Introducing Our Practice Team
Everyone at our practice is committed to providing you with the very best in pet healthcare. Our veterinary team brings a wealth of experience to the practice, and each member has individually obtained high standards of professional qualification.
Your first point of contact will invariably be with our client care team who answer the telephones and keep front-of-house running smoothly. Between them, they have more than one hundred and thirty years of service with Colne Valley Vets.
Veterinary Surgeons
![John MacBrayne](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/image50370561a-nominee.jpg)
John MacBrayne
Director, Veterinary Surgeon
![Neal O'Connor](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/neal.jpg)
Neal O'Connor
Clinical Director, Veterinary Surgeon
![Alison Logan](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/alogan-jul24.jpg)
Alison Logan
Veterinary Surgeon
![Alexa Chatterton](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/alexa.jpg)
Alexa Chatterton
Veterinary Surgeon
![Tom Southgate](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/tom.jpg)
Tom Southgate
Veterinary Surgeon
![Maria Samalea](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/marias.jpg)
Maria Samalea
Veterinary Surgeon
![Pascale Opdecam](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/pascale.jpg)
Pascale Opdecam
Veterinary Surgeon
![Nish Bird](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/nish-nominee.jpg)
Nish Bird
Veterinary Surgeon
![Alex Torrance](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/alex.jpg)
Alex Torrance
Veterinary Surgeon
![Georgina Keam](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/g-keam.jpg)
Georgina Keam
Veterinary Surgeon
![Hannah Watts](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/hannah.jpg)
Hannah Watts
Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary Nurses
![Lorna Nuttall](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/lorna.jpg)
Lorna Nuttall
Veterinary Nurse Manager
![Xanthe Ashby](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/xanthe.jpg)
Xanthe Ashby
Senior Veterinary Nurse
![Andrea Hazeltine](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/andreah.jpg)
Andrea Hazeltine
Veterinary Nurse
![Esther Riley](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/esther.jpg)
Esther Riley
Veterinary Nurse
![Rhiannon Haygreen](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/rhi.jpg)
Rhiannon Haygreen
Veterinary Nurse
![Lucy Doyle](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/lucy.jpg)
Lucy Doyle
Veterinary Nurse
![Sian Plume](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/sian-nominee-a.jpg)
Sian Plume
Veterinary Nurse
![Emily Frisby-Robinson](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/emily.jpg)
Emily Frisby-Robinson
Veterinary Nurse
![Tina Kemp](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/tinak.jpg)
Tina Kemp
Veterinary Nurse
![Abbie Heathcote](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/abbie-nominee.jpg)
Abbie Heathcote
Veterinary Nurse
![Holly Ralph](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/holly-nominee.jpg)
Holly Ralph
Veterinary Nurse
![Amy-Rose Bomando](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/amy.jpg)
Amy-Rose Bomando
Veterinary Nurse
![Denise Ellis](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/denise.jpg)
Denise Ellis
Clinic Veterinary Nurse
Management Team
![Antony Ashford](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/aashford-jul24.jpg)
Antony Ashford
Practice Manager
![Debbie Beckett](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/pexels-shvetsa-4045697.jpg)
Debbie Beckett
Accounts Manager
Client Care Team
![Jane](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/jane.jpg)
Jane
Senior Client Care Advisor
![Heather](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/heather-nominee.jpg)
Heather
Client Care Advisor
![Tina](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/tinab.jpg)
Tina
Client Care Advisor
![Cathy](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/cathy.jpg)
Cathy
Client Care Advisor
![Maria](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/mariat.jpg)
Maria
Client Care Advisor
![Sandra](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/sandras.jpg)
Sandra
Client Care Advisor
![Dawn](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/dawn.jpg)
Dawn
Client Care Advisor
![Sandra](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/sandrat.jpg)
Sandra
Client Care Advisor
![Jemma](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/jem-nominee.jpg)
Jemma
Client Care Advisor
![Karen](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/karen.jpg)
Karen
Client Care Advisor
![Andrea](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/andreac.jpg)
Andrea
Client Care Advisor
![Lorraine](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/lorraine.jpg)
Lorraine
Client Care Advisor
Auxiliary Team
![Emma Hawes](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/emma.jpg)
Emma Hawes
Veterinary Nursing Assistant
![Darcy Casey](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/darcy.jpg)
Darcy Casey
Veterinary Nursing Assistant
![Yasmin Wakley](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/yasmin.jpg)
Yasmin Wakley
Veterinary Nursing Assistant
![Nikki](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/nikki.jpg)
Nikki
Auxiliary
![Saunders](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/saunders.jpg)
Saunders
Auxiliary
![Donna](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/donna.jpg)
Donna
Auxiliary
![Sandie](https://www.colnevalleyvets.co.uk/images/staff/sandie.jpg)
Sandie
Auxiliary
Director, Veterinary Surgeon
BVMS, MRCVS
After qualifying from Glasgow Vet School in 1992, John spent two years at a vet practice in Reading and then a few months working abroad before moving to Colchester in 1996. He initially intended to stay for five years or so, but found Colne Valley Vets to be such an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work that he did not want to leave. John became a partner with the practice in 2000 and continues to enjoy his work very much, helping the practice grow and develop. He spends much of his spare time looking after his three boys with their many sporting activities. John's family has a lurcher called Percy.
Clinical Director, Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc MRCVS
Neal qualified from Bristol University in 2000 and worked in mixed practice for two years before concentrating on small animals. He has worked in various veterinary practices in Essex and Suffolk, as well as running an emergency and critical care centre in Perth, Western Australia from 2012-2014. Neal’s main interests are internal medicine, soft tissue surgery and clinical pathology. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football, keeping fit and spending time with his two sons.
Veterinary Surgeon
MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Born and educated in Colchester, Alison joined a small animal practice back in her home town after qualifying from the University of Cambridge in 1989, and has been with Colne Valley Vets since 1991. She enjoys consulting and has a special interest in internal medicine. Alison has also written for various publications and a series of dog breed books, and was involved in writing books on dog care and cat care which included photoshoots here. Wellie the black cat was joined by mischievous Molly, a fox-red Labrador, in December 2019. Alison enjoys being outside walking Molly and gardening, also reading and playing piano.
Veterinary Surgeon
BSc (Hons) BVSc (Hons) MRCVS
Alexa graduated from Bristol University in 2007, having achieved a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare as well as Veterinary Medicine. She has a keen interest in veterinary dentistry, and enjoys being able to diagnose and fix dental problems which are often chronic and have such a dentrimental yet hidden effect on animals' quality of life. Alexa is also a qualified acupuncturist, which she finds is especially beneficial to help manage arthritis pain. When not working at Colne Valley, she enjoys cycling, baking, running and paddleboarding.
Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed, MRCVS
Born and raised in Colchester, Tom trained at the Royal Veterinary College in London. During his training, Tom came to Colne Valley Vets for work experience for several years before graduating in 2018. Tom joined the team here in 2021 and hopes to pursue interests in medicine, diagnostic imaging and cardiology. Tom lives with his lovable (but naughty) rescue cat Teddy, and in his own time unwinds by painting.
Veterinary Surgeon
MRCVS
Maria qualified in Spain in 2000, and spent more than ten years working in large animal practice. In 2015, she moved to the UK and started her small animal journey. Maria’s special interests are surgery, dermatology and nutrition. She has two children and her hobbies are dancing, yoga and cycling.
Veterinary Surgeon
DVM, CertVR, MRCVS
Pascale qualified from the University of Liege, Belgium in 1991 and came to England soon after. She developed an interest in radiology leading her to study for and gain the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Radiology. She has worked mainly in Essex and enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine. Pascale has four mischievous cats who keep all the family entertained. In her spare time, she enjoys walking and playing the 'cello.
Veterinary Surgeon
MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Nish graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2006. She worked in mixed practice for several years before returning home in 2012 to Colchester to concentrate on small animal practice. Nish joined Colne Valley Vets in January 2022. She enjoys all aspects of general practice particularly surgery, and likes developing a bond with her clients and supporting their pets through their various life stages. Outside of work, Nish is married and a mum to two children. Sully the black Labrador completes her family.
Veterinary Surgeon
MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Alex graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010, and since then has worked in small animal practice in Essex. He enjoys working closely with people to give his patients the highest standard of care. He especially enjoys soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging and feline medicine, but is also happy to treat exotic patients too. Alex has an ex-Guide Dog Misty, two cats and a giant African land snail. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, kayaking and having fun with his daughter.
Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed, MRCVS
Hannah qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2008. She joined us in 2013 to consult on some Saturdays, but has known Colne Valley Vets since 2003 when she was a Saturday student and subsequently seeing practice with us during her training. Her interests are internal medicine in general, dermatology specifically. Hannah has worked in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry since 2010. She has three horses, and two Patterdale terriers called Ted and Bruce.
Veterinary Nurse Manager
RVN, MBVNA, C-SQP
Lorna is the practice's Head Nurse and Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). After qualifying in 1991, Lorna worked in various mixed and small animal practices before joining Colne Valley Vets in 1994, with two brief periods of maternity leave since then. Her particular interest is managing the pharmacy, but she still really enjoys hands-on work with patients. Lorna has also completed a veterinary practice management certificate, and has been a Pets As Therapy (PAT) assessor since 2001. Lorna a dog called Gilbert, a cockerpoo, and a cat called Buttons.
Veterinary Nurse
RVN, MBVNA
After qualifying in 2000, Esther worked in a mixed practice, a London RSPCA clinic and Southfields Veterinary Specialists before joining Colne Valley Vets in 2006. Her special interest is pain control. Away from work, she is busy with family life as mother to two children.
Veterinary Nurse
BSc(Hons), RVN, MBVNA
Emily worked with us as a locum over three years, interspersed with travel, before realising that she wanted to settle here and became one of our full-time veterinary nurses. Emily lives on a farm with livestock which include water buffalo! Her special interests are exotics and farm animals. Emily has three cats and two dogs. Emily is currently on maternity leave.
Veterinary Nurse
RVN, MBVNA
Abbie qualified in 2016, and provided locum cover here for a year before joining on a permanent basis in 2020. She enjoys caring for the in-patients, and takes a special interest in wound management. In September 2019, Abbie rescued Peggy, a three-legged cat, and more recently became the owner of a black Labrador Twiggy.
Veterinary Nurse
RVN, MBVNA, SQP
Holly studied towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse after completing her SQP, and qualified in December 2020. Holly has worked with animals since she was fourteen years old and enjoys caring for in-patients. She is interested in small furries, and gaining experience with exotics and emergency care.
Clinic Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Denise is a registered Veterinary Nurse with many years of experience. She is particularly interested in dog behaviour and training, having qualifications with The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Denise is also a full member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, and has a Compass Advanced Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Level 5. Denise has a rescue dog Colin, a Collie cross breed. Freddie a Ragdoll cat has recently joined the household. For leisure, Denise enjoys walking her dog around the beautiful Essex and Suffolk coast, running, orienteering, cycling, hill walking and skiing. She is also a keen member of Essex Wildlife Trust, and volunteers on Tiptree Heath.
Practice Manager
RVN, MBVNA, CertSAN, PHC
Antony joined Colne Valley Vets in 2005 as a veterinary nurse. He took sole charge of the veterinary nurse clinics in 2015, and has been combining that role with Practice Manager since 2021. As of January 2023, he has been our full-time Practice Manager. Antony has six cats: tabbies Marley and Tiggy, and the Burmese youngsters Kirby, Kooper, Kasper and Neville.
Colchester Practice
Maudlyn Rd
Colchester
CO1 2GU
01206 794695
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Wivenhoe Practice
Colchester Rd
Wivenhoe
Colchester
CO7 9ET
01206 826287
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