For as long as I can recall, I have wanted to be a vet (or a bossy teacher, according to my mother!). I have always asked how and why, to an irritating level—my bosses will attest to this, I am sure! It is also one of the reasons I like a challenging case; I enjoy the detective work, fitting the pieces of a puzzle together.
My love for animals has always been a big aspect of my life. However, my true passion for large animals and conservation has arisen from my childhood in South Africa and the Maldives: visiting crocodile parks, ostrich farms, going on safari, and snorkelling daily. Every opportunity I had, I was volunteering or out in the elements with my friends or family.
I completed my veterinary degree at University in Budapest and came back to Hook Norton for farm work experience and fell in love with the outdoor life of the Cotswolds, local farming and the Hook Norton ethos. I am even marrying a local! We have 3 dogs, a cat and 9 sheep (currently) keping me very busy outside of work.
At Hook Norton, I am constantly pushed to better myself with new certificates in Animal Products Exports, Home Office License, TBAS Advisor, Chair of the Oxfordshire TB Cluster Pilot Group, Healthy Feet Programme/Lameness Advisor of cattle and sheep, Johnes & BVD Advisor, GDP mentor and IMR Trainer. You will often find me running courses in and out of hours for Hook Norton – I love a social & knowledge transfer event! As you can tell, HNVG always back my aspirations.
I count myself lucky every day that I get to wake up and am able to call my clients, friends. Even in the face of emergencies or tough times, they welcome me with a smile and a good laugh – aside from my love of animals and science; they are the reason I will go above and beyond my job role.
