I'm the practice principal at easipetcare Reading and Streatham, I’ve been in practice for around 11 years now, and I joined easipetcare Reading about three years ago, as head nurse. Around nine months into being head nurse, I had the opportunity to become the practice principal for Reading and Streatham. I was encouraged to go for the role, the interview went really well, and here I am now! I really appreciate having that opportunity for progression.

I still dabble in nursing where I can, but my role is primarily looking after both branches.

Can you tell us more about the Reading and Streatham easipetcare practices?

Reading is a general GP practice, it’s spacious – we’ve got 5 consult rooms, and separate dog and cat wards. We get a great, varied caseload - our head vet is very surgically driven. She does amazing things to fix up our patients! Our clients are great and are really loyal to us.

Then at Streatham, we have a large, purpose-built practice. In terms of the caseload there, it’s also very varied. We have one vet who is a very keen surgeon, as well as a vet that has an interest in exotics. We have a large client base who are really loyal there too. Both are in great locations that are really handy for food, coffee and things like that.

You’ve obviously progressed within the practice to your current role, is career development something that you’re passionate about for your team?

Absolutely. We make sure the opportunities are always there, if someone wants to advance in their career, we want to give them that opportunity. We know how much career development and job satisfaction matter, across all roles.

We have a few members of the team working on certificates, one of the vets is doing a surgical certificate, and I’m doing the medical nursing certificate.

We’re really keen to support CPD and development, and we all learn from each other and share knowledge.

The career paths within easipetcare are great. If there’s something you want for your work we make it happen. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

Can you tell us about the team?

We’re close and get on well, but are still very welcoming to everyone. The teams just really jell together. Everyone's relaxed and easy-going, and I think that's what you need in such a high-emotion industry. If you need someone to lean on, we’re all here for each other.

At both branches, we have a great support network. There’s always someone there to give encouragement and confidence, and to have a laugh.

What are you proudest of across the easipetcare practices?

For me, it would be the vibe from both practices because they do just feel like a great place to be. You come in, and feel relaxed. We are there to do a job, but it’s a place where you really can be yourself. We’re a close-knit team and both teams are amazing as people and as veterinary professionals.

What would you say to someone considering joining the easipet care team?

Well, we’re a lovely bunch! And you will find that amazing career development here. As well as having all your colleagues as a support network, we collaborate and share ideas.

We're also able to learn from each other - I literally learn new things every day in my role as an RVN and as the practice manager. We’re also open to new ideas as well, and your voice will be heard here.

How do you like to unwind after work?

I’m a keen gym goer and have a personal trainer, so I work out quite a lot. I’m a bit of a bookworm, so really enjoy a good book too.

I also enjoy taking the dogs for a walk, I’ve got a dachshund called Harry who’s really cheeky, and I’ve got a little cockapoo called Bentley who’s three. Harry is like the golden child, and Bentley is still a bit of a teenager!