Meet the Team

Hello, I’m Ian.

I was born and raised on a game and livestock farm in the Eastern Province of South Africa. After the obligatory 5 1/2 years of student life at the University of Pretoria Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty, I qualified in 1989.

Hello, I’m Philip.

I was born in South Africa and as part of my National Service, I spent two years in the Infantry Corps of the South African Defence Force, before enrolling as a Veterinary student at Onderstepoort, The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Hello, I’m Gerald.

I qualified from vet school in South Africa in 1987 and then worked as a vet during my army service. My first job was in a city practice in Kempton Park. I knew I wanted to work in a mixed practice, so after 9 months we moved to the West Free State town of Bultfontein.

Hello, I’m Jason.

I have always loved animals and wanted a career that was very hands on where I was able to make a difference to their lives. I started at Heathfield Vets in 2015 as a nursing assistant before progressing to studying as a veterinary nurse.  After three years of training, I qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2019 and became lead nurse in 2022. 

Hello, I’m Sophie.

I studied animal biology at university and have always had an interest in science and love for animals.  After university I worked as a veterinary receptionist and realised my passion for animal care.  I joined Heathfield Vets in 2020 as a kennel assistant and began training as a student veterinary nurse soon after. I qualified as a vet nurse in 2023.

Hello, I’m Victoria.

I joined Heathfield Vets as a kennel assistant in the summer of 2021 and began my training as a student veterinary nurse in 2022.  I qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2025.  I love that every day is different here and always rewarding.  The whole team is great fun to work with and very supportive, particularly my clinical coach, Jason. 

Hello, I’m Natasha.

I started as a kennel assistant in July 2022 and I am now training as a student vet nurse. I previously volunteered with a local animal rescue which is where I first started working with animals. My first job was in a zoo, and I loved walking around watching the animals in my lunch break.  I put my love of animals down to my family dog Oscar who I grew up with as a teenager. 

Hello I’m Grace,

I started working at Heathfield Vets as a receptionist in 2018 before taking on the role of head receptionist in November 2019.   

Hello, I’m Sue.

I have been with Heathfield Vets since 2002 and have become a familiar face to a lot of our clients over the years.  I love that every day is different and varied, with the added bonus of a few puppy cuddles!  

Hello, I’m Abby.

I started working as a veterinary receptionist in 2021 and enjoyed it so much I moved to Heathfield Vets in February 2022 to pursue a full-time position.  

Hello, I’m Laura.

I started working for Heathfield Vets in July 2022, having previously worked as a self-employed dog walker, sitter and groomer for five years.  Having grown up with dogs all my life, I knew I always wanted to work with animals and I’m excited to be working in the veterinary field. 

Hello, I’m Donné.

After many years as a veterinary receptionist in a busy, small animal veterinary practice in Essex, I joined the Heathfield Vets team as Practice Manager in 2016 after completing my Masters degree.

Hello, I’m Deb.

When I was 16, I asked to ‘see practice’ with Heathfield during my school holidays, little knowing that I was destined to become one of our longest serving staff members.