AVLA VETS TEAM

Becky qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in July 2010. She is Somerset born and bred, having been 'reared' on a local farm and enjoys all aspect of farm work with a strong focus on youngstock, surgery and preventative herd health.

In September 2018 Becky became director of Axe Valley Large Animal Vets and is a keen driving force behind the development of AVLA Vets' farmer meetings to aid in a more profitable future in farming.

Outside of work Becky enjoys developing her organic Hereford cross suckler herd and running around after her children, Harry and Emily!

Becky is a BCVA Accredited Johne's Veterinary Adviser and is also a TBAS advisor, helping with all things TB related!

Rachel graduated from the RVC in London and joined Axe Valley in 2006. Having grown up on a dairy farm in Kent her main area of interest is dairy cow management.

She is kept busy in her spare time looking after the various animals on her small holding including pigs, sheep, assorted poultry and young daughter, Edith. She also enjoys gardening, beekeeping and walking her 2 dogs Dotty-Myrtle and Bramble.

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Rachel is our qualified camelid TB tester.​​

Alice is another Somerset girl born and bred. She studied Veterinary Science at Bristol University and joined the practice soon after graduating. Alice enjoys all aspects of large animal work.

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Alice is a BCVA Accredited Johne's Veterinary Adviser.

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Alice is the contact person for our EMS students. If you are interested in an EMS placement please see here for more information. ​​

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Originally hailing from Dorset, after graduating from The Royal Veterinary College Ellie was keen to get back south west and started working in Somerset. Having completed an internship in farm animal practice where she also taught final year University of Bristol vet students, Ellie joined us in July 2021. 
Ellie’s interests outside of work include attempting(!) to shoot with her husband, walking their cocker spaniel Luna and catching up on well earned sleep.

Ellie is a BCVA Accredited Johne's and TB Veterinary Advisor. She is also a TBAS advisor, helping with all things TB related! As of September 2024 Ellie is studying for a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice through the University of Liverpool. ​

Rebekah qualified from the University of Bristol in 2023. Before starting vet school, she spent three years at Aberystwyth University where she graduated with a degree in Veterinary Biosciences.

Although she grew up in England, Rebekah’s family are originally from Northern Ireland where they have a dairy and sheep farm, and also rear Christmas turkeys. Rebekah is keen to get stuck in with all aspects of farm work and has a particular interest in udder health, infectious disease control and sheep lameness.

Outside of work, Rebekah is newly married to James and is very involved with her church in Bristol. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and walking.

In July 2024 Rebekah set up our Flock Health Club. You can learn more here. 

Sophie graduated from Bristol University in 2024 and is excited to have returned to the area. Originally from South Wales, she gained valuable experience during nine months in a farm animal practice before relocating locally.

She has an interest in all aspects of farm animal health and is delighted to be joining the team. Sophie holds BCVA-accredited certification in Johne’s disease and BVD, along with being a qualified TBAS advisor.

In her spare time, Sophie enjoys spending time at the yard with her horses and sheep, or taking on new fitness challenges - most recently training for and running half marathons.

Holly grew up on her family’s dairy farm and in 2021 she completed her Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship at Lackham College. Whilst completing this course she was a Calf Rearer at a local farm for 3 years. Holly then went on to a became a Herdsperson for 2 years at another dairy farm to gain more experience.
When not working or looking after her sheep and cattle at home you may also find Holly at young farmers events and socialising with her friends in the pub. 

You can see the services Holly offers over on our vet tech page - here. In November 2024 Holly completed her training and became a qualified Approved Tuberculin Tester (ATT).

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Laura joined the AVLA Vets team in 2021 as a receptionist and heads up the day to day running of the office. Laura often helps with organising our Farmer Meetings. 

She is kept busy outside of work with her two children (and husband Tim!) She may be found walking her whippet Milo or helping her daughter with their pony. 

Zoe joined the team in 2018 to help in the office with anything TB related! As well as working as a receptionist she takes care of our practice inspections, health and safety and website administration, alongside Ellie.  When not at AVLA Vets Zoe works as a milk recorder. 

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In her spare time Zoe enjoys spending time with her horse and managing her flock of sheep and calves. As well as taking the dogs for a walk across the Quantocks.   

Amy heads up our accounts department, but can also be seen helping on reception and answering the phones. ​​​​​​​​

In April 2024 we welcomed Mary to the team, joining as a TB Administrator to cover Zoe’s maternity leave and she has excitedly stayed on to help with odd days and weekend shifts. 

Mary makes an excellent addition to the team, as the wife of a dairy farmer and having worked in administrative roles before.