Meet the team

Animal care is a very personal business and client relationships are important to us. We have a lot of talent under one roof at our Coalville vet animal surgery – so meet the team and see what makes us tick.

Diane Storer

BVM&S PgCertVBM CertAVP PgDipVPS MRCVS

Bio

Hi I’m Diane and I’ve been working at Cockburn Vets since the mid ‘90s. I was raised on my family’s farm in Northern Ireland, where I grew up with a love of all animals. I qualified as a vet from Edinburgh University’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1989, and then worked in practices in Cheshire, Staffordshire and Berkshire before moving to Cockburn Vets in 1995.

For me the best part of veterinary medicine is the variety it brings and the lovely pets and people I get to help. My primary aim is to ensure that I give all my patients the most up to date treatment options so a few years ago I completed a 4 year diploma in veterinary professional studies obtaining a distinction by scoring over 70% in each module. Outside work I enjoy spending time with my family, our cat Denzel, going to spin classes, walking, reading and embroidery.

Cathy Churchill

BVetMed MRCVS

Bio

Hi I’m Cathy and I joined Cockburn Vets in November 2014 having worked in a number of practices over the years. Whilst I have a love of all things veterinary my main love is surgery and I have introduced keyhole surgery to Cockburn’s so that we are now able to offer laparoscopic surgeries for spays, abdominal biopsies, removal of cryptorchid testicles and foreign body retrieval.

I have recently taken up cycling to work – come rain, hail or shine … but not snow! I am a Bath Rugby Club supporter (sorry Tigers fans. Bath? Please! Of all the clubs in the premiership…) and an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction books.

Nadine Wainwright

BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Bio

Hi’ I’m Nadine and I enjoy all aspects of general practice but have a particular interest in medicine and feline medicine and am one of the Cat Advocates for the practice. I also really enjoy surgery – especially soft tissue surgery.

Having completed a degree in Physiology, I went on to fulfil my ambition to become a vet qualifying from the University of Liverpool in 2007 and after several roles elsewhere I joined Cockburn Vets in May 2018.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the cinema, gym and spending time with family and friends.

Nyika Tanton

BVSc,, MScCAB(Hons), MRCVS

Bio

Hi I’m Nyika and I graduated from Bristol Vet School in 1998. Over the years I’ve worked in a number of veterinary practices but particularly love working at Cockburn Vets because it is an independent, family owned, practice. I am fascinated by animal behaviour and have recently completed a MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour through Lincoln University.

At home I have rather a menagerie of horses, dogs, cats, chickens, hamsters and not forgetting Bob, the goldfish!

Maria Tokarska

MRCVS

Bio

Hi, my name is Maria and I qualified as a vet from the University of Life Science in Lublin, Poland in 2014. Straight after graduation I moved to the UK and started work as a companion animal vet, joining Cockburn Vets in January 2023. I have a special interest in feline medicine and love naughty cats and I’m always up for a challenge. I also find palliative care and end of life medicine a very rewarding part of my job

At home I’m a proper cat my with my 3 babies and in my spare time I enjoy baking cakes and bread and going jogging.

Caitlin Birchall

BVM BVS MRCVS

Bio

Hi, my name is Caitlin and I graduated from Nottingham University in 2023, although I am originally from the North East.

I enjoy all aspects of being a vet but I have a real interest in imaging and emergency care. However, nothing beats kittens and puppies!

Outside of work I enjoy performing arts and exploring new places with my partner and our dog, Tatum.

Nick Tougher

BVSc MRCVS

Bio

Hi, My name is Nick. I graduated from Liverpool University in 2023 but am originally from Ireland.

My favourite part of being a vet is performing surgery, I find this a really interesting part of my job. I have a keen interest in Neurology and like to follow cases that have been referred to specialists to find out the ‘why’s’ of unusual cases.

In my spare time away from work, I compete in mounted games with my horse Keegan and enjoy spending time with family back home and my horse.

Serena Giorgi

MRCVS

Alex Trayer

BVMSci MRCVS

Maxine Treadwell

RVN NCert (Anaesth) – Head Veterinary Nurse

Bio

Hi I’m Maxine and as Head Veterinary Nurse assisted by my wonderful team of veterinary nurses my aim is to give your pets the best possible care. I went straight into veterinary nursing from leaving school in 2007and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2013, starting working as a member of the Cockburn Vets’ team in January 2015.

I have a keen interest in anaesthesia and emergency and critical care patients and holds a Nurses Certificate in Anaesthesia. This specialist qualification provides advanced knowledge of safe anaesthesia and effective pain management.

To relax I enjoy going to the cinema, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Ali Connellan

RVN

Bio

Hi I’m Ali and I love to provide lots of care to my patients. I particularly love nursing our poorly in-patients, giving them lots of TLC and sharing in their owner’s joy when they recover and go home.

I have two very energetic little ginger boys, Alfie and Dillon, who like to get up to mischief regularly, but who can always manage to wrap me round their tiny paws!

Charlotte Matthews

RVN

Bio

Hi I’m Charlotte and I love being a veterinary nurse. I’m particularly interested in caring for in-patients and monitoring anaesthetics. I take great pride in my work and love to ensure the greatest care is given to every patient in my care taking pride in treating them as if they were my own.

At home I live with Martha and Tigger, who was hand-reared by me. Needless to say they live a life of luxury!

Shannon Dowell

RVN

Bio

Hi I’m Shannon, and during my time as a veterinary nurse I have developed a passion for dog behaviour and patient care. I love to go above and beyond to make sure my patients always receive the best care and most cuddles possible.

I have recently completed the Hills Nutritional ambassador programme and have a keen interest in dentistry.

In my spare time I’m kept busy by my dogs and horses.

Terri Cripps

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Amy Woolman

Student Veterinary Nurse

Bio

Hi my name is Amy and I’m a student veterinary nurse. In practice I enjoy nursing patients and getting to know each one as an individual. I also love the variety that working in a veterinary practice brings.

In my free time I enjoy crafting and playing my piano.

Daisy Johnson

Student Veterinary Nurse

Bio

Hi I’m Daisy and I joined the team in 2021 as a veterinary care assistant and I particularly love to care for all inpatients. Having completed my Veterinary Care Support: Level 2 Apprenticeship (Animal Care and Welfare Assistant) in the summer of 2023, I am now studying to be a veterinary nurse, which has always been my dream. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my Jack Russell Terrier who is called Pippin. Pippin enjoys going on very long walks and especially likes playing fetch with her favourite toy. I also spend a lot of my time with Arna, my horse who is very mischievous and keeps me on my toes with her outgoing personality!

Sophie Reynolds

SVN

Bio

Hi I’m Sophie and I joined the team in July 2024 as a 2nd year student veterinary nurse. Outside of work I enjoy spend time with my friends and family, I enjoy going on adventures with my dog Bentley who is a miniature dachshund. Whilst at work, I really enjoy theatre work monitoring anaesthetics but I also like to meet the clients and build bonds with their pets as I feel this skill is so valuable to the team.

Holly McCarthy

Veterinary Care Assistant

Bio

Hi my name is Holly and I’m a Veterinary Care Assistant. I joined the team in September 2023 and have been working alongside doing my course with the College of Animal Welfare.

My favourite part of the job is helping the team, I really enjoy helping the nurses set up for procedures and assisting the vets to hold patients and give them reassurance.

Molly Upton

Veterinary Care Assistant

Bio

Hi my name is Molly and I’m a Veterinary Care Assistant. I joined the team in January 2024 and have been working alongside doing my course with the College of Animal Welfare.

My favourite part of the job is running laboratory samples, I have always enjoyed Science and the scientific side of the job really appeals to me. At home, I enjoy naps and have 3 doggies, 2 German Shorthaired Pointers and a Chihuahua Cross and two bunnies.

Chloe Lakin

Practice Supervisor RVN

Bio

Hi I’m Chloe, and as a key member of the practice leadership team, I use my organisational skills to help run the practice (and keep the team in check!). Following graduation from Nottingham Trent University in the summer of 2011 I started working as an RVN in July that year. I joined our team at Cockburn Vets in October 2012 and since then undertook the prestigious Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management in 2019. I am now actively involved in the day-to-day management of the practice.

Outside work, I enjoy life with my husband and children and we all love to go for long walks in the countryside with our energetic dogs – Jingo the Border Collie and Peppa the Jack Russell Terrier.

Elaine Bircher

Office Manager

Bio

Hi I’m Elaine, and I’ve been working at Cockburn Vets since 2007. Many of you may remember me as a member of the reception team before I migrated upstairs to become our Office Manager in the summer of 2019.

My house is a bit of a menagerie – horses, a rescued cat, all sorts of animals and birds seem to enjoy living with me – including wild pheasants, a fox family and lots of breeding swifts who like to nest in the stables and keep the horses company.

Andie Chapman

Client Support Advisor

Bio

Hi I’m Andie and many of you will know me from greeting you either by telephone or in person. I’ve been working at Cockburn Vets since 2007 and over the years have been nominated for a number of reception awards. I love working with our patients and their owners and will always try my very best to help you.

Rachael Oliver

Client Support Advisor

Bio

Hi I’m Rachael and I am proud to be the longest serving member of the reception member, having joined Cockburn Vets back in 1998.

I’m a creative person and I love to create fabulous waiting room displays and notices.

Debbie Kennison

Client Support Advisor

Bio

Hello, my name is Debbie and I am a member of the reception team. I joined Cockburn Vets in May 2023 and have loved getting to know all the lovely staff and clients. I have made lots of new furry friends!

I have 2 Schnauzers, Stella and Ted who I love to take on good walks. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to music and dancing (even though I have two left feet). I love to watch my local football team Coalville Town.

Lucy Knight

Client Support Advisor

Bio

Hello, my name is Lucy and I have been part of the reception team here since August.

I have a very cute little doggy called Waffle and I enjoy going on adventures with him in my spare time.

Bev Pallett

Client Support Advisor

Meet the team

Diane Storer

Cathy Churchill

Nadine Wainwright

Nyika Tanton

Maria Tokarska

Caitlin Birchall

Nick Tougher

Serena Giorgi

Alex Trayer

Get in touch