Meet the Team

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  Nigel Langworthy

  Clinical Director

  BVMS MSc. MRCVS

  Nigel qualified from Glasgow Veterinary School in 1986, and finished his Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Edinburgh Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine in 1992. Nigel worked from home & abroad with many a whole variety of animals until joining Tower Veterinary Group in 1998, and was one of the Director’s of the company between 2001 & 2017, before becoming our Clinical Director.

  Large animal veterinary work has always had a special place in Nigel’s heart: he is solely responsible for our farm work caseload here at Tower Veterinary Group, but also helps with our small animal clients.

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  Lisa Winter

  Practice Director

  RVN

  Lisa qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2005 from a small animal practice in Scarborough, she began her career working in an equine and small animal Hospital in Hull, and achieved multiple qualifications in Business Management. She has worked across the UK and Europe as a business trainer supporting veterinary practices with their business development, before starting with the Tower Veterinary Group team in December 2017 as our Practice Manager. She brings with her over twenty-five years of experience in Veterinary Practice to her role. In addition to her responsibilities as our Practice Manager, she is also a public speaker within the Veterinary profession, inspiring Veterinary teams across the country on business, leadership and client communication. Lisa has two children, Harry and Maisy; one dog, Missy the Collie cross Kelpie; cat Primrose, a very cute tabby; chickens; and a Tortoise named Mr. Tommy Shelby; and not forgetting her lovely husband, Wez.

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  Vicky Weston

  Senior Veterinary Surgeon & Clinical Lead

  BVM+S, PGC (SAM) Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine

  Born and bred in York, Vicky qualified in 2000 from Edinburgh University. She then worked in the midlands for 3 years before moving to London where she spent 17 years in the same small animal practice in New Malden progressing from assistant to senior vet then clinical director. Vicky moved back to York with her Dachshunds in November 2021 due to family reasons. She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary work but has a special interest in medicine and surgery.

  She took a further qualification in medicine in 2017.

  Outside of work Vicky enjoys walking and paddle boarding with her dachshunds.

• 

  Becky Fletcher

  Senior Veterinary Surgeon

  MRCVS, BVSc

  Becky joined Team Tower in summer 2023 with nearly 10 years experience as a qualified vet surgeon. Becky has previously worked for Swift Referral Centre and Vets for Pets, and brings to the team a background in emergency critical care and has a passion for surgery. Becky loves spending her free time in the great outdoors: caring for and riding her two horses, Fleur and Clover; walking her two year old cocker spaniel Nancy; and generally getting staying active with skiing, hill waking and watersports.

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  Hannah Reddel

  Veterinary Surgeon

  MRCVS, BVSc and BSc

  Hannah joined us in 2023 as a new graduate vet having previously completing a zoology degree at the University of Nottingham and then going on to study Veterinary medicine at the University of Liverpool. Hannah is excited to expand her knowledge, learning from the team at Tower and, in the long term, hopes to pursue her interest in exotic pet medicine. At home, Hannah has a very bossy rescue cat called Daisy and an 8 year old fish called James Pond! In her spare time Hannah enjoys knitting, crochet and watching musical theatre shows.

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  Tom North

  Veterinary Surgeon

  MA VetMB MRCVS ACA

  Tom joined the team at Tower in December 2023, returning to his veterinary roots after a number of years working in a range of fields. During this time, Tom worked as: a Chartered Accountant in the medical field; a New Product Development Commercial Advisor in veterinary pharmaceuticals; and, most recently, as a Senior Manager of the Biorenewables Development Centre at The University of York, with a particular interest in medicinal plants. Tom has 11 years experience working as a small animal vet in both Norfolk and the East Riding and particularly enjoys fiddly surgeries and ophthalmology. At home, Tom has a Birman called Jet and two hooded rats called Shirley and Clover. In his spare time, Tom enjoys playing and teaching drums, cycling and although he used to fence he’s not sure his knees are up to it any more!

• Rachel Bishop

  Senior Veterinary Surgeon

  MRCVS

  I joined as a permanent member of the team in February 2025 after working for Tower veterinary group as a locum vet for two years, I have spent the majority of my career working in charity practice prior to my time at Tower.

  I enjoy all aspects of my work, I enjoy the varied nature of veterinary work, operating is my favourite part of the job, I also enjoy mentoring the new graduate vets and nurses to help them gain confidence and skills.

  I have a one eyed calico cat called Jess, she is a rescue from my first job as a vet, she is feisty girl, I love her but many wouldn’t

  I enjoy playing padel tennis and pickleball in my spare time, I also enjoy walking and house renovating/furniture renovation.

• 

  Bill Schmidt

  Veterinary Surgeon

  DVM, MRCVS

  Having worked at several small animal clinics as a veterinarian in the US, Bill moved to the UK in 2024 and joined Team Tower as his first UK veterinary practice. Bill specialises in consultations here at Tower enjoying building relationships with his clients and particularly has a passion for dermatology, geriatrics and dentistry. In his spare time, Bill enjoys walking, cycling and gardening and has two dogs, a Border Collie cross called Buddy and a Flat Coated Retriever called Murphy.

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  Lisa Barnard

  Head Veterinary Nurse

  RVN

  Lisa has been with us here at Tower Veterinary Group since 2018 after previously working for a referral hospital in Leeds. Since then she has moved in to the senior role of head nurse and is also clinical coach to our Student Nurses. She is based at our Fulford Road Practice and enjoys all aspects of her role however her special interests include rabbit care, diagnostic imaging and dentistry.

  Lisa loves to be kept busy, so enjoys helping out in every aspect of the practice with anything that needs doing. Lisa is very much a bunny lover, what she doesn’t know about rabbits isn’t worth knowing and has recently gained a City and Guilds certificate: Advanced Programme Veterinary Nursing (Small Mammals). She is the proud owner of 7 rabbits, their names are Angel, Isabelle, Dora, Sundance, Whisper, Fergie and Lily.

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  Jennifer Cheeseman

  Lead Theatre Nurse

  RVN

  Jenny studied veterinary nursing at Myerscough College, Preston and began her training at a small practice in her hometown town of Redcar. Jenny moved to York in 2006 to begin working at Tower Vets and, having had several different roles within the practice, now works part time at Fulford. Jenny is enrolled to become a clinical coach to offer support to our student nurses and plans to investigate her interest in imaging techniques. Jenny is married with two children Henry and Alice and has a dog called Poppy. In her spare time, Jenny spends most of her weekends watching her children play football and going on long walks with the dog.

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  Linda McNulty

  Veterinary Nurse

  RVN BVNA

  Linda trained at Rodbaston Agricultural College in Stafford and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1998, she then joined the Tower Veterinary Group family as our Head Nurse in August 2015. Her favourite parts of nursing are carrying out anaesthetics, dental’s and running our nursing consultations. In November 2018 Linda started running our Fear Free and Weight Management consultations at our Fulford practice, she takes a great deal of pride and care within doing these consultations and loves to see the results of all her hard work pay off. Linda also loves being able to provide crucial care and attention to pets as they move into their senior years, and is thoroughly enjoying building deeper connections with clients through these consultations. Another important aspect of Linda’s role, and one which is very close to her heart, is end of life care, this is something that she strives to give owners and pets full supportive and emotional support at such a difficult time. Linda doesn’t have any pets at the moment, but is frequently visited by a family of Magpies, whom she has trained to fly into her garden for treats when she whistles! In her spare time she loves being in the outdoors and going on walks.

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  Megan Sutton

  Veterinary Nurse

  RVN

  Meg has been qualified as a veterinary nurse for 3 years, Qualifying from Askham Bryan College. Before joining Tower Meg worked in a dog groomers and a toy shop in York!

   

  At home, Meg enjoys spending time with her partner and her three cats, Rosie, Dottie and Mr Binx! She also enjoys going out on bike rids, socialising with friends and spending some time on her garden!

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  Becky Beal

  Veterinary Nurse

  RVN

  Becky trained as a Nurse at Askham Bryan College, and started her Nursing career in September 2000. She began working for Tower Veterinary Group when we took over Abbeyfields Vets. Becky is mostly based at our Haxby practice, but also covers our Acomb and Fulford practices.

  Along with her responsibilities as a Nurse, Becky has also worked as a Clinical Coach. Her special interests at work include dentistry and large animals. She is hoping to start doing her own Nurse Consultations at our Haxby practice in the near future.

  Her favourite part of her job as a nurse is getting to know the pets and their owners, it means a lot to her to be able to be there for them throughout their various life stages. She loves being able to see them grow from cheeky pups into wonderful golden oldies. She also thinks it’s nice for our clients and pets to be greeted by a familiar face when they come to visit our Haxby practice.

  Becky’s interests outside of work included going rambling with her lovely Bedlington-Whippet cross, Ernie, camping, reading, going to the cinema and spending time with family and friends.

• 

  Jessica Jacques

  Veterinary Nurse

  RVN

  Jessica was thrilled to start working at Tower Veterinary Group in September 2018, as working within the Veterinary industry has always been her dream role. Before joining the team, Jessica was a Customer Service Manager, and she brings with her over five years of experience in customer facing roles. Jessica is based at our Fulford practice, where she started as our evening Receptionist, but as of September 2020 has started her training to become a qualified Veterinary Nurse.

  Jessica has two dogs, Jewel the Dalmatian a Tilly the Working Cocker Spaniel, and three horses, Mattie an ex-racer, William a Thoroughbred-Irish Draught Cross, and Marmite the Shetland Pony, who loves going to agricultural shows during the summer. Outside of work, Jessica likes spending time with her partner and their little boy.

• 

  Kirsty Griffin

  Veterinary Nurse

  RVN

  Kirsty joined the team at Tower in March 2023. Having qualified at a registered veterinary nurse in 2016, Kirsty then went on to work in recruitment and administration, before joining us here at Tower to combine her skills. Kirsty has a special interests in running consults and performing lab tests, and would love to undertake further qualifications around canine training and behavior. Kirsty has one dog, Ruby, who has a variety of conditions, and in her spare time she plays piano, loves to swim and go horse riding and is a big Xbox gamer!

• 

  Kayleigh Ford

  Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

  RVN

  Having worked in the animal industry for 15 years Kayleigh joined Tower Vets in December 2023 after qualifying as an RVN in July of that year. Kayleigh loves the unpredictable nature of the job and has a personal interest in emergency care and caring for the more critical patients. At home Kayleigh has two rescue lurchers called Jesse and Summer and enjoys walking her girls around York and beyond, catering the walks to end in a pub of course.

• 

  Dominika Burzykowska

  Registered Veterinary Nurse

  RVN

  I joined the practice in March 2025 following some volunteering in South Africa supporting a vaccination program for cats and dogs against Rabies, this was a great thing to do along side my degree level veterinary nurse studies.

  My professional interests include everything Veterinary nursing has to offer, but mainly Nurse clinics, anaesthesia and wound management.

  I have a three-year-old Jack Russel called Monty which I enjoy taking him from very long walks.

  My hobbies include traveling and socialising with friends

• 

  Amy Barnard

  Student Veterinary Nurse

  Amy has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Animal Management and Science, which she obtained from Askham Bryan College in 2015.

   

  She has worked in a veterinary diagnostics laboratory, and in the field of biotechnology for over 4 years. She also comes with experience as a doctor’s receptionist, and as an administrator in a poultry veterinary practice. Amy joined the team in March 2022, and is hoping to pursue a career in veterinary nursing in the future.

   

  Amy loves all animals, especially chickens as she kept these for 8 years, while selling eggs to the general public. She also has a soft spot for cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and even has her own cat called Cinnamon and rabbit called Norbert. In her spare time she enjoys visiting the local animal parks, and going for walks in the countryside.

• 

  Amanda Iliopoulos

  Student Veterinary Nurse

  After spending the last 13 years in hotels, meetings and events, Amanda decided to take her love of customer service with her dream of working with animals to successfully join us as part of the Tower family. Amanda is the ultimate dog person and loves seeing all breeds, of all ages come through the doors here at Tower. But her absolute favourite breed being Cocker Spaniels. At home Amanda is kept busy with her own Cocker Spaniel, Norman. If they are not snuggled up on the sofa watching a movie or out on an adventure in Yorkshire then Amanda is probably chasing Norman around the house as he has stolen another sock! In the future Amanda would like to study to become a Veterinary Nurse.

• 

  Jamie-Lee Moss

  Veterinary Care Assistant

  Jamie started working for Tower Veterinary Group in March 2014 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. During her time with ourselves she has completed certificates in Animal Care and has achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Canine Studies, a qualification that encompasses all things from canine genetics, to behaviours, to healthcare. She would also like to being a canine massage therapy course in the near future. Jamie is based at our Fulford practice and helps to look after all of our inpatients. Her special interests at work are inpatient care, and her favourite part of working for Tower Veterinary Group is caring for our clients pets whilst they are recovering from procedures. Outside of work Jamie spends time with her family and friends, Bikejoring and Caricross with her dogs. At home Jamie has a fair few pets to look after, these include her three dogs, Blaze the Alaskan Malamute, Ember the Husky and Dash the Labrador. There is also her Ragdoll cat, Hornblower and Zoomer the Guinea Pig.

• 

  Laura Kirkham

  Student Veterinary Nurse

  Laura came to join the Tower family after 8 years of working in the motor trade as a Service Advisor. She wanted to pursue her passion of caring for animals as well as continuing to provide a great customer experience. In her spare time Laura loves horse riding, which has been a passion since she was 6 years old. She is also a keen runner and fundraiser for many different charities in her spare time. But if she manages to have a spare moment you’ll find her out in the countryside walking with her husband, daughter and their dogs. Laura is a member of her local Parish Council which she takes a great focus on making the local countryside a better place for everyone. Laura & her family enjoy taking care of their many pets, which include Horses, Dogs, Cats, Pygmy Goats, Chickens, Rabbits & Guinea pigs.

• 

  Lucy Wood

  Student Veterinary Nurse & Marketing

  Joining the team at Tower in May 2022 marked an exciting career change for Lucy, having been a primary school teacher for 5 year. In July 2023 Lucy then took on her next challenge moving from an admin role to working as VCA. Growing up on a dairy farm Lucy is used to a world filled with animals and Lucy adores meeting every single pet who comes through our door at Tower. In her spare time Lucy also volunteers for Dogs Trust and cares for her own rescue dog, a chow chow called Cheddar. Lucy also delivers our monthly Puppy Pre-School classes here at Tower.

• 

  Grace Jackson

  Veterinary Care Assistant

  Grace first joined our team in January 2023 on a work placement while she was completing her Animal Management and Introduction to Nursing Course. In October 2023 Grace finished her course and began working full time for Tower as a Veterinary Care Assistant. Grace’s favourite part of her job is monitoring and caring for our inpatients and in the future she hopes to continue on to her Veterinary Nursing training. When she’s not looking after the pets at Tower, Grace is caring for her own: rabbit Fergus and her six fish!

• Hollie Davy

  Veterinary Care Assistant

  I Joined the team in January 2025, following a role as a VCA in a mixed vets for 3 years assisting with care of animals at all life stages, client care, and helping vets to prepare for farm visits.

  Inpatient care and animal behaviour are my favourite part of the job, helping pets form a positive relationship with the vets whenever possible.

  I have a Labrador called Kestrel, a cat named Earl and 10 tropical fish. As a family, we have three horses, Finn, Sox and Arty.

  My hobbies include attending comic conventions around the country and cosplay (dressing up as characters) with my fiancé, horse riding, arts and crafts, walking my dog in the Yorkshire countryside

• 

  Amanda Harris

  Veterinary Care Assistant

  After finishing school, Mandy completed a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies, whilst working in customer service alongside her studies. She then worked as a Student Nurse at York Teaching Hospital, where she was sent on various placements to different hospitals in the Yorkshire region. She also worked in different departments within York Hospital, such as Midwifery, Physiotherapy and accompanying Community Nurses on home visits, as well as to GP surgeries and schools. In 1996 Mandy began working as Veterinary Nurse Assistant and Receptionist our Abbeyfields Veterinary Centre on Clarence Street, this was then taken over by Tower Veterinary Group in the mid 2000’s. Since the closing of our Clarence Street practice in 2017, Mandy has been based at our Acomb practice. Mandy’s interest in the industry include Complementary Therapy, Dog Grooming, and helping owners through the difficult stages of Pet Bereavement. She is grateful to have been able to perform many Nursing duties over the years, including Monitoring Anaesthetics, running Nurse Clinics, and carrying out lab work. she also thoroughly enjoys being able to bring her skills and vast knowledge to be able to help our clients on the Reception. She has found it fascinating to witness Veterinary Medicine develop and change over the years, with the introduction of new medicines, more sophisticated technology, and an improved selection of treatment options. Outside of work, Mandy enjoys dog walking with her lovely little Yorkshire Terrier, Daisy, cat sitting for friends, fundraising for Crohn’s and Colitis whenever she can, and catching up with friends over coffee and lots of cake!

• 

  Jane Ireland

  Dispensary Manager

  Jane joined Tower Veterinary Group in October 2011 as the Reception Manager at our Fulford practice, a role she has worked very hard at for just over 7 years, before being offered the new position of our Dispensary Manager in January 2019. With Jane’s love of animals, both big and small, it made perfect sense for her to work in the Veterinary industry. Getting to cuddle all of the new puppies that come through our doors is certainly the highlight of Jane’s working week. She also loves being able to organise the medications for our clients pet’s, and enjoys the challenge of stock control. Jane currently has three dogs, some of whom you may find on our Reception at our Fulford practice from time to time. There is Sid the Border Terrier, Rita the Patterdale Terrier and Suzy the Bulldog. She loves being able to take them all out on really long walks with her husband, especially if there is a nice country pub en route.

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  Anne Abbiss

  Insurance Advisor

  Two years after joining the Tower Veterinary Group family in 2014 as part of our Reception team, Anne took on the role of Claims Handler for the insurance cases. She has over 32 years of experience in the Insurance sector, having previously worked form many years as a Claims Manager for Aviva, and has an ACII qualification, along with a Diploma in insurance. Her favourite parts of the job are being able to work efficiently to process the direct claims for clients, along with her constant and frequent interaction with clients, to keep them informed on the progress of their claims. Anne is also hoping to increase her knowledge and understanding or grief, and would like to work towards an accreditation for supporting owners with the bereavement of their pets. Anne has two beautiful cats, Mika the Ragdoll and Oscar the handsome ginger gentleman. Her main interests outside of work mostly involve supporting charities. She is currently the Chairman for Dunnington Cancer Support Group and is also heavily involved with the auctions for them. She has also volunteered for various other organisations such as, St. Leonard’s Hospice and Cruse Bereavement, whom she worked with for more than a decade.

• 

  Sophie Jarvis

  Accounts

  Having previously worked at Battle Flatts Veterinary Practice on reception, with focus on insurance and accounts, Sophie joined Tower in December 2021 as our Account Administrator. Sophie loves working alongside so many likeminded people and especially enjoys being able to support our linked charities. At home, Sophie has three rescue dogs, Oreo a two year old boxer, and Elizabeth (9) and Bert (7) two very funny pugs. Sophie is a proud mum of her gorgeous daughter Delilah, who she enjoys taking for lots of days out, and when she does have some spare time enjoys baking treats for the team here!

• 

  Erin Laird

  Receptionist

  Joining the team at Tower in October 2022, Erin has loved every minute of been part of the Tower family. She has grown up surrounded by animals and wouldn’t want it any other way! Prior to joining the practice, Erin studied Level 3 Animal Management at Askham Bryan College, did some stable-hand work, as well as assisting zoo keepers with day to day animal care. Additionally, in between this she also worked in hospitality. She has always been passionate about working within the animal industry and her favourite part about what she does is being able to support all the different animals that come in to the practice, as well as been able to get to know and help all the lovely owners.

  At home, Erin has her African fat tailed gecko Pudge, two tarantulas Blue and Scooby, as well as her working Cocker Spaniel Buster. In her spare time she loves horse riding, which has been a passion since she was 6 years old, spending time with friends and family, as well as exploring new places with Buster.

• 

  Laura Moynihan

  Receptionist

  Laura brings to the team a really love of both animals and people! With a wealth of customer service experience (most recently as a receptionist at Roko Health Club) since joining the team in February 2023, Laura is now able to combine her enthusiasm for meeting new people with her passion for animals. At home, Laura has two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and a French Bulldog: Lady, Price and Queen. In her spare time, Laura enjoys hiking, shopping, going to the gym and spending time with her family. She once tried to bake – but informs us that won’t be happening again!

• 

  Lauren Tattersfield

  Receptionist

  Lauren joined Tower in June 2023 after 20 years in hospitality working as a housekeeping manager and duty manager. Lauren adores seeing all of pets at Tower but, as a fellow pet owner, she especially enjoys being able to help and support clients through their vet journey. At home, Lauren has a French Bulldog called Pig and a tortoise called Tilly! In her spare time she enjoys learning about hedgehogs and caring for them from the hedgehog hotel in her garden.

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  Tara Keast

  Receptionist

  Having previously worked as an occupational therapist for the NHS for 25 years, Tara made the exciting shift to working with animals in November 2023 when she joined our Haxby team. Tara loves meeting new people and animals, so working on reception has been perfect for her! In her spare time, Tara enjoys walking and hiking, learning the piano, gardening and volunteering for Kitchen for Everyone York. Her furry friend at home is little Scout, the one year old cockerpoo who is full of life!

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  Stephanie Sanderson

  Receptionist

  Having previous owned Canine Couture Dog Grooming in Haxby for 12 years, Steph made the move to Tower in 2024 following an injury preventing her from grooming further. Steph adores working within the animal world and loves meeting everyone’s pets and hearing all about their quirks and interests. Outside of work Steph is kept extremely busy with her own animals! She has horse called Gemini, two Lhasa Apsos Poppie and Holly and Obi, her Boston Terrier with whom she regularly competes all over the UK at Agility Grade 7/Championships.

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  Rachel Hopley

  Receptionist

  Rachel joined Tower Vets in August 2024 at the same time as relocating to York, having completed her Creative Writing Masters. As well as pet cuddles, Rachel’s favourite part of her job is knowing she’s done her best to ensure our clients have the most positive experience possible. At home Rachel has four rats called Willow, Lavender, Crumpet and Marmalade! Although they keep Rachel pretty busy with their mischief, she also enjoys spending time writing and reading as much as she can!

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  Becky Matcalfe

  Veterinary Care Assistant

  Becky joined Team Tower in May 2021 having previously worked at an equine veterinary practice. Originally part of the reception team, Becky became a VCA in July 2024 and has since especially loved working as part of the inpatient team to care for the pets who stay with us for the day. When Becky’s not at Tower she enjoys horse riding and has a gorgeous labrador called Pippa.