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.
Raymond Heathcote
BVM&S MRCVS
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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
Sue Finnett
BVM&S MRCVS
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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
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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
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Emma Davies
Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Administrator
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Alice Trevan
Administrator
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Amanda Stoakes
Administrator
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Akanksha George
Marketing and Outreach
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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
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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
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Olivia Haritou
Receptionist
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