Meet our Small Animal Team

Luke joined us in 1997, shortly after qualifying as a veterinary surgeon, and has a passion for orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery and internal medicine, as well as healthy clinical culture and quality improvement. He has two whippets, who he often walks in the Chiltern hills, and is a keen gardener and cook who loves to travel.

Malcolm has a range of clinical interests, including exotic medicine and surgery.

Heather graduated from Cambridge University in 2016 and worked in Derbyshire for a few years before joining the Hampden team in 2019. She enjoys all aspects of small animal veterinary care, but has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery. She has a tabby cat called Heidi at home, and the two often play football together using ping pong balls.

We are delighted to announce that she has achieved her PgC in surgery!

Liv graduated in 2016 from Copenhagen University, Denmark. She went straight into small animal general practice in the UK and joined the Hampden team in 2020.

Liv has a particular interest in soft tissue and minimally invasive surgery. She has achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery and is currently working towards becoming an RCVS recognised Advanced Practitioner in her field.

Liv and her family share their home with Labrador, Ellie, and rescue Border Terrier/Jack Russel Terrier cross, Maggie.

Erica graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2015 and has been with us since 2021. She is currently completing a certificate in diagnostic imaging, and enjoys medicine and soft tissue surgery. Her hobbies include cycling, running, climbing, cooking, reading, walking her cocker spaniel, Bailey and all things sustainability.

Maddie graduated from Cambridge University in 2021 and joined the Hampdens team that year. She has a particular interest in emergency and critical care which has led to joining the night team in 2025 and starting a PgC in this area. Maddie spends her free time getting involved with her local young farmers’ club, baking, and looking after her Labrador Arnie and rescue cat Allie

Alison graduated from Bristol University in 1994, and gained a wide range of experience in local practices before joining the Hampden team in 2020. Her interests include feline, small animal and exotic medicines! Not one to do things by halves, she has six children, two English Pointers, a menagerie of cats and a creep of Hermann’s tortoises at home.

Kelly joined us shortly after graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2017. She became a vital part of our night team and has since completed her certificate in emergency and critical care. When she’s not working, Kelly enjoys walking her dog, Tilly, and riding her Thoroughbred horse, Mango. Most winters, you’ll find her on the slopes, skiing with her family!

Originally from Poland, Magda graduated from the University of Warmia and Mazury in 2014 and joined our team in 2019. She holds an RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioner Status in small animal emergency and critical care, and has a keen interest in emergency care and diagnostic imaging. In her spare time, she loves reading, gardening and looking after her border terrier, Myszka.

Kirsty graduated veterinary medicine in 2022 from the University of Nottingham. She is interested in medicine, with particular interests in oncology, and emergency and critical care, and is currently working towards an internal medicine certificate. In her spare time she enjoys playing hockey, running, and walking her three legged lurcher Robbie!

Originally from the Netherlands, Fieke qualified from Ghent University, Belgium, in 2001. She joined Hampdens in 2023 to focus on veterinary dentistry. Formerly a fulltime zoo veterinarian, Fieke is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery. Fieke sits on the council of the British Veterinary Association, is a past president of the British Veterinary Zoological Society, and a member of the British Veterinary Dental Association and the European Elephant Dental Vets. Her spare time is spent as a trustee of the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation and of the Zebra Foundation, supporting research in zoological medicine.

I qualified from the University of Melbourne in 1983, and have worked as a small animal vet ever since. I have been with Hampdens for 20 years, on and off! I have a particular interest in feline medicine, and have an elderly cat at home.

I am a keen scuba diver, skiier and I enjoy walking in the Chilterns in my free time.

Helena joined the Hampden team in November 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for veterinary medicine. She graduated from Porto University in 2018 and has been working in the UK since 2019. Helena has a special interest in surgery and is currently pursuing her Small Animal Surgery certificate, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her skills and providing top-notch care for her patients.

Outside of work, Helena enjoys traveling and reading, which allows her to unwind and explore new cultures and ideas. She is also a proud pet parent to two rescued cats from Portugal, who have quickly become cherished members of her family. Helena’s dedication to her profession and her compassionate approach to animal care make her a valuable asset to our team!

– Interests include internal medicine and emergency and critical care
– Outside of work he plays lacrosse, bake sourdough and tries to train his young Staffy X rescue!
– Nottingham 2024 grad

I graduated from the University of Surrey and joined Hampdens in 2024.

Since starting work, I have taken an interest in small animal surgery and ultrasonography.

In my free time, I take part in sporting activities such as basketball and football, and enjoy cooking on the weekends.

I have worked for Hampdens for over 12 years starting off as an Equine Secretary.

I enjoy spending my spare time with my horses, two cocker spaniels and kids.

Wendy joined our family in 2019 after an impressive 25-year career as a Senior Biomedical Scientist with the NHS. Now she expertly manages our in-house lab at the hospital. Wendy is a devoted caretaker to her two elderly rescue cats, and when she’s not attending to them, she loves to hit the running trails or unwind with a captivating book.

Hannah became a valued member of our family in May 2024! She is the proud owner of a charming cockerpoo named Barney, who brings joy and energy to her life.

Hannah graduated in 2015 and gained a variety of experience from referral to first opinion practice, before starting at Hampdens in 2021.

She has recently become our new head nurse after enjoying the management side of her deputy role. She is particularly interested in anaesthesia and diagnostics.

When she is not working, she likes walking her labrador called Cheddar and sometimes her cat Joey likes to join too.

Ailsa started working at Hampden Vets in 2019, recently becoming Deputy Head Nurse. She has a Certificate in Medical Nursing and loves complex medical cases! She has a very lively Gordon Setter named Thistle and two Giant African Land Snails called Horatio and Snelson Mandela. Outside of work, Ailsa enjoys hiking and crocheting.

Becky joined our family in 2023 and has since become an invaluable asset. She is passionate about all things small animal, proudly holding an exotics certificate and thriving on complicated cases! Becky shares her life with her beloved cat, Barli, and enjoys DIY projects, playing netball, and exploring the outdoors through walking.

Erin graduated from Harper Adams University in 2024 with a degree in Veterinary Nursing. Shortly after qualifying, she joined the Hampden family, where she has become an integral part of our practice. Erin has a passion for all areas of nursing and is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge and skills through ongoing education and professional development.

At home, Erin enjoys the company of her two lively border terriers, Samson and Tucker. Whether she’s out for a walk with her dogs or attending a veterinary conference, Erin’s enthusiasm for animal care is evident in everything she does. Her commitment to providing the best possible care for her patients makes her a valued member of our team.

Toni graduated from Middlesex University in 2024 as a mature student, bringing a wealth of life experience to her role. She has a strong passion for cats and is dedicated to promoting cat-friendly practices. In her spare time, Toni stays active as an avid netball player.

I achieved my degree in veterinary nursing in 2020. Prior to joining Hampden Vets in 2024 I worked within general practice and hospitals in London. I have a keen interest in dentistry, surgical nursing and infection control.

Steven has been a dedicated veterinary nurse since 2019 and made the exciting move to the UK in 2023. He joined the Hampdens family in 2025, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to our team. In his leisure time, Steven loves to travel, exploring new cuisines and immersing himself in different cultures.

Phoebe joined the Hampden family in June 2023 as a dedicated twilight nurse, bringing her enthusiasm and expertise to our out-of-hours team. She thrives in the unique challenges of working during twilight hours and emergency critical care, ensuring that our patients receive exceptional care around the clock.

Phoebe has a particular passion for exotic animals, with a special interest in reptiles and amphibians. Her home is a lively menagerie, where she cares for various species of exotics alongside her two beloved border terriers. Phoebe’s commitment to the well-being of all animals, no matter how unusual, is evident in her compassionate approach and extensive knowledge.

Her dedication to her role and her love for exotic pets make Phoebe an invaluable member of our team, always ready to provide the best care for our diverse range of patients.

Heidi qualified as a nurse in 2015, and spent 5 years in South East Asia working with street dogs and sea turtles before returning to the UK and completing her advanced nursing in exotics certificates. She has a dog called Nacho who she enjoys training for agility and tricks!

Amelia embarked on her nursing journey in April 2024. When she’s not dedicating herself to her training, you’ll find her travelling across the country, competing in agility events with her spirited dog, Dexter. Outside of work, Amelia’s favorite pastimes include exploring scenic trails with Dexter and enjoying a relaxing evening at the pub with her loyal companion by her side!

Olivia joined us in 2021 and is now nearing the completion of her nursing training. She has a keen interest in emergency and critical care (ECC) and inpatient care. Outside of work, Olivia loves spending time on her family farm.

Crystal is originally from South Africa where she has a lively Jack Russel X Daschund named Nelly and a spirited tabby named Katya. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Management from the University of South Africa. However, her passion and life’s purpose lies in animal welfare and being the voice of those entrusted to our care. She moved to the UK with her husband in 2015 and joined the Hampden family in June 2024. Her cheerful and optimistic approach to nursing our animals makes her a valuable member of the team. Crystal is always willing to help with a smile. Her favourite animals are dogs (she admits that she may love them more than her husband!) She loves the diverse role of being an SVN and has a keen interest in wound care and complex medical and surgical cases. She envisions one day returning to South Africa to volunteer at The Rhino Orphanage where she hopes to help save these incredible animals who are endangered due to rife poaching. In her spare time she loves all things creative and active – she is a keen artist, baker and gym goer!

Lily joined the Hampdens family in August 2023. She’s all about anaesthesia and loves diving into emergency and critical care cases. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her adventuring with her spirited Jack Russell, Dusty. Whether they’re hiking, exploring the wilds of Scotland, or going for a run, Lily and Dusty are always up for some fun!

Mar moved from Spain to the UK seven years ago and has since become a dedicated Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN) with a deep passion for animal health and welfare. She loves connecting with animals and understanding their needs. Mar is always eager to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with different culinary traditions and spending time outdoors, whether it’s enjoying the weather or foraging for wild edibles.

Priyanka embarked on her nursing journey with Hampden in January 2024. Her dedication to animal care and her eagerness to learn have made her a valuable addition to our team. When she’s not training to be a nurse, Priyanka loves traveling across Asia, helping animals in need, and going on fun hikes to explore nature.

Priyanka has ambitious goals for her future. Once qualified, she aspires to specialise in emergency critical care and hopes to undertake internships in Asia to gain experience in wildlife nursing. Her passion for both domestic and wild animals, combined with her adventurous spirit, drives her to continually expand her knowledge and skills.

Priyanka’s commitment to her profession and her love for animals make her an inspiring member of our team, always ready to go the extra mile for her patients.

Suveetha began her journey with Hampden in June 2021 as a dedicated kennel assistant. Her hard work and passion for animal care led her to advance to the role of student nurse in 2023. Suveetha is committed to providing the best care for our patients and is always eager to learn and grow in her role.

Outside of work, Suv loves to travel and explore new places. She shares her home with her beloved cat, Nalah, and her family dog, O’Malley. In her free time, Suv enjoys baking delicious treats, taking long walks with dogs, and socializing with her friends. Her diverse interests and dedication to her profession make her a valued member of our team.

Jess became a valued member of our family in January 2024. She is set to embark on her nursing course in September 2025, and we’re all excited for her! In her free time, Jess loves spending quality moments with her beloved Rottweilers.

I joined Hampdens in 2024 as a PCA and have recently embarked on my VCA course, with dreams of becoming an RVN. When I’m not working, I love spending quality time with my pets and enjoying the company of horses at the yard.

Laura began her journey with us as a receptionist in 2022, before transitioning to a Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) in 2024. She is eagerly looking forward to starting her nursing course soon!

I began my journey at Hampdens in 2023 as a receptionist. Recently, I transitioned into the role of a PCA, and I’m hoping to soon embark on my VCA course!

Rachael joined the Hampden family in 2024, as part of the Accounts and Administration Team.

On the weekends you will usually find her out walking with friends and enjoying a coffee on route. She enjoys photography, music, dancing and travelling with her family.

Kim has been with us since 2011 and is our designated wellbeing champion. She loves greeting our clients with a big smile, and outside of work is a very keen gardener and never without a book in her hand. She is also learning French, piano and maths (using Duolingo) in her spare time. We wouldn’t say she’s competitive, but she’s been in the Diamond League (top) for 86 weeks as of writing this!

Eszter is Hungarian, and joined the Hampdens family in March 2023 as a member of the Reception team. She has recently joined the Administration team and is enjoying her new role. In her spare time she enjoys drawing and painting, reading, and spending time with her two doggies, her partner and her family and friends. If you pop in to the Hospital or the Outpatients building you will see her artwork adorning the walls!

Siobhan has been in the veterinary industry for 5 years and joined us in 2022 as a Receptionist.

She was promoted in December 2024 to Head Receptionist and now manages the small animal reception team across multiple sites.

In her spare time, Siobhan enjoys the sun, wine, watching different series on netflix and spending time with her family.

Kellie joined the Hampden family in 2008 as a member of the reception team and has since risen to the role of Deputy Head Receptionist. She shares her home with four cats and a lovable dog named Olive. In her free time, Kellie enjoys socialising with friends and diving into a good book

Brenda joined the Hampden family in February 2024. She enjoying listening to R & B and soul music, and entertaining her friends at home in her lockdown bar. Brenda loves going for long walks along a beach with her Jack Russell Terrier Dave!

Amber is our newest member of the reception team and to the veterinary world.  Amber has a passion for client-facing roles and loves meeting everyone who comes in with their beloved pets! Her cheerful demeanour and constant smile make her a delightful presence at our reception desk.

Outside of work, Amber is dedicated to giving back to the community. She actively participates in various charity events and is currently training for an upcoming marathon. Her enthusiasm and commitment to both her job and her charitable activities make her a wonderful addition to our team.

Shay has been a valued member of our team since March 2024. She loves singing. At home, she enjoys the company of her adorable tuxedo cat, Moon, who is always ready for a cuddle. Shay’s love for music and her feline friend brings a unique and joyful energy to our team.

I have a passion for staying active and healthy, which is why you’ll often find me at the gym or swimming laps at the pool. Both activities help me stay fit and energised. When I’m not working out, I love immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of festivals and live music events. There’s something magical about experiencing music in a crowd of like-minded people!

At home, I share my space with three adorable pet rats named Smokey, Dooby, and Bandit. They each have their own unique personalities and bring a lot of joy and laughter into my life.

I also enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like taking long walks and watching the sunset. There’s nothing quite like the tranquility of a beautiful sunset to end the day.

Socialising is a big part of who I am. I love going to the pub with my friends, where we can catch up, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. I’m very talkative and love engaging in conversations about anything and everything.

My professional journey has been as diverse as it is rewarding. I earned my BHSAI and ANCEBM qualifications at Berkshire College, immersing myself in the world of equestrian training. Alongside this, I pursued my creative passions by completing an Art Foundation Course at Harrow. Transitioning to the healthcare sector, I served as a Medical Secretary in both NHS and Private Hospitals, honing my organizational skills and ensuring smooth operations.

Beyond my career, I am an enthusiast of the arts and sports, which keep me both inspired and active. I am the proud owner of a charming horse named Floretta Fleur, who adds a touch of grace to my life. In addition to my hobbies, I treasure moments spent with family and friends, making every gathering an occasion to remember.

Carol has been a dedicated member of the Small Animal Department for nearly 7 years. Primarily based at the Elm Farm Branch, she has also gained valuable experience working across all other branches. Carol thrives on the diversity of animals she encounters daily, including exotic species, which add an exciting dimension to her work.

Outside of her professional life, Carol is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys playing badminton and cherishes quality time with her beloved 7-year-old rescue cat. Her passion for animals extends beyond her job, making her a compassionate and knowledgeable asset to the team.

I work as a part time Receptionist at the Elm Farm Branch, and have worked for Hampden Vets for many years. I love meeting all our clients and all their many different pets that come in all shape and sizes. Apart from work I am a very busy Nanny to two lively grandsons, I also have my own little dog and they all keep me well entertained!

Sally has been a cherished member of our team for more years than she can count! At home, she enjoys the company of her Siamese cat, two playful black kittens, and a loyal dog. Sally’s passions include reading, gardening, cooking, and the art of soap making!

Sue Parker joined Hampden Vets in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience from years of working with horses, which also happens to be her passion! Sue is an avid traveler and recently enjoyed an unforgettable trip to New Zealand. She has a genuine love for working with small animals and cherishes the opportunity to meet our diverse and wonderful clients. At home, Sue is kept on her toes by her two lively black Cocker Spaniels.