Meet the Team
At Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd, we are proud to have a talented team with a passion for helping animals working at our veterinary practice in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Meet our team today and put a face to the amazing individuals, here to help your furry friend!
Click the profile pictures for more information.
Clive Curry BVSc CertAVP (Ophthal) GPCert (Neuro, ExAP) PgD MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon, The Founder of Willow Veterinary Clinic - Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology
After graduating from Liverpool University in 1985 he went into mixed practice before concentrating on small animal practice from 1997.
Since then, the business has grown and developed with a huge emphasis on veterinary continued professional development and training. With reinvestment in people, skills and equipment, Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd has become the practice you see today, with 3 thriving practices. Clive’s aim from the outset was to provide the best standard of general practice for animals, and good quality of life for all staƯ doing their chosen vocation, and this remains valid today.
Clive’s main interests are ophthalmology, neurology, and exotic animal practice, in which he holds post graduate certificates. Clive is an advanced practitioner in ophthalmology. He also enjoys helping and training younger vets (mentoring) and is always very keen to help them avoid the many potholes he has found himself in over the years.
In his spare time, Clive enjoys holidays in France, windsurfing in the Mediterranean, and spending time with his wife and dogs.
Victoria Poole MA VetMB CertAVP (SAM-fel,SAS) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon - Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery and Feline Medicine
Meet Victoria, she graduated from Cambridge University in 2007, and joined the Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd straight away, having seen practice here as a student. Further academic successes have followed as Victoria has studied for and passed General Practitioner Certificates in both Emergency Medicine and Surgery, Feline Medicine and Small animal surgery. Victoria is a keen orthopaedic surgeon and regularly attends orthopaedic conferences. Victoria is an advanced practitioner in small animal surgery and feline medicine and enjoys seeing cases in these fields of veterinary practice. When she isn’t at work, Victoria likes to ski (carefully), and sample fine French cuisine. She is a reluctant runner and enjoys spending time in the countryside with her husband and dogs.
Charlie Green BVMed Sci BVM BVS (Hons) CertAVP (DI & SAM) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon - Advanced Practitioner in Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Medicine
Meet Charlie, she graduated from Nottingham Vet School in 2012 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and joined the practice soon after. In 2015, she became a practice director and completed a General Practice Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging. Her main interests include ultrasonography, radiography, and CT. She also enjoys the challenge of canine and feline cardiology, and internal medicine. Outside of work, she is a keen long-distance runner, mountaineer, and loves adventure sports. Charlie has two much-loved rescue dogs, a three-legged whippet, called Roux, and a huge, naughty Jack Russell, called Pete. Roux loves to keep Charlie company on her runs, whereas Pete prefers to bark and shred soft toys!
Ted Cutting MA Vet MB CertAVP (Ophthal) GPCert (DI) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon - Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology
Say hello to Ted, he graduated from Cambridge University in 2007 and was in the same academic year as Victoria! He enjoyed mixed practice for 2 years before concentrating on companion animals. Having developed a special interest in dentistry, diagnostic imaging (in which he gained a General Practitioner Certificate in 2016), and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, he joined the practice in 2016. He is looking forward to developing the keyhole surgery service here at Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd and splits his time evenly between the branches. Ted is a very keen gardener and has studied for a Diploma in Horticulture, which he gained in 2015. He is also an accomplished pianist and enjoys chasing his dog, George, around the countryside.
Katie-Anne Nash BVSc CertAVP(SAS) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon - Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery
Meet Katie, she graduated from Bristol vet school in 2017. Her main interest is in surgery, with a keen interest in orthopaedics, and soft tissue surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming and walks with her rescue Staffordshire-cross, Brad, and three Lurchers, Pip, Penny, and Kira.
Seamus McManus DVM CertAVP (ECC) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon - Advanced Practitioner in Emergency and Critical Care
Say hi to Seamus, he graduated with distinction from the University of Veterinary Medicine, in Budapest. He joined the practice in March 2018, having moved to the area from Galway in the west of Ireland. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice, especially medicine and surgery. Seamus also holds a degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering and spent some time working in that industry. But, after growing up in a veterinary family, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Outside of work, he enjoys playing the guitar, mountain biking, hiking, and water sports.
Chelsey Thorn BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chelsey graduated from the University of Liverpool in July 2020, she joined Willow shortly after. Chelsey completed much of her placement with us during her studies. She has a keen interest in surgery and is currently working towards completing her surgical certificate, and hoping to progress to Advanced Practioner status thereafter. Outside of work Chelsey enjoys running, walking and travelling. Chelsey has a much-loved dog, an English Setter called Arthur who also enjoys joining her on her runs.
Peter Neilson BVM BVS (Hons) BVMedSci (Hons) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Peter joined the practice in 2023 having graduated in 2017. Following graduating he spent time as both a mixed and a farm vet before settling in small animal practice. In work Peters main interest is emergency critical care. Outside of work, he enjoys playing cricket, lifting weights and tropical fish keeping.
David Gabbott BSC (Hons) An Sci
Practice Manager
David joined Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd in August 2016 as practice manager, having worked in the large animal and farming industry previously. He has always enjoyed working with animals from a young age and went on to work in the commercial farming sector after completing his BSC Hons in Animal Science at Nottingham University. He has a keen interest in tropical and marine fish keeping, enjoys camping in Cornwall, and walking his two dogs.
Lisa Goldstraw RVN NCert (A&CC)
Head Nurse
Lisa joined us in 2005 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2008. She has great enthusiasm for Anaesthesia and Critical Care and went on to achieve a certificate in this, in 2012. Lisa has also been Head Nurse since 2014 and leads the team of nurses. She works hard to ensure they are all encouraged and feel supported. Lisa has a black Labrador, Alfie, and a cat, Jess. Lisa first met Jess when the cat was signed over to Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd, and the pair immediately bonded. Outside of work Lisa enjoys spending time in the countryside, taking part in tug of war competitions, and baking cakes.
Janet Carroll RVN Cert (Dent) DipFN
Veterinary Nurse - Senior Team Leader
Having joined the practice in 1997, Janet completed her nursing qualification before going on to become an assessor and train student nurses. She added to her qualifications by completing certificates in dentistry and anaesthesia, and later gained a diploma in feline nursing. She currently runs feline nurse clinics and renal clinics to help and support clients and their pets. She is currently senior team leader and is based at our Endon branch. When not working she has a busy home life with two teenage children, a border terrier, two cats and two horses.
Natalie Wain Dip RVN C&GCertVNES
Veterinary Nurse - Team Leader
Natalie joined the practice in 2011 and completed the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and qualified in 2015. Natalie is a Team Leader at our Tunstall branch and also a clinical coach to our student nurses. She has a keen interest in exotic species and imaging. She has completed the Certificate in Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species (VNES), covering small mammals, reptiles, birds and wildlife. In her spare time, Natalie loves spending time camping and walking her Border Collie, Spot.
Rachael Forster Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse - Team Leader
Rachael completed many months of voluntary work before joining the practice as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse in April 2016. Previously, she gained an honours degree in Animal Health, Welfare and Management at Harper Adams University College. Rachael has recently started the Animal Nursing Assistant course and will progress on to the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son, Ollie, who keeps her very busy and active, family walks in the park, and swimming.
Amie Marren RVN NCert AnBeh
Veterinary Nurse
Say hello to Amie, she has been with the practice since 1998, after enrolling on an animal care course at Rodbaston College. After this, she progressed onto her veterinary nursing course and qualified in 2004. She then became an assessor, enabling her to train student veterinary nurses, and assess their progress in practice. Amie has recently gained a certificate in Animal Behaviour and is currently offering consultations and behavioural therapy for our client's pets. Outside of work, Amie enjoys spending time with her family, keeping fit, and socialising with friends.
Claire Tomkinson RVN NCert(E&CC)
Veterinary Nurse
Claire joined the team at Willow Veterinary clinic in 2007, completing her Animal nursing assistant course, and then her NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Veterinary nursing and qualified as a Registered Veterinary nurse in 2011. Claire enjoys the challenge and variety of emergency and critical care and therefore chose to embark upon her NCert in Emergency and critical care in 2015.
Having a strong passion for wound care, Claire passed the BSAVA Merit award in Wound management in 2019, and is also a certified Recover rescuer having trained in CPR.
Claire has recently joined the Bandaging angels alongside her role here with us, whereby she delivers wound management CPD to veterinary professionals. Claire enjoys supporting our students and striving for top quality care for our patients. Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her family, and her cat Pixie.
Nicole Leighton Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse - Pharmacy Supervisor
Meet Nicole, she joined the practice in 2010 and completed the Animal Nursing Assistant course, before studying for the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014. Nicole enjoys all aspects of nursing but particularly enjoys surgical cases and anaesthesia. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys Pole Fitness, walking her two rescue dogs, Molly and Coco, and currently attends dog training classes with Coco. She and Coco are aiming to complete the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award at gold level.
Sophie Slater Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Sophie joined the practice when she finished school in July 2011. In 2013, she obtained her Animal Nursing Assistant award and then began her training to become a registered veterinary nurse, qualifying in August 2016. She is passionate about rehabilitating patients post orthopaedic procedures and has an interest in hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. Sophie has two Jack Russell’s, Shelly and Devon, and a German shepherd dog, Zack. Outside of work, she enjoys walking the dogs in the countryside, socialising with friends, and holidaying to different destinations.
Isabel Curry Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Meet Izzy, she joined Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd, in 2013. After spending a year in practice and gaining valuable experience, she completed her Animal Nursing Assistant Course. In September 2016, she embarked on her first year of the Veterinary Nurse Diploma. Izzy also enjoys assisting with surgical cases. In her spare time, she loves running, and has recently completed a half marathon! She has two dogs and three cats, who keep her busy.
Ella Littleton Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Ella Joined the team at Willow Veterinary Clinic in July 2019 as a Student Veterinary Nurse. She completed an animal management course in 2016 at Reaseheath College. She then went on to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2020. She enjoys spending her spare time walking with her two Miniature Dachshunds, Luna and Lola.
Sophie Oram Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse
After initially completing her diploma as a Veterinary Care Assistant in 2017, Sophie then went on to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2020, before she then joined the team here at Willow Veterinary Clinic in 2022. Sophie enjoys all aspects of nursing and has a keen interest in physiotherapy; she is currently completing a Nursing Certificate in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Sophie has two pets, a Labrador called Hollie and a male cat called Barbara, that certainly keep her on her toes in the profession! Outside of work, Sophie enjoys going for a walk, travelling, reading and is currently learning how to knit.
Niamh Hartless Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Niamh joined the practice in 2018, having always had a passion for animals. She begun her journey with Willow Veterinary Clinic in the role of an Animal Care Assistant, during which time she completed certificates in Animal Psychology and Animal Nursing Assistance. Niamh then progressed onto the Veterinary Nursing Diploma, and she qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2023. Niamh is most interested in critical care nursing, and is now a key part of our in house night team. Outside of work, she enjoys walks in the countryside with her dogs, Lexi and Beardsley; surfing and exploring local eateries.
Jessamy Tickle Dip RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Jessamy completed several years of voluntary work at Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd before qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2019, and then re-joined the team at Willow Veterinary Clinic Ltd in May 2023. Jessamy enjoys all aspects of nursing but particularly enjoys medical cases and nurse clinics. Jessamy has two much-loved cats, Ellie and Bean. Outside of work, Jessamy enjoys walking in the countryside, keeping fit and socialising with friends.
Rachel Sentence
Student Veterinary Nurse
Rachel joined our team in July 2019, who has previously studied and gained qualifications within the level three advanced technical diploma in Animal Management, advanced psychology and behaviour and has gained a qualification and worked as an Animal Care assistant for multiple years. Rachel is currently studying and due to qualify and become a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024. Rachel has wanted to become a Veterinary Nurse from a very young age and will be very proud and passionate of this qualification. Rachel is very fond of medical nursing and is hoping to advance into this field of study once qualified. Rachel has a fond passion for Staffordshire Bull Terriers owning her own called Booboo along with a labrador retriever called Honey. Rachel also owns a horse called Samson and two rabbits called Luna and Peanut.
Shannnon Rodgers
Student Veterinary Nurse
Shannon joined Willow Veterinary Clinic in January 2021 as an Animal Care Assistant. She completed an Animal Management qualification at Reaseheath College in 2020, as it had always been her dream to work with animals. After 2 years as an Animal Care Assistant, Shannon progressed onto her Veterinary Nurse qualification, which she is currently completing at Bottle Green Training. Shannon enjoys emergency and critical care and would like to complete further training in this area once qualified. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time with her Lhasa Apso Buddy, and her cat Steve.
Anne-Marie Colclough
Animal Care Assistant
Anne-Marie joined our team in September 2016, whilst studying towards her Veterinary Care Assistant Qualification, which she has recently completed with a distinction. She has worked in various animal occupations, including zoo and wildlife rescue centres, and has a keen interest in exotic species. Anne-Marie is looking to progress on to the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing next year. Outside of work, Anne-Marie enjoys spending time with her children and two cats, as well as going on long walks with her two Jack Russell’s, Tilly, and Poppy.
Kirsty Ford
Animal Care Assistant
Kirstie joined Willow vets in 2019 and has an diploma animal care, animal behaviour and animal first aid. At home Kirstie has 2 girls, a husband, a staffy cross name Bow, 2 cats, 1 rabbit and 1 gerbil. Kirstie enjoys going to the gym and family hoildays camping in Cornwall.
Kaitlin Trueman
Animal Care Assistant
Kaitlin joined the team in July 2020. After a year of gaining knowledge and experience in the Animal Care Assistant role, she began her Level 2 Animal Care & Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship. She has since achieved a distinction and completed her course. She also supports reception alongside her Animal Care Assistant role. When not at work, Kaitlin enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her Cockapoo Miley.
Ella Thorley
Animal Care Assistant
Ella joined the team in March 2023 after finishing an animal management course at Reaseheath College. She is currently completing an online course as a Veterinary Support Assistant to help further her knowledge. Outside of work, Ella enjoys travelling, hiking, wildlife photography and spending time with her dog.
Nicola Edge
Admin Support
Nicola joined the team in August 2017 as part of our reception team at the Tunstall practice but has since worked in all three of our practices. Nicola had a keen interest in the insurance aspect of her admin role so, in early 2022 took a step back from front of house to focus on this and now takes care of insurance for all our practices alongside our Admin Support Caroline. Outside of work, Nicola’s time is dedicated to her daughter who shares her love of animals, local walks and spending quality time with family. Nicola has a black cat called ‘Wednesday’ who has a bit of a reputation when she comes to the clinic – thankfully not that often!
Holly Rooney
Receptionist
Holly joined our reception team in September 2018, working mainly at the Endon practice. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her two children and going on walks with her dog Chester.
Mandy Slater
Receptionist
Mandy joined the team in July 2017 as a Receptionist. Outside of work Mandy enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with Granddaughter.
Patty Muff
Receptionist
Patty joined us in August 2021, she came to us with 13 years’ experience in veterinary Reception. Patty strives to give the best customer service she can for all clients. She has an NVQ level 3 in customer service. When not in work Patty’s passions are renovating her cottage in the country with her husband, walks with rescue St Bernard Dolly, yoga, art, and touring and camping around Scotland as often as possible.
