021.

Since working here, she has taken home a stray cat and two baby rabbits who were born at the surgery!

Lauren as taken over from Julie as one of our Clinical Coaches and is now responsible for training our student nurses.

Shelley Martin

Biography:

"I came to SPA Vets in 1997. Before that I worked at another local practice.

I have a certificate in dog grooming and have set up my own business; Splash Groomers. 

I have a dog and 6 cats which keep me busy when not at work."

To book a grooming appointment, please contact Splash Groomers on 07468 423472 or 07500 168724. Appointments are available at the Painswick Road surgery should your dog need a wash, cut and blow-dry! They cater for dogs of all shapes, sizes and coat types! 

Vicky Clifton

Biography:

Vicky started at this practice in October 2007. She had previously spent two years at a vets in Cheltenham and has a National Diploma in Animal Management from Hartpury College.

Behind the scenes, she is responsible for maintaining all our laboratory equipment and supplies.

In her spare time, Vicky attends many training classes with her dog, Newt. She also has two cats, two gerbils and a leopard gecko. 

Bethany Parish

Biography:

Beth came to SPA Vets for her university placement year 21/22 and we asked her to stay. She currently works with us part-time as a nursing assistant around her university lectures.

Sophie Gardner

Biography:

Beth came to SPA Vets for her university placement year 21/22 and we asked her to stay. She currently works with us part-time as a nursing assistant around her university lectures.

Georgina Burrows

Stephanie Mundy-Mills

Biography:

Steph joined the practice in July 2022. She has completed one year of theoretical training and is with us on a 12-month practical placement before she returns to university for the remaining two years of her training.

Lucy Parfrement

Biography:

Lucy joined the practice in July 2022. She has completed one year of theoretical training and is with us on a 12-month practical placement before she returns to university for the remaining two years of her training.

Jorja Battishall

Biography:

Jorja has joined us placement as part of her veterinary nursing degree.

Wiktoria Mical

Biography:

Wikki has joined us on placement from Hartpury University where she is studying for a degree in vet nursing.

Lorraine Burrows

Biography:

Lorraine joined the team in November 21, after working in the (human) nursing sector for 25 years. She is our registered First Aider and the Mental Health Health Wellness Officer for all our staff.

Sue Richards

Biography:

Sue joined the team in Sept 22 having spent many years working over different areas of the veterinary industry including small animal, large animal, equine and pet insurance.

Sue Lynch

Biography:

Sue started at the practice in October 22 having worked in the legal profession for many years.

Kirsty Ireland

Biography:

Kirsty joined SPA Vets in September 22 having worked previously in retail. Within her first week of working with us, she had adopted a stray kitten from our cattery!

Kate England

Biography:

Kate joined us in October 22 having previously worked as a legal secretary. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, Hazel and spending time with friends. Her hobbies include reading, puzzles, crafts and cooking.