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Our Team

Our dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the highest standard of care for your pets.
Meet the people who make Gayton Veterinary Group a trusted and friendly practice.

Veterinary Surgeons

Natalie Heathcote

BVSc MRCVS

Natalie is passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care that feels supportive, accessible, and clear. Her belief is that exceptional veterinary care isn’t just about treating pets - it’s about empowering owners with understanding and a collaborative plan moving forward. Her background in hospital and referral practice provided a strong foundation in managing a diverse range of medical and surgical cases. Natalie enjoys all areas of small animal practice, with a particular interest in lameness cases and helping pets return to a comfortable, active life. In November 2024, Natalie became a partner at the practice - a role that reflects her long-term commitment to building a practice rooted in compassion, growth and delivering thoughtful, high-quality medicine.

Caitriona Webb

MVB MRCVS

Caitriona takes an empathetic approach to clinical practice, focusing on trust building and clear communication, working in partnership with owners to make the best possible decisions for their pets’ wellbeing. It’s important to her that they feel comfortable asking questions and that they understand what is discussed about diagnoses or treatment plans. Enjoying all aspects of clinical work, particularly valuing consulting, as it builds long-term relationships with clients and supporting them through their pet’s care. She also has a real soft spot for cats and takes particular pleasure in working with them, ensuring their visits are as calm and stress-free as possible. Having graduated from UCD School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 with 20 years of professional experience, Caitriona is an experienced vet who has worked in mixed animal practice in Ireland and Australia. After working across a variety of settings and species, she has a strong clinical foundation, adaptability and confidence in decision-making. Caitriona has been with Gayton Vets since 2010, and continues to engage in CPD, professional reading and courses to ensure she is practicing evidence-based medicine.

Niki Lees

BVSc MRCVS

Niki is a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with over 20 years in small animal practice, having graduated from Bristol. Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation not only for her clinical expertise, but for the genuine care and honesty she brings to every consultation. She believes that the foundation of excellent veterinary care lies in clear, compassionate communication. Niki takes the time to truly listen, working collaboratively with owners to make thoughtful, informed decisions that prioritise each pet’s quality of life while respecting the needs of their family. Her aim is simple: for every client to leave feeling heard, supported, and confident that their pet has an advocate who will always act in their best interest. Clinically, Niki has a particular passion for soft tissue surgery and takes great pride in the depth of experience she has developed over the years. She approaches each case with precision, care, and a strong sense of responsibility for the animals entrusted to her. Outside of the clinic, Niki enjoys spending time with her two children and her energetic border collie, Jake, who makes sure she never skips a long walk.

Bell Komutrattananon

BVSc  BSc  MRCVS

Bell ensures that pets and their owners feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door, taking time to talk things through with genuine warmth and care. She treats every animal as if they were her own and helps owners make decisions that feel realistic, right for their pet, and right for them. Her goal is for every client to leave feeling clear, reassured, and never overwhelmed. She is especially passionate about soft tissue surgery and has a particular fondness for exotic pets, as well as cats and dogs. Bell loves the variety of general practice and enjoys working with all species, from tiny rats and ferrets to tortoises. At home, she is kept on her toes by her mischievous Birman, Moka, who firmly believes he runs the house.

Rachel  Edmondson

BVSc MRCVS

Rachel is a compassionate and approachable veterinary surgeon who prioritises building genuine trust with both her patients and their owners. She believes excellent veterinary care goes beyond clinical expertise, combining knowledge with empathy to make practical, realistic decisions that are always in the animal’s best interests. She is committed to ensuring every client feels heard, reassured, and well informed. Rachel creates space for open discussion, encourages questions, and takes care to explain all treatment options clearly. Rachel has a particular interest in dermatology and internal medicine, especially in the management of chronic conditions. She finds it highly rewarding to support pets over time, developing strong relationships with their families and seeing the positive impact of accurate diagnosis and improved quality of life. She graduated from the University of Liverpool and is committed to continually developing her clinical skills, with a particular focus on dermatology and a strong interest in deepening her expertise in this area. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her German Shorthaired Pointer, Ralph, and her Scottish Fold cat, Nacho.

Nicola Metcalfe

BVSc MRCVS

Nurses

Leanne Middleton

Head Nurse

With a background of working in healthcare settings around London growing up, Leanne brings years of clinical experience and patient focused care. She takes an approach centered around empathy and trust, and treats every animal with compassion as if they were her own. She believes that supporting owners is just as important as supporting their pets, and understands the value of clear communication and attentive nursing care. Leanne particularly enjoys in-patient care, as she finds it rewarding to see patients progress and improve with consistent care. She is also very passionate about bereavement support, as she understands the importance of supporting owners through loss, and finds it to be an incredibly important part of her role as she believes that owners need sensitivity, respect and empathy, particularly during these times. With her own little army of chihuahuas, Leanne also advocates for proper health testing of the breed, and has recently started an educational platform to help inform chihuahua owners.

Emily Earle

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Emily has been part of the Gayton team since 2016, having completed her training with us. Over the years, she has developed a calm and compassionate approach to nursing, always prioritising her patients’ comfort and wellbeing. She believes that the small details make the biggest difference, like treating every patient as if they were her own and ensuring they feel as safe and relaxed as possible throughout their visit. Emily particularly enjoys anaesthesia, where her gentle, attentive nature allows her to closely monitor patients and support them through procedures with care and precision. For her, the most rewarding part of the role is knowing she has done everything she can for each patient, no matter how big or small their needs. ​ Outside of work, Emily enjoys long walks with her lurcher, Squid, often joined by his best friend Elsie. At home, she also cares for her crested gecko, PP.

Becky Martin

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Becky is a dedicated veterinary nurse who prioritises patient wellbeing in every aspect of her role. She is committed to ensuring each animal feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for during their time in practice, approaching every case with attentiveness and empathy. She also recognises the importance of building trust with owners, valuing clear communication and reassurance throughout their pet’s treatment. ​ Becky has a particular interest in anaesthesia, surgical nursing, and inpatient care, where she enjoys being closely involved in patient monitoring and recovery. She finds it especially rewarding to see treatments progress successfully and to support patients through to full recovery. Before entering the veterinary profession, Becky studied Animal Management at college and gained extensive hands-on experience through placements in both first opinion and referral practices. During this time, she developed a keen interest in advanced imaging and has experience working with CT and MRI machines. She values being part of a supportive and passionate team, and believes that strong collaboration plays a key role in delivering the best possible care. Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending time with her two cats, as well as nature walks and reading.

Jess Lown

Registered Veterinary Nurse

For Jess, veterinary nursing centres on two essential pillars: compassion and clear communication. Being a pet-parent to a German shepherd, cat and crested gecko, she understands the stress that owners undergo when dealing with complex medical situations and associated medical terms. This encourages her to always liaise with empathy and kindness, ensuring that owners are well informed and understand the situation. She also makes sure that the nursing care she provides is up to date, relevant and individually tailored to each client. A robust team player, Jess loves aspects of in-patient care, especially when she sees a critical animal get better and go home to their family. Other aspects that she enjoys of being a veterinary nurse are dealing with and understanding animal behaviour, treating exotics and handling big dogs.

Jody Romaine-Mills

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Jody is a compassionate and patient-focused veterinary nurse who values both high-quality patient care and strong teamwork. She understands the importance of clear communication, both within the clinical team and with pet owners, and strives to ensure that everyone feels informed, supported, and reassured throughout their pet’s care. She takes a gentle and thoughtful approach to nursing, with a particular focus on reducing fear and stress during veterinary visits. Jody is dedicated to making patients feel as comfortable and safe as possible, while also ensuring that owners feel confident, well-informed, and involved in their pet’s treatment journey. Jody began her career in the veterinary profession as a Veterinary Care Assistant and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2024. She finds it especially rewarding to care for unwell patients and support them through recovery, taking great satisfaction in seeing them regain their health, comfort, and personality. ​ She has a particular soft spot for cats and is the proud owner of Clover, a stray who was brought into the practice without a microchip and has since found a loving home with her.

Kari Attwell

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Kari brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to nursing, with a strong focus on building trust and advocating for her patients at every stage of their care. She is particularly passionate about creating a low-stress, fear-free experience for our patients. She takes the time to move at each animal’s pace, ensuring they feel safe and supported. She applies this same care to working with owners, making sure they feel listened to, reassured, and confident in their pet’s treatment. Kari has a keen interest in anaesthesia and surgical nursing, combining technical skill with a calm, patient-centred approach. Originally trained in New Zealand, she gained experience in a busy general practice in Auckland before volunteering in Tonga and Vanuatu, where access to veterinary care is limited. These experiences have shaped her perspective and deepened her commitment to patient advocacy. She finds the greatest fulfilment in seeing patients recover and return home comfortably, as well as building lasting bonds with them over time. Outside of work, Kari enjoys travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Lisa Ralph

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Lisa brings over twenty years of experience to the practice, and her passion lies in caring for every patient as though they were her own, while making sure their owners feel just as supported. She prides herself on being compassionate, caring and fully transparent, taking the time to ensure clients understand what's happening and feel comfortable asking questions. For Lisa, it's all about building a genuine bond with both patient and client. Patient care and client support sit at the heart of everything she does, whether that's during a consultation, offering reassurance over the phone, or curling up beside a patient during recovery to help them feel safe. She trained at MYF College, gaining her Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, and has since worked across a wide range of settings, from referral centres to small, family-run clinics, building her knowledge and experience with every role she's held. The most rewarding part of the job, for Lisa, is helping and supporting both patient and client, and seeing them happy and well at the end of any journey they've been through together. Outside of work, Lisa treasures time with her partner and son, whether they're off on an adventure, building a den in the front room, heading to the park, catching a flight somewhere new, or simply enjoying a quiet movie night in. She also love seeing family and friends making lasting memories.

Lizzie Robson

Veterinary Care Assistant

Lizzie is a dedicated Veterinary Care Assistant who takes pride in supporting both her team and the patients in her care. She plays an important role within the practice, ensuring that animals are kept comfortable and well looked after, while also assisting the vets and nurses to help the day run smoothly. She understands the importance of clear communication and reassurance when supporting owners, helping them feel informed and confident that their pet is in safe hands. When caring for patients, Lizzie takes a gentle and observant approach, recognising that animals communicate in subtle ways and ensuring their comfort and wellbeing are always prioritised. ​ Since joining Gayton Veterinary Group, Lizzie has completed her Veterinary Care Assistant course and continues to build on her skills and experience within the practice. She is keen to further her development and is planning to pursue veterinary nurse training in the coming years. Outside of work, Lizzie enjoys spending time with her white cat, Luna.

Fiona Goodwin

Veterinary Care Assistant

Fiona is a kind, caring and compassionate veterinary care assistant who brings a calm, steady presence to the practice. She believes that good nursing care comes down to the fundamentals: listening properly, communicating clearly, and building trust with both patients and their owners. For her, empathy and understanding are at the heart of every interaction. With over ten years in her VCA role, Fiona has developed a particular passion for bereavement support, recognising that every stage of pet ownership matters, including the most difficult one. Wanting to offer the best possible support to grieving owners, she took her development into her own hands and enrolled in a bereavement counselling course, deepening her ability to be there for clients when they need it most. One of the things Fiona enjoys most about her role is being a familiar face at GVG Horley. Over the years she has built genuine relationships with the majority of clients, who know her by name and trust her with the care of their pets. ​ Outside of work, [Name]'s home is wonderfully full. She shares it with Pinx the pug, two Persian cats called Pirate and Boo, and a sphynx named Pecia Purl. When she isn't with her animals, she enjoys knitting and gardening.

Administrative Staff

Piers Heathcote

Practice Manager

Piers is the Practice Manager at GVG, working to keep things running smoothly for both the team and the clients they look after. His role spans the operational side of the practice, supporting staff, refining systems and processes, and making sure the client journey is as seamless as possible from the very first point of contact. A big part of what he does is ensuring everything works well behind the scenes, so that the clinical team can focus their attention where it matters most — on patient care. Piers' approach is clear, practical and approachable. He recognises that a trip to the vet can be a stressful experience, particularly when an owner is worried about their animal, and believes it's essential that people feel genuinely heard and well informed. He values honest, consistent communication, making sure questions are answered properly and any concerns are handled promptly and calmly, even when the practice is at its busiest. What Piers enjoys most about the role is the variety — the fact that no two days are ever quite the same — and the balance between the practical side of running a business and the people-facing side of veterinary care. He finds it rewarding to support the team, improve how things operate, and help create an environment that's organised, efficient and welcoming. Above all, Piers hopes that every client leaves feeling reassured, respected, and confident that both they and their animal are in genuinely caring hands.

Emma Davies

Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Administrator

Emma has been part of the practice since 1998 and has worn many hats over the years. She started as a locum nurse before taking on a permanent veterinary nurse position, later stepping into the role of head nurse, and then working on reception at the Horley branch. From there she moved into a more administrative role, initially taking on tasks to free up the nursing team to focus on patient care and start their families. Today she manages the practice's drug ordering, insurance claims and invoicing, while supporting the wider admin team in helping the vets and nurses care for our clients and their pets. For Emma, the most important thing is making sure every client has a positive experience, whatever their reason for getting in touch, so that they feel happy to keep coming back. She hopes that clients always feel valued, whether their query is big or small, and that every concern is resolved to their satisfaction. What Emma enjoys most about her role is being part of a team that's united by a shared goal: keeping clients' pets happy and healthy. Outside of work, Emma is kept busy by her family and her three pets: a very excitable black Labrador and two elderly moggy cats.

Alice Trevan

Administrator

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Amanda Stoakes

Administrator

Amanda is part of the admin team at Gaytons, where she helps things run smoothly behind the scenes — managing the practice email, responding to enquiries, handling referrals, registering new clients and sending out reminders. But for Amanda, the role is about much more than the day-to-day tasks; it's about being a calm, reassuring presence for clients during what can sometimes be an anxious or emotional time. She believes that good communication and a welcoming approach can make all the difference, and prides herself on being empathetic, approachable and understanding. Whether a client is getting in touch about something routine or something worrying, Amanda's hope is that every interaction leaves them feeling listened to, supported and at ease. What Amanda loves most about working at Gaytons is the team itself. She speaks warmly of her colleagues, describing them as lovely and welcoming, with a genuine care for clients and their pets that shines through in everything they do. Getting to meet all the wonderful animals who come through the practice is, in her words, a lovely bonus. Outside of work, Amanda runs her own bridal accessories brand, creating hand-made pieces for brides-to-be. She feels lucky to spend her days working across two of her greatest passions: animals and jewellery.

Akanksha George

Marketing and Outreach

Akanksha is the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at the practice, working behind the scenes to shape how we connect with clients across social media, email, our website, and printed materials such as leaflets and posters. She studied psychology at university in Toronto before going on to complete her master's in London, and enjoys drawing on aspects of psychology in her approach to marketing, particularly when it comes to communication and building trust. For Akanksha, good marketing in a veterinary setting comes down to being transparent and honest. She approaches everything from the perspective of a pet owner herself, asking how she would want to be informed or reached out to, and believes that building genuine trust with clients is at the heart of meaningful outreach. What she enjoys most about the role is the opportunity to combine her passion for animals with creative, purposeful work, helping clients feel more connected to the practice and more confident in caring for their pets. She hopes that everything she puts out, like a social media post, an email, or a leaflet, leaves clients feeling informed and reassured. Above all, she hopes to help foster a sense of community, where owners trust the practice and feel confident every time they leave.

Front of House

Mary Scott

Receptionist

Mary is often the first point of contact for clients at the practice, whether on the phone or at the front desk. Her role covers booking appointments, taking payments, sending reminders and communications, and acting as a key link between clients and the clinical team, helping ensure information flows smoothly in both directions. ​ When speaking with clients, Mary believes the most important thing is to listen properly and give people the space to explain their concerns. She approaches every conversation with empathy, politeness and a calm, professional manner, recognising that a visit to the vet can sometimes feel stressful and that a helpful voice at the other end of the phone can make all the difference. ​ What Mary enjoys most about her role is the relationships she builds with clients over time, the sense of being part of the Gayton team, and the continuous learning that comes with working in veterinary practice. She hopes that every client who interacts with her leaves feeling respected, acknowledged, valued and reassured. Outside of work, Mary spends time with her cat, Daisy, and enjoys playing tennis in her spare time.

Caitlin Poole

Receptionist

Sharon Horseman

Receptionist

Sharon manages reception during the daytime hours, where she's a friendly and familiar face for clients arriving at the practice. Her role involves checking clients in, relaying information between them and the clinical team, and helping with day-to-day client communications, keeping things running smoothly at the front of house. ​ For Sharon, the most important part of speaking with clients is making sure they feel genuinely listened to and that their needs are met properly from start to finish. She believes that good service is about more than just the practical side of things, it's about taking the time to understand each person who walks through the door. ​ What Sharon enjoys most about her role is working alongside a fantastic team and getting to know the clients themselves, making sure they feel just as cared for as their pets. Her hope is that every client leaves feeling confident, happy, and reassured that they've received the very best service the practice has to offer.

Kate O'Brian

Receptionist

Kate is one of the friendly faces clients meet when visiting or calling the practice. Her role as a receptionist covers booking appointments, taking payments, and managing client reminders and communications, making sure the day-to-day running of the front desk stays smooth and welcoming. ​ Kate's approach is built on warmth and approachability. She believes in treating every client and their animal with empathy, recognising that a kind, understanding manner can make a real difference to how someone feels about their visit. ​ What Kate enjoys most about her role is being part of the Gayton team and working alongside such lovely people. She hopes that every client leaves feeling happy after their visit, well informed about their pet's health, and confident in the care the practice provides.

Olivia Haritou

Receptionist

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