MEET OUR TEAM
Our pets are an important part of the family, which is why we provide a close-knit experienced team of vets, nurses and support staff to provide life-long care for your loved ones during their time with us. Get to know our team!
Dr Annalisa Birchenall
Job role: Practice Owner, Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal Medicine Specialist.
Qualifications: DrMedVet, GPCert(SAM), MRCVS
Annalisa is originally from Milano, Italy and qualified in Pisa in July 2001. Immediately after qualifying, she moved to the UK, where she joined Thorpe Vets in Norwich, until 2007, when she entered into partnership at the Veterinary Health Centre (now Wymondham Veterinary Clinic). In August 2009, she took over the Clinic and became the sole owner.
Annalisa has completed her European degree of General Practitioners Certificate in Small Animal Medicine (GPCertSAM) in 2014 and is now embarking in the General Practitioners Certificate in Small Animal Surgery.
Outside of work, she is married to Steve and has a child: Luca, born in 2013. She has 3 cats, Lara, Lilly and Socks.
In her spare time, she loves playing volleyball, riding her bright orange Vespa, and days out with her son Luca.
Dr Roberto Diez
Job role: Veterinary Surgeon
CertAVP (PGDip SAS) GPCert SAO MRCVS
Roberto was originally from Burgos, Spain where he obtained his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from a University in Zaragoza. He moved to the UK in 2016.
Roberto is always keen to keep his knowledge and skills current and has recently attained a variety of achievements including a Veterinary Osteoarthritis management accreditation and a certificate in Cardiology.
For over 25 years Roberto has enjoyed performing all kinds of soft tissue and Orthopedic procedures and building trustworthy and friendly client relationships are very important to him.
At home Roberto spends his time taking care of his young daughter as well as taking care of his aviary birds, dogs Pippa and Foxy and cats Oscar and Olive."
Dr Salvador Medina-Suarez
Job role: Veterinary Surgeon
Qualified in Spain and after working in different areas of the veterinary profession decided to go back to small animal practicing in January 2022. Very happy to joint the team at Rowan House Vets and working in one of the very few independent practices in the country. Also enjoying the new facilities at the new site, since it's opening in June 2022.
Outside work, Salvador enjoyes meeting up with family and friends, learning about nutrition and wellbeing, walks in nature ( specially on mountains) and numismatics.
Dr Declan Bacic
Job role: Veterinary Surgeon
Hello, my name is Declan and I am proud to call Rowan House Vets my new home after graduating from the University of Surrey in July 2023. I thoroughly enjoy the wide variety of cases that come through the door each day and have a keen interest in surgery with plans to pursue certifications in years to come! At home, I look after 2 gorgeous Burmese cats called Dudely and Chester. During my downtime, I enjoy exercising at the gym and a spot of bird-watching on the weekends!
Tracey Watts
Job role: Receptionist.
Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Pet bereavement counselling (Distinction)
Tracey has worked for Wymondham Vets (now Rowan House Vets) since 2016. Most of her working life has revolved around GP surgeries and pharmacies. During this time, she undertook 3 years of study to achieve her level 3 dispensing technician and accredited checking technician qualifications. This resulted in her managing this pharmacy for 4 years.
Tracey enjoys walking her dog Toby and taking him on family holidays in the UK. She also enjoys reading, crafting, and socialising with friends in her spare time. Tracey is also looking forward to becoming a first-time nanny in March 2021.
I love to welcome our clients into our clinic with a warm smile, always delivering excellent customer service as well as being comfortable around the animals.
I am part of a small independent team. We laugh, we cry, we are always there for each other and supporting each other where needed. Also, we know how to make a good cuppa!
I adore ‘puppy’ cuddles, not so much though when they get over-excited and decide to ‘wee’ on you (Yes, that has happened a few times!).
As a receptionist, there are many happy moments but many sad moments too, especially when an ‘end of life’ occurs. I would like to offer support and comfort to our clients during these very difficult times.
Rebecca Roberts
Job role: Head Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Rebecca is a registered veterinary nurse and has been in the industry for 5 years. Her ideal day in practice is running nurse clinics or taking care of the days inpatients. Rebecca has achieved her Oral Care certificate, which enables her to perform dental scale and polish procedures. Alongside this, Rebecca has a special interest wound management. Her favourite breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
At home she has a Pugalier called Bear and a Shih Tzu called Coco.
Ellie Whiskerd
Job role: Practice Manager, Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), Veterinary Nurse Diploma, Oral Care Nurse
Ellie started working at Wymondham Vets (now Rowan House Vets) in July 2017 as a final year veterinary nursing student and qualified in July 2018. She has very much enjoyed her time within the nursing team but decided to support the practice further in January 2021 by becoming the practice manager. Ellie is still very keen to nurse and balances her time between management and nursing. Ellie is an oral care nurse, which means she can do minor dental procedures like descaling and polishing and can give our clients good advice on how to care best for their pets’ teeth. Ellie has a Dachshund called Oli and an 18month old daughter, Isla.
Jess Walsh
Job role: Administrative Assistant
Qualifications: Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Diploma, Clinical Coach Certification, Feline Friendly Advocate Training, Oral Care Dental Training.
Jess started working with us in 2018 and previous to this admin role, was our head nurse.
Jess is taking a break from clinical nursing, but is enjoying supporting the team from an admin role now. Jess is busy working on the Practice Standards Scheme, among many other projects to develop our patient care standards at Rowan House Vets.
Jess has a special interest in nursing intensive care patients within the hospital wards, and supporting new nurses through their careers - something she hopes to come back to in the future.
Jess has two cats at home – Squeak and Tash – both rescues who came home for a ‘trial’ and never left! Outside of work, Jess enjoys travelling, reading and spending time at the beach.
Charlotte Hamblin
Job role: Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical coach.
Qualifications: Veterinary Nurse Diploma, Oral Care Nurse, Clinical Coach
Charlie qualified in 2010 and went to work at the Animal Health Trust, where she was a ward nurse until she came to us at Wymondham Vets (now Rowan House Vets) in February 2017.
Charlie is an oral care nurse, which means she can do minor dental procedures like descaling and polishing and give our clients good advice on caring for their pets’ teeth. At home, she has a cat called Scabby. Scabby was a stray with awful skin and no fur, who Charlie nurtured back to health.
Suzy Hallett
Job role: Student Veterinary Nurse
Suzy joined the team in September 2022 to be a Kennel Assistant and is now one of our Student Veterinary Nurses, studying at the College of Animal Welfare. Suzy enjoys training in theatre nursing and hospital care as well as conducting in house laboratory tests and learning all she can about the industry. Suzy has experience caring for pet rats, rabbits and cats, she loves all animals (including snakes and lizards!). Suzy hopes to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2 years time and continue to learn more about animal welfare, animal behaviour and physiology. In the future, she hopes to continue her education in nursing exotic species. Outside of work, Suzy enjoys visiting nature reserves and new locations to try new activities, catching up with friends and family, practising yoga and baking. At home she takes care of cat Starlie and bunny Oreo and Biscoff with her partner, Andy.
Katie Young
Job role: Receptionist
Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management
Katie, a few questions:
How long have you been in the Veterinary industry?
I started working at Wymondham Veterinary clinic in September 2020. However, I have previously worked at another practice as an assistant for 2 years.
What is your favourite thing about Veterinary Nursing?
I enjoy all aspects, from handling pets to working directly with clients on reception and cleaning. I have a passion for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in all environments.
Funny moment in your career?
Splitting my trousers from front to back while lifting a patient in the consult room. What is your goal for this year?
To be a qualified veterinary nurse in the near future.
How long have you been in the Veterinary industry?
I started working at Wymondham Veterinary clinic in September 2020. However, I have previously worked at another practice as an assistant for 2 years.
What is your favourite thing about Veterinary Nursing?
I enjoy all aspects, from handling pets to working directly with clients on reception and cleaning. I have a passion for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in all environments.
Funny moment in your career?
Splitting my trousers from front to back while lifting a patient in the consult room. What is your goal for this year?
To be a qualified veterinary nurse in the near future.
Sophie Blanche
Job role: Receptionist.
Qualifications: Pet Bereavement Counselling - Animal Nursing Assistant.
Sophie has worked for Rowan House Vets since October 2022. She was previously working in a different vet practice for 5 years and has always had a love for animals. Also getting to know the clients and their pets (maybe giving a treat or two and lots of cuddles).
In her spare time she enjoys playing bowls for Norfolk and her local village team. Also spending time/walking her 2 dogs Roxie (Collie Cross) and Hollie (German Shepherd)