Jon Slattery

BVSc CertSAM DipCABT MRCVS LVI

Jon graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and locumed extensively throughout the UK before moving down to London in 1997.

In 2005, after a further three years study, Jon achieved RCVS board certification in small animal internal medicine and is currently the only veterinarian in the surrounding area to have this qualification. Jon also has a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Therapy and is a government approved Local Veterinary Inspector.

Between 1997 and 2007 Jon worked in a large companion animal hospital and referral centre, seeing both first opinion and a variety referral cases from colleagues.

In 2007 Jon returned to his native Worcestershire where he grew up and currently lives with his partner Kirsty, daughter Carys and son Morgan in Leigh.

In his free time Jon can be found walking his dogs through the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.

Kirsty Ryley

RVN Cert. Ed Dip.CABT PHC MBVNA

Kirsty qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1994 from Myerscough College. After qualifying Kirsty worked in small animal, mixed, exotic and referral practices.

In 2001 Kirsty took on a post at Writtle College where she lectured in veterinary nursing, animal behaviour and biological science. Whilst working at Writtle College Kirsty gained her Certificate in Education.

Kirsty’s professional interests include neonatal care, emergency and critical care nursing and clinical nutrition.  Kirsty along with Sharon are the Cat Advocates for the practice ensuring we keep up our Gold Standard Feline Friendly practice status

In her spare time Kirsty enjoys nothing more than curling up with a good mystery novel and one or all of her four cats on her lap.

Helen Borkowski

MRCVS

Helen qualified from Bristol University in 2003.  She likes all aspects of veterinary medicine but particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery.

When not being a vet she spends her free time looking after her two young boys and Charlie her terrier.

Sharon Bevan

RVN MBVNA PHC

Sharon first started in veterinary practice in 1985 helping out at a local practice in the evening after school.

In 1987 she gained a distinction in Animal Care at Rodbaston College of Agriculture. In 1988, whilst working at a large veterinary hospital, Sharon returned to Rodbaston to train as a Veterinary Nurse, qualifying in 1990.  Between 1990 – 2009 Sharon worked at a multi-vet companion animal practice in Hampshire as Head Nurse.

Sharon joined the Best Friends team in January 2009 bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise.

Sharon’s professional interests are all aspects of nursing especially rehabilitation, neonatal care and behaviour.  Sharon alongside Kirsty is our Cat Advocate.

Sharon has two Labradors and six cats and likes nothing better than taking the Labradors for long walks through the Worcestershire countryside.

Louise Beard

RVN

Lauren Jones

RVN

Lauren first came to Best Friends for a two week work placement. Lauren enjoyed her experience so much that she stayed on and completed a twelve month Animal Nursing Assistance Course in June 2012. Lauren studied for her Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at Pershore College and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014. Lauren enjoys tutoring and mentoring students as Clinical Coach and also runs our weight management clinics. Lauren lives in Malvern and in her spare time enjoys reading mystery novels and horse riding.

Sophie Roberts

BA Hons

Sophie joined the team in 2014 and is responsible for all the behind the scenes administration such as accounts and health and safety.

She owns a very cute leopard tortoise called Leo and in her spare time she loves traveling and seeing wildlife in its natural environment.