Behind The Mask - Meet The Roundwood Team

Now Covid-19 restrictions have eased in the UK, we thought it was best to introduce you to our wonderful team at Roundwood and meet the staff ‘behind the mask’. Read on to learn more about our team and the roles we play at the practice.

Jo MRCVS - Medical Director (Vet)

Dr. Jo is both our Head Vet and Medical Director here at Roundwood. Jo is a brilliant all-around veterinarian with a wide range of experience working in independent practice in both the UK and across Europe.

“I’m Jo, I'm the Medical Director here. I've been at Roundwood's for just over two years.

My role as a Medical Director is to help shape the practice into a wonderful place to work and visit. I really enjoy helping the team plan their growth and training and love that I still have lots of time in the clinic to see patients.

I’m proud of the fantastic team we have built and the policies we instilled, especially over the covid period, minimising stress for all our clients and patients visiting. We are always thinking about ways we can improve our standards of care for clients and pets.

I enjoy working with the team, they’re all a really good bunch, they are all really invested and highly skilled and they are investing in making the practice as fear free and friendly as possible”.

At home, Jo has two very chatty and noisy guinea pigs, lovingly named Speckles and Bullseye (by her children), as well as Rona, a rescued kitten who was found in a canal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more about Rona’s story and how the team at Roundwood saved her here.

Emma MRCVS - Vet

Dr. Emma is one of our three veterinarians at the clinic. Alongside Emma’s role at Roundwood, she is also the lead veterinarian for our in-home care service, Roundwood Pet Hospice (which you can find out more about here).

Whilst versatile, Emma’s specialties lie in end-of-life care.

“I joined the Roundwood team in Feb 2021 after working in general practice for 20 years. I work 2 days in the clinic and the rest of the week as a mobile vet.

The first impression I had of the clinic was how calm it was coming off the busy London streets. This reduces stress for cats and dogs love coming in to see the wonderful reception and nursing team which is helped by the longer appointment times with the vets.

There is a great teamwork ethic and everyone is approachable and friendly with an emphasis on a gold standard of care.”

At home, Emma likes nothing more than snuggling up to her Jack Russell’s Stanley and Luna.

Eliza MRCVS - Vet

Dr. Eliza is one of our newest veterinarians to join the team.

“I’ve been working here since March 2021, so a year and a bit. I am one of the vets at the practice, we consult, and do procedures.

I really like our half an hour consults which are quite unique to Roundwood - [in] most practices you only get ten minutes. It allows us to explain things to the owner and gives them the opportunity to ask questions.

I think our clients appreciate that time to be listened to make the decisions with us.

Our team is excellent, it’s what makes Roundwood so special".

Back home, Eliza enjoys walking her family’s three black labs, Flossy, Jellie, and Damson.

Yasmin RVN - Head Veterinary Nurse / Clinical Coach

Yasmin joined the practice in January 2021 and was promoted to Head Veterinary Nurse in June 2022.

“I’ve been here for 18 months now, my typical duties include taking responsibility for the team, and making sure that patient care is at its best. I’ll be doing stock control, admin, supporting the team, and ensuring everyone's happy and comfortable.

I love working with our pets and clients, they are all nice people to work with”.

Back in Ireland, Yasmi has a six-year-old Shitzu named Bailey.

Shannon RVN - Senior Veterinary Nurse / Clinical Coach

Shannon is our Senior Veterinary Nurse here at Roundwood. Working part-time, Shannon steps up to help us out with surgeries during our busiest hours.

“Generally I am here part-time, my usual hours are 10-2. I’m here to help out during the busiest parts of the day, helping with the surgeries.

I like it here, there is a varied caseload.

It keeps you busy without being overwhelmed.

The team is great here too and everyone knows what they are doing”.

Kenzie - Student Veterinary Nurse

Kenzie is one of our student veterinary nurses at Roundwood.

“I’m a final year nurse student, I’ve been at the practice for two years and am hoping to qualify in January.

At the practice, I love that patient care is the priority and we try our best to be a fear-free experience.

Roundwood has been really supportive throughout my education. Because we are a small practice, I get to be very hands-on and have more responsibility.

It’s really good, and I’m also listened to and supported.”

When not studying and working, Kenzie loves nothing more than snuggling her teenie rescue chihuahua, Churro, and her orange cat, Rupert.

Alanna - Student Veterinary Nurse

Our other student veterinary nurse on the team is Alanna.

“I started [studying] veterinary nursing at university, and had Roundwood vets as my first placement. Because I liked Roundwood so much, I actually changed to do an apprenticeship route. So I’ll be at Roundwood for the whole of my placement.

Since my first placement last year, everyone was so nice and kind and that’s why I took the opportunity when it came up.

I also have study time on a Wednesday which is really helpful because I can ask questions and there are opportunities to turn theory into practice which really helps my learning and understanding.

The team is a big part of why I came back, everyone is so helpful.

I work here Mon-Thurs and then do my studying on a Friday.”

At home, Alannah has an almost 17-year- old cat called Sheridan.

“He’s my family pet which I’ve had since he was a kitten. In my spare time, I love cuddling and spoiling him, he loves affection.”

Cassie - Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA)

Cassie joined Roundwoods back in September to pursue her dream to become a veterinary nurse!

Cassie is currently a Veterinary Care Assistant and will start her nursing training next year.

She will then be a student nurse and will study for 2-3 years to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse! (RVN)

“Roundwood's is like a home away from home for me. With amazing colleagues who offer support and guidance and the cutest patients in the world.

I can’t wait to start my nurse training soon, it's a dream come true for me and there is nothing else in the world I'd rather do. I am lucky that I have such a wonderful team to learn from and the sweetest fur babies to look after.”

Cassie is incredibly caring and has a huge passion for animals.

Orla - Client Care

When arriving at Roundwood, you’ll be welcomed by the ever-friendly and caring Orla.

“I’m one of the first people our clients speak to, or see when visiting Roundwoods.

I answer the phones and respond to emails and messages via Petsapp. I book appointments and take payments.

I love being the first point of contact as I love to talk to people and build a rapport between Roundwoods and the clients. Nothing makes me happier than a happy client!

I think in my role I have the best of both worlds because I get to greet all the animals and have cuddles, without all the messy stuff”.

As a huge lover of animals, Orla has her fair share! Back in Ireland Orla cares for her family's two rescue donkeys (Max and Lightning)... “They’re my little lawnmowers, all our animals are rescued including our donkeys”. As well as her two dogs, Bella, and Badger, and three cats (that were rescued from a petrol station where Orla used to work), George, Murphy, and Fluffy.

Nikki RVN - Practice Manager / Clinical Coach

Lastly, we have the glue that holds us all together. Nikki, our Practice Manager…

Nikki is a registered Veterinary Nurse, as well as our Clinical Coach and Practice Manager.

“I wear many hats. I’m a nurse, plumber, receptionist, electrician, manager, general know it all, and even at times security.

My job is to support the day-to-day running of the business as well as supporting the team.

I’ve been a Veterinary Nurse since 1997 so I’ve seen lots of changes in veterinary medicine in my career. Over the years I’ve never lost that passion for why I became a Veterinary Nurse, which was to help those when they need it most - both people and pets.

It’s the people that make the practice for me”.

At home, Nikki is owned by her dogs, Willow and Dave (also known as the asbo 2). She has two crazy cats, Dickie (one of the kittens thrown in the canal which she hand-reared), and Jessie (another rescue kitten).

If you think of your pets as part of the family and are looking for a down-to-earth, compassionate, and friendly veterinary practice for your pet, then we are here to help. Call us on 020 8459 4729 to book an appointment or register with us.