Meet our professional and friendly team of Vets, Nurses, Reception and Support Staff.
Laurence J. Brown BVMS CertVC MRCVS – Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Laurence graduated from Glasgow Veterinary School in 1994. He worked in Kent for 13 years, both in small and large animal practice before moving up to Lincolnshire in 2007.
There he became a partner with Mr Bruce Perry in Ashby Veterinary Group, Scunthorpe, a small animal practice which after 10 years of running and growing the business they decided sell to MediVet in 2017.
He now works here at the Gables on a part-time basis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as one of the senior clinicians.
Having obtained his RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology in 2001, Laurence continues to see cardiology cases both at The Gables Vets and in an ambulatory capacity for other practices in both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. He also has interest and much experience in soft tissue, thoracic surgery and Laparoscopic procedures.
When not working he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children as well as walking his three dogs and fly fishing.
Stefan Oarza – Veterinary Surgeon
Stefan qualified in Romania in 2018 at, ‘Ion Ionescu de la Brad’ University of Agricultual Sciences & Veterinary Medicine from Iasi.
He has moved to the UK to further his career as a Veterinary Surgeon and specialise in the fields of surgery and Internal medicine.
In his spare time, Stefan can be found cuddling his 3 rescue cats Zeus, Bankai and Magnus. He also enjoys playing sports and PS4!!
Edward Pettifer BVM&S PG Cert SAS MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Having grown up locally, Ed qualified from Edinburgh University in 1998 and worked in mixed practice on the Isle of Man, returning to East Yorkshire in 1999 to work at Wicstun.
His role remains truly mixed. Ed has a keen interest in small animal surgery and game bird work and has a Post Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. He is also undertaking a second certificate in Endoscopic Surgical Techniques.
Outside of work Ed enjoys time with his family and a gang of dogs, cats, chickens, sheep and horses. He is well known for his passion for fly fishing.
Lisa Nix RVN – Head Nurse
Having worked in Practices around Yorkshire for almost 20 years I am delighted to say for the past 5 years I have been Head Nurse at The Gables.
I love the variety day-to-day life in the practice brings and the knowledge we are trying to make the whole experience for pet owners and their precious pets alike, as pleasant as we can.
Being a cat and dog owner myself I am enthusiastic about environmental enrichment and believe all animals deserve the right to have access to experiences that stimulate the mind and the body.
My interests are behaviour, nurse clinics: weight loss, seniors, desensitisation and dental disease prevention and puppy and kitten socialisation to name but a few.
Paige Sainty RVN – Deputy Head Nurse
I qualified in 2015. I have been at the Gables for the entire time of my career. I am also a clinical coach, and teach future veterinary nurses. I love all aspects of my job, but in particular i have a very keen interest in surgery and medicine.
I’m currently undergoing an additional qualification in emergency and critical care. I am very proud to be a veterinary nurse, and to nurse clients pets to ensure their care is 100% ( I can often be found cuddling animals!!)
I have 3 Labradors. crazy I know!! They keep me very busy. I enjoy trips to the beach with them, and I also enjoy swimming.
Joanne Donovan – Auxiliary Nurse
Jo joined the Gables team in 2016 and thoroughly enjoys working for such a friendly practice with lovely clients.
From leaving school Jo has always had a keen interest in animal welfare and been working in veterinary practice since then.
She is kept very busy at home with two daughters to run around after, along with 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs ,and 2 gerbils.
Laura Atkinson RVN
Laura once thought that she would never be able to work in practice as she didn’t like blood, but on a whim she applied to do some work experience at The Gables Veterinary Centre.
Now, a little over three years later she is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, whose favourite part of the job is being in theatre.
Since qualifying in 2018, she has worked in another companion animal practice before returning to The Gables in 2019. Outside of work she enjoys baking and camping, and is currently trying to redecorate her first home with her partner.
Kerry Lakes- Student Veterinary Nurse
My family have always had a variety of pets as I was growing up, so I have always had a keen interest in animals and working with them.
I studied a Bachelor of Honours degree in Zoology for three years, graduating in July 2017. To further my education I decided to go travelling to Thailand, Australia and South Africa, where I worked on a pig and dairy farm, and volunteered at Australia zoo.
After my traveling experience, I finally decided that becoming a veterinary nurse was what I wanted to do.
I completed two weeks work experience at The Gables Veterinary Centre in 2019, and am now studying a Level 3 Diploma in veterinary nursing. I have settled well at the Gables and enjoy my time here with a fantastic group of colleagues, who are all willing to help me with my studies.
In my spare time outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy my horse riding lessons.
Joanne Pritchard – Practice manager
After qualifying as a nursery nurse I jumped at the opportunity to work in animal care, a real passion of mine. My role back then was part of a nursing team, where I learnt my skills doing something I loved.
Some 23 years later, I still carry the same passion and drive, but as the manager of The Gables.
Pets are a huge part of so many families lives, so exceptional client and pet care are my priority.
I am proud to work as part of such a wonderful team of vets,nurses and reception staff, who deliver outstanding care.
Recently a stray kitten came to the practice needing surgery and a loving home. Her recovery is now complete and “onion” is now in charge at our house!!
Away from work, i enjoy camping trips with my husband, and in the winter months snowboarding in Austria.
Rebecca Fuller – Receptionist
Rebecca joined The Gables in 2018. After 4 years in the Health Sector she decided to follow her love of animals and joined the team. She is loving every minute of it.
In her spare time Rebecca enjoys spending time with her partner, family and friends. She has a young American Bulldog named Cooper, who keeps her on her toes, and a 9year old cat named Milly.
