Nicola joined the VPIS as an information scientist in February 2015 and is currently our Head of Service. She oversees the operational side of both the VPIS and Animal PoisonLine and looks at ways to expand the service, particularly abroad. She qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Cambridge in 1999 and, prior to VPIS, worked for 16 years in small animal and equine private practice in the UK and Australia. She has a zoology degree and is a Trustee at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire as well as chairing their ethics committee. She lectures on toxicology and is passionate about educating owners on how to keep their pets safe.
Stella joined VPIS as an information scientist in Nov 2011 and is currently the Clinical Operations manager at ESMS Global, parent company of VPIS.
She studied Biochemistry with a focus on toxicology and has worked for the MHRA analysing medicines. In addition to managing the 24hr team, she has contributed to CPD course and writing publications for the VPIS service.
She studied Biochemistry with a focus on toxicology and has worked for the MHRA analysing medicines. In addition to managing the 24hr team, she has contributed to CPD course and writing publications for the VPIS service.
Emilija has a degree in Pharmacology and has worked at VPIS for 3 years. She is involved in training new staff. She is bilingual in Russian and English.
Nicola has worked in human and veterinary toxicology for over 25 years. As well as providing emergency advice via telephone she has written extensively on veterinary toxicology. She is currently the congress abstract editor for the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT), a Registered Clinical Scientist with the Health Professions Council (HPC), an associate member of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and involved in the WHO work on guidelines on the management of lead poisoning.
Shannon is a Registered Veterinary Nurse and qualified back in 2018. Shannon started out by working at a small animal first opinion veterinary hospital in Bedford before moving to a larger multidisciplinary small animal referral hospital in Hertfordshire, where she still participates in some clinical work from time to time. Shannon has completed a certificate in emergency and critical care nursing and medical toxicology. Outside of work, you will probably find her out walking with her two very cheeky setters, Cooper and Wilbur, who keep her on her toes!
Alison joined the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in July 2021 as an Information Scientist.
Alison qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 1993. Before joining VPIS she worked in small animal practice in a variety of clinical settings, including dedicated emergency clinics and charity shelters. She works with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a new graduate mentor and assists with the training of vet students. She also worked with the NHS as a clinical contact caseworker during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alison lives on the south coast with her husband, three teenagers, her cockapoo and her cat, who all keep her very busy. She is very much enjoying being part of the VPIS team.
Alison qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 1993. Before joining VPIS she worked in small animal practice in a variety of clinical settings, including dedicated emergency clinics and charity shelters. She works with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a new graduate mentor and assists with the training of vet students. She also worked with the NHS as a clinical contact caseworker during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alison lives on the south coast with her husband, three teenagers, her cockapoo and her cat, who all keep her very busy. She is very much enjoying being part of the VPIS team.
Moises has a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a masters in Clinical Drug Development. He has been an integral part of the VPIS team for over 3 years. Apart from being a massive foodie, the resident joker, a company social committee member and playing football at every opportunity, Moises is responsible for training new staff. Mo absolutely loves cats and dogs, be sure to say hi if you see him at a VPIS exhibition!
Jane is one of the senior information scientists at the VPIS, having started her career in human toxicology at the National Poisons Information Service at Guy’s Hospital. In addition to working on the 24-hour team, she provides CPD courses on small animal poisonings, lectures at conferences and to veterinary practices and their clients, and writes for a number of publications.
Nick has worked in toxicology, both human and animal, for over 40 years and is a Fellow of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT). He helps provide the VPIS 24 hour service, is involved in training of veterinary professionals, and is currently a WHO consultant in poison centre development.
Savannah joined the VPIS in 2019, after graduating with a first-class honours degree in Bioveterinary Science. In addition to working on the 24-hour team, Savannah is involved in the social media and newsletter for the VPIS, as well as attending events such as Crufts, BSAVA Live, and Dogfest.
In her free time, Savannah fosters cats with the Cats Protection, and enjoys travelling- most recently experiencing a safari in the Kenyan Savanna!
Poorna joined VPIS as an Information Scientist in January 2019. Poorna has a BSc in Bioveterinary Sciences and an MSc in Cancer, she will be starting her third (and integrated fourth) degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery with BVMedSci in 2024, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a Vet! 😊
Outside of work, Poorna enjoys spending time with her dogs, going to gigs and exhibitions, and doing something creative.
Outside of work, Poorna enjoys spending time with her dogs, going to gigs and exhibitions, and doing something creative.
Danielle is a Registered Veterinary Nurse who qualified in 2018 and has worked in small animal, first opinion practice since 2015. Danielle spent the majority of her career as a night registered veterinary nurse, with a particular focus on out-of-hours and emergency care. Working in this fast-paced environment, she developed a strong passion for critical care.
In 2024, Danielle moved into an administrative and business support role at VPIS, embracing a new challenge and the opportunity to develop new skills while continuing to contribute to the veterinary industry. She enjoys applying her clinical knowledge in a different capacity, supporting the essential work of veterinary professionals in toxicology and pet care.
Outside of work, Danielle’s is just as busy, chasing after her two young boys and caring for her two black rescue cats.
Emily is a Registered Veterinary Nurse. She has been working full time in clinical practice at busy tier 3 hospitals since 2008 and, once qualified, went on to become a clinical coach for student nurses, has been a Veterinary Nurse OSCE examiner on a few occasions and also studied to become a Canine Hydrotherapist which she used to do 50/50 at her last job alongside her RVN duties and loved it. She also took a 6 month gap from Veterinary Practice to travel South East Asia and spent most of her time volunteering for an animal charity participating in spay/neuter clinics and helping stray or neglected animals. She joined the VPIS team in 2022 and in her spare time you will find her trying to stop her Labrador from eating things he shouldn’t!
Anna joined VPIS as a Veterinary Information Scientist in July 2023 after a varied career in practice as an RVN. She left school with language A-Levels, studied International Relations at university, then worked for several years in various positions before embarking on her veterinary nursing training in 2004. Anna studied Veterinary Nursing at Harper Adams University. Her interest in toxicology began long ago with and was furthered as a vet nurse working in emergency practice as she saw so many cases. During the pandemic she worked as a Clinical Contact Caseworker for the NHS and afterwards as a triage call handler for an equine out of hours response service. In her free time she volunteers for a cat rescue centre as a fundraiser, fostering (and failing!) and recently managing an X account for it. Visiting historic sites and walking are some of her favourite activities. Anna lives with her husband and just five cats. Yuri was the most patient for the photo!
Angela qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2000 and attained an advanced diploma in surgical nursing in 2006. She spent 18years at a multidisciplined referral centre as a rotating nurse and a night nurse but spent most of her time there as a theatre nurse. Angela enjoyed the hustle and bustle of a very busy theatre and thrived on the rewarding nature of the job. She has always had an interest in toxicology and joined the VPIS team in 2023 as an Information Scientist and also helps within the admin department. In her spare time, you will find Angela looking after her 3 children and her cat Dotty.
Lotte qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2017 and worked in busy first opinion practices and then became Head Nurse of a brand new independent start up practice. Lotte has always had a passion for educating owners about potential toxins, through running informative puppy parties and specialised nurse consults.
Outside of work Lotte cares for her 2 horses, 2 dogs, 1 cat and fiancé, which in itself, is a full time job.
Outside of work Lotte cares for her 2 horses, 2 dogs, 1 cat and fiancé, which in itself, is a full time job.
Tabs joined the team in November 2024, after a varied career in veterinary nursing. She has worked at a wildlife charity hospital both rescuing, releasing, and nursing British wildlife. Tabs moved on to work in a multidisciplinary first opinion practice before venturing into two referral practices. Once in referral she initially worked as a rotating nurse, moving around all the various disciplines before becoming a night nurse. Over the years Tabs has worked in emergency and intensive care nursing, as well as the day to day cases, or in this instance, night to night. She has always had a keen interest in toxicology throughout her career. In her spare time, Tabs volunteers for a dog rescue network, is on the ethical board for a wildlife hospital, enjoys live music and creating artwork. Tabs shares her home with two rescue animals; Bella, a Staffordshire bull terrier cross and Artemis, an Arabian Mau.
Amir joined VPIS in June 2023 as an Information Scientist. He is part of our 24 hour team and therefore also works in the other business streams of ESMS.
He studied veterinary medicine in his home country, Iran, and has worked in medico-marketing functions of different life sciences company, ever since. He speaks English and Persian, and he enjoys art exhibitions and cinema.
He studied veterinary medicine in his home country, Iran, and has worked in medico-marketing functions of different life sciences company, ever since. He speaks English and Persian, and he enjoys art exhibitions and cinema.
Beth joined the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in February 2024. Beth qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Surrey in 2022 and jumped at the opportunity to work in this non-clinical and non-traditional role whilst still being able to utilise and build upon the skills already gained after being in practice for 6-months.
Two notable experiences she has had include volunteering on an elephant and lion conservation project in Zimbabwe and practicing surgery at a small animal neuter clinic in Spain. Outside of work you will find Beth hanging out with her labrador Herculees, collecting vinyls and doing anything and everything creative.
Sarah qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2013, with experience in both first opinion and multidisciplinary referral practice. Began career in a busy small animal practice in Leighton Buzzard before progressing to a large multidisciplinary hospital in Hertfordshire.
Developed a broad clinical skill set as a rotating nurse, gaining experience across multiple disciplines, before becoming a full time night nurse beofre progressing to Night Team Supervisor.
Particularly passionate about ECC and medical nursing, with a strong ability to thrive in fast-paced, challenging environment. Holds a long-standing interest in toxicology, which led to joining the VPIS team in 2025.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time with her two children, her cat Huey and drinking all things coffee!
Developed a broad clinical skill set as a rotating nurse, gaining experience across multiple disciplines, before becoming a full time night nurse beofre progressing to Night Team Supervisor.
Particularly passionate about ECC and medical nursing, with a strong ability to thrive in fast-paced, challenging environment. Holds a long-standing interest in toxicology, which led to joining the VPIS team in 2025.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time with her two children, her cat Huey and drinking all things coffee!
Claudie joined the VPIS team in 2024 after graduating from the University of Bristol with a BSc in Biology. As part of the 24-hour team, she combines her passion for animal health with a keen interest in veterinary toxicology, attending events such as Crufts to help raise awareness of the field.
Before joining VPIS, Claudie gained hands-on experience through volunteering roles at veterinary practices, farms, and ZSL London Zoo. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending time with her Bulldog and two tortoises.
Emily joined the VPIS team in July 2025, whilst also still working part time in practice. Emily attained a BSC in Zoology and subsequently joined a busy referral and primary care practice where she trained as an RVN, completing her training at the end of 2022. Emily always had an interest in toxicology and loves being able to use her knowledge in day-to-day practice. Outside of work Emily lives with her two blind rescue cats: Ray and Stevie. She also loves travelling, hiking and playing netball in her spare time.
Sarah qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse 2009 and has worked in various types of practices across the UK, from small one-vet surgeries to larger hospitals. She has a special interest in British wildlife and has been a contributor to a wildlife and exotic pet nursing manual, as well as given lectures on rabbit anaesthesia to nurses at veterinary nursing congresses. She has gained certificates in Exotic Pet and Wildlife Nursing, and Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. With a background in pharmacology, she decided it was time to move into a different role and joined VPIS as a Veterinary Information Scientist in June 2025. Over the years, she has had the pleasure of sharing her life with many wonderful animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, rodents and fish.
Vicky joined the Veterinary Poisons Information Service as an Information Scientist in February 2022. She studied a 4-year Integrated Masters degree in Biology at the University of Bristol. In addition to working on the 24-hour team, she has contributed to writing publications for the VPIS service and attending numerous veterinary events such as Crufts and The London Vet Show to raise awareness of poisoning in animals. Outside of work, Vicky enjoys meeting up with friends and travelling the world.
Aleksandra is a Registered Veterinary Nurse and qualified back in 2020. Aleksandra started out by working at a small animal first opinion veterinary practice in Scarborough, where she still participates in some clinical work from time to time, and has joined the VPIS team in May 2024 as an Information Scientist. She is part of our 24 hour team and therefore also works in the other business streams of ESMS. Aleksandra has developed a special interest in dentistry and she has completed a certificate in feline and canine dentistry. She is also bilingual, speaking English and Polish. Outside of work, Aleksandra loves to spend time with her family, read books or go for long walks, and caring for her four cats.