Support team

Michaela is our practice director and has been working at Briar Dawn since December 2004. She was previously head nurse and a clinical coach, which means that she was involved in the day to day training of our nurses. She had a keen interest in nurse clinics, and set up the clinics at Briar Dawn. Michaela is responsible for the day to day running and administration of the practice, health and safety, cleanliness, the team rotas and ensuring that the team undertake further training.

Outside of work she has four cats; George, Shingi, Sonic and Bella, two rabbits, Whispa and Oreo and a Border Terrier called Sage. She loves spending time with her partner and two sons. Michaela was a finalist in the UK Veterinary Nurse of the Year competition 2006.

Gareth worked for Briar Dawn as a Veterinary Nurse initially and then after a spell of locuming he came back to us in an administrative role in July 2014. Gareth is responsible for a number of aspects of running the practice on a day to day basis including client care, looking after our IT system and social media, staying on top of contracts and generally keeping the building shipshape.

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his partner, children and four cats, two rabbits and a Border Terrier. When Gareth has some free time he enjoys going Airsofting. He is also a “fair weather” walker and is a keen DIY’er and gardener.

Danielle graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Zoology. After graduating she travelled and worked on and off for five years across three continents! During her travels she worked for animal rescue charities in Australia, Tanzania and South Africa. Danielle is now settled back in the UK and looking forward to expanding her animal care knowledge. She joined us in July 2016 and has made a great contribution to the smooth running of reception. She completed the SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) Accreditation in 2017 which enables her to dispense certain types of medication. This is a really rigorous course and it is a credit to her for having completed it successfully.

Danielle was promoted to Head Receptionist in 2017 and has done a great job of running the “front of house” and looking after all our lovely clients. Her next milestone will be working towards Head of Pharmacy and we wish her all the best!

Helen joined the Briar Dawn Veterinary Centre reception team in November 2019 after many years working in education. Away from work, Helen sings with a local choir & is a big football fan. She loves to relax at home by snuggling up on the sofa with her two cats, Jack and Lucy.

Emily’s passion has always been animal welfare. Before she started at Briar Dawn Vets she went back to college and studied Animal Management for two years at Hopwood Hall College, completing the course with Distinction star. Emily started her animal career working full time at a local animal rescue where she worked for four years and she now volunteers there in her spare time. Emily has two cat kids called Mona and Joe and enjoys long dog walks, travelling to different countries and binging on the latest films/series.

Mandy joined the Briar Dawn Veterinary Centre reception team in May 2017 after many years working in the local branch of Natwest where many of you will already have had the pleasure of meeting her. Outside of work Mandy is kept very busy with her two very sporty sons and husband. She loves to relax by spending time sharing cuddles with her two cats, Tilly and Mitzy.