Introducing Our Practice Team

Rachel Davies

Director & Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS PGC SAS

Rachel has been involved with Shepherds for over 20 years; starting out doing work experience here before going to the University Edinburgh to study Veterinary Medicine and qualifying in 2008. Rachel then came to Shepherds as a new graduate vet, working here for a year before moving to an Orthopaedic and spinal referral practice. Rachel returned to Shepherds and became a Director in December 2017.

Rachel went on to develop her interests in soft tissue and orthopaedics by completing her General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2018. She is a registered RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, providing surgical options for our patients that could only otherwise be provided by referral. These include complex fracture repairs, cruciate ligament surgeries and airway surgeries. Outside of work she is a mother to Oliver who was born in 2020. Who accompanies her and her spaniel or horse in the local countryside.

Nicola Rolph

Director & Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine (Feline)

Nicola graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2015. Having worked at Shepherds as a recent graduate, she spent several years away working for a large corporate veterinary company running a practice and then in a national clinical leadership position before rejoining the Shepherds team as a Director in 2021. She is immensely proud of being part of a practice that is independent and embedded in the community whilst providing excellent veterinary care. Nicola has a particular love for our cat patients and is a registered RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Feline Medicine. She also enjoys ultrasonography, clinical pathology and dealing with some of our more complex medical patients. She spends most of her working days looking after the hospital inpatients as well as doing Cats Protection work and supporting the wider veterinary team. Outside of work, Nicola spends her time hiking, swimming, reading, baking and gardening. She is also a keen badminton player, playing against many of our clients in a local club. Her and her husband Richard share their house with their 2 cats Mia and Goku and their very hairy elderly rescue dog called Mortimer who all often appear in our social media posts.

Silvia Lunnon

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Silvia joined the Shepherds team in 2016. She graduated in 1995 in Germany and moved to Nottingham to write her doctorate. She has a special interest in orthopaedic surgery and emergency medicine. In her free time she enjoys taking her dog for walks and competing her horse in dressage.

Craig Mackinlay

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Craig graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2011 and joined Shepherds that same year. After 3 years he moved on to study for a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Zoological Medicine. He returned to Shepherds in 2017 as a locum and became permanent again in 2018 to provide an exotic pet service for our clients.

In his spare time he enjoys hiking, spending time with his pets (a royal python, Cuban knight anole and guinea pig) and whisky tasting.

Laura Beach

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Laura graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in July of 2018 after achieving a BSc in animal science from the University of Nottingham in 2014. A keen musician, she plays a multitude of instruments in her spare time, from woodwinds (flute, recorder, ocarina and tin whistle) through piano to strings (ukulele). At Nottingham, she was a member of the alternative arts society, which involved spinning fire, juggling and other circus tricks. She also has an interest in emergency medicine and is continuously learning more about treating birds, reptiles and small mammals as well as the usual companion species. Her goal is to provide the same standard of care for every patients, regardless of species.

Daisy Markham

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Daisy graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019 before moving to South Wales to join the Shepherds team. She has a particular interest in both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, and has recently started a surgical certificate to develop this further. A lover of all labradors, Daisy can often be found wandering the South wales beaches with her own yellow lab, Maple

Elinor Long

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Ellie graduated from Liverpool University in 2020 and has worked at Shepherds since qualifying. She's interested in all areas of general practice but has a passion for medicine and would love to work in a hospital environment long term. She has a deep love for all things feline, and has her own very naughty ragdoll called Benny at home, who she rescued from Cats Protection. Ellie does lots of work with Cats Protection and loves being able to make a big difference doing work with a charity. Outside of work, Ellie has many hobbies but mainly loves being able to explore the beautiful scenery of Wales.

Sarah Burke

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Sarah graduated from the University of Bristol in 2021. Originally from Manchester, she moved to South Wales to join the lovely team at Shepherds. Sarah has a keen interest in feline medicine and hopes to pursue further qualifications in this in the near future. Outside of work, she enjoys the local beaches and playing tennis.

Beth Jarrett

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Beth graduated from the university of Liverpool in 2021. She enjoys all aspects of small animal practice but has a particular interest in surgery. She is also a qualified Official Veterinarian. Originally from Gloucestershire, she made the move to South Wales as her interests include hiking and exploring the outdoors; on her days off, Beth can usually be found up a mountain somewhere with her ex-racing greyhound, Brynmor.

Frances Crews

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Frances graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Originally from the Isle of Wight, Frances has relocated to South Wales with her family. Whilst she enjoys all aspects of small animal practice, at university Frances developed a keen interest in emergency and critical care, and hopes to pursue this in the future.

When not at work, Frances enjoys spending time with her Tibetan terrier - Beau, long walks and trying out new baking recipes with family.

Lowri Maskell

Veterinary Surgeon

Lowri graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in July 2023. Originally from South Wales and a fluent Welsh speaker, she is excited to return home to start her career. She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and has a keen interest in surgery. Outside of work, Lowri enjoys cooking, paddle boarding, travelling to new countries and spending her time with friends and family.

Felicia Farah

Veterinary Surgeon

Felicia graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023 before joining the lovely team at Shepherds. She enjoys all aspects of her work, and has a particular interest in surgery. After growing up in France, she is excited to explore all that South Wales has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys looking after her collection of houseplants, hiking, painting and traveling.

Jenny Stanford

Veterinary Surgeon

Jenny graduated in Veterinary Medicine and Science from the University of Surrey in 2023, having previously been a senior lecturer and climate scientist. Her love of rabbits and a keen fascination in rabbit medicine motivated Jenny to pursue her childhood dream of being a vet. Jenny has six rescue rabbits at home, and she is passionate about rabbit health and welfare, having been a member of the RWAF for a number of years. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys running, sailing, DIY and playing her viola.

Brogan Thomas

Veterinary Surgeon

Brogan graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2023 before moving back to her hometown in South Wales to join the Shepherds team. Whilst she enjoys all aspects of small animal practice, she has developed a keen interest in surgery. Outside of work, Brogan can be found enjoying the local beaches, socialising with her friends and keeping fit.

Ieuan O'Leary Williams

Veterinary Surgeon

Ieuan graduated from the University of Bristol in 2024. He is originally from the South Wales area and is looking forward to working near to home. He enjoys all aspects of general practice but hopes to develop his interests in surgery and ophthalmology. Outside of work, Ieuan is a keen but new triathlete hoping to compete an Ironman in the future!

Nadia van der Goes van Naters

Veterinary Surgeon

Nadia graduated from University of Bristol in July 2024. Nadia grew up in Cardiff and decided to come back to South Wales to join the Shepherds team. She enjoy all aspects of small animal practice but she is particularly interested in surgery. Nadia loves playing the piano, and is currently learning to surf and kickbox.

Rebecca Humphrey

Head Nurse

RVN

Rebecca joined Shepherds in 1998 as a student veterinary nurse and gained her registration in 2002. As well as being a Head Nurse to an amazing team of nurses since 2015, she is also a lead clinical coach, for her being a clinical coach is the best part of her job as she enjoys mentoring and teaching practical skills. Rebecca says “each new student comes with enthusiasm and eagerness, this encourages me to keep learning alongside them to improve my own knowledge to be able to support and guide them in the best possible way. Being apart of student nurses gaining their qualification and becoming professionals is very rewarding. I am currently studying the VMG/ILM Level 5 certificate in Leadership and Management which I hope to achieve this year.” Rebecca feels the best part of Working at Shepherds is that it’s like having an extended family. We have a wonderful dedicated team, all of which possess their own skill sets, strengths and experience. We all support and learn from each other and work as a team to provide the best possible care for our clients and their pets - our patients which of course are the heart of everything we do.

Kelsey Jones

Deputy Head Nurse

RVN

Kelsey started working in Shepherds Feb 2016. She qualified in September 2018. She then became Senior Nurse in Feb 2020 and then promoted to Deputy Head Nurse in Dec 2022. She has cats and dogs at home. Kelsey imported a cat from Cyprus called Otis to save him from being culled at 4 months old and now he lives like a king. Kelsey’s interests in practice are emergency and critical care, feline medicine and building relationships with our clients.

Jodie Parsons

Theatre Nurse

RVN

Jodie joined Shepherds the Vets in July 2011. She qualified in August 2014. Jodie is our Head of Theatre and runs the daily operations in our Theatre. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and partner and going to different places for weekends away especially zoos! When at home she enjoys keeping fit at the gym.

Jess Williams

RVN

Jess started working at Shepherds in January 2019 and qualified in the November. She has been working in the veterinary industry since 2012.

Jess has a very keen interest in Emergency and Critical Care and started her certificate in October 2021. In her spare time, Jess enjoys doing CrossFit and spending time at the beach. She also has an interest in marine wildlife and is hoping to soon get her Freediving certificate.

Jemma Kearn

RVN

Jemma qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in January 2021 and joined the Shepherds team in January 2022.

A self confessed Crazy Cat Lady she has 5 cats and a tortoise. One of her favourite parts of the job is hand rearing stray kittens, which she has done a number of times for charities.

Jemma has a keen interest in lab work and feline behaviour and wellbeing. She would also like to develop her knowledge of reptile care and husbandry.

Outside of work she lives a relatively quiet life. She enjoys going for hikes around various beauty spots, travelling and watching Japanese Anime.

Amy Brown

RVN

Amy joined Shepherds in May 2019. Amy attended the University if Gloucestershire where she studied Animal Biology. She has always had a passion for animals and wanted to work with them from a young age. Amy is a qualified veterinary nurse.

In her spare time Amy enjoys spending time with friends and looking after and riding her horse.

Alex Rogers

RVN

Alex joined Shepherds in 2019 and achieved her childhood dream of becoming RVN in 2023. Alex enjoys caring for inpatients and nursing them back to health, she especially loves big dogs and hedgehogs! In her spare time Alex enjoys hiking along the Welsh mountains and competing in Canicross events with her Dalmatian Dolly!

Jen Pounds

Jen qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2009. She enjoys all parts of the job but has a special interest in small furries. She has a cat called Marley and a hamster called Oreo. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the Welsh outdoors.

Hannah Mulhall

RVN

Hannah joined Shepherds in March 2022, during her first-year training as a Student Nurse. Having always wanted to work with animals, Hannah started her career in Veterinary in 2020. Hannah qualified in 2024.

Previously Hannah have worked in various job roles involving animals, including farm work in Australia. Hannah says “I am passionate about all animals but I would definitely say I'm a cat person!”

Emily Stonehouse

RVN

Emily joined Shepherds as an ACA in 2020 and qualified as a RVN in 2024. She has always wanted to work with animals and has been around them most of her life. Emily is now a converted crazy cat lady with her own little furball from cats protection called Nancy. Emily hopes to progress her nursing skills and complete a certificate in medical nursing or emergency and critical care.

Josie Thomas

RVN

Josie joined Shepherds in 2021 and qualified as an RVN in 2024. Josie decided she wanted to become a nurse after volunteering abroad in a spay and neuter clinic. She has two cats - Steve, and a rescue from the Philippines named Sully. Josie enjoys doing CrossFit and loves true crime documentaries!

Ashley Lewis

RVN

Ashley has worked within in the veterinary industry since 2011 and qualified in 2016. Ashley has a passion for Medicine and gained his medical nursing certificate in 2024.Ashley is also passionate about Emergency and Critical Care, and has worked as an emergency veterinary nurse for many years. In his spare time, he enjoys walking and spending time with his 2 dogs - Duke (the Corgi) and Mac (the terrier).

Sophie Pinkstone

RVN

Sophie qualified as an RVN in 2020 and joined the team in 2024. Sophie loves emergency work and has a Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care. She is looking forward to helping with the out of hours service we provide here at Shepherds. Sophie loves nursing, especially geriatric patients. After having her two beloved childhood cats reach 19 she is passionate about our furry friends getting the care they deserve in their twilight years. When Sophie isn't at work you will find her spending time with her two cute but naughty cats, Pumpkin and Pea.

Rebekah Park

RVN

Rebekah qualified with a degree in 2022 whilst practicing in a combined orthopaedic referral and first opinion practice. During her first few years of nursing she developed an interest in feline medicine, and gained a diploma in feline nursing in 2024. She hopes to further her education with a medical certificate in the future. Bek enjoys horse riding and going for long walks with her two dogs.

Catrin Hales

RVN

Catrin has been in the veterinary industry since 2019, and qualified as a nurse in June 2023. Since qualifying, she has embarked on the ISFM diploma in Feline Nursing and is looking forward to developing her emergency and critical care skills here at Shepherds. She is also interested in learning more about the laws protecting animal welfare and the nursing care of geriatric patients - a golden oldie is her favourite patient! Catrin is owned by two rescue cats, Haiiro and Monty, and enjoys taking her dog, Leo, for walks in the Welsh woodlands. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, needlework, horseriding and anything Harry Potter related.

Cerys Richards

SVN

From a very young age Cerys has always had a love for animals. She’s been working in the veterinary industry as a Nursing Assistant since 2014 when she completed her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management. Cerys has a passion for cats, she has 2 dogs and 2 cats but cats are definitely her favourite animal! Cerys has recently joined us from the RSPCA where she worked for 3 years and had an amazing experience but is now very excited to start her student vet nursing as it has always been her dream!

Lauren Smith

SVN

Lauren has always wanted to work with animals from a very young age and says "I'm very excited to start my studies to become an RVN."

In her spare time she loves to volunteer at the dogs trust and takes her own pup on adventures.

Kristy Davies

SVN

Kristy started at shepherds at March 2022. She enjoys eventing with her horses yogi bear and Larry potter. She looks forward to her future at Shepherds as a trainee vet nurse.

Emily Ford

SVN

Emily has completed her HND Animal Studies in Pencoed college in 2020 and joined the Shepherds team in 2022. Emily is now training to become an RVN. At home she has two cats; Nora, a domestic short hair and Norman, a bengal cross. Emily also has a short haired syrian hamster she rescued called Nugget. Emily has a fond interest in animal welfare and emergency care.

Georgia Fairgray

SVN

Georgia joined us in 2022 to pursue her veterinary nurse career, Now an SVN she enjoys all aspects of her job and hopes to continue her career with small animals ones qualified. In her spare time she takes care of her horse Colin and her two husky’s, one Dalmatian and one miniature dashhound.

Kaitlyn Lewis

SVN

Kaitlyn graduated Aberystwyth university in 2020 with a bachelor’s of science. Kaitlyn joined Shepherds in 2022 and always had a huge passion to work with animals from a young age. During her free time she enjoyed spending time with her two horses and walking her sprocker spaniel Lottie.

Tabitha Bill

SVN

Tabitha completed a level 3 Animal management qualification in Pencoed College before starting in Shepherds in 2023. She has a passion for caring for animals since a young age. At home Tabitha has 2 cats and a dog named Ted. Ted inspired the dream to work as a vet nurse as he requires alot of attention and medical help. He has had many trips to the Vets and having seen how the industry works, it inspired Tabitha to make it a reality.

Amber James

SVN

Amber has previously completed a level 3 extended diploma in Animal Management which further developed her ambition of becoming a veterinary nurse. Joining Shepherds in 2023 Amber is extremely determined to thrive at Shepherds and achieve her goal of Veterinary Nurse! In her spare time Amber enjoys spending time with her 4 Guinea pigs and Jack Russel.

Leah Williams

SVN

Leah started working at Shepherd’s as an Animal Care Assistant in October 2021 and has now started her pre-training for veterinary nursing. She is an animal lover who has always had a keen interest in working with animals. During her free time Leah enjoys socialising with friends, spending time with family and looking after her cat Cranberry who she recently adopted.

Aloira Clark

SVN

Aloira has always loved animals from an early age and from moving here from Australia she started pencoed college to study animal studies and finished it with HND animal science and now is exited to learn more way to improve animals health with vet nursing Aloira has 4 dogs and 4 cats

Taytum Gray

SVN

Taytum joined shepherds in July 2024, excited to begin her journey to becoming an RVN. She previously completed a level 3 extended diploma in Animal Management at Pencoed college and has been a Nursing Assistant at Weighbridge Referral Centre before joining us. She has thoroughly enjoyed her experience working with animals so far and cannot wait for the future ahead.

Caitlin Charles

ACA

Caitlin joined Shepherd’s at the end of July 2024 as Branch Animal Care Assistant after completing a HND in Animal Studies. She’s eager to learn through the ACA role and hopes to move onto the student veterinary role when the times right. Caitlin has always had a love for animals having had various pets throughout her life she currently has 5 cats and a border collie.

Leanne Tame

Head Receptionist

Leanne joined Shepherds in February 2017 as our Head Receptionist.

Leanne came to the practice with a great deal of management experience and was recruited to support our receptionist team in delivering a great customer experience.

Sarah Pepper

Deputy Head Receptionist

Sarah joined Shepherds in 2020 and is our Deputy Head Receptionist. With a passion for our 4 legged friends and 3 of her own at home, Shepherds is a perfect fit. Sarah has a level 6 qualification in BSL and is happy to help any customers who may need a little support with communication.

Louise Barham

Senior Receptionist

Louise has worked as a receptionist for Shepherds since 2003. Louise is based in our Bridgend Hospital. She has progressed to senior receptionist.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time walking her dogs and seeing family and friends.

Jo Cartwright

Senior Receptionist

Jo has worked at Shepherds the vets since 2012. Jo originally worked at the beeches as a kennel assist and then moved to the Hospital in Brackla. Jo left Shepherds for a short period where she worked alongside her family in a boarding kennels. Jo then returned to Shepherds as a trainee nurse and after a short time decided to join the reception team where she has enjoyed working since.

Jen Rees

Senior Receptionist

Jen joined Shepherds as part of the reception team, November 2007 when the practice was based at ' The Beeches', Litchard. She worked at the practice for almost a year before we relocated to Ty Arc, our purpose-built animal hospital. She says she “had no idea at the time just how fast paced and varied my role would become, and no two days are ever the same here!”

Tracy Jones

Bridgend

Tracy has worked as a receptionist at Shepherds since 2012. She has always liked animals and grew up with them as a child. She has 2 cats named Tide and Cloud and 2 guinea pigs named Chase and Ryder at home. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son playing football and enjoying the outdoors.

Helen Jenkins

Helen Jenkins, has been employed by Shepherds the Vets since 2017 on a part time basis as a receptionist. She joined the team after being made redundant from Bridgend County Borough Council as an administration officer. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and grandson. Her and her husband also like to travel around the country attending race meetings, especially ladies’ days.

Steph Geddes

Bridgend

Steph joined Shepherds the Vets in October 2018 having previously worked at Tesco’s office in Cardiff.

Steph says “I spend most of my time running after my childrem so have little time for hobbies, although I do love a shopping trip once in a while.” Steph has a dog called Max who is a lab cross collie.

Debbie Walker

Porthcawl

Debbie joined Shepherds in March 2020 and is receptionist for the Porthcawl Branch. Having previously worked for many years in a receptionist role Debbie enjoys meeting owners and their pets. Debbie says after being a client of Shepherds for more than 30 years to now work for the Shepherds team is very rewarding and knowing her 3 rescue dogs Robbie, Bailey and Breeze have the very best of care.

Nicola Lewis

Bridgend

Nicola joined the Shepherds team in September 2020, bringing years of experience within customer care and administration. Nicola enjoys meeting owners and helping take care of their furry family members.

Catherine Ryan

Bridgend

Cath has worked at shepherd's the vets since December 2021. After working in retail / customer services for 37years, Cath is enjoying the challenge of a career change. On her days off she enjoys gardening /walking her dog Maggie and taking family holidays.

Jasmine Shirley

Bridgend

“From working with animals, to selling houses for a year to come back full circle back to working with animals where I belong.” Jasmine has a beagle called Evie and 2 rats called Freya and Tovi.

Sian Parfitt

Receptionist

Sian joined the team in 2023. Previously Sian has worked at a local hotel as a receptionist. Sian’s passion for animals bought her to work for Shepherds the Vets. During her spare time Sian enjoys nothing more than spending time with her 2 cats, 2 horses and dog.

Nicole Abela

Nicole joined the Shepherds team in November 2023, after working in retail and customer service for many years. Nicole spends her free time enjoying a costal walk with her Golden retriever, Oakley, and cuddling up with her rescue cat, Sabre, with a good fantasy book

Andrea Thomas

Receptionist

Andrea joined Shepherds in 2024 as part of the reception team. Andrea has joined us after working for a high street bank for over 16 years. Andrea most loves spending time and going on holidays with her family. They have a tortoise named Dave

Paula Meek

Receptionist

Paula made a career change in 2024 and joined Shepherds in the April as she loves to help customers and their furry friends. In her spare time she likes to walk for hours with her beautiful Border Collie Blue.

Julia Collins

Practice Manager

Julia joined Shepherds the Vets in August 2016 as the Practice Manager. Julia has spent the last 20 years working in the financial services sector at a management level, both at national and international roles. She decided to make a career change joining Shepherds. She says “I am delighted I made the decision to join shepherds. My current priorities are to work with the team to ensure we delivered a gold standard of care to all our patients at all times”.

In her spare time, she loves to travel, read and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Marina Jones

Practice Co-ordinator

Marina has worked at Shepherds since 1993, starting as a part-time receptionist and now as the Practice Coordinator.

Outside of work she loves spending time with her grandchildren, watching rugby and going on holidays.

TJ Davies

Facilities Manager

TJ joined the team in January 2018 and assumed the newly formed post of Facilities Manager, where is he now responsible for the general maintenance of the buildings along with managing the servicing of the equipment used in the practice.

Emma Durham

Administrator

Emma joined the team in 2019 as a receptionist and soon became administrator. She enjoys the role and the different challenges it presents.

Rebecca Greenman

Administrator

Rebecca joined shepherds in May 2021 as a receptionist and shortly after became one of our administrators and has enjoyed every minute . She loves seeing the furry animals and has two dogs of her own Archie and Reggie. In her spare time she loves going on long walks across the beach with Archie and Reggie.

Emily Dohan Hayes

Administrator

Emily joined Shepherds in June 2024 after deciding on a career change. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and her Bichon Frise, Pippin.