Summer Lane Staff Profiles:

Veterinary Surgeons

Suzy Wheeler BVetMed MRCVS

Suzy qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2004. She has worked as both a farm animal and as a small animal vet since then but now concentrates exclusively on small animal practice. Her main interests lie in surgery and developing her orthopaedic expertise. Outside of work, Susie enjoys, horse riding and agility with her two dogs, Ollie and Stanley. Susie is a keen runner and completed the 2008 London Marathon raising money for Guide Dogs.

Penny Taylor BVsc MRCVS

Penny graduated from Bristol Veterinary School in 1999. Penny worked briefly in a mixed practice in Gloucester, she has worked in small animal practice since. Penny worked for four years in her home town of Colchester, where she developed an interest in feline medicine after being involved with a large local sanctuary. Penny’s heart brought her back to the west where she enjoys the countryside and the friendly people!

Melanie David BVsc MRCVS

Melanie qualified from Bristol Veterinary School and apart from a period at the University of Pennsylvania, she has spent her professional life in the Bristol area, mainly at Summer Lane. As well as being interested in many aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, she belives that the owners matter too. Away from work, Melanie enjoys walking, opera and photography. She is married with two children and one gorgeous granddaughter.

Occasional Vets  include  Clare Tibbs and Karen Wilson.

Practice Manager

Kate Esler BSc(Hons) RVN VPAC

Kate joined the team in March 2007, after working locally as a nursing team leader. She qualified at Bristol University with a degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2004.  After working with both horses and small animals, Kate has turned her focus to the management of Summer Lane and the training of students.  In her spare time she enjoys riding her horses, and competes regulary in dressage and endurance competitions.  She also has sheep and is hoping to show her Kerry Hills in the future.
The two Lurchers Bluebell and Pup- Pup often found sleeping (their favourite activity!!) behind the reception desk are Kates as well.

Qualified Veterinary Nurses

Johanna Page RVN

Jo started her training in 2005 at Hartpury College in Gloucester and qualified shortly after joining Summer Lane Vets in November 2008.  Jo has a keen interest in nutrition and is currently studying for her Certificate in Small Animal Nutrition.  Jo is most likely the nurse you'll see if you come in for a free of charge weight clinic. 
In her spare time Jo is a keen member of young farmers, and enjoys horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, along with walking her dogs.

Emma Warren RVN

Emma began training at Summer Lane in February 2006, as an animal nursing assistant, she is proud to quickly  have flown through all the levels to have become a Qualified Veterinary Nurse.  Emma loves all aspects of the job, but has a keen interest in radiography and surgical nursing.   She has a collection of beasties at home including 5 cats, 3 dogs and 2 rabbits.  Emma spends alot of her free time competing in agility with her terrier Poppy, and has recently started training her 3 year old Doberman Eva.  Emma is our offical Rabbit Nurse, and is happy to give advice, and perform health checks for bunnies.

Michelle Oliver RVN

Michelle joined us as a student from a veterinary hospital in Somerset, and qualifed at the same time as Emma.  Michelle is a local lass, and has keen interest in behaviour, and dog training.  Since qualifying she has enrolled to to take her Certificate in Small Animal Behaviour.  Michelle runs all our puppy parties, which are great fun and a fantastic opportunity to get your puppy off to the right start.
Michelle has a Black Labrador called Bailey who she enjoys working in obedience demonstrations/competitions, and heelwork to music. She also a keen supporter of Bristol Rugby, and can often found cheering in the stands at the weekend.

Tracey Willshear Animal Nursing Assistant

Tracey works at Summer Lane helping the Veterinary Nurses, and runs the grooming service with Nick.  She also covers reception, and does some admin, shes a real multi tasker!  Tracey is currently participating in a canine first aid certificate, in order to be prepared for all circumstances within the practice.  In her spare time Tracey enjoys socialising and playing skittles. 

Receptionists

Jackie Peak

Jackie is in charge of our customers accounts, and is our main receptionist at Summer Lane.  She enjoys going for walks in the great outdoors.

Nick Bell

Nick started work at Summer Lane in 1997 and again covers most aspects of work in the practice.  Nick runs the grooming with Tracey along with being in charge of all our insurance claims.  Since being here she has managed to acquire 2 dogs,  and enjoys spending time at her caravan in Cornwall with her husband during their spare time.  She hopes to retire there one day.   Nick is also a keen horse rider and hopes one day to find a suitable replacement for her old boy of 23 years, until then she helps excercise hunting horses several mornings a week.

Vicky Jones

Vicky has worked here since 1981!  She works as a receptionist ,and is in charge of our drug ordering and stock control.  When Vickys not working she caring for her herd of pedigree Red Devon Cattle, and is currently president elect for the breed society.  Vicky is busy during the summer collecting rossettes at agricultural shows across the country.

Helen Harger

Helen works as a part time receptionist on Saturday mornings, after previously working her as a nursing assistant, before having her two children.  She loves riding her horse, as well as looking after her Jack Russell Terrier and her naughty kitten.