Denise spent most of her childhood on a cattle farm in Athy, County Kildare, Ireland and had a keen interest in farm and small animals. She was totally fascinated by the medical world and began her vet studies in 1981. Since qualifying from University College, Dublin in 1986, Denise has worked at mixed practices in Lancashire, Manchester and London. She joined her brother Jerry's practice in 1989 when she divided her time between three surgeries and being a full time Mum! Denise is a very positive, enthusiastic, energetic person and her experience coupled with her extensive knowledge, is of a great benefit to our patients and clients.
Own pets are Patsy the cat, Belle a Border Terrier and one of her pups.

When Clare saw an ad in the local paper 'receptionist required for veterinary surgery' she jumped at the chance to apply, as she was very keen on working with animals. Thankfully for us she did, as Clare has been a valuable member of our team since joining us here in August 2004. Her kind and understanding nature enables her to assist clients and their pets, which is her favourite part of the job, and to deal with the daily co-ordination of our busy reception. Clare has a keen interest in dog behaviour and training and has attended several seminars on this subject and goes to dog agility classes with Barclay her Golden Retriever.

Before joining us here at Marks Farm in 2002, Caroline spent time as a volunteer and then as a permanent member of staff at the RSPCA cattery in Wethersfield. Her experience with cats is a great asset to our surgery and at home she has two cats Delilah and Frank (in the photo). In 2004 she qualified from Writtle College, Chelmsford as an Animal Nursing Assistant, which enables her to work 'hands on' with the patients at our veterinary centre, her favourite part of the job! You'll also see her working on reception where she is
happy to help with any
queries you may have.

John
Business Consultant

After spending 38 years working in the banking world John was looking forward to his retirement but decided that he would be very happy to help computerise our manual records and accounting information. A successful move was made in February 1996 and we are very pleased to say that John is still our right hand man in handling the computerised system. His role in the practice as business consultant has continued to develop and expand over the years and his knowledge is of a great help to our team.

We feel very lucky and proud to have staff who, have been connected with our different practices for many years. Working extremely hard behind the scenes is one such lady, Paddy, who has been involved within our practices for over 35 years. She first started as a receptionist back in 1970 and is now responsible for our accounts, banking, administration, plus other numerous tasks. Paddy enjoys going for long walks with Dottie her black Labrador who is a very skilled football player!

Since joining us in March 2003 as a receptionist, Lucy has completed the Animal Nursing Assistant course and became a qualified Veterinary Nurse in 2007. She also has worked at the RSPCA centre in Wethersfield as a cattery assistant where many hours were devoted to hand rearing kittens (and a few puppies too). Lucy enjoys her job here, particularly the contact with animals. Her skills and understanding of animal care is a great help to clients, patients and our team at the veterinary centre. Lucy's own pets, cats - Ruby, Tabby Two (both hand reared,) rescued tabby stray Mister Man and Thomas, a Jack Russell Chihuahua cross, keep her busy outside of surgery life. She also has three chickens,which were battery hens but are now are living the life of luxury in her garden!

Gail has been at Marks Farm since 1992, when she joined us for her work experience. From there she progressed to kennel assistant, followed by a permanent position to train as veterinary nurse. After her studies, she qualified from the Writtle and Berkshire Colleges of Agriculture in the summer of 1999. With her caring and natural approach to animal care she has become a much-valued member of our team. Gail enjoys the outdoor life of horse riding and long walks with her dogs Flo and Jeffrey.
Gail is currently on maternity leave.

Zoe started here working very hard behind the scenes to help keep the wards comfortable and clean for our patients is our part-time kennel girl she joined us at Marks Farm in October 2007,. and was responsible for maintaining the kennels, preparing your pets for going home after they have recovered, ensuring that each kennel was ready for the following days patients. Her own pet is Millie the cat.

After ten years of working in the city, Libby decided to follow her childhood dream of becoming a vet. So she returned to school and sat three Science A levels, achieving grade ‘A’ in each, and was offered a place in Cambridge to train in veterinary medicine. In addition, she took a degree in zoology and graduated in 2011, when Libby was also awarded the Pfizer Animal Health prize for her final year research project. Gaining experience at Cats Protection League, she spent four years helping to rehome cats and working with feral cats in southeast London. Libby is now delighted to be part of our veterinary team who treat your pets, although Marks Farm was already familiar to her, as Libby was previously a client here. With a keen interest in cats and animal behaviour, she is always very happy to see your pets, and not just when they are poorly. In fact she is fast becoming known as the ‘chicken vet’ for the many feathered friends that are now being kept as pets. When relaxing at home with her five cats, two dogs and two guinea pigs, she can reminisce on her Uni days as apart from studying, she rowed for her college and was elected Vice-President of Cambridge Uni Vet Society. You may even hear a tune or two while visiting our surgery, as Libby was a singer in a disco funk band and ran a jazz blues duo performing at garden parties around Cambridge!

Bev Receptionist
Here is one lady who took a dramatic career change from twenty-four years in the sedate banking world to our world of animal care. Joining us in October 2008 she already, in her own words "loves it all" and we are very pleased she does, as Bev has become a real part of our team in a short space of time. Apart from her reception duties she has already progressed to behind the scenes duties such as developing x-rays and is very keen to continue to learn more.
Bev was born in Devon, but due to family work commitments, decided to move to Essex a few years ago.
Bev is a very proficient scuba diver and over the ten years since qualifying, has seen the spectacular ocean depths of the Maldives, Australia, Thailand and Egypt. She also enjoys aerobics and socialising with friends.

Joe Kennel Boy

We are currently awaiting Joe's profile.

Colleen Kennel Girl

We are currently awaiting Colleen's profile.

Tanya Receptionist
When Tanya was walking through our local town back in May 2009 and saw an ad for a vacancy to cover a receptionist maternity leave, she decided that this was one job she would very much like to do. Now a year later, Tanya has become a permanent member of our reception team who greet you on arrival, and really enjoys working within our dedicated group. As she was born in Stebbing and has always lived in the area, many of our clients are familiar faces to her. As a pet owner herself Tanya is able to relate to and deal with the many queries and concerns that you have about your much-loved pets.
She has two horses Shannon and Jack, rescue dogs Springer Spaniel Toby, Staffie pup Taegan and German Shepherd Cross Tara, Bailey the cat, hand rearered kitten Dolly and two guinea pigs Caramel and Honey….and not forgetting the tortoise that Tanya found while out riding 30 years ago!