Veterinary nurses

Deanna joined the Okeford team in January 2021 having qualified from Bicton College in 2019. She moved to the role of Head Nurse in March 2021 and is thoroughly enjoying the new challenge. Deanna finds caring for the poorly patients on the ward very rewarding. She loves the challenges that working in a Veterinary Practice brings and would love to complete an advanced nursing qualification in the future. Deanna is also a Clinical Coach and enjoys mentoring students through the training process. Outside of work, Deanna spends time riding her horse, Allegra, who she competes in British Dressage competitions, as well as plenty of hacking, especially on Dartmoor. She also has a cat called Twitch, who, in true Veterinary Nurse style, was hand-reared from birth. Away from the animals, Deanna enjoys exploring new places, walking, going to the cinema and watching motorbike racing.

Sarah joined the practice in 1985 and qualified as a veterinary nurse from Bicton College in 1996. She is currently our deputy head nurse, and has a keen interest in critical care medicine for small animals.

Emily joined us for work experience in 2013, before joining us permanently working as a Saturday assistant for many years. She then progressed to become one of our full-time patient care assistants. In September 2018, Emily began her training as a Student Veterinary Nurse and qualified in 2021.

Ciara started and qualified at Okeford in 2010. In her time here she has formed great friendships with her colleagues and the wonderful clients that she has met. Ciara enjoys nurse clinics as it gives her the opportunity to closely interact with owners and their lovely animals, however her real passion is dermatology. She loves helping Kirstin with referrals and the laboratory is her domain. In her spare time Ciara loves nothing better than taking her dog and toddler for an adventure in the woods.

Gemma started with us in 2008 after qualifying as a veterinary nurse from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2002. She has a special interest in surgical nursing.

Abi joined the Okeford team in July 2021 as a student veterinary nurse and is in her final year at Bicton College. She really enjoys interacting with patients and clients in nurse clinics, doing lab work, caring for patients on the ward and assisting with surgical procedures. She is really looking forward to becoming a fully qualified veterinary nurse.

Away from work she enjoys spending time outdoors walking her dog Freddy, riding and caring for her horse Merlin and doing some yoga.

Kat joined Okeford Veterinary Centre in June 2019. She has always had a passion for animals from a really young age. In 2019, Kat qualified as an Animal Nursing Assistant following two years training at BIcton College, where she also undertook an Animal Management Course. In September 2021, Kat began her training as a Student Veterinary Nurse and is looking forward to the new challenges ahead.

Ben joined the practice in January 2022. He has always had an interest in all sorts of animals, then decided to join the veterinary practice as a patient care assistant, and to learn more about animals.

Outside of the vets Ben is usually fending off his cat or cleaning slobber from his St Bernard.

Kerri joined Okeford Vets in January 2013. She has a keen interest in canines and since working in the practice has learnt so much about all aspects of patient care. Kerri enjoys interacting with all the patients and their owners and has built up lasting relationships with many clients and their pets. In her spare time she enjoys socialising with friends and family and walking her Golden Retriever, Riley, who is a big part of Kerri’s life.