Team

Micaela Wright MRCVS

I qualified as a vet in 1994 and after 3 years in mixed practice, I joined Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital. In 1999 I joined Andrew Geldard in partnership, until his retirement in 2008. I now run the practice with the help of my extensive team.

I am interested in pain management and offer acupuncture as an alternative or adjunctive to conventional pain management. I am a keen surgeon with extensive experience in most orthopaedic and other surgeries.

Following the opening of our new Cats and Exotics Clinic, I now split my time between Stanhope Road and Duke Street. I am the veterinary Rabbit Advocate and enjoy working with our exotic patients.

My other major passion is animal welfare. For many years now I have had an active role as a veterinary surgeon working closely with RSPCA inspectors in animal cruelty and welfare cases.

Cecile Spring MRCVS

I qualified as a vet in 1998 from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Initially interested in all things cow and farming related, I spent the first part of my career in mixed and specialised farm animal practice both in Switzerland and England. Having my first child brought a massive change, not least in the direction of my career as a vet. I hung up my wellies, turned my back on farming and joined Stanhope Park Vets in 2010.

I enjoy the variety of being a “GP-vet”, with a bias towards internal medicine and all things furry. In 2019 I challenged myself to learn a new skill and I am thrilled to be able to spay bitches by keyhole surgery. For me the most rewarding part of the job is being able to accompany clients and their pets from the first vaccination to the trials of old age and everything in between. I divide my time mainly between the surgery in Middleton St George and the Darlington hospital, but will spend the occasional day at our Cats and Exotics branch.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and training and competing in agility with our pack of six dogs.

Louise Marwood MRCVS

I have worked at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital since 2006. I enjoy the variety of work seen at the hospital and love meeting clients and their pets and giving the best service I can.

At home I have a Jack Russell Terrier, a cat, many pet lambs and three children. In my spare time I help my father on his sheep and cattle farm.

Joanna Metcalfe MRCVS

I graduated from Liverpool University in 2001. After 2.5 years in mixed practice I decided my heart lay with specialising as a small animal vet. I joined the Stanhope Park Team in June 2013 and enjoy the variety of pets and people we get to meet here.

My spare time is spent with my family and I enjoy cycling, reading and travelling. We have two cats, “Teddy” and “Turbo” who were brought into the surgery as 2 week old rescues and hand reared, and a Standard Poodle called “Peanut” who loves long walks.

Jeanette H. Tungesvik MRCVS

I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2010 and worked in a small animal practice in Australia for 3 years, before joining the team at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in July 2013. My veterinary interests are surgery and preventative medicine.

Together with my partner, we have a brain damaged rescue Bearded Dragon called Boris, Dani the Leopard Gecko, and in the spring of 2020 we welcomed Hazel the Irish Terrier puppy into our family.

Ana Merle Porta MRCVS

I graduated from the University of Cardenal Herrera CEU (Valencia) in Spain in 2011. Afterwards I moved to England and did some work experience in small animal practices before completing an Internship at Rutland House Referrals. I joined Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in May 2015. I enjoy all aspects of my job, particularly internal medicine and dermatology.

At home I like spending time in the garden with my partner, and cooking. I have got a lovely Border Terrier called “Cheeky”. We are always together, and he loves coming to work with me and sitting on the sofa with me watching TV!

Yasmin Aabbouz GPCert (ExAP) MRCVS

I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2016, and have enjoyed working at Stanhope Park ever since. I love the variety of work at Stanhope Park, and my veterinary interests include internal medicine and exotics. I am very excited to have recently completed my post-graduate Certificate in Exotic Medicine.

At home I have four very cheeky rats called Luci, Maze, Arrow and Amenadiel. In my spare time I enjoy playing music, jogging and exploring the North East.

DEVON LYCETTE MRCVS

I qualified in 2018 from Edinburgh and have been working in Teesside ever since. My primary interests are exotic pets and wildlife, particularly reptiles, fish, and marine mammals - I’m currently working on my aquatic medicine certificate (CertAqV.)

At home I have a mischief of rats, a corn snake, a bull snake, a Leachie gecko, two giant African land snails, and a veiled chameleon. Outside of work I enjoy dance, sewing, gardening, and being outdoors.

Charlotte Turley Head VN

I qualified in 1998, but have been nursing now since 1993 and have enjoyed gaining lots of experience along the way. I have formed some fantastic friendships with our clients and their pets over the years. I continue to strive to the best of my ability in all aspects of veterinary work.

I have a daughter called Millie and a funny Dachshund called Betty, who keep me on my toes!

Lindsay Murray Deputy HVN

I joined Stanhope Park Veterinary hospital in 2012 whilst completing a Veterinary Care Assistant qualification, and have since completed my nurse training to become a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse. I have always wanted to work with animals and I couldn’t see myself in life doing anything else – it’s such a rewarding career. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping an animal in need.

I have a handsome Yorkshire terrier called Hugo and a gorgeous mischievous working cocker spaniel puppy called Eric.

Laura Beahan APVN (Reptile & Amphibian) BSc (hons) Deputy HVN

I started working in a veterinary practice in 2003. I qualified in 2006 and completed a BSc (hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management in 2007, and I joined Stanhope Park Vets in September 2014.

My constant companion is Lev the Labrador who joined me at 8 weeks old in October 2017. He is named after explorer Levison Wood. We enjoy going on our own walking adventures, his favourite is along the beach. I have brother and sister cats Bagheera and Miura who I have had from kittens and they love to wake me up in the morning for their breakfast.

Working at Stanhope Park has fuelled my love of reptiles and I completed an Advanced Programme in Veterinary Nursing of Reptiles and Amphibians and now have my own zoo of many snakes, geckos and a bearded dragon - many of them are rescues via RSPCA. To continue my development, I am now studying an Advanced Programme in Veterinary Nursing of Birds to enhance the care I can provide our feathered friends.

Sue Glasper ISFM DipFN Deputy HVN

I joined the practice in December 2001 after completing my work placement here whilst studying for a National Diploma in Animal Care at Houghall College. I have since completed my Veterinary Nurse Training at Myerscough College, becoming qualified in March 2010.
I have always been keen to continue learning about this ever evolving profession, and have realised my passion for all things cat! In 2017, I completed the ISFM Diploma in Feline Nursing, and hold a special interest in feline behaviour and the role of stress prevention and management. I have since continued to build on my feline-specific nursing knowledge and I hope to embark on a feline behaviour qualification in the near future. My other special interests include medical nursing and the role of nutrition in medical conditions.

I have worked exclusively at our Cats and Exotics Clinic on Duke Street since opening in 2016, where I have been assigned as the “Cat Advocate” for the practice – this means I am responsible for ensuring that staff are correctly trained in “cat-friendly” principles, and that “cat-friendly” practice protocols are put in place and followed.

At home I have a beautiful, semi-long haired moggie called Magpie, and a very cheeky Border Terrier called Bea.

Lisa Lewis RVN

I started working in a mixed veterinary practice in 1996 on a voluntary basis, which led to permanent employment a year later. After attending college, I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2000. I came to work at Stanhope Park in November 2002.

I find animal welfare very interesting. My goals are to further my knowledge in nursing rabbits, guinea pigs and other small furry patients, animal nutrition, surgical nursing and also emergency and critical care.

Laura Wells RVN

Laura Wells
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2004 from Houghall College in Durham, but I have been nursing since 1999. I joined Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in April 2011. I like all aspects of nursing but have a special interest in surgical nursing and enjoy caring for the inpatients.

When I’m not at work my little girl keeps me busy. We are looking forward to getting her lots of pets when she is older.

Rachel Phoenix RVN

I have been at Stanhope Park since July 2006, qualifying in 2008 with a degree in Veterinary Nursing Science from the University of the West of England. I enjoy the variety that working as a nurse brings and I love many aspects of my job, but my main interests lie in medical nursing and rehabilitation and physiotherapy. I am hoping to do more training towards this in the future.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, including my beautiful cat Amelia.

Nicole Burn BSc RVN

I began working at Stanhope Park in 2009 as a Saturday receptionist, following on from a school work placement. I graduated from Harper Adams University in 2017, with a degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management. I love the variety that this job brings, no two days are the same! I am interested in medical nursing and complimentary therapies and would like to learn more about these in the future.

At home I have two Rough Collies, five cats and two silkie chickens, which all keep me very busy!

Bridie Holder APVN (Small Mammal) RVN

I completed my Diploma in Animal Management in 2016 and went on to qualify as a Veterinary Nurse in 2019. I joined Stanhope Park Vets in 2021 and I just love my job! I find great satisfaction in caring for animals, and enjoy completing certificates to improve the care I give to my patients. I currently hold an Advanced Nursing Certificate in Small Mammal Nursing, and have just completed the Oral Nurse Certificate.

I share my home with a boisterous Bull Terrier - Sully, who came to me at 4 weeks old via local enforcement, and is a front-leg amputee.

Amber Donald RVN

I started working at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in 2012 as a receptionist whilst studying Animal Management. I then went on to work as an Auxiliary Nurse before becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

My main interests at work are hand rearing and rehabilitating wildlife but at home I love working and riding my many horses. I have always wanted to work with animals and have grown up with lots of weird and wonderful pets. You may see my sidekick, Rodney, a crazy cocker spaniel as he comes to work with me everyday.

Pippa Elliot SVN

After doing work experience for a couple of months, I was lucky enough to be offered a full time receptionist role at Stanhope Park Vets. After doing this role for just over a year I was over the moon to be offered an auxiliary nurse position!

I have two gorgeous Lorikeets and my handsome cocker spaniel Buddy who keeps me on my toes with his love of socks and sloppy kisses!
I am fascinated with exotics and reptiles, and have quite the collection at home, which includes Dennis the Tortoise, William the water dragon and a number of snakes and spiders!

Kathryn Jobling SVN

I have worked at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital since May 2017, and I love my job as it is very rewarding. I assist in everything from admitting patients, looking after them from arrival to going home, setting up theatre, making sure your pet’s stay here is as comfortable as possible, and much more in between.
I love the variety the job brings, and enjoy learning new things and hope to become a Qualified Veterinary Nurse here at Stanhope Park.

Georgia Hogan SVN

Hi, my name is Georgia (aka crazy rabbit lady)! I have 6 bunnies, and two crazy dogs - a Labrador called Jax and a cocker spaniel called Mylo - who keep me very busy in my spare time away from work. You might recognize me from reception, but I’ve recently moved onto the nursing team to live out of my dream in becoming a veterinary nurse, and I look forward to still meeting all the lovely clients and of course all the lovely pets and being more involved with them, and offering endless cuddles and attention when in the hospital with us.

Chrissy Pullen

I have worked at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital since May 2011, and I love my job as it is very rewarding. I assist in everything from admitting patients, looking after them from arrival to going home, setting up theatre, making sure your pet’s stay here is as comfortable as possible, and much more in between.

I love the variety the job brings, and enjoy learning new things and hope to become a qualified Veterinary Nurse here at Stanhope Park.

Laura Weldon

I joined Stanhope Park Vets in January 2019 as an auxiliary nurse. I enjoy all aspects of the job, but especially looking after the animals during their stay. In my free time I am kept busy with my horse and my three dogs whom all compete at agility.

Helen Geldard

I have been with this practice for many years and have seen it grow, from being a small practice into the hospital we now have today. My brief has always been, and remains, to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible and that you, our clients and particularly your pets, receive the service they deserve.
Most of my leisure time is devoted to walking my wire-haired Dachshund, and developing my garden – great fun if hard work.

Ann Ainsley-Bates

Having been employed at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital for over 11 years now, my love of being in an environment helping all small animals has never diminished. I am normally in the office, but occasionally you may see me in reception.

Sarah Huitson

I returned to Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in 2014 to work on reception as I missed the job, animals, clients and staff too much after 3 years of being away. I initially joined the practice in 2007 working on reception for 2.5 years then concentrated on auxiliary / student veterinary nursing for 2 years.
In 2019 I completed the ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Receptionist course, as half of my time is spent at our Cats and Exotics clinic. I am always looking for new courses that will improve my knowledge of the different species of animals we see within our practice.
I thoroughly enjoy being at the desk to welcome clients and pets into the practice and provide them with the best service I can. I feel the experience I have gained from those 2 years of student veterinary nursing and caring for many of my own/family animals, which have ranged from an iguana to goats, helps me greatly when discussing matters of animal care with clients. I always aim for reception to be a calm, organised and tidy area.

Jayne Yorke

I joined Stanhope Park Vets in 2010 when they took over from my previous employer McCabe Vets in Yarm, and I have since been relocated to our newly refurbished brance practice in Middleton-St-George. I really enjoy being front of house, meeting and greeting all of our clients and getting to know the MSG residence and their furry friends.
I have a busy home life being kept on my toes by my amazing family; including our African Grey Parrot Nesta; and our horse Ellie.

Emma Beadle

After a career change this year, I am very excited to be in my new role here at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital. Animals have always been one of my passions and currently I share my home with two cats, six guinea pigs, three giant African land snails, and next year we hope to bring chickens into the herd. I have a passion for horse riding which has been shared with my daughter and hope in the future to have our own ponies.

I'm really looking forward to my new role here and meeting all our clients and their pets.

Sam Cummings

I started off many years ago as a receptionist for a solicitors in the town, then left Darlington to venture elsewhere doing various other jobs. I came back home to Darlington when I married and had a family. Once my children went to school, I started working in retail, then I have been in management for the charity sector for the last 10 years before deciding to change direction again.

I have been at Stanhope Park Vets for over a year working on reception, and I enjoy meeting new animals and their owners. I have recently filled a wish-list pet off by getting a mini dachshund called Dottie. She is wonderful and I enjoy walks with her and seeing her grow and learn all the time!

LINZI DAVIS

I have always wanted to work with animals so was absolutely thrilled to become part of the Stanhope Park team! I love all animals but have a soft spot for cats and dogs and currently live with my four cats, Bowser, Binky, Milo and Bella. I am also a registered volunteer and fosterer for the RSPCA so this number can often double!

I am so excited to be working with the amazing team here at Stanhope Park Vets, and I am really looking forward to getting to know our clients and their lovely pets.

Claudia McQue

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