Meet The Team

Dr Phillipa Hunt
BVSC MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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My love of animals started when I was very little with my first pet, Kim, the Labrador. My parents would often find me curled up next to her in her basket asleep. Growing up, I always wanted to be a vet, so I feel fortunate to be in a profession that I love.

The bond we have with our pets is special, they are part of our family and bring so much happiness to our homes. It’s a great feeling being able to nurture this bond by providing exceptional care for people’s pets. Understanding client’s wants and needs for their pet is always in the forefront of my mind and being there to help owners through the hard times as well as celebrating the good, is extremely important to me.

We are so excited about what we do at Chalkland Vets. We have a fantastic team of friendly staff providing Veterinary care to the highest standard. We aim to build trust and make lasting relationships with our clients and their pets.
We also understand that bringing your pet to the Vets can sometimes be stressful, especially when they are poorly, so we will make every effort to alleviate this stress as much as possible.

Outside vet work we have a busy home with my cat-loving son Jacob. We share our home with a sassy long-haired Chihuahua called Schmo! Whoever coined the phrase “Good things come in small packages” was spot-on!

Dr Selina Walters
BVSC MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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My dad was a vet and I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm, so animals have always been a huge part of my life. As I child I was constantly surrounded by cuddly toys or cuddly animals! I had a room full of guineas, rabbits and hamsters, as many as my parents would allow! I was totally single-minded about becoming a vet from a very young age and sheer determination got me there.

I enjoy all aspects of my job, bonding with clients and their pets, being part of their journey in sickness and in health. It’s a privilege and gives me a huge sense of reward. I take pride in having high standards and work hard to continually develop my skills.

Opening Chalkland vets has been a lifelong ambition and I feel extremely proud of what we have created and what we stand for. We are focused on making you and your pets feel as comfortable as possible. We have a fantastic team that share our vision and are dedicated to providing exceptional service and the highest standard of care.

Apart from being a vet, I am a wife to Matthew, and a Mum to Noah, Phoebe and Oscar. We share our hectic home with our much-loved pets, Huxley and Hippo our Labradors and our two beautiful Burmese cats, Lego and Duplo. When not wanting to go to school in the morning Noah says to me ‘It’s all right for you Mummy, you just have to go to work and cuddle animals!’ Well not quite… but he’s right about one thing I am very lucky to do this job and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Dr Maria Domench
MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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I am originally from the (very sunny!) Valencia region in the eastern coast of Spain. I have always loved animals and when I was younger my family had a farm where I used to look after the chickens. When I was younger my ambition was to qualify as a vet so that I could help my Grandpa out on the farm. During my veterinary degree I discovered that my passion was treating small animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs – they are much easier to handle than farm animals! – and I am currently studying towards a post graduate certificate in small animal medicine.

Rebecca Grealish

Veterinary Surgeon

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Rebecca has recently moved back to Wiltshire to be near her family. She graduated in 2013 and is an extremely passionate and capable veterinary surgeon with a genuine love of animals and many years clinical experience.
Her interests include reading, walking and attending the local gym , as well as playing in team sports such as netball.

Dr Dorien Nel
MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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I wanted to be a vet ever since I can remember.

I was blessed to be able to make my dream come true when I graduated from Utrecht University in 2003.

After a short stint working in Mozambique, I moved to England with my husband and never left… from Norfolk to Suffolk to Wiltshire…

I love all aspects of veterinary medicine, but the emergency case in all its presentations somehow holds my special interest.

At home I have a 9-year-old collie-cross from the Pound in South Wales and a 3-year-old black cat, found as a 5-month-old under a Kebab-Van in Trowbridge… she prefers to eat all things unhealthy (bread, chips, crisps, biscuits!)

Dr Hannah James
BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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I have wanted to be a vet for as long as I can remember and thankfully had huge support and encouragement from my whole family; my grandad in particular. I finally achieved this goal when I graduated from the University of Bristol in 2020.

After finishing Uni I moved back in with my parents in Surrey and started my veterinary career in a small animal practice on the outskirts of London.

However having spent 5 years in the West Country throughout university and with my boyfriend, Ash, having grown up in Bristol, we knew we wanted to live back in the South West. We were finally able to make these dreams a reality and bought our own house in Summer 2022. With the move also came a job change and I was fortunate enough to find a role at Chalkland Vets.

At the moment with settling in to the new house and area, we don’t have any pets – but this just means we have space to fill! Both my boyfriend and I have grown up with lots of pets and we’re sure it won’t be too long before we’re pet parents!

Ryan Roberts
BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2023. Having grown up in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, I have always had close contact and fascination for animals. I currently find myself being a loyal poo picker for my big lovable lump called Yuki (aka Yukisaurus Wigglebutt Rex). We love nothing more than going on adventures together!

Katie Quinn

Veterinary Surgeon

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I grew up on the west coast of Scotland before moving and graduating from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, in 2022.
In my first year I jetted off to Perth, Western Australia to complete an equine internship in a busy referral hospital. Upon returning home I realised I missed small animals, in particular the surgical aspect but also that close bond you create with a small animal owner.
I’m excited to relocate down south with my 12 week old (believe it or not from the photo) Golden Retriever, Hunter and meet all the pets and clients at Chalkland!

Dr. Nick Thompson
BSc (Vet Sci) Hons, BVM&S,VetMFHom, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

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Nick Thompson is a holistic vet and raw feeding expert who runs a clinic from Chalkland Vets once a month. Please see his website for more information www.holisticvet.co.uk. To make an appointment with Nick please nickthompson@holisticvet.co.uk

Maggie

Head Veterinary Nurse

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I am from a village called Killea in county Tipperary which is in the Republic of Ireland. I moved here in 2008 to go to uni at Hartpury college. I qualified in 2012 with a hons (BSc) degree in veterinary nursing. I have a handsome pony called Reuben and an adorable little dog called Stewie (seen here). I love being in theatre and anaesthesia is my favourite part of nursing. I love meeting clients and their pets too, especially sweet little terriers!

Avril

Veterinary Nurse

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(Registered Veterinary Nurse)

Head Veterinary Nurse

I’ve always been fond of animals since a very young child. I could be found dressing up our border collie and sheltie cross in my summer dresses to have make-believe tea parties!
We always had lots of animals ranging from small budgies and hamsters, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and of course dogs.

From the age of 8/9 I wanted to follow in my sister’s footsteps and be a canine beautician to which I did and ran a small local business in Allington. Due to health issues I sadly had to close. I went on to office work, eventually specialising in Human Resources and Health & Safety. This wasn’t fulfilling my needs so I looked into a career change. Vet nursing!

I volunteered 2 days a week at my own animals’ veterinary practice to help me gain the animal nursing assistant qualification and the practice kindly employed me and supported me through the nursing diploma. I qualified in 2017 and have never looked back since.

I love nursing animals back to health and I am very much interested in behaviours. I’ve been known as the ‘lion tamer’ with fractious cats and want to help people succeed with their puppies through helping guide them in their training.

I treat every animal as I expect mine to be treated. With love and care.

I have a fiancé, Leigh at home of 18 years and he helps me to look after our menagerie of animals. 4 fluffy rag doll cross cats, which I bred, 2 tortoises, budgie, Rex rabbit, pond fish and not forgetting my gorgeous border collie Skye. I very much enjoy working her in agility and hope to one day compete and win competitions.

Debbie

Veterinary Nurse

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I am a very experienced and highly skilled Veterinary Nurse who gives total dedication to the patient in front of me. I also have a fear free approach to patient handling and get a great sense of reward from forming relationships with clients and patients. I am dedicated to inpatient care, and am looking forward to developing my low stress handling techniques with the team at Chalkland. Outside of work I’m either in wellies with my four dogs, or in the kitchen creating a new veggie master piece!

I love keeping fit and enjoy yoga, running with my dog Geoff, and a good gym blow out. When not keeping fit I like to relax in the pub with my partner Roger, or cuddling up with Stuart Little our Ragoll cat.

Lucy

Veterinary Nurse

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My love for animals started from a young age growing up on my parent’s dairy farm. I have some very fond memories helping my dad with the cows and calves, building dens with my siblings, walking the dogs and feeding our cats and chickens.

Naturally, I decided to go agricultural  college where I gained my degree in Animal Science and Management, in 2011. Alongside my studies,  I worked in a mixed veterinary practice as a part time Animal Care Assistant. Working between the farm equine and small animal departments I gained invaluable experience for my future career.

I have also worked in a safari park as zoo keeper where I was responsible for caring largely, for the hoofed stock including the giraffes, zebras, tapirs, rhinos and an elephant. I also spent a summer volunteering in a rescue and rehoming centre in South Somerset. It was difficult not to bring all the animals home with me.

After backpacking around Asia, Austrialia and New Zealand I returned to the veterinary industry. I gained my Veterinary Nursing Diploma in 2017. Since, I have worked in both first opinion practice and in a referral hospital as canine surgical/neurology nurse. My main passion is hospital care and will do my outmost to care for your pets while they are entrusted in our care. I also love the variety of the work and the opportunity Veterinary Nursing provides to develop and learn new skills. No day is the same.

When I’m not at work, you will find my husband and I busily renovating our home or exploring the great outdoors with our Border Terrier.

Sarah

Veterinary Nurse

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I have been lucky enough for animals to always be part of my life. It started with my grandma who inspired the idea of being a Veterinary Nurse. I grew up with her always rescuing various animals from injured hedgehogs to stray cats. I currently have 4 furry pals: 2 rescue farm cats Maisy and Alfie (siblings), an excitable but very lovable rescue German Shepherd/ Husky Barney and my beautiful horse Bea. So, we have quite a busy household, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

I did work experience at chalklands for about a year before I officially joined the chalkland team in November 2020 as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse. I am so grateful to be part of such a wonderful supportive team.

I live in Lacock with my mum and my sister. When not at work I am out on a long dog walk or out exploring with Bea. I also like baking (when I get the chance!)

I hope to meet you and your furry pals soon!’

Danica

Veterinary Nurse

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My nursing journey began in 2019 and I have since never looked back! I have always had a keen passion for animals and science, and so I decided to combine my two interests into my dream job. At home, I have a gorgeous little Patterdale X named Arlie, whom was my inspiration to begin nursing. I have a particular interest in canine behaviour and am proud to be working within a fear free practice.
I love all kinds of four legged friends (especially the ones with 3 legs) and have a particular soft spot for any kind of ginger/red haired pets; the quirkier the better! I look forward to meeting yourself and your little fur babies here at Chalkland Vets!

Amy

Veterinary Care Assistant

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I have always had a love for animals. I grew up with family pets and loved their company; they are indeed pure of heart.
I’ve worked with animals for many years, from animal sanctuary work to becoming a veterinary nurse and dog walking. I’ve worked overseas and was a locum here in the UK. I have had some great experiences, and my passion for animal welfare grew even more along the way.
From 2017 – 2021 I took a break from nursing but am very happy to be back in practice working as an Animal Care Assistant.
My husband and I have two cats Momo and Maggie; Momo travelled from Spain many years ago but has never acclimatised to the weather; she only brought her summer coat! Maggie is from London, so she’s accustomed and has a pretty robust physique :).

Leanne

Veterinary Physiotherapist

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I qualified as a Chartered physiotherapist in 2012 and have since undergone further training to specialise in veterinary physiotherapy. I am a member of ACPAT who are the only professional body to accredit combined human and veterinary physiotherapists. I have experience working with a variety of conditions including arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, post operative procedures and maintenance of sporting dogs. I use a variety of treatment techniques including manual therapy, laser and exercises and all treatments are tailored to the needs of each individual patient. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, including Barney the black Labrador and Henry the horse.

Aimee

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

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I have always been a big animal lover and after going travelling with my partner, I got my qualifications in Animal Science and Management. I started volunteering at Goatacre animal sanctuary in 2019 and whilst I worked for JJ Dog services I knew I wanted to work with animals full time. This sparked the start of my veterinary nursing journey.
I have lots of fur babies at home, including my two rabbits Wilbur and Penny, three cats Pepper, Binks and Blue, and my handsome Labrador retriever Dexter. It’s a very full household but I love it that way!

Sally

Financial Administrator

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My husband Kim and myself re-located from the Isle of Wight to be closer to our daughters Hannah and Claire. We enjoy exploring Chippenham and the surrounding areas. I am passionate about the countryside, especially bird life, and I am a keen gardener. I like to sew, knit and crochet and love spending time with my family. We have no pets of our own at present but are grandparents to Hannah’s cat, Gladis, and Claire’s Cavapoo, Mr Wilson.

Suzanne

Client Care Representative

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I moved from Pembrokeshire to Chippenham in 2002. I am married to Mike and have four grown up children and one granddaughter. I’ve always had Siamese cats, 12 so far!!
I live with Sunnie, a Retriever, Maisie, a 7 month old Miniature Dachshund, Jasmine, a Siamese, and Sebbi, a ginger moggy. Oh, and a very old Tortoise. When not behind reception I will be walking the dogs, reading and dining out. Summer is my favourite time of the year.

Sammy

Client Care Representative

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Ever since I was young I have been drawn to caring for animals. I was also lucky enough to grow up with a family friend who was a Vet so when I was old enough, I would accompany them to the practice, helping on reception and being an extra pair of hands!

At 18 I strongly considered a career in vet nursing but alongside my passion for animals I also had a love for music and after being awarded a scholarship, I made the difficult decision to study music at university.

I enjoyed a long career in music but the call of working with animals never left me, so in 2018 I decided to embark on a career change and keep music as a hobby.

I am a veterinary receptionist as well as a veterinary care assistant, assisting nurses with their duties. I am thrilled be part of the team at Chalklands and am passionate about delivering the best customer service I can whilst furthering my animal care knowledge. I enjoy getting to know clients and being a friendly voice on the end of the phone! My future ambition is to eventually become an RVN.

Outside of work I am the proud owner of Hudson (an 8.6kg maine coon cat!) and Holly a rescued, red setter X. I also love to bake and ‘hike it off’ around the beautiful Wiltshire countryside with my husband Chris.

Daisy

Client Care Representative

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After a career in recruitment and HR, I joined the Chalklands team as a Veterinary Receptionist.

Outside of work I love walking my spaniel Luna across the fields with my husband, baking and pottering in the garden with my ducks and chickens.

Carla

Client Care Representative

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I’ve always loved being around animals. My auntie is a crazy horse lady so put me on one as soon as she possibly could.

We currently have 6 horses, an equal divide of gorgeous retired rescues, one being my 30 year old pony club Shetland called Tina who was my first pony. We also have Vinnie, Petra and Crackers. My sister and I also both have 5 year old cobs, they’re named Loki and Stitch, who we are currently bringing on and having lots of fun with.

I’ve also always had family dogs (Freddie, Roly and Lola) who I loved growing up with and have had hamsters (Borris and Buster) and a rabbit (Toffee) in the past.

I previously worked as a lifeguard and sports coach in primary schools before realising my passion for animals was much stronger.

I enjoy being part of such a lovely team and providing the best care for all your furry friends.

My end goal is to become more clinical and become a veterinary nurse.

Sammi

Client Care Representative

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I love building relationships with clients and their wonderful pets.

In my spare time I love travelling the world with my husband Craig, spending time outdoors with my Labrador Bud, and getting stuck into a good book!

Shirley

Client Care Representative

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I’ve grown up with pets, cats and dogs (also a chicken and a turkey!) and couldn’t imagine life without them. I’ve helped out at animal shelters before, but this is the first vet clinic I’ve worked at. I’m looking forward to meeting all of your pets and furry friends!

Angelique

Client Care Representative

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I am so excited to be a part of the Chalklands team. I have always had a love and passion for animals, having grown up with dogs in the family and helping out with the animals on our friend’s farm. My husband and I now have two crazy boys of our own, a Springer Spaniel and a Sprollie who keep me busy for sure! When they’re finally tired out, I love spending time with my friends and family, or cozying up on the sofa with a good book and bar of chocolate!

Zoe

Client Care Representative

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I grew up in West Yorkshire, and from the day I was born, we’ve always had pets. Mostly cats, and when I moved out, a house just didn’t feel the same without a four-legged friend. So along came my GSD, Snow! Quite the handful, but I couldn’t be happier, he’s taught me so much, and I wouldn’t change him for the world.
Snow, Sean, and I went travelling around Scotland for 3 months, where we had quite a traumatic experience and had to spend a lot of time in a veterinary surgery. It was then that I decided I wanted to be a part of the veterinary world to help any way I can. After moving to Wiltshire, I soon joined Chalkalnd vets as a receptionist. Not only have I learned a lot about animals, but it has also grown my confidence and made me some lifelong friends.

Danielle

Practice Administrator

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My first job in veterinary practice started off part time to support my studies as a law student at the University of Bristol. I was fortunate enough to work in a first opinion and referral hospital undertaking front of house and administrative duties.

After finishing my studies it was clear that I preferred working among fur and feathers rather than legal jargon so I decided to make the move to working full time in the veterinary industry.

After a short time spend in sunny Southampton I moved back to my home town of Bristol to take up the position of Practice Administrator at Chalkland Vets.

I enjoy working with the amazing team at Chalklands and meeting all the wonderful clients and pets as well.