Vets
Katy Dodson BVSc BSc PgCert (SAM) MRCVS
Joint clinical Lead – Qualified from Bristol University in 1997
- Interests: I enjoy all aspects of first opinion work, medicine, surgery, imaging, diagnostics etc. I love meeting people and their furry family members and focusing on creating a calm and relaxed environment for both. I enjoy sharing knowledge and building strong Vet-Client-Pet relationships so together we continue to improve their pets health and welfare.
- Most memorable case: My parents’ Springer spaniel who ate a Bic razor and when I retrieved it from her stomach I also found a piece of plastic that had come from a new bed my parents had had 3 months earlier!!
She made a full recovery but would still try to eat anything. - Favourite dog walk: Although my adored friend has sadly walked over the rainbow bridge now, we did love to walk around Melbourne and up to Breedon Church with a short (or sometimes long) stop at the pub.
Amanda Ford MRCVS
Joint clinical Lead – Graduated from Cambridge Vet School in 2008
- Interests: I love the diversity of first opinion practice from the puppy or kittens first visit through to their twilight years and all the ups (hopefully not too many downs) along the way! I enjoy dentistry and am constantly amazed by the huge improvement seen after procedures and I have recently enrolled on a cardiology certificate.
- Most memorable case: An 8-month-old puppy who had a brain cyst removed – she made a full recovery and the area of brain that had been squashed regrew. I love being amazed how the body can repair itself.
- Favourite dog walk: You can’t beat a good ramble around Dimmingsdale – a favourite with me, my dog and the family.
Raquel Martinez Vega DVM, PhD, PGCert (Medicine and Surgery) MANZCVS (medicine of cats)
Qualified from the Complutense University of Madrid, 2009
- Interests: After completing a Master’s degree in veterinary research in 2010, I pursued a PhD focused on the inner ear at the Biomedical Research Institute in Madrid. In 2016 I moved to Derby to do a Postgraduate Certificate at the University of Nottingham which I have now completed. I have just finished the ISFM Feline Medicine course so, as from May 2023, I will be a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). I enjoy most parts of first opinion work but my particular areas of interest include geriatric medicine, imaging, endocrine disease, infectious disease control and general surgery.
- Most memorable case: A lovely 1 year old female cat that had accidentally drunk some bleach so she needed intensive care including a feeding tube at home for several weeks but luckily she made a full recovery!!
- Favourite dog walk: Definitively Kinder Scout!
Helen Ashworth BVSc, BSc, MRCVS
Qualified from Bristol University in 1993
- Interests: I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine and love the way that the job is different every day. Working as a first opinion vet is extremely rewarding because we have the privilege of being the primary contact with our clients. I particularly enjoy building a rapport with our clients so that we can optimise the outcomes for our furry friends.
- Most memorable case: I remember seeing a young cat recently who presented with sudden onset breathing difficulties. She responded partially to treatment for asthma but not well enough to satisfy me that this was the diagnosis. When her breathing was more settled, I radiographed her chest to find that there was quite a large, dense object stuck at the bottom of her wind pipe inside her chest. She was sent for endoscopy which led to the discovery that she had inhaled a piece of concrete! Eventually it was successfully removed. We will never know what she was doing to have inhaled this!
- Favourite dog walk: I am lucky enough to live near many footpaths in a rural area. My favourite walks are with my special friend Bella (a Sprocker) and her puppy, Lily. They have a brilliant time jumping around in the long grass, sniffing for pheasants and chasing each other. It is impossible not to be happy when you see them having such fun.
Lydia Parrott BVSc, BSc, MRCVS
- Interests: I love being a vet and getting to meet and care for all your pets. I particularly enjoy building relationships with patients, clients, and working up cases.
- Most memorable case: A young puppy who was born without a prepuce and was unable to urinate without a lot of difficulty. After surgery, he was a lot happier!
- Favourite dog walk: Walking in parkland around Chatsworth.
Dominique Szabo MRCVS
- Interests: I enjoy all aspects of caring for your pets, big or small, and love the variety of first opinion work. I have a particular interest in emergency critical care.
- Most memorable case: A young Labrador who presented collapsed and bleeding into his chest due to lungworm. He was hospitalised and needed a blood transfusion but responded amazingly. He made a full recovery and was back giving kisses and scoffing treats in no time.
- Favourite dog walk:
I enjoy dog walks throughout the Derbyshire countryside but my favourite is along the high peak trail and Carsington.
For more information on veterinary post-graduate qualifications see:
https://www.sarahsmithcardiology.co.uk/cardiology-specialist/
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/advanced-practitioner-criteria-amended/
Nurses
Emily Duffell RVN Isfm CertFN CCMN
Joint Head Nurse
I started nursing in 2005, qualifying in 2008.
I have worked towards additional qualifications, including Canine Mobility and Feline Nursing.
Having worked in both first opinion and emergency hospitals, I now solely work as a consulting nurse and have a keen interest in dog, cat, and rabbit behaviour.
Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my dog and enjoy going to music and comedy gigs.
Evie Watson RVN
Joint Head Nurse
I started at Pride as a Kennel Assistant, then completed my nursing training, and once qualifying worked in Oncology. I learned tonnes about varying options for patients with cancer, as well as how to support owners on the journey. I joined Etwall in August 2023, and have absolutely loved it. I became Clinical Head Nurse in December 2025.
My interests are Oncology, Neonatal nursing/handrearing and anaesthesia. I also really enjoy emergency and critical care cases!
Most memorable case – it’s so hard to choose one from over the years, but the chemotherapy patients who were very worried at the start of their treatment will always stick with me. As we saw the patients each week for treatment, they very quickly realised that seeing us meant cuddles, chicken, and lots of love. Seeing them come out of their shells and learning all their little quirks was my favourite – and the lovely owners made it so much more bearable!
Favourite dog walk – anywhere in the Peak District on a lovely spring day, although being lucky enough to get out and about anywhere with my gorgeous dogs and other half is good enough for me!
Sarah Grainger RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I joined the profession over 7 years ago as a receptionist and then qualified as a nurse in 2021. I joined the Etwall team in June 2024.
I have a keen interest in anaesthesia, small furries (in which I have an extra qualification), and emergency and critical care. I am currently completing my certificate in emergency & critical care.
Outside of work, I enjoy running and gym classes, walking my dog and reading.
Amy Leatherland RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Amy is a Veterinary nurse with an honors degree, having Qualified in 2006.
- Interests: She has a certificate in wound management and loves nurse clinics, surgical nursing and theatre practice.
- Most memorable case: Anaesthetising a Kune Kune pig for a CT scan, pigs aren’t normally my specialty but I was willing to make an exception!
- Favourite dog walk: My favourite walks are in the White Peak Disctrict but I try to never to the same walk more than once!
Lesley Kinani RVN
I have always had a deep love for animals and feel very passionately about their care and welfare. At an early age I decided I wanted to work with animals and went on to pursue a career in ‘Veterinary Nursing’. I knew this would enable me to realise my passion in a practical way and qualified as a RVN in 1997. I have had a long and varied career working in first opinion, referral practices and emergency hospitals. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my work but I especially enjoy building up trusting relationships with clients and their pets and becoming more involved on a personal level. I find this facet of nursing very rewarding and love imparting my knowledge of animals, providing advice and supporting people when they can be anxious around the health of their pets. I can’t think of a better job! Outside of work I enjoy gardening, walking and taking photographs of wildlife. I also take care of two stray cats who think they live with me :-)
Morgan Denham Black RVN
I completed my veterinary care assistant course with a north east referral practice in 2019 who then kept me on as an animal care assistant. They then sent me through my nurse training which I completed in 2023 when I became a registered veterinary nurse. I have worked in a both referral and primary care settings since qualifying.
I joined Etwall vets in September 2025 after moving from my home town in the North East and never looked back. I love the team and values here at Etwall. My main interest in nursing is medical cases and imaging. I look forward to learning so much from the amazing colleagues im surrounded by here.
- Interests: I’m a car enthusiast (most people say they hear me coming before they see me.)
- Most memorable case: Providing intensive hospital care for a 8 week old cocker spaniel puppy who had a surgery to correct a congenital heart defect which happily allowed him to live a normal life and be a crazy spaniel.
- Favorite walk: Thrunton Woods in Northumberland, where I used to take my cocker spaniel weekly for him to adventure and follow his nose.
Megan Delderfield RVN
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2021 with a Degree in Veterinary Nursing. I have since spent time working for a large charity hospital in Birmingham, which I absolutely loved. I have spent a lot of time hand rearing small kittens and fostering cats over the years and have only ended up with two failed foster kittens; Daphne and Fred. I have an interest in all things cats, particularly in feline behaviour.
Outside of work I spend time walking with my family and our two boxer dogs (I am an avid boxer fan). I also love travelling, reading and live music.
Libby Wilson RVN
I am originally from Scotland and completed my nursing diploma in Aberdeen, qualifying in 2022. Since qualifying I have worked in primary care practices, a first opinion hospital and referrals.
I recently travelled South East Asia and Australia for 5 months and loved exploring all the different countries and cultures.
I have a keen interest in anaesthesia and my love for this grew whilst working as a theatre nurse before joining Etwall vets! I was faced with difficult but interesting cases, my most memorable one being a cat craniotomy!
I’m looking forward to continuing my first opinion experience at Etwall vets where I’ll get to be involved in all aspects of patient care with a supportive and knowledgeable team.
Zoe Clint
Trainee Nurse
I am currently a third year student at Harper Adams University! I love all things animals and have always been passionate about their care which lead me to pursue veterinary nursing! I am excited to continue my studies and look forward to both the practical and theory sides of my degree in the future.
Interests: outside of veterinary nursing I enjoy rock climbing and reading!
Most memorable case: always up for puppy vaccines (and cuddles!!)
Favourite dog walk: I love all the walks around Melbourne and the surrounding areas!
Nicola Hawksworth RVN
Head Receptionist/ Personnel Manager
Nicola has been a Veterinary Nurse for 33 years and is now bringing her wealth of experience to our Reception team.
- Interests: Sewing, cross stitch pictures and singing in two local choirs.
- Most memorable case: A Doberman whose owner said it rattled when it ran- an x-ray showed a stomach full of over 20 garden stones!
- Favourite dog walk: The old train track near the Denstone Coffee shop.
Shannon Cullumbine
Receptionist
I have 14 years in the veterinary reception profession. I love dealing with our clients and their pets. There is nothing I like more than putting everyone at their ease whilst they are waiting and I’m more than happy to have good chat!!
- Interests: I love spending time with my family and very lively dog, Digby! I enjoy running, going on long walks.
- Most memorable case: reuniting a dog, that had been missing for 3 years with its owner. I’m not sure who cried the most, me , the dog or the owner!!
- Favourite dog walk: here, there and everywhere with Digby!
Deanne Baughn
Receptionist
I have 14 years experience working in the Veterinary profession in both Reception and Animal Care Assistant roles, usually at the same time! I also ran my own dog walking, pet care and small animal boarding business for 6 years. I currently share my life with my husband, a Romanian rescue dog and 4 chickens but I have had a variety of pets over the years.
- Interests: I enjoy running puppy classes and also providing dog behaviour advice.
- Most memorable case: My favourite memories are of the nervous and anxious dogs that I helped to become more relaxed and confident especially when visiting the vet.
- Favourite dog walk: As you can see from my picture and the state my dog Ozzy and I are in, there is nothing better than a muddy walk in the countryside. Calke Abbey is quickly becoming our favourite walk but I’m happiest when we’re lost in nature!
Sarah Baker
Receptionist
Sarah has worked in a veterinary setting for many years, originally as a veterinary nurse but latterly as a senior receptionist. She loves helping clients and their pets and will be great addition to the team.
- Interests: Walking, reading, sewing, and looking after pets…. Guinea pigs are surprisingly hard work!!
- Most memorable case: Laparotomy to investigate a Labradors vomiting problem, turned out to have swallowed a whole tea towel!!
- Favourite dog walk: Circular walk at Calke Abbey, always trying to catch a glimpse of the deer, and a bonus coffee in the cafe at the half way point!
Corinne Binfield
Receptionist
I have worked as a veterinary receptionist for six years, and I am also a qualified dog groomer. I’ve loved animals from an early age and my claim to fame was appearing on BBC1’s Ronnie Corbett’s Animal Crackers show, with my French bulldog, Joules.
- Interests: I love reading, socialising and spending quality time with family and friends.
- Most memorable case: Customer found a litter of kittens abandoned and brought them into be checked over. He kept them safe and well until he found them homes …. Was I tempted …. yes!
- Favourite dog walk: Shardlow canal path leading to Willington Marina and a nice cup of coffee at the end!
Michelle Gibson
Receptionist
I have worked in the veterinary field since 2011, with experience as a Receptionist, Practice Administrator, and Insurance Administrator. I’ve supported both first-opinion and referral veterinary practices, giving me a broad understanding of the profession and the importance of compassionate, efficient client care. I love that no two days are the same and genuinely enjoy meeting and caring for animals of all kinds.
Outside of work, I have a lovely family with three children and two grandchildren, as well as our two dogs, a cat, and some fish. We enjoy spending quality time together, especially playing games and sharing meals as a family.
Kay Naden RVN
General Manager
I enjoy knitting and have made some wonderful Beatrix Potter knitted toys. I am captain of a local pub quiz team and also relish the idiosyncrasies of pet insurance claim forms.
- Interests: I am involved in many aspects of the practice including client care, practice administration and staff training.
- Most memorable case: My own dog ate a lightbulb when only 11 months old and had to have it surgically removed.
- Favourite dog walk: Walking to the Clachaig Inn in Glen Coe.