Meet the Team

Aleks 
Wisniewska
​Nursing Assistant

​Aleks joined our team in January 2021. She grew up with pets and farm animals, and from a young age knew that caring for animals was what she was meant to do. She loves all animals but has a soft spot for dogs, especially her Chinese Crested dog, Brody. Outside of work she enjoys playing tennis, hiking and travelling.

Amanda Sim
​Student Veterinary Nurse

​Amanda is currently a Student Veterinary Nurse, due to qualify at the end of 2021. She works a shift pattern helping to provide excellent 24 hour care for the in-patients, as well as assisting the vets with procedures and performing reception duties.

Angus Simpson
​Veterinary Surgeon

​Angus qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1990 which makes him older than he cares to remember. His first posting was in Yorkshire where he met his wife Louise, who was a nurse at the same practice. He has worked in the Hexham area for the last 30 years, joining Scott Mitchell in 2004. Angus is head of Small Animal Surgery and is well known for his quiet and calm nature with his patients and clients alike. He lives in Hexham with his family and their three border terriers Bella, Betty and Bronte.

Becka Robson
Tow Law Practice
​Nursing Assistant

Becka does a fantastic job looking after the Tow Law branch - she runs the Reception, supports the vets during consults and operations, and dispenses medications - as well as running the collection point for The Farm Fold Vets. She worked at the Hexham branch in the Equine and Small Animal Surgeries before working at the Tow Law branch, which is much closer to home. She enjoys going to farm shows and helping during the sheep seasons.

Becky Stainthorp
Student Veterinary Nurse

Becky started working here in 2008 having previously worked as a dog walker, equine groom and at a kennels and cattery. She has a Diploma in Equine Studies from Broomfield College in Derby. Becky enjoys looking after both the animals at work and her two dogs and two cats. In her spare time she enjoys long walks, riding and spending time with family. She will start her Student Veterinary Nurse training in September 2021.

Bethany Thirlwell
Nursing Assistant

Bethany joined the Small Animal team as a nursing assistant in early 2021, and has been a great addition to the team. She is a local lass with a love of animals and a farming background. Bethany assists the consulting vets, looks after in-patients and helps with reception duties.

Brendon Jackson
​Finance Manager

​Brendon joined our team in 2015. He is from Cape Town, South Africa, and has been in the UK for 24 years. Brendon is a keen runner, and in 2008 entered into the world of triathlons and duathlons, when first introduced to it by his children. Along with his wife, he has been representing Great Britain at European and World Championships since 2010!

Bryony Turnbull
Nursing Assistant

​Bryony is one of our small animal nursing assistants, looking after in-patients, assisting vets and helping on Reception. She joined the Scott Mitchell team in 2018. Bryony’s interests include hiking, cycling and spending time with her cats Gandalf and Winnie. She has lived locally in Northumberland her whole life and loves it here. 

Charlotte McGivney
Veterinary Surgeon

​Charlotte returned to work at Scott Mitchell, following a period in New Zealand and Dublin where she completed her equine surgery training and achieved her PhD in Equine Genetics. She has special interest in Equine Surgery and lameness. Charlotte has a son and in her spare time enjoys riding and spending time with her family.

Clare North Lewis
​Equine ​Nursing Assistant

​Having a keen equestrian background, Clare now runs a livery yard in Colwell. She lives on a sheep farm with her husband, Selby, and they have three children, Billy, Jack and Polly. In her spare time, Clare likes to tread the boards and has often been seen in YFC 27 Up Pantomime productions.

Colin Mitchell
​Managing Director & Veterinary Surgeon

​Originating from the East coast of Scotland, Colin attended veterinary school in Edinburgh and worked in practice in Northumberland for five years prior to joining us in 2003. In 2004 he became a Partner here, and achieved his post graduate certificate in Equine Practice. Currently he is Managing Director of the Equine team Colin is married to Liz and has two children, Shona and Oliver. In his spare time Colin enjoys spending time with his family, fell-running, mountain biking and skiing.

Ellie Scandle
​Equine Reception & ​Nursing Assistant

Ellie is one of our Equine receptionists and is able to use her equine background and local knowledge to assist with call co-ordinations and handling client requests. Ellie lives in the Shire and is a keen horse rider, runner and cyclist, and is an active member of Young Farmers. She has a lovely Cocker Spaniel puppy called Harper, and a horse called Clover.

Faith Rutherford
​​Nursing Assistant

​Faith is one of our nursing team and normally works nights. She is from Corbridge and has been married to John for 22 years: they have four children, Emily, Ellie, Georgia and James. Faith's family also has a lot of rescue/rehomed animals! 4 cats all named after Shakespeare characters: Romeo, Juliet, Monty and Gertrude, and 2 gorgeous pugs Benji and Bella. Her favourite part of her job is having the privilege of being with our inpatients and comforting them through the night. 

Gill Parr
​Registered Veterinary Nurse

​Gill joined our team in 2006 and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2011. She is involved in running the small animal hospital, in-patient care, supporting our nursing students as a mentor, and runs nurse clinics. Gill has lots of experience with all types of animals; she has taught and competed in many equine spheres and worked with dairy cows, youngstock, sheep and beef. In her spare time she has a keen interest in working and training dogs, and has her own Border Collie and a very hairy pony to keep her busy!

Helen Henderson
​Equine Medical Records Clerk

​Helen joined Scott Mitchell in 2018 as an Equine Medical Records Clerk. She lives in Prudhoe with her hubby and black lab Rosie. She has two boys Joe & Sam, who are currently at University. Helen is a proud owner of two handsome horses Fynn (retired) and Dennis. Dennis and Helen like to get out & about doing lots of training & compete in British Dressage competitions. Her dream would be to take him up the grades and get to wear top hat and tails!

Ivana Pintar
​Veterinary Surgeon

Ivana first came to Scott Mitchell in 2014 as part of her Erasmus exchange programme. Having proved to be an excellent student who fitted in the team so well, we were delighted to welcome her back in 2017. After graduating in January 2016, she started to work in a small animal clinic in Varazdin, Croatia, where she was born and raised. Since joining our team in Hexham she primarily works in the Equine Team. Ivana has a passion for horse riding, and loves to travel so has enjoyed exploring the United Kingdom with her partner and her labrador Pepper.

Jade Thomson
​​Nursing Assistant

Jade began working with us in 2017 as a nursing assistant in the Small Animal department. She assists vets in consults, looks after in-patients and helps with reception duties. In her spare time she goes hiking with her border collie and spaniel cross. 

Joanne Carins
​​Nursing Assistant

​Joanne joined our team in 2014. She is the Shepherdess at her family farm, and being from a local farm she is familar with working with all animals. As a veterinary nursing assistant Joanne works a shift pattern helping to provide our excellent 24 hour care service for the in-patients, as well as assisting the vets with procedures and performing reception duties. 

Judy Crick
​​Nursing Assistant

​Judy joined the practice in 2020, initially as a night nursing assistant to provide out of hours care to our in-patients and assist with emergency cases. Now Judy works a shift pattern helping to provide excellent 24 hour care and covering reception duties. She lives in Northumberland with her husband, and enjoys walking her her dogs, winter sports, bouldering and travel.

Kirsten Smith
​Nursing Assistant & Equine Physiotherapist

​Kirsten has a wealth of experience working with horses and is a qualified animal physiotherapist. A local from Hexham, she joined Scott Mitchell in 2013. As a veterinary nursing assistant Kirsten works a shift pattern helping to provide our excellent 24 hour care service for the in-patients as well as assisting the vets with procedures and reception duties. Kirsten also provides equine physiotherapy services both at the surgery and as a mobile service.

Liz Mitchell
​Veterinary Surgeon

​Liz graduated from Cambridge in 1998 and spent five years in mixed practice in Devon and Warwickshire before returning to Cumbria, where she worked for eight years as Director in charge of equine at Paragon Veterinary Group. In 2007 she attained the Royal College certificate in Equine Practice. Liz and Colin were married in December 2009 and they have two children, Shona and Oliver. Liz joined Scott Mitchell in 2011, and has lots of experience owning, riding and competing horses prior to hanging up her boots to run around after children! When spare time exists Liz also enjoys skiing, walking, fell running and mountain biking.

Mandy Gown
​​Nursing Assistant

​Mandy works in the Small Animal department and began working with us in 2006. She has always had pets at home, of lots of different species and personalities to keep her on her toes! Mandy is a veterinary nursing assistant who has a wonderful manner with all patients, providing excellent support to our Small Animal team.

Natasha Richardson
​Registered Veterinary Nurse

​Natasha joined the team in 2016. She holds a BSc (hons) degree in Animal Behaviour, a BTEC national diploma in Animal Management and has previous experience as a boarding kennel manager. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse Natasha works a shift pattern helping to provide our excellent 24 hour care service for the in-patients as well as assisting the vets with procedures and covering reception duties. In her spare time she enjoys walking and training her two dogs Luna and Maya.

Neil Turnbull
​Maintenance

With a screwdriver in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, Neil is the man we turn to when we need more shelves, a door moving or a desk fixing.

Rebecca Dent
​Student Veterinary Nurse

Rebecca joined the team in 2019 as a student equine veterinary nurse. She is completing her Registered Veterinary Nurse training at college, alongside clinical work in the Practice. She lives in Lowgate with her family, and in her spare time enjoys riding her horse, Maisie, and exercising her two dogs, Lana and Milo. She is an active member of Whitley Chapel young farmers.

Rhea Cianciola
​​Nursing Assistant

Rhea is one of our veterinary nurseing assistants, working in both Small Animal and Equine Surgeries. She recently re-joined the team after spending a year in Japan with her husband and her smiling face is a reflection of her caring nature. She looks after inpatients, helps in the operating theatre and assists the consulting vets. Rhea is horse mad and she also enjoys running and walking.

Rose Macmillan
Veterinary Surgeon

​After several years of study, travel and a variety of jobs in Britain and abroad, Rose was keen for longer term goals so went to vet school in Cambridge and qualified in 2014.  She started in mixed practice, first in North Wales and then North Yorkshire, before choosing to focus on small animal work and moving to Scott Mitchell in 2018. In her spare time she enjoys rock climbing, walking and cycling.

Roger Scott
​Managing Director & Veterinary Surgeon

​Roger grew up and attended school in Hexham. Mad about every type of animal Roger bred and exhibited guinea pigs, he raced pigeons, religiously walked his German Short Haired Pointer and helped his Dad, livestock auctioneer, with anything involving cattle and sheep.
Roger qualified from Edinburgh in 1989 when mullets were still in fashion. He worked first in Selby, North Yorkshire then further afield in Hampshire and West Sussex before the inevitable return north to work in Newcastle and Hexham. Aside from clinical work and directing the business Roger also runs a training company, CPD Actif, with Colin and Lee-Anne – a novel training organisation that blends active learning and personal development with challenging activities such as skiing and sailing – all things Roger enjoys very much.
Roger and his wife Alison have three kids most of whom are, at last, earning a living!

Sally Booth
Veterinary Surgeon, Tow Law

​Sally comes from a Doncaster based farming family, and is our primary Veterinary Surgeon at the Tow Law branch. Sally’s first post was based in Weardale, she then had a period of doing locum work around the North of England before becoming a partner with Robson and Prescott in 2001. Sally recently joined us full time, looking after both Small Animal and Equine patients at the Tow Law Surgery. In her spare time she is a volunteer welfare office for the British Horse Society and is on the Association of Racecourse Vets committee.  She has started a new business manufacturing horseshoes with two farriers and enjoys gardening, baking, showing and driving her own horses.

Sara Dean
​Equine Project Manager & ​Nursing Assistant

Sara grew up in Lancashire but has lived in the North East since she was 19. She first joined the practice in 2004 and was instrumental in dealing with our first equine in-patients. After a ten year absence from the practice, Sara returned in 2019. She works in the Equine Surgery as the team lead for the nursing and support team, providing care for patients and helping with reception duties. She has a horse called Flora and a Yorkie-Poodle cross called Rags.

Sarah Awburn
​Registered Veterinary Nurse

As a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the Small Animal department, Sarah is involved with anaesthetic monitoring, assisting with veterinary procedures and the care of in-patients. Sarah started as a work experience student at the practice in 2005, and then began as a veterinary nursing assistant the following year. She is currently studying for a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Anaesthesia).

Sophie Nixon
​Veterinary Surgeon

Sophie is one of our Small Animal Vets and started working at the practice in September 2019. She has a Fox red labrador called Bailey and 2 cats, Tigger and Copper. Her favourite part of her job is meeting the variery of people and pets that they own, getting to know their backstories, personailities and quirks! She is orignally from Wiltshire but moved up to the area 17 years ago. Outside of work you'll find Sophie out walking her dog, socialising with friends and playing sports.

Steph Cook
​Veterinary Surgeon

Steph originates from Hawick and graduated from Edinburgh vet school in 2014. She spent a year in mixed practice in Cumbria, before going into Equine practice in Lancashire for 2 years. Steph joined Scott Mitchell in 2017, in the Equine team, and has a keen interest in lameness, medicine and vettings. Steph is also experienced in Small Animal practice and consults in the Small Animal Surgery at Tow Law once a week. In her spare time she enjoys looking after, riding and competing her own horses, and walking her dog, Lexi, that you may see in Steph's car, enjoying a good snooze as Steph does her calls!

Sue Robson
​​Practice Manager

As Practice Manager, Sue looks after the whole team and the organisation of the Practice, making sure that everything runs smoothly.  Before coming to Scott Mitchell, she worked as a manager for over 30 years in such diverse industries as advertising, training and hospitality.  Originally from Allendale, Sue now lives in Great Whittington with her farmer husband, Ed, and their black Labrador, Tilly.  She has three grown up children and a gorgeous little granddaughter, Edie.

Sue Shaw
​Small Animal Medical Records Clerk

​Sue is our Small Animal Medical Records Clerk, responsible for data input of operations and procedures. She also looks after the Small Animal insurance claims. Originally from Lancashire, Sue has lived in Yorkshire and Surrey before moving to Northumberland. She enjoys reading, art and dog walking.

Suzie Dent
​Cleaner

Suzie is responsible for keeping our Hexham premises clean and tidy, and is one of the most important people on the team!

Toni Barton
Small Animal Receptionist

​Toni normally runs the Small Animal Reception for our Saturday morning consults. She joined the practice in 2007 and has always had a keen interest in horse riding and hunting.

Vicki Chomse
Small Animal Receptionist

​Vicki first started working here as a part time receptionist in November 2019, before becoming the only full-time Small Animal receptionist in March 2020. She is currently completing her Silver British Veterinary Receptionist Award after receiving the Bronze Award earlier this year. For Vicki, the best part of the job has to be puppy cuddles on a weekly basis, as well as working with some great people! She lives in Hexham with her best friend and their collie-x-lab Paddy. When not at work manning the front desk, you will find Vicki out and about enjoying the outdoors and socialising with friends!

Lucy Swinton
​Small Animal Project Manager

​​Lucy joined the Practice in December 2020 and enjoys the variety of her role - including marketing, IT support, finance and customer service. She grew up in Tynedale and spent ten years away before her love of the North East brought her home. She has a ginger cat, George, and if she's not hanging out with him at home she likes to be outdoors, normally cycling or walking in the hills.

Victoria Potts
​Student Veterinary Nurse

Victoria joined the practice in July 2021, working alongside her Veterinary Nurse degree which she studies at Askham Bryan College in York. She is enjoying learning all the new skills needed for her future role as a registered veterinary nurse. She grew up in the Hexham area and owns a cocker spaniel, Bengie, who is her best friend!