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. 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. She holds a veterinary nurse training qualification, and leads the team of nursing assessors at the practice. Sonya is also the driving force for Darwin Veterinary Centre's fundraising association with Dogs for the Disabled.

Sonya and Richard have two rescue dogs: Sam, a naughty, Scottish red and white Border Collie, and Willow, an exceptionally naughty, Jack Russell bitch, together with Thomas, a long-suffering, one-eyed cat. In July 2007 their family group grew further with the arrival of baby daughter, Breya. Outside of work Sonya enjoys tennis, walking their dogs and gardening, and is currently in the midsts of major renovation to their edwardian home.

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', two guinea pigs and an African landsnail! In her spare time she enjoys horseriding, reading crime fiction and travelling.

Georgina Lincoln M.A., Vet.M.B., M.R.C.V.S.
Veterinary Surgeon

Georgina joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in September 2007, having previously worked for a small animal practice in a Buckinghamshire village. She graduated from Cambridge University in July 2005, and hopes to keep developing her skills, especially in her main areas of interest which are small animal internal medicine and cardiology.

Georgina has a cat named Charlie-Bob, whom she rescued after he had been in a road traffic accident. In her spare time she likes country walks, horse riding and art.

Kyley Aikenhead
Acting Head 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 horses, Philly and Kelpi, and their foals, Kizzi and Chancer, both of whom were born in Summer 2007.

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, commenced her formal training with the College of Animal Welfare in Autumn 2006. Terri entered the final year of the nursing course in Autumn 2007, and hopes to qualify as a registered VN in 2008. Outside of work, Terri enjoys spending her time with her mother, riding their horses, Rio and Albert, and being at home with her cat, Pyewackit.

Katy Street
Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Katy joined the practice in August 2007 from another local practice. She currently attends the College of Animal Welfare one day a week as part of her training towards the Veterinary Nurse qualification. She thoroughly enjoys every aspect of her job, especially assisting during surgery. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her cheeky Bedlington terrier and spending time with family and friends.

Andrea Rogers
Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Andrea joined Darwin Veterinary Centre in May 2007 after working as head kennel hand at a local kennels for the past 8 years. She enjoys all parts of veterinary nursing, particularly canine medicine, training and handling. In September 2007, Andrea started working towards the Animal Nursing Assistant certificate and is hoping to start the Veterinary Nursing NVQ course immediately after. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her naughty Rottweiller Laika (born December 2006), motorsports and spending time with friends.

Jennie Parker
Trainee Veterinary Nurse - on placement

Jennie is in the third year of a three year Veterinary Nursing course at the College of Animal Welfare, London. Having already completed several 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 after moving to Biggin Hill, with husband Colin and children Alex and Georgina. Helen runs the practice's busy reception most mornings, and is an ever-cheery face behind the front desk. She has three dogs, Charley, Maris and Gelet, and during her spare time enjoys reading, gardening, singing and swimming.