

Katie Thompson RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse


Karen Wakefield DipAVN (Medical) RVN
Head Nurse
Karen has worked at Ayres for over 20 years and absolutely loves her job. She is a qualified and listed registered veterinary nurse (RVN) and holds an advanced diploma in medical nursing as well as an advanced diploma in analgesia and anaesthesia. Karen is passionate about all animals however she has a special interest in felines and has completed the feline advisory bureaus advanced nursing course.
She is owned by a Devon Rex cat called Willow and shall hopefully be welcoming a pair of Sphynx kittens soon. In her spare time she enjoys stargazing at Kielder Observatory and visiting Stonehenge.
She is owned by a Devon Rex cat called Willow and shall hopefully be welcoming a pair of Sphynx kittens soon. In her spare time she enjoys stargazing at Kielder Observatory and visiting Stonehenge.


Melissa Edmondson RVN
Melissa joined Ayres Veterinary Hospital back in 2007 as a student veterinary nurse and in 2014 gained her level three diploma in veterinary nursing and became a registered veterinary nurse. She feels she is very lucky to be in a job she loves and especially enjoys caring for the many animals we see.
Melissa shares her home with a fair few Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds; two German Shepherds and a French Lop. Her main hobbies include showing her dogs at open and championship dog shows and spending money on her many pets.
Melissa shares her home with a fair few Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds; two German Shepherds and a French Lop. Her main hobbies include showing her dogs at open and championship dog shows and spending money on her many pets.


Stacey Oakley RVN
Stacey has worked at Ayers since 2013. She joined us as a trainee nurse and qualified as an RVN in April 2018.
In her spare time she enjoys walking with her three dogs and curling up on the sofa with her cats. Previously she worked as a groom with event horses and has a HND in equine management. Stacey is very sporty and likes to cycle. She has just completed a cycling holiday around Majorca, France and Coast to Coast.
In her spare time she enjoys walking with her three dogs and curling up on the sofa with her cats. Previously she worked as a groom with event horses and has a HND in equine management. Stacey is very sporty and likes to cycle. She has just completed a cycling holiday around Majorca, France and Coast to Coast.


Hollie Cowie RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as an RVN in 2021 and have since undertaken an advanced certificate in Surgery. I have a keen interest in Emergency and Critical Care and will hopefully soon peruse a certificate in this.
In my spare time I ride motocross and show and race modified cars. At home I have two dogs, an Akita and a Dachshund as well as a Persian kitten
In my spare time I ride motocross and show and race modified cars. At home I have two dogs, an Akita and a Dachshund as well as a Persian kitten


Katelyn Gurney RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Katelyn started at Ayres Veterinary Hospital in January 2018 and is studying hard to become an RVN.
In her spare time she enjoys karate – she is a black belt statue and also qualified to teach others in the sport. Katelyn has her time cut out at home with her three dogs, two snakes and a leopard gecko called Loki.
In her spare time she enjoys karate – she is a black belt statue and also qualified to teach others in the sport. Katelyn has her time cut out at home with her three dogs, two snakes and a leopard gecko called Loki.


Reece Longstaff
Student Veterinary Nurse
After school Reece studied sport science and psychology, then had a change of heart and decided to go down the animal route as this interested me more.
In his spare time he like to play American football, go to the gym, and spend time with his two Bichons, Bonnie and Benji.
In his spare time he like to play American football, go to the gym, and spend time with his two Bichons, Bonnie and Benji.


Emma Denholm
Patient Care Assistant
Emma Joined Ayres as a placement position while studying her level 2 Vet Nursing Assistant Qualification at Kirkley Hall. Emma loves being part of the team here at Ayres. She has always gravitated towards animals and has loved them from being a small girl. Emma endeavours to progress to a qualified RVN.
For 10 years Emma has Fostered Bunnies, she has a particular interest in small furries and birds. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her 6 rabbits, mice and 2 cats. Emma is also a singer in a Motown Band.
For 10 years Emma has Fostered Bunnies, she has a particular interest in small furries and birds. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her 6 rabbits, mice and 2 cats. Emma is also a singer in a Motown Band.


Rosie Henderson
Student Veterinary Nurse
Rosie joined the Ayres Veterinary Hospital team in February 2020, after achieving her diploma in Animal Management. She is loving being a part of the nursing team and can't wait to continue her training and progress.
In her spare time, Rosie enjoys Zumba, pilates and going for walks. She's also a huge cinema fan and even has a degree in Film and Television Studies.
In her spare time, Rosie enjoys Zumba, pilates and going for walks. She's also a huge cinema fan and even has a degree in Film and Television Studies.


Alexis Moore
Patient Care Assistant
Alexis joined our team here at Ayres in November 2017 for a new start in her life. Alexis is studying hard to become an RVN.
Outside work she spends time with her three horses called Baycherry, Danny Boy and Clyde. Alexis also has three kittens, two dogs and a turtle called Rodney.
Outside work she spends time with her three horses called Baycherry, Danny Boy and Clyde. Alexis also has three kittens, two dogs and a turtle called Rodney.


Victoria De Wet
Patient Care Assistant
Victoria joined the Ayres family back in November 2021. If a gasp is heard from the reception desk it’s most likely Victoria after seeing a new puppy or kitten being brought in!
A true animal lover, Victoria has two big fluffy Alaskan Malamutes of her own. She is an avid coffee-aficionado and loves nothing more than having a brisque walk along the seafront with her dogs.
A true animal lover, Victoria has two big fluffy Alaskan Malamutes of her own. She is an avid coffee-aficionado and loves nothing more than having a brisque walk along the seafront with her dogs.


Alfie Cozens
Student Veterinary Nurse
I am a Student Veterinary Nurse here at Ayres; only having recently joined the Ayres Team in July 2023. I have a particular interest in X-Rays.
In my spare time you can find me at the gym or watching a movie and the latest series on Netflix. I especially like watching Black Mirror. I spend most of my free time with 3 mad collies; Bobbie, Peggie and my lovely lad Norman, who constantly wants walks, attention and cuddles.
In my spare time you can find me at the gym or watching a movie and the latest series on Netflix. I especially like watching Black Mirror. I spend most of my free time with 3 mad collies; Bobbie, Peggie and my lovely lad Norman, who constantly wants walks, attention and cuddles.