Meet the Team

Angus Simpson BVetMed MRCVS
​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 Branch Manager

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 transferring to 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
​
Currently studying to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse alongside caring for our patients, 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.

---

Bethany Thirlwell
Nursing Assistant

Beth 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 SVN
Student Veterinary Nurse

​Bryony started her training as a Veterinary Nurse last year after being part of our the Scott Mitchell team since 2018. She looks after in-patients, assists vets and helps on Reception. 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. 

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
BVM&S PGCertVBM CertEP MRCVS
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.

Emily Wilson
BVSc MRCVS
​​Veterinary Surgeon

​Emily originates from near York and qualified in 2021 from Bristol University.
She joined the Scott Mitchell team as a new graduate and her calm, thoughtful manner is very popular with clients and their horses alike.
Emily rode and owned horses before going to college and hopes to get back into riding and horse ownership again.
She has two pet rabbits called Rupert and Rosie and also enjoys going to the gym, paddle boarding and the great outdoors!

Emma Dunn SVN
Student Veterinary Nurse

Emma joined the practice in 2021 as a veterinary nursing assistant working a shift pattern to help provide 24hr care.  She assists with reception duties, caring for inpatients, helping vets in consults and with procedures.  Emma also enjoys working in the equine department having previously worked with horses as a groom.  Emma lives in Hexham and has two dogs, Betsy and Dora and a horse called Pearl  who she spends all her spare time with! . 

Erynn McDonough
Nursing Assistant

Having joined the team in November 2021, Erynn works a shift pattern helping to look after in-patients and assisting with emergencies 24/7. She has lived locally since birth and currently shares her life with her three native ponies, three cats and her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Gil. 

Euan Laidlaw   
BVMS CertAVP PGCertVPS MRCVS
Director and Veterinary Surgeon

Euan is originally from Ayrshire and since graduating has worked in Australia, Northumberland, and the Borders. He has a particular interest in equine dentistry and enjoys working with sports horses, hunters, and Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses (on and off the track).
In his free time, he enjoys being a dad to his small son, cycling, skiing, and all country sports - although he claims to be distinctly amateur at them!

Gill Parr RVN
​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 vast 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 Receptionist 

​Helen joined Scott Mitchell in 2018 and is now a key part of our reception team. She lives in Prudhoe with her husband and black labrador 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    
​MRCVS
​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. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her family and go on walks with her lab Pepper. She has recently gone on maternity leave and her second child is expected in the spring.

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. 

Jasmine Duffy-Welsh
Small Animal Receptionist

Jasmine has lived in Tynedale for most of her life and joined our Small Animal Reception team just before Christmas. She has a lovely Doberman, Bono, who is a popular face at the surgery whenever he comes for his big bag of food! 
Outside of work Jasmine enjoys spending time in the Highlands, where her family live, and adventuring in the countryside with Bono.

Joanne Cairns
​​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. Joanne recently returned from maternity leave after having her beautiful daughter.

Kirsten Smith DipAPhys
​Equine Physiotherapist and Receptionist

​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. Kirsten always has a smile on her face and her cheery voice and extensive knowledge makes her a superb receptionist. Also 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                    
MA VetMB CertEP MRCVS
​Veterinary Surgeon           
Liz graduated from Cambridge in 1998 and spent five years in mixed practice in Devon and Warwickshire before returning to Cumbria. In 2007 she attained the Royal College certificate in Equine Practice. Liz and Colin  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.

Naomi Craig
Small Animal Receptionist

Naomi is a member of our lovely reception team and joined us in 2021. She lives just outside Hexham with her young son Harrison, dog Ruby and crazy cat Rosie. In her spare time she enjoys walking and going camping with her family. 

Natasha Richardson RVN
​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. At home she enjoys walking and training her two dogs Luna and Maya.  Natasha is currently on maternity leave after having her second daughter in 2023.

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.

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
​RVN
​Equine Veterinary Nurse

Rebecca joined the team in 2019 as a student equine veterinary nurse, qualifying in August 2022.  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.

Roger Scott 
BVM&S MRCVS
​Director & Veterinary Surgeon

​Roger grew up and attended school in Hexham and qualified from Edinburgh in 1989  He worked first in North Yorkshire then   Hampshire and West Sussex before the inevitable return north. Aside from clinical work and directing the business Roger also co-runs a training company, CPD Actif - a novel training organisation that blends active learning and personal development with challenging activities such as skiing and sailing.
Roger and his wife Alison have three kids most of whom are, at last, earning a living!

Rose Macmillan       
​VetMB MA MRCVS
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.

Sally Booth          BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

​Sally, originally from a farming family in Doncaster, joined our practice when we opened the Tow Law branch. She sits on the Association of Racecourse Vets Committee and is very involved with racing, being a racecourse vet at Newcastle and Hexham racecourses, and having horses of her own in training. She is on the panel of both Riding School Inspectors and Equine Exports, and is involved with Here4Horses (a charity supporting the welfare of horses in the North East).
Outside of work Sally keeps poultry, a small flock of sheep and shows her many rescue cobs that she also drives. She loves gardening, baking and in particular making jam and chutney.

Sara Dean
RVR
​Equine Reception Manager & ​Nursing Support

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. As a Registered Veterinary Receptionist, she heads up the equine  reception and support team. She has a horse called Flora and a Yorkie-Poodle cross called Rags.

Sarah Lancaster RVN
​Registered Veterinary Nurse

As Head of Surgical Nursing in the Small Animal department, Sarah performs minor procedures, 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 recently achieved a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Anaesthesia).  Sarah is currently on maternity leave.

Sophie Nixon       BVSc BSc (Hons) MRCVS
​Veterinary Surgeon

Sophie is one of our Small Animal Vets and started working at the practice in September 2019. She lives with her husband and they have a young son, a labrador and 2 cats. Her favourite part of her job is meeting the variety of people and pets that they own, getting to know their backstories, personalities and quirks! She is orignally from Wiltshire but moved up to the area 17 years ago. Outside of work you'll find Sophie being a mummy, out walking her dog, socialising with friends and playing sports.  Sophie is currently on maternity leave after having her second son.

Steph Cook      BVM&S CertAVP MRCVS
​Director and Veterinary Surgeon

Steph graduated from Edinburgh vet school in 2014. From here she spent a year in mixed practice in Cumbria, before going into Equine practice in Lancashire for 2 years. Steph joined the equine team at Scott Mitchell in 2017. and in 2024, completed her certificate in Equine General Practice to achieve Advanced Practitioner status. Due to her experience working in racing yards and eventing her own horses she has a keen interest in sport medicine and passion for vetting’s. Steph also 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, who you may see in Steph's car, enjoying a good snooze whilst Steph does her calls!

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.

Tanya Palmer   
​BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

Tanya qualified from Glasgow University in 2002 and has worked as a Veterinary Surgeon in the north east of England for the last 19 years. She joined our team in 2022.
At home she has a husband, 3 children, 2 horses, 6 chickens, 3 ducks and 2 guinea pigs which keep her busy when she’s not at work! She enjoys horse riding, cycling, walking and drinking tea and eating cake with friends.

Toni Barton
Small Animal Receptionist

​Toni runs the Small Animal Reception on Saturday mornings and helps out with holiday cover for her colleagues. She joined the practice in 2007 and has always had a keen interest in horse riding and hunting.

Vicki Chomse
Small Animal Head Receptionist

​Vicki  started working at SMVC as a part-time receptionist in November 2019, before becoming our only full-time Small Animal receptionist in March 2020. As Head Receptionist she now manages the front of house team in the Small Animal department. 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.

Victoria Potts SVN
​Registered Veterinary Nurse

Victoria joined the practice in July 2021, and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2024. She works a shift pattern  helping to look after in-patients 24/7 and assists the vets in theatre as well as carrying out smaller procedures in nurse clinics. She grew up in the Hexham area and owns a cocker spaniel, Bengie, who is her best friend.