Michelle Lewis - Practice Manager

Michelle started training as a veterinary nurse in 1995 at Oaks straight from school. Michelle’s training was put on hold with the arrival of her first child and following this, she decided to change her career path. Michelle continued to work at Oaks on reception where she was promoted to Head Receptionist with her hours and duties gradually increasing. Her organisation and excellent communication skills lead her to become Practice Manager after aspiring to take on this role for a long time. As in any clinic, the relationship between staff and Practice Manager is very important and Michelle is always approachable, kind and supportive.

For anyone who knows Michelle, they will know that her longevity within the clinic has allowed her to build strong and trusting relationships with both clients and their family pets. Michelle always has every animals’ well-being in the forefront of her mind and her communication and organisation makes her a driving force within the clinic.

Favourite part of the job: I love helping my team with any issues, regardless of whether it is work related or not. I have a strong maternal drive and so caring for my team comes naturally and I love them all as family!

Pets: I currently have no pets but have had cats and dogs over the years. Thankfully, I get my cat and dog fix at work each day!

Hobbies: I have recently started Pilates and I enjoy singing. I'm a dance mum so live vicariously through my daughter and I moonlight as a taxi driver! I love cooking, reading, above all being with my family.

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Rebecca Rowe - BVetMed MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon, Director

Rebecca qualified in 1996 from the Royal Veterinary College and joined the Oaks in 2011 after working at busy first opinion clinics in both large and small animal practice.

In 2021, Rebecca became the owner and director of the clinic with her husband, Richard. Together they are a fantastic team and are both passionate about animal welfare and animal rescue.

Rebecca has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a particular interest in rabbits and small furries. Clients have followed her throughout her career, with some even coming to see her from as far afield as Chester and Skegness! Rebecca is a proficient surgeon and performs BOAS surgery on brachycephalic dogs which makes a huge difference to their quality of life.

Favourite part of the job: I enjoy endocrinology including management of diabetic, hyperthyroid and Cushingoid patients. I love surgery and particularly enjoy seeing the benefits of dental surgery on the patient’s welfare and well-being.

Pets: We have two cats and three dogs, all of whom are from rescue organisations. We have acquired some pets due to abandonment at the clinic but they are now living their best lives!

Hobbies: I play the cornet and achieved my grade 8 certification in 2021. I enjoy playing in my local silver band where we put on performances to raise money for charity. I love fresh water swimming and running including partaking in parkruns with my son, Jack.

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Nicki Davis BVetMed MRCVS - Veterinary Surgeon

Nicki joined the practice in 2015 after qualifying from The Royal Veterinary College, London. She worked at Oaks until February 2020 when she planned to go travelling but was unable to due to lockdown. Instead, she worked at a number of different clinics as a locum and then moved to the Caribbean for 14 months. Here, Nicki ran a non-for-profit animal shelter and clinic and developed her surgical skills further. After returning to the U.K. in 2022, Nicki continued her work as a general practitioner at a clinic in Wolverhampton before returning to Oaks in May 2023. Nicki is furthering her education and has started a certificate in Feline Medicine.

Favourite part of the job: dermatology, dental treatment, surgery and everything cats! I enjoy managing the clinic’s social media when I have some spare time. Above everything I love my team at Oaks and take pride in our achievements every day!

Pets: I currently do not have any pets but adopted a geriatric cat in 2023, Misty, who is in my photo. She was my world and I would like to adopt another geriatric cat when the time is right!

Hobbies: I love practising yoga as well as hiking, swimming and travelling. Camping in the U.K. is one of my favourite holidays…as long as the sun is out!

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Vanessa Jorge MRCVS - Veterinary Surgeon

Vanessa qualified from the University of Évora in Portugal in 2017 with an integrated masters in Veterinary Medicine. Vanessa worked in a small animal practice in Portugal for a year and moved to the UK in 2018. Vanessa has worked at first opinion practices in Birmingham and in 2022 she started at Oaks Veterinary Centre.

Vanessa is very kind, understanding and thorough in her work. Every patient will always receive excellent care and Vanessa always ensures each visit is as stress-free as possible with her calm and reassuring approach.

Favourite part of the job: my area of interest is imaging so I really enjoy interpreting radiographs and creating a clinical plan according to my findings.

Pets: I have a young long-haired cat called Ozzy. He is very sweet and fussy and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Hobbies: I enjoy drawing and painting. Most of my free time is spent with my young sons and they are my absolute world.

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Emma Newcombe - Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Emma started at Oaks in 1995 where she trained and qualified in 2000. Her skill has continued to grow over the years as the clinic has developed and Emma has adapted to all the changes within the profession over the last 25 years. Emma is a fantastic ops nurse and is well organised and caring to ensure all patients receive excellent care from the moment they enter the clinic until they go home. Emma’s attention to detail and thoroughness ensures each day runs smoothly.

Alongside being a fantastic nurse, Emma is very artistic. From beautiful Halloween pumpkins to staff birthday cards, we are all in awe of her creativity and skill!

Favourite part of the job: seeing animals being reunited with their owners and being part of a team working alongside my Oaks family.

Pets: I have an elderly cat called Leni who keeps me on my toes!

Hobbies: I like arts and crafts and taking part in muddy obstacle runs. I enjoy long walks and trips to the theatre with my two young children. I love reading when I eventually have time to myself!

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Angie Hopkins - Registered Veterinary Nurse

Angie started her veterinary nursing training with the practice in 1995 and has been here ever since. She also has a young daughter, as well as a dog and cat. Angie is the life and soul of the practice.

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Stacey Roberts - Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Stacey qualified as a nurse in 2010 and has worked at both busy first opinion and referral practices. Stacey started at Oaks in 2012 and has stayed as an integral part of our team ever since.

Stacey is a fantastic nurse and manages everything behind the scenes as well as being one of our front of house nurses, conducting our very important nurse clinics. Her patience, organisation and skills are second to none. Stacey has been a clinical coach, training next generations of nurses and passing on her wealth of knowledge and skill. Stacey is an angel sent from above!

Favourite part of the job: I like working in theatre and nursing inpatients back to health.

Pets: I have two cats (Dexter and Belle) and tropical fish!

Hobbies - I enjoy spending time with my family including two small children, running especially Wolf Runs, reading and dancing.

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Clementine Thornton - Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Clem started at Oaks in 2016 as an Animal Care Assistant and went on to become a student veterinary nurse. Prior to Oaks, Clem volunteered at Heronfield Wildlife Rescue and Brookhouse Riding School. Clem qualified as an RVN in 2024.

Clem has developed fantastic patient care and handling skills and is very patient and conscientious.

Favourite part of the job: I love small furries and enjoy nursing of these patients. I am very interested in cytology and microscopy.

Pets: ⁠I have 2 rabbits (Pumpkin and Dorito; Pumpkin is in the photo!), a tortoise called Jessie and a hamster called Wiggle!

Hobbies: I do a lot of craft based projects and enjoy fencing, swimming and horse riding.

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Sarah Richards - Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Sarah qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2010 at Willows Referral Centre where she continued to work after qualifying. Sarah has worked at the PDSA as well as private practice and started with us at Oaks in January 2020.

Sarah is incredibly kind, calm and contentious and we are very lucky to have her as part of our strong nursing team. Sarah has a soft spot and interest in rabbits and so is excellent in leading intensive inpatient care of rabbits with stasis. Sarah is one of our consult nurses and has excellent communication skills and is gentle and encouraging with all patients great and small!

Favourite part of the job: I enjoy inpatient care and anaesthesia.

Pets: I have two rabbits named Monty and Freya and two cats called Akira and Niamh.

Hobbies: I really enjoy sewing and enjoy making useful every day items. I particularly enjoy making bags and I like to personalise them especially for family and friends. I love walking in the country and finding hidden gems. Devon is my favourite getaway and my special place!

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Kathryn Paterson - Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Kathryn joined Oaks in November 2022 after changing career paths and qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in February 2022. Kathryn previously worked for Fat Fluffs rabbit rescue where she gained a wealth of rabbit knowledge before starting her training as a veterinary nurse. Kathryn is a great asset to our nursing team and is one of our consulting nurses, seeing patients for 2nd vaccinations, post op checks and helping bunny and small furry owners with medicating their pets with excellent tips!

Favourite part of the job: wound care and caring for any small furries!

Pets: I have 2 rabbits of my own, both adopted from Fat Fluffs, including my elderly girl of 11years.

Hobbies: When not at work I can be found swimming or walking in the great outdoors.

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Danni Clews - Receptionist

Danni started as a receptionist at Oaks in November 2021. Whilst this is her first position within a veterinary clinic, Danni has a long-standing history of working in animal rescue and currently fosters and rehomes kittens and cats for a local charity, as well as being part of the management team.

Danni has run her own business and so is very organised and has excellent communication skills. She is understanding, kind and patient and manages the busy days with a smile on her face.

Favourite part of the job: I enjoy every day being different, busy and challenging and also getting to see lots of different animals and helping them all!

Pets: I have hundreds of cats (15 to be exact…currently!), a dog and a snake!

Hobbies: I love travelling, animal rescue and going to the gym. I have taken part in Wolf Runs and look forward to doing more in the near future!

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