Veterinary nurses

Head Nurse and Clinical Coach

Samantha attained a BSc (Hons) in veterinary nursing and practice administration from the University of Bristol in 2007. She then spent five years working in an orthopaedic referral before joining the team at Carrick in 2012. Samantha was promoted to head nurse in 2015 and has a keen interest in radiography, anaesthesia and surgical nursing. She is working towards standardising the nurse clinics so we can offer a consistent service alongside our current care to you and your pets. Samantha has three dogs: a Springer Spaniel, a crossbreed rescue from Romania and a Patterdale Terrier, who she regularly enjoys walking through the countryside near home with. Her spare time is often divided between martial arts, in which she holds at least a black belt in three sports.

Tracey qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2017. She originally joined the Carrick team on student placement and has since taken up a permanent position at the Chesterfield branch. At home she has three beautiful Beagles, three chickens and a three-legged cat called Hector, of whom she adopted from work. In her spare time Tracey likes to visit the Peak District and is a keen reader. Her favourite parts of the job include nurse clinics, laboratory work and out of hours.

Rachel is a qualified veterinary nurse who joined Carrick in October 2014 and works part time. She started nursing in 2002 and qualified in 2005. Rachel always wanted to work with animals from a young age, often taking strays home to her parents. Her favourite aspect of the job is assisting the vet in theatre and nursing the inpatients. At home she has a beautiful Burmese cross called Huggy and a lovely Whippet cross called Zeke, as well as having two wonderful children. Outside of work Rachel is kept busy taking her children on days out. She is also a huge movie fan and likes to read when there is a spare moment in her hectic day.

Hayley qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1999. She spent 10 years in mixed animal practice in Buxton before moving to China for three years to work for Animals Asia and look after Asiatic black bears rescued from the bile farm industry. She then spent a year teaching English in Paris before moving to Edinburgh to work at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Hayley worked in the teaching hospital’s anaesthesia department teaching final year vet students and also for the university’s international animal welfare education team travelling to developing countries to teach in vet schools. Hayley received an MBE in 2018 for services to animal welfare and veterinary education. She moved back to Derbyshire in 2018 to be closer to her family and joined Carrick Veterinary Group in September 2018. Hayley enjoys talking to owners about their dog's and cat’s behaviour and is passionate about improving the welfare of all animals through education.

Lizzie qualified as a nurse in September 2017, gaining a FdSc degree from Coventry University. She originally joined the Carrick team as a student in 2015, and then took on a permanent position with us. Lizzie enjoys all aspects of the job but has a keen interest in inpatient care, and especially the medical side of nursing. At home Lizzie has two dogs, a Lurcher and a Cocker Spaniel, who both keep her very busy! Outside of work she enjoys walking her dogs and socialising with friends. Lizzie also has a keen interest in cars, and you will normally find her cleaning her car and taking it to shows throughout the summer months.

Animal Nursing Assistant

Kerry joined the Carrick Vets team in 2015, initially starting as a receptionist before progressing to become a full time animal nursing assistant. She loves the variety each job provides and the bond between human and animal never ceases to amaze her. Kerry has always been an animal lover, taking in many waifs and strays over the years and is thoroughly enjoying getting to know all the pets and owners. At home she has Whippet cross Greyhound called Talulah, a cat called Yowee and one Lionhead rabbit called Ruby. In her spare time she enjoys country walks, horse riding, reading and watching her daughter ride her BMX at the local skate park (or not as she usually has her hands covering her eyes). Kerry also enjoys yoga, practicing reiki and working with crystals.

Animal Nursing Assistant

Molly has worked for Carrick since March 2017, prior to this she worked for the Pet Blood Bank. She has a passion for the bereavement side of practice, ensuring clients receive the highest standard of care and sympathy during difficult times. Molly has created a memorial corner in the garden of our Mansfield practice where clients can bring plants or flowers in memory of their pets. Outside of work, she has a keen interest in photography and after receiving her first professional camera for Christmas, she had been visiting lots of wildlife parks to practice! Molly lives at home with her Pug called Gimli and her three guinea pigs – Winnie, Rita and Reggie – who are all rescues!