Nursing Assistants Team

Kennel assistants team

From left to right: Katie, Stephanie, Emma and Louise

Katie McCulloch joined North Kent Referrals in March 2007. She initially started working two days a week after school and as soon as she completed her GCSEs in June she joined the nursing assistants team full time. At 16 Katie is one of our youngest assistants. She currently attends college every Friday to study the level 2 animal nursing assistant and plans to continue her studies after that, to become a qualified veterinary nurse.

"I have a keen interest in animals, especially dogs - boxers being my ultimate favourite breed. I have 28 of my own animals; with a variety of species ranging from a parrot to donkeys and my most recent addition are four young pygmy goats, one of which only has 3 legs so gets lots of extra cuddles".

Stephanie Estabrook started working at North Kent Referrals in June 2007 and currently works two evenings a week. During her time away from work Stephanie is busy completing her A levels; studying Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Statistics and Psychology.

Her scholastic goals are to progress into the medical profession as she plans to study medicine and become a surgeon! " North Kent Referrals is the perfect place for me to work as I have always had a love for animals and am gaining more experience each day that I work. I have three cats of my own, one of which is disabled, so I find that working at North Kent Referrals gives me the confidence and means to look after her fully."

Emma Cushing joined North Kent Referrals in October 2007 and works as a full time Nursing Assistant. Next year she would like to enrol in college to study the level 2 animal nursing assistant or apply to become an RSPCA inspector.

"I am 19 and therefore slightly older than the other nursing assistants. Despite always wanting to work with animals I only recently decided to make the career change. I enjoy my role here as I have a real passion for the job and care for the animals. I have a cat called Kato who I adore, I would love to have more animals but don't think he would take to kindly to this!"

Louise Sturla joined North Kent Referrals as a part-time kennel assistant in March 2006. Prior to this, she had been working as a nursing assistant in general practice since 2003.

Louise has three cats and a whippet called Kalli, not to mention a two year old son! She enjoys working in the referral environment and is often to be found supporting the surgical team with instrument care and keeping the x-ray suite, prep room and theatre spick and span. With the benefit of involvement in both surgical and medical disciplines, Louise has made the decision to become a qualified veterinary nurse once her son is a little older.