Meet The Staff

Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner

Matt Smith BVM&Sc MRCVS

Since 2006 I have been a full time veterinary surgeon. I have been based near to Clay Cross all my life but my work has at times taken me around the country. I have enjoyed long term senior roles as well as locum positions in over 50 different practices.

I am a very caring and hard working vet. I like to listen and am very patient and gentle with your pets.

I have built up a huge portfolio of skills over the years and offer a whole range of medical and surgical care for your pets.

I am married to my wife Amanda and at home we have a cockerpoo called Phoebe, 2 cats Pepe and Edith, 6 pet pygmy goats Tilly, Milly, Holly, Doris, Stevie and Bobby and keep a hive of bees. When not looking after the animals I am usually doing some form of DIY project, the most recent being to renovate the practice.

Matt

Part Time Veterinary Surgeon

Sue Hardy

I qualified in 1994 from Edinburgh University. I have since worked in first opinion general practice from East Anglia to Yorkshire before returning to my roots in Derbyshire.

I enjoy all aspects of general practice and the privileged position I have caring for the client’s pets.

I aim to give a high standard of care and communication and pride myself on being friendly and approachable.

I have two children and have always kept border collies and many rescue cats. My passion out of work is eventing my young horse.

Sue

Part Time Veterinary Surgeon

Sherry Carlisle

I have been a veterinary surgeon since 1998 and have been working in both small animal general practice and emergency and critical care. I always strive for excellent patient care. I have a strong interest in feline medicine and have recently completed the ISFM two year Feline Medicine course, giving me a much deeper knowledge in this area and enabling me to be up to date with cutting edge developments for treatment of your cat. I also have a strong interest in surgery.

I am a keen traveller, have lived and practised in New Zealand and have also spent some time working for a pet foster charity in the USA.

In my spare time I enjoy yoga and wakeboarding. During the summer I teach disabled water-skiing at many sites around the country. I am also a keen photographer and love to crochet and knit.

At home I have three lovely cats acquired as fosters from my stay in the USA. Also part of the crew are a Pekin bantam, a naughty Angora rabbit, four guinea pigs and some tropical fish.

Sherry

Qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse

Geraldine Marriott

Since qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse a long time ago I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in veterinary medicine over the years. My background centres around small animals - having spent a large amount of time in small animal general practice and a further 8 years in the small animal veterinary emergency service.

I enjoy the wide variety of the RVN role in nursing clinics and forming excellent relationships with clients and pets. My clinics include diabetic, dental, weight and arthritis appointments. I strive to perform high patient care standards and take pride in being your pet's advocate whilst in my care.

I have a border collie Jessica who is my shadow and take training every Sunday. I also enjoy carriage driving with my mare Woolley and have 2 cats - the Naughty One and Ted.

Gel

Qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse

Danielle Welch

I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse 7 years ago down in Hertfordshire and have worked in a variety of practices covering referral work, 24 hour hospitals & first opinion nursing.

I have a passion for anaesthesia & client education, so I love my nurse clinics where I can have face to face contact with our patients owners. I also strive for high standards of care for my patients and take great care looking after your pets.

At home I live with my partner, toddler and a working cocker spaniel and love nothing more than our weekend walks in the Peak District with a coffee & cake at the end.

Danielle

Qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse

Donna Layton

After a career change 8 years ago I finally qualified as an RVN last year, I love all aspects of this amazing job especially the nursing side to it. I enjoy giving all the lovely clients advice around their pets needs and love learning new things. 

In my spare time I love being at home with my family, pottering in my garden, training my gorgeous puppy Wilma, going to the gym and running. 

Donna

Part Time Qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse

Ruth Heldreich

I have worked in the veterinary world since the age of 14, from school days through to qualifying as a veterinary nurse which now seems an age away.

My career spans over 35 years where I have gained a wealth of experience in both large and small animal practices, including emergency out of hours clinics.

I have a keen interest in all animals from the largest of horses to the smallest of mice. Animals and nursing is truly a major part of my life.

When not in practice I enjoy looking after our family rescue dog, Angus, my tropical fish, and several wildlife rescues.

I also enjoy photography, painting and gardening

Ruth

Student Veterinary Nurse

Ella Percival

Having completed my GCSE’s I’m now undertaking my Veterinary Nurse Assistant qualification at Matt Smith Vets. Following this I’m looking to complete a veterinary nurse apprenticeship.

I have a great passion towards all animals, but especially rabbits of which I have 6. In my spare time I enjoy walking my Lurcher, Doris and playing for my netball team

Ella

Student Veterinary Nurse

Catherine Wilson

I came to work at Matt Smith Vets in March 2021 on a part time basis. I loved it so much that when a full time position became available 3 months later, I jumped at the chance.

In April 2022 I was extremely lucky to be able to start my veterinary nurse training here at the practice.

I am enjoying every second of my college course, spending time with clients much loved pets and receiving top class training here from all my brilliant colleagues.

Catherine

Veterinary Receptionist

Susan Crisp

I am a BTEC qualified Receptionist: you'll find me to be a jolly person, with a warm welcome and a smile.

I've had the privilege to work in the veterinary environment for the past six years. I appreciate the bonds between owners and their pets and would always seek to provide the best service to all users of the clinic.

My experience has been gained by working full time in a very busy day clinic along with time in an out of hours emergency clinic. From both busy environments I have gained considerable skills to be effective in most situations.

I have two white cats that I am blessed to have rescued from the PDSA, Pasha and Pearl. They are very much loved and spoilt. When not at work I enjoy relaxing at home, visiting the cinema and theatre, camping in my campervan and spending time with friends and relatives - especially chatting and sharing good food.

Sue

Veterinary Receptionist

Lisa Aspley

I was honoured to be offered the opportunity to join the team in September 2020 for 3 days a week. 

Previously I spent most of my career as an administrator in BMW showrooms and spent 5 years in the Royal Navy seeing some amazing places around the world. 

I enjoy interacting with people and all your lovely pets. 

I have always been around animals, growing up with horses, cats and dogs. I have a beautiful Springer Spaniel Odie, a cat called Misty and Snowy the rabbit. 

I live with my partner, our son and my 2 step-children. In my spare time I love to take Odie a walk along the trails enjoying all the wildlife we see. I enjoy baking, painting and crafting. I also love taking the boys fishing and our family days out. 

Lisa

Receptionist

Tania Twelvetree

I have worked within a veterinary environment since 2006 and was honoured to join Matt Smith Vets in November 2018 on a part time basis.
I love to interact with people and their beloved pets and try to ensure that everybody feels welcome visiting the practice, as it can be an anxious time.

My full time work is at my cattery 'Twelvetrees Cattery' in Brimington. I designed the cattery myself and opened the cat flaps in June 2010. I run the cattery single handed to ensure that I form a bond with each and every guest and that they receive a continuity of care throughout their stay.
Running a cattery is hard work but so rewarding, it's not just a job, it's a way of life.

I have a large family of pets, who mean the world to me, they are generally referred to as 'my boys'.
I have: 
3 Maine Coons - Gideon, Amos and Isaac.
2 Ginger Tom's - Moses and Noah
1 Brown Tabby - Django
1 Lhasa Apso - Charlie
1 Great Dane - Edward

When I get a little free time, I enjoy nice long dog walks, cooking for friends and gardening.

Tania

Practice Manager

Amanda Smith

After returning to work from maternity leave I have joined the team at Matt Smith Vets as Practice Manager. Being a fully qualified accountant for nearly 15 years I have been lucky to have the opportunity to change my career and work with animals which is a big passion of mine.

I have a big love for animals having a cockerpoo called Phoebe, 2 cats; Pepe and Edith, 6 pet pygmy goats; Tilly, Milly, Holly, Doris, Stevie and Bobby and a fish called Swishy. I am married to Matt and have son called Arthur who, although only young, seems to also have a big passion for animals too.

My interests outside of work include spending time with my family, running and being outdoors when I have time and travelling.

Amanda