HOLMEFIELD VETS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Head
- Nurse
- Alex Clifton RVN Head Nurse
- RVN Head Nurse
At the age of four I was lucky enough to live on a small holding and my father bought a pony - I think his initial idea was an easy way to avoid cutting the lawn! But I was very taken with the new lawn mower and over the years my parents had to keep upgrading it until we reached Tasha! My first horse, a beautiful chestnut mare and my best friend.
Inevitably after leaving school my first job was with horses. I spent several years in the equine industry including a year in the USA working in Chicago and Kentucky with children and horses, two things I hear you should never do! But I loved it.
After returning from the USA I was lucky enough to gain a position in Leeds as a trainee veterinary nurse and qualified in 1997 and after working in a mixed practice for several years in York, I joined Holmefield in 2004.
I spent several happy years here before I decided to spend more time with my two wonderful children and took a part time lecturing position at Askham Bryan College before resuming my connection with Holmefield Vets as Head Nurse in January 2013. And the rest as they say, is history...
Job Titles:
- Amelia Fell RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist
- Angie Machen Receptionist
I joined Holmefield in 2023 and thoroughly enjoy working with such an amazing dedicated team. I am passionate about my job and the opportunity to meet and help so many lovely pets and their owners.
I have previous experience as a Veterinary Receptionist in mixed practices and have a lifelong love of all animals. I currently have a golden retriever and a very mischievous tabby cat!
Horses and ponies were a big part of my life for many years, particularly attending shows with my Welsh Mountain ponies. I still enjoy Country shows but just as a spectator now!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist
- Anna Harper Receptionist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist
- Dawn Doherty Receptionist
After being a client for 12 years prior to working here and always having such a warm welcome and great experience, I knew it was somewhere I would enjoy working. And I was absolutely right!
I started working here just on Saturdays in October 2016 but jumped at the chance to increase my hours to fit around my daughters and school, once the opportunity arose. Everyone is so passionate about what they do and I love meeting all the pets and owners and seeing animals come in for the first time and then grow into adults! The vets and nurses are amazing and there isn't anything quite like seeing them jump into action when someone comes through the doors with an emergency. It makes me get goose bumps and feel so proud to work with such talented people.
In my spare time I am a full time mum to my 3 growing girls and making memories and having adventures with our 3 dogs and 2 cats.
Job Titles:
- Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery Veterinary Surgeon
Job Titles:
- Eleanor Nottingham RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
Whilst studying for my A levels, I had undertaken various work experience placements in veterinary practices, rescue centres, hydrotherapy centres and on farms and was excited to join the Holmefield team in 2016. Holmefield then supported me through my studies at Askham Bryan college, where I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2019.
I spend my spare time training and walking my dogs - Zak and Inca - Large Munsterlanders.
Job Titles:
- Eliza Empson RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
I started at Holmefield in 2018 as a Veterinary Care Assistant and am now studying to be a Vet Nurse. (I am also a qualified dispenser/ pharmacy advisor and worked for Boots Pharmacy for 3 years.)
I love my job, as it is a field I have always wanted to work in! I can't remember ever wanting to do anything different and have always had a keen interest in science and medicine. My favourite areas of nursing are currently anaesthesia, surgical nursing and emergency and critical care.
I don't have time for many hobbies (by the time I have finished studying and working!) but I love to read and cook and ride horses whenever I can. I also like to scuba dive, and I'm hoping to get my certification this year.
My favourites animals to work with are dogs (I have a particular soft spot for border terriers) and wildlife (especially hedgehogs) but haven't got any pets of my own at the moment.
Job Titles:
- Emily Knight RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
I started at Holmefield as a work experience student at the age of 14 in 2008, then joined the team after leaving school. I then completed my veterinary nurse training and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in June 2015.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist
- Gemma Burns Receptionist
After being a foster carer for over a decade, I wanted to find a new job that challenged me. I joined the practice in October 2023, working for Holmefield Vets was a perfect opportunity for me. I enjoy meeting new people and I have always had a love for animals
Since I started working here I have become the owner of a new puppy Lucy, she is such a bundle of joy and full of mischief! But the help and advice I have received from the team has been extremely helpful. Everyone who works within the practice is kind, friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable which is exactly what you want for our four-legged friends.
Job Titles:
- Helen Deighton RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
Once I left school, I studied at Bishop Burton College and gained a BSc Hons in Animal Welfare and Behaviour and then continued my studies to qualify from the College of Animal Welfare as an RVN in Feb 2019.
I joined Holmefield in March 2019 and love working in a close knit team of like-minded people. Like most veterinary nurses, I can't help but take my work home, so have a Patterdale Terrier, a Springer Spaniel and 2 cats.
And as if that isn't enough, I spend my spare time horse riding and walking (invariably with the dogs in tow)!
Job Titles:
- Animal Care Assistant
- Jasmine Davies Animal Care Assistant
I started working at Holmefield in June 2022 as an animal care assistant, I would like a career within the veterinary sector and thought here would be a great place to start. I am currently studying a level 2 in Veterinary Care Support and I hope to go on to do a qualification in veterinary nursing. I have already completed my level 2 & 3 in animal management. I have three horses Joey, Cossac and Elvis (due to his amazing hair) and I also have a deaf Jack Russell named Cassidy. In my spare time I like to enter my horses in competitions for jumping and showing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist
- Julie Sprott Receptionist
I have enjoyed working at Holmefield Vets since September 2002 but before moving to Selby from Dumfries, I worked for a veterinary wholesaler for 10 years and in a customer service role within the NHS.
I love working as part of a busy team and getting the opportunity to help our patients and clients through all stages of their lives.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Receptionist
- Laura Cooper Receptionist
I began my working life at an equine practice, where I worked for 7 years before trying a career change into the insurance industry. However, I very quickly realised that a working environment without animals was not for me and I missed the buzz of helping clients make sure that their beloved four-legged family members were fit and well. Like most of my colleagues, my home is full of animals too and my spare time is filled with walking my three dogs and show jumping with my horses, though as a new Mum I have much less spare time than I used to (but I wouldn't swap it for the world!)
Job Titles:
- Lisa Elliott RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
I joined the Holmefield team back in 2003 as a trainee veterinary nurse and I'm still part of the team now (so I must be doing something right for them to keep me all these years!). I completed my qualification at The College of Animal Welfare and became a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2007 and since then have developed a keen interest in surgical nursing. I enjoy the variety that each day brings - you never know what interesting cases will come in and what lovely animals you will meet.
Job Titles:
- Louise Davison MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon & Company Director
- Veterinary Surgeon & Company Director
Having grown up in a farming family near York and spending most of my free time as a child outside with either horses or dogs (or preferably both), a career in veterinary medicine was always my dream. I first came to Holmefield as a final year student to gain experience in pig medicine (as the practice in those days was a traditional mixed practice) and was delighted to join the team a year later as a ‘fledgling vet' in July 1994.
Having worked my way through the ranks and found myself as Clinical Director of the company, I now spend the majority of my time in a management role but still thrive on the time I spend doing the ‘real veterinary work' I love. I still get a buzz from working with animals and their owners every day and feel lucky to have spent my whole working life at Holmefield. Like most vets, my home has its fair share of 4 legged inhabitants too - Fletcher is a loyal and reliable Labrador and has incredible patience with the latest addition Lincoln, who is a whirlwind of a Dachshund, plus 3 elderly cats Spencer, Cheeky and Tango.
Job Titles:
- Megan Pattison RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
It was during my studies towards my Level 3 Animal Management Diploma that I started spending one day a week at Holmefield doing work experience and I was highly delighted to then join the team as a Veterinary Care Assistant where I am now undertaking formal Veterinary Nurse training.
I have a few weird and wonderful pets (a chameleon and a crested gecko) and the usual cat, dog and small furries. I also horse ride in my spare time - if there is any after college work and exams!
Job Titles:
- Megan Ryder RVN Veterinary Nurse
- RVN Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Nurse
I qualified from The College of Animal Welfare in January 2020 where I completed my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and joined Holmefield Vets in November 2020. Since then I have completed a Certificate in Feline nursing and have a particular interest in being an advocate for cats. Sadly, I do not have any cats of my own currently. I am experienced in all aspects of Veterinary Nursing as I have been lucky enough to train in emergency and referral work as well as first opinion. When I am not working, I enjoy video games and baking.
Job Titles:
- Suzanne Young MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon
- Veterinary Surgeon
I initially qualified with an Agriculture degree 39 years ago (I know, it only seems like yesterday!) then followed it up with a veterinary degree and whilst I initially worked in mixed practice, joining the team at Holmefield has allowed me to concentrate on small animal medicine and pursue my interests in preventative health and investigative medicine.
I love getting to know families and their pets and being able to help them care for them throughout their lives. Working with happy, friendly and competent people and working towards the same caring standards in an ever-advancing modern environment is a constant joy and essential for a happy life.
In the past, I have evented horses after re-schooling them, played rugby and done kick-boxing but my current sporting passion is cyclocross. It involves a commitment to training as well as competing and winning my age bracket in the local league is a good incentive to keep the pressure on.
We are down to just one dog now, who is getting older but still gives lots of pleasure and entertainment as well as companionship. Having had a few dogs over the years, I have come to enjoy the changes that their advancing years bring and consequently enjoy working towards a better quality of life for all our elderly patients.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Practice Manager
- Vicky Crosby Practice Manager
I recently joined the team in January 2022 and I am very excited to become part of the Holmefield family. I am new to the world of veterinary practice but cannot wait to get stuck into my role. I enjoy meeting new people and their furry friends, I have two cats myself
In my spare time I enjoy gardening which I find relaxing and therapeutic, I enjoy watching the changing seasons in the garden and seeing the flowers bloom particularly when I have the opportunity to laze in my hammock along with a good book and a glass of wine.
Job Titles:
- Veterinary Surgeon
- Victoria Melville MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon
I graduated in 2014 from Massey University in New Zealand with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. I initially worked in the sunny Hawkes Bay of NZ and then left for the UK to work and travel. It has now been 3 years and I am still loving living in Yorkshire and working as a vet here. I think of myself as an experienced general practitioner and particularly enjoy the problem solving aspects of ongoing medical cases and managing them through interaction with both the animals and people involved. More recently I have developed some interest in ultrasonography and am enjoying learning more in this area since joining Holmefield in October 2019.
I live locally with my partner Ryan, 2 fluffy cats and a cocker spaniel recently rescued through the RSPCA. In my spare time I like to be outdoors walking the dog, hiking and exploring the UK and Europe with Ryan. I am also quite domesticated and love cooking and crafts like sewing and needlework and am an avid reader.
I think of myself as an experienced general practitioner I particularly enjoy the problem solving aspects of ongoing medical cases and managing them through interaction with both the animals and people involved. More recently I have developed some interest in ultrasonography and am enjoying learning more in this area at Holmefield.