About the Staff

Sonya J. Miller-Smith B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Phil., Vet. M.B., M.R.C.V.S
Practice Principal

Sonya trained to become a veterinary surgeon at Cambridge University, following previous degrees and a career in human medical research. As well as studying, she played an active role in college life, as Captain of Ladies Rowing, Chairman of the May Ball Committee, student librarian and keen player of all racquet sports. She also enjoyed regular early morning outings with Captain Gammon, an ex-cavalry horse, lent to her by the vet school. On qualifying, Sonya joined a busy six vet mixed practice in Surrey, where her interest in companion animals grew and was nurtured. After working for a year in a rescue centre, Sonya joined Darwin in 2000, and together with her husband, Richard, took-over the practice a year later. Sonya has a strong interest in all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, together with the veterinary care of wildlife.

Sonya is currently out of the practice, one day a month, attending a two year modular course on companion animal medicine, run by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, in Gloucestershire.

Sonya and Richard have two dogs: Sam, a naughty, rescued, Scottish red and white Border Collie, and Willow, an exceptionally naughty, rescued Jack Russell bitch; together with Thomas, a long-suffering, one-eyed cat. Outside of work Sonya enjoys tennis, walking their dogs and gardening.

Declan Quigley M.V.B., M.R.C.V.S.
Veterinary Surgeon

Declan joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in 2005, and rapidly became a greatly valued and popular member of the practice team. Originally from Limerick, Ireland, he trained to become a vet at University College Dublin, and qualified in 1993.

Declan spent 11 years working in mixed practice in Ireland, before moving to Surrey in 2004. He is interested in all aspects of companion animal medicine and surgery, and like Sonya, will be absent from the practice one day a month on a two year modular course, specialising in veterinary surgery.

Outside of work, Declan enjoys spending time with his two young sons, Ben and Toby, and wife Elaine, running, cycling and playing rugby. He is a 'frequent flyer' back to family in Co. Cork and Limerick.

Sarah Reimers Vet.M.B., M.R.C.V.S.
Veterinary Surgeon

Sarah joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in April 2006, leaving the Midlands to become a valued member of the veterinary team at the practice. She qualified from Cambridge University in July 2000, and is interested in all aspects of small animal practice, but particularly medicine, in which she recently completed a two year course.

Sarah recently married Stian and is currently renovating their new home, which they share with their cat 'Thora', rabbit 'Bunny' and an African landsnail! In her spare time she enjoys horseriding, reading crime fiction and travelling.

Gemma Horne V.N.
Head Nurse

Gemma is the practice Head Nurse and joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in July 2001. In December 2004 she passed the British Veterinary Nursing final exams to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse. Outside of work she enjoys horse riding and competes locally in dressage events. At work Gemma runs the Nurse Clinics, and plays a vital role in the training of other nurses. Sadly, Gemma will be leaving the practice in September 2006 to attend university.

Vicky Murphy V.N.
Senior Veterinary Nurse

Vicky joined the practice in February 2004, after working in a companion animal practice in Reading for three years. In March 2004 she completed her training to be a qualified veterinary nurse, and moved to Kent to be nearer to her family and partner. Vicky enjoys all aspects of nursing, particularly the 'hands-on' contact with animals, and running nurse clinics, which allow her to develop relationships with clients and their pets. Outside of work, Vicky enjoys badminton and going to the gym. She has two young cats, Tiger and Trouble, both of whom were unwanted when brought to the practice as kittens.

Kyley Aikenhead
Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Kyley joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in summer 2003, and rapidly became a greatly valued member of the practice team. She commenced study at the College of Animal Welfare in September 2004, passed all parts of the British Veterinary Nursing NVQ Level II in Summer 2005, and entered her final year of nurse training in August 2005. Outside of work, Kyley enjoys spending time with her own pets, competing her horse Philly, as well as keeping fit at the gym.

Terri Stillman
Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Terri joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in October 2005. She is enrolled to train for the full Veterinary Nursing qualification, and after completing a foundation year in-house, will commence her formal training with the College of Animal Welfare in Autumn 2006. Outside of work, Terri enjoys spending her time with her mother, riding their horses.

Louise Neal
Trainee Veterinary Nurse - on placement

Louise is the first of two new faces at the practice. Some of you may recognise her from previous visits, as she is studying full-time for a Veterinary Nursing degree at University of the West of England, and visits us as part of her course. After completing a 15 week placement in Summer 2005, Louise is now back with the practice until July 2007 for the third year of the four year course, and is a great addition to our nursing team. In her spare time, she enjoys scuba diving and spending time with her dogs, Hollie and Becks, and two tortoises.

Jennie Parker
Trainee Veterinary Nurse - on placement

Jennie is in the second year of a three year Veterinary Nursing course at the College of Animal Welfare, London. Having already completed two placements with us, Jennie returns every few months to join our nursing team. In her spare time, she enjoys playing netball.

Helen Gray
Receptionist

Helen Gray joined the practice in July 2003. She has recently moved to Biggin Hill, with husband Colin and children Alex and Georgina. Helen has three dogs, Charley, Maris and Gelet. During her spare time she enjoys reading, gardening, singing and swimming.