Veterinary surgeons

Clinical Director

Nikki joined the practice in 2013 as clinical director, but spent much time with Melbourne Veterinary Centre previously as a locum. She has a particular interest in exotic animal medicine and has completed a post-graduate certificate this area. She is also studying for a certificate in cardiology and medicine. Nikki lives with her partner in North Shropshire where they care for an eccentric assortment of pets; three ponies called Gypsy, India and Teddy; three cats named Tango, Onyx and Harley; and the ginger practice cat who many of you will know well, who has retired to the countryside. She also has two sheep named Oreo Cookie and Hershey Bar and three dogs, Opal, Topaz and Bertie. When not taking care of her houseful of beings she pursues a number of exciting hobbies including skiing, diving and travel.

Hannah joined Melbourne in December 2017 and qualified from the University of Liverpool earlier that year. She enjoys most aspects of general practice. Outside of work Hannah enjoys spending her evenings cooking, reading and watching TV. The rest of the time you can normally find her rounding the sheep up with her dog Lucy, or practising her karate!

Nelu joined the practice in 2015. He graduated from the University of Timisoara, Romania in 2004. After graduation he spent 10 months working in two small animal practices in California, USA. In 2006 Nelu became partner in a small animal practice in Timisoara, Romania where he worked for five years. In 2011 he relocated to the UK where he worked as both locum and permanent vet across the country. He has a special interest in surgery and ultrasonography. Back home Nelu has two cats called Sisi and Titi.

Julia graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2013. Before that she earned a BSc in animal science at the University of California, Davis, in her home country of the USA. Despite the change in weather, Julia fell in love with the UK and decided to stay. Her clinical interests are in dentistry, imaging, surgery and small furries. Outside of work she reads and writes fiction, draws cartoons and cooks, and is always out on walks to discover the local wildlife. Julia looks after a very chatty black cat called Inkie and is waiting for the right time to rescue a Border Collie.

Ella joined Melbourne in January 2018 and qualified from the RVC in 2011. Since qualifying she has spent most of her time seeing small animals in general practice in and around the Midlands but also spent a year working at an emergency clinic. Ella enjoys most aspects of the job but her particular interests are in ophthalmology, in which she has completed the first year of her BSAVA certificate, emergency and critical care, internal medicine and anaesthesia. Outside of work, when she’s not being a mum to her young son Bronson, you will find her walking her Springer Spaniel named Cosworth or on a bicycle alongside her husband, Adam. Road bikes, race bikes, cyclocross and mountain bikes – her garage is full to the brim with them! Ella loves riding just for the joy of it as well as racing for Newport Cycling Club – there are few greater pleasures in life than flying along on a bike (a nice juicy abscess comes a close second).