MEET THE TEAM
Philippa Crowter
Clinical Director
BVSc PGCert Vet Anaesthesia & Analgesia MRCVSPhilippa graduated as a vet from the University of Sydney in 2009. She relocated to the UK in 2015 and has been Clinical Director at Mark Nelson Vet since 2019.
She enjoys internal medicine and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia with the University of Edinburgh in 2021. She has a cat, Flo, who is a permanent fixture on the couch.
Dianna Khaneka
Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed MRCVSDianna is an experienced vet who qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2010, and spent time in practices in Market Harborough and Richmond, as well as doing locum work in London, before joining the team. When not at work she loves cooking, eating, travelling and spending time with her friends and family.
Amanda Bailey
Receptionist
Amanda has been with the team since 2015 – and can’t believe how time has flown since!
Joining the practice marked a turnaround in her life, but she hasn’t looked back since and loves the fact that no day is ever the same once you walk through the door.
Claire Hawke
Veterinary Care Assistant
Hello! My name is Claire. I am a receptionist but I also enjoy handling the animals when needed and hopefully my lovely team will help me become a vet nurse.
Mark Nelson
Veterinary Surgeon
BVMS MRCVSMark graduated from Glasgow University in 1980 – taking just four years to complete his course rather than the usual five – before opening our Thornton Heath branch with his father in 1982.
He has interests in cardiology, reproductive medicine and internal medicine. He also holds the NVQ assessor qualification, which means he assists with student nurse training.
Grace Lloyd
Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed MRCVSGrace graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019, and worked in a charity hospital in Brighton and locummed in private practice before joining our team permanently in 2021.
She is particularly interested in surgery and internal medicine. Outside of work, her hobbies include cooking and travel.
Sophie Ployon
Veterinary Surgeon
MRCVSSophie graduated from the Veterinary school in Toulouse (France) in 2020. She worked in a mixed practice in France for a year before moving to the UK and focusing on companion animals. She joined the team in 2023. She has interests in dentistry, surgery and feline medicine. Outside of work, Sophie likes crafting activities, playing board games and spending time with her three cats.
Gemma Wade
Head RVN & Practice Manager
RVNGemma qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2008 and joined the team in 2014, becoming practice manager in 2020.
She has worked in both referral and first opinion practices, and has a special interest in management of surgical cases. She enjoys travelling the world and hopes to tick seeing all of the wonders of the world off her bucket list soon!
Georgina Wills
Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVNGeorgina has been working in the industry since 2011, and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2016.
She is particularly interested in surgical nursing and wound management, and has taken courses in both. In her spare time she enjoys long walks with her dogs, Teddy and Gabby, and would love to travel the world and to work alongside some of the world’s largest animals in their natural environment.
Natasha Stonely
Nurse
RVNNatasha joined Westerham's nursing team in July 2023. She has a background with horses including working in the USA and postgraduate study, followed by equine nursing and qualified as a small animal Veterinary Nurse in 2016. All aspects of nursing and patient care interest her, she is especially passionate about caring for older animals including managing mobility issues and qualified as a canine massage therapist in 2019. Outside of work, she lives in the countryside and enjoys spending time with her dogs, horses and cat.
Daisy Jones
SVN
Daisy joined the front of house team in 2022, and enjoyed practice life so much that she subsequently decided to train to become a veterinary nurse. In 2023, she commenced a two and a half year course to become a qualified RVN. Daisy enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice, and is particularly keen on getting to know our patients and being involved in their long-term care. Daisy has a much-loved and pampered Dachshund called Neville, who she is absolutely certain needs a ‘friend’.
Anna Tinddall
Senior Receptionist and Admin Support
Anna has been Westerham's front of house receptionist since 2017. Before joining us she was a successful swimming teacher in the Kent area.
She lives in Surrey with her family, including her rescue dog Lara, and enjoys keeping fit, including a new passion for paddleboarding.
Dawn Clanfield
Receptionist
Dawn joined the Mark Nelson’s front of house team in 2024. She has been well-known to the other staff for many years, following more than 20 years of working for FOAL Farm, and 5 years working as a veterinary receptionist. She also holds qualifications in dog training and behaviour, with more than 20 years of experience and expertise in this field.
Dawn really enjoys getting to know our clients, and being able to support and help them throughout their pet’s visit. She’s always ready to make a fuss of each animal entering the reception area, and the dog treat jar and Dreamies packet are always close at hand. Whilst she is currently waiting for her next rescue pet to find her, she can’t resist cuddles with all our patients as they arrive!
