Andy joined us in early 2015 and hasn’t looked back since, previously working in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and before that, Central Queensland Australia. Coming from Fife in Scotland, Andy qualified in 2008 from Edinburgh University, and obtained a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in 2015 from the RCVS. He enjoys most areas of small animal practice, studying mainly medicine during his certificate, but has also undertaken further studies in Cardiology, enjoying echocardiography and helping out our heart patients.

Outside of work Andy has three ginger cats, Bert, Ernie and Pawlie, as well as two small humans, Mac and Cooper! Andy enjoys running, having most recently completed a 53 mile Ultramarathon in the Highlands, and when not outside he also enjoys writing, and has published a crime-fiction novel which wasn’t actually terrible. For the eleventh year running Andy has won the most handsome vet in the North East competition, and is in strong contention for this years awards!

Rebecca graduated from Bristol Vet School in 2020 and soon after decided to start a new chapter in the North. She joined the St Clair team in December 2023 and has quickly become a valued member of the practice. 

Outside of work, Rebecca and her partner lead a wonderfully busy life caring for their four dogs – Bella, Luna, Murphy, and Cody – along with their two cats, Phillip and Rupert. There’s never a dull moment in their household!

Izzy graduated from Bristol Vet School in 2024 and decided to move back up north, starting her career at St Clairs after impressing the team as a student. 

Rachel has dreamed of working in the veterinary profession since childhood and began her career in 2008 as a night nurse at a large veterinary hospital in Newcastle. She went on to train as a Student Veterinary Nurse through Myerscough College in Preston, Lancashire, qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014. The following year, she joined the team at St Clair Veterinary Care. Since then, Rachel has completed her Clinical Coach qualification, allowing her to support and mentor Student Veterinary Nurses. Her particular interests include anaesthesia, post-operative rehabilitation, and dermatology. In addition to her clinical work, Rachel also helps manage the practice’s insurance claims alongside her colleague Hazel.

 Outside of work, Rachel is kept busy by her husband, two young children, and three much-loved small-breed dogs. Maisie, a Chihuahua x Jack Russell Terrier, rules the roost; Ava, a spirited Romanian rescue, ensures there’s never a dull moment; and Wilf, a mischievous (and deaf) Papillon, keeps everyone on their toes. Although the trio are getting older now, they still love exploring the Northumberland countryside – and despite their size, they can still walk for miles.

Lauren first joined the St Clair team at just 15 years old, spending her summer holidays volunteering and quickly realising that a career working with animals was her true calling. She went on to complete her Veterinary Care Assistant course at Kirkley Hall College before progressing to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2018. With a particular passion for feline care, Lauren has achieved the ISFM Feline Nursing and Behaviour Certificate. She also has a strong interest in Emergency and Critical Care and is currently expanding her expertise through a specialised qualification in this field, which she aims to complete in September 2026. Her key skills include all things ECC, confidently handling cats with plenty of attitude, and taking blood samples – tasks she thoroughly enjoys.

Outside of work, Lauren shares her expertise by teaching dog first aid for The Dog First Aid Co, delivering courses to dog owners, canine professionals, and even police dog handlers. In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing and spending quality time with her little boy Abel, and their pets – dogs Floyd and Paisley, and their cat Todd.

Stefanie joined the St Clair family in June 2022 after working at another local practice for several years. Stefanie has been veterinary nursing since 2002 and has a keen interest in small mammals. Outside of work she is kept incredibly busy with her menagerie of animals including her pet Kune Kune Pig called Peanut.

Hazel began her veterinary career in 2013 as a receptionist at a local veterinary hospital. Inspired to take her passion further, she began training as a Veterinary Nurse in 2015 and successfully qualified in 2020. Having gained valuable experience in a hospital environment, Hazel has developed a strong interest in both medical and surgical nursing and hopes to pursue a further certificate in anaesthesia in the future.

At home, Hazel lives with her chocolate Labrador Lottie (affectionately known as Lottie-Potamus), her Shih-Tzu Rose, and her rabbit Rab C Nesbitt. Recently, she welcomed her baby boy, Bodhi, to the family. Outside of work, Hazel enjoys live music, long dog walks and spending time with friends and family.

Emily first joined the St Clair team as a Student Veterinary Nurse during her university placement – an experience she loved from the start. She went on to spend four years studying for her BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing at Edinburgh Napier University, graduating in July 2023 with a First-Class degree.

Before qualifying, Emily gained hands-on experience working with alpacas – her favourite animal – where she particularly enjoyed training them and supporting their cooperative care and socialisation with humans. Emily has recently qualified as a Certified Canine Exercise Rehabilitation Practitioner and has received her Advanced Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation. She has a strong interest in physiotherapy and is well-known for her excellent canine massage skills!

Outside of work, Emily enjoys baking, swimming, weight training and walking her Cocker Spaniel Maggie-May (affectionately known as Maggie-Mayhem). She also loves catching up with friends and family over a good coffee.

Andrea began her career in veterinary nursing in 2007, joining a large mixed veterinary practice in Northumberland, where she worked for ten years caring for farm animals, equines, small animals, and exotics. During this time, she qualified as an Animal Nursing Assistant in 2009 through Myerscough College and went on to become Head Nursing Assistant, training and supporting new assistants in their roles. In October 2017, Andrea joined the St Clair team and loves being part of the crazy work family!

 Outside of work, Andrea has a busy family life with her four grown-up children, ten grandsons, and two granddaughters. At home, she shares her life with two tarantulas, two Whippets – Brynja and Starla – and Torvi, her Bedlington Terrier cross Whippet. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys travelling the country with her husband and dogs in their motorhome, exploring new places, and indulging her creative side through writing, cross-stitching, and crafts.

Eiylish joined the St Clair team in January 2022 as an Auxiliary Nurse, following a year at another local practice. She has since achieved her long-term goal of qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, completing her studies alongside work. With a lifelong passion for animals, Eiylish began her journey at Kirkley Hall College, where she studied Animal Management, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Behaviour from Liverpool.

 As part of her four-year course, she spent six unforgettable months living on a mountain in South Africa, studying both primates and predators – an experience that ignited her love of adventure and the outdoors. Outside of work, Eiylish enjoys exploring the UK’s countryside and has made it her mission to conquer as many mountains as possible, alongside her cheeky best friend Basil – the Hungarian Vizsla X Cocker Spaniel. 

Maia joined the St Clair team in September 2021, marking the beginning of her veterinary career. After completing her work placement and achieving her Level 2 Animal Nursing Assistant qualification alongside Level 2 Dog Grooming through Kirkley Hall College, Maia was offered a permanent role as an Animal Care Assistant. She has since progressed to become a Student Veterinary Nurse and is now working towards qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the near future. Maia particularly enjoys surgical nursing and taking care of in-patients during their recovery, ensuring they receive plenty of TLC while hospitalised.

Outside of work, Maia loves watching anime with her cat Willow and can often be found dipping in the sea whenever she gets the chance!

Daniel officially joined the St Clair team in 2023 as an Animal Care Assistant helping care for the patients, the staff and the upkeep of the practice. Daniel is enjoying his first official job and being part of a team. At home, Daniel has a black and white cat called Jesse. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys cycling, kick-boxing, skiing, scuba diving and chilling with Jesse his cat. In the future, Daniel hopes to become a Veterinary Surgeon.

Ashley joined the St Clair team in March 2014 and soon after completed her Animal Nursing Award, covering basic animal handling, first aid, and reception duties. Over the years, her role has evolved to focus on administration and practice management, often finding her tucked away in the cellar office, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Ashley manages a wide range of administrative responsibilities, including overseeing reception, coordinating appointments, managing health and safety, and responding to client queries. While she may not always be front of house, she plays a vital role in ensuring the day-to-day operations of the practice run efficiently. She still enjoys every opportunity to meet your pets – especially the sight hounds!

At home, Ashley enjoys a busy family life with her two children, her cats Marley and Ollie and her Whippet Reiva. Alongside her work at the practice, Ashley also holds a level 3 qualification in sports massage and runs her own sports massage business.

Donna has an existing medical background having worked at a private hospital theatre department for 9 years and previously worked in a veterinary practice for a number of years before becoming a mother to her three children in which she took time out to care for. Donna jumped at the opportunity to return to veterinary which has always been her passion, joining the St Clair family in September 2021 as a full time receptionist.

Donna has two Pugs called Muffin and Belle, and a rescue Frenchie called Frankie. In her spare time Donna likes to travel and enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren. She also runs a Highland Dancing School with her daughter and loves teaching pupils this traditional form of dance which she has been involved with since the age of 4. The school regularly participates in shows, charity events, workshops and competitions all over the world.

Jess began her career in the veterinary world in 2021 after completing her Animal Care Assistant course in 2020. Since then, Jess has worked in a busy referral hospital, where she gained extensive hands on experience and developed a particular passion for emergency cases. Having always wanted to work in veterinary medicine since she was young, Jess finds the profession incredibly rewarding , especially because no two days are the same and there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.

Jess has been working as a Veterinary Care Assistant for around four to five years and is eager to continue developing her skills, with the goal of completing her veterinary nursing qualifications in the future.

Outside of work, Jess shares her home with her partner and three pets: Anvil, an English Bull Terrier, Moose, an Akita cross rescue, and Molly, a sassy “old lady” cat who keeps everyone in line. Alongside Jess’s veterinary career, Jess also owns her own business, which she currently runs part time while continuing her work here at St Clairs.