Julie Johnson BSc BVetMed MRCVS

Regional Head Vet

Julie qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1992 and joined the Goddard Group in 2015, having spent over 20 years as a small animal vet in both the private and charity sectors where she was the Hospital Director for the RSPCA London hospitals.  After seven years being Head of Region and Head Vet at the Stone Lion Hospital, Julie became a Regional Head Vet for the Goddard Group in 2022.  Julie is particularly interested in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery.

Francesca Gambuzzi BVetMed CertAVP(VDI) MRCVS

Head Veterinary Surgeon

Francesca graduated from the Royal Veterinary College and joined the Stone Lion team in 2018 through our New Graduate Scheme. In 2023, she took on the role of Head Vet at the Hospital. Francesca is passionate about all areas of veterinary care, from emergency medicine to soft tissue surgery. She has a particular interest in ultrasonography, for which she holds a certificate in Diagnostic Imaging. Outside of work, she loves cooking, traveling, and spending time with her two cats, Xena and Gino.

Anita Bajuka MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Anita graduated from the Latvian University of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2015, and has worked in the UK since then. Anita worked in small animal first opinion and out-of-hours practices and is now developing her skills in small animal surgery and emergency and critical care. During her time off, Anita likes to hike, enjoy nature and spending time gardening. She can often be found relaxing with her two rescue pets Dobby and Roo.

Laurence Greenhalgh BVM&S MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Laurence joined the team at Stone Lion in 2022.  He is an experienced night vet with a passion for small animal emergency and critical care.

Scarlett Johnstone BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Scarlett graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022 and after two years working in a small animal practice in Manchester joined the team at Stone Lion in 2024. Outside of work Scarlett enjoys yoga, running, and travel.

Teresa Lorenzo Bermejo MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Teresa has a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2010 and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Valencia in 2018, as well as obtaining a postgraduate degree in Small Animal Surgery in 2013. She is part of the emergency team at the Stone Lion Hospital and specialises in emergencies and intensive care. During her professional career she has combined her work in important hospitals in London, Madrid and Valencia as part of the Emergency and Surgery services. She has also been responsible for the animal facility of the Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia. During her professional career Teresa has combined her work in small animals with clinical and research in marine animals, developing her PhD on the study of decompression syndrome in sea turtles.  She is also an associate professor at university of veterinary medicine and author of multiple scientific papers and national and international publications

Sylvia Maliye BVM&S BSc MVM MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Sylvia has a lifelong passion for animals and has owned cats since she was small. Sylvia has extensive experience with horses and surgical treatment of them, having completed a residency and worked in busy equine hospitals around the world. She has also taught clinical skills and has extensive research experience. Her wealth of transferable skills are valuable. Sylvia enjoys the challenges posed in small animal practice and helping owners and their pets through difficult times. She particularly likes imaging and surgery, but keenly takes up most challenges and has been part of our team since 2023.

Alexandra Mitchell BVM BVS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Alexandra qualified from the University of Nottingham in 2018. She initially worked in the ‘not for profit’ sector in a busy small animal practice in Manchester before moving to London where she joined the team at Stone Lion in 2023. Outside of work, Alexandra’s interests include climbing, cycling, and travel.

Alexandra Rochester PgC(SAS) MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Alex is a 2012 graduate. She has worked in small animal practice covering everything from emergencies to complex surgeries. She spent multiple years in high-end referral practices gathering a wealth of knowledge and experience, alongside completing her certificate in Small Animal Surgery. Alex is a RCVS recognised Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, with a particularly keen interest in orthopaedics and some complex soft tissue procedures. Alex adores all pets and is completely dedicated to her patients. At home, Alex shares her space with three cats called Bean, Lentil and Spud.

Emma Smith BVM BVS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Emma qualified from the University of Nottingham in 2018. She initially worked in a small animal practice in Middlesex and joined the Stone Lion team in 2021. Emma has a keen interest in small animal medicine and will be starting a certificate in 2022. Outside of work, she enjoys running and spending time with her cheeky cat, Mia.

Polina Stamenova BVetMed PGDip (VCP) AFHEA MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Details to follow

Andra Teodorescu MRCVS

Andra graduated from Iasi, Romania in 2009 and spent eight years working on a dairy farm, where she met her partner. Together, they have two children, three cats, and two dogs. After 18 months with the USPCA in Northern Ireland, Andra discovered her passion for emergency and critical care work and joined the out-of-hours service in 2019. Andra joined the team at Stone Lion in 2024 and dedicates herself to helping as many people as possible with animals in need, thriving in her role as an ECC vet.

Sarah Carter RVN, Head Nurse

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Information to follow.

Simona Axamitova RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Simona joined the Stone Lion team at the start of 2025. Originally from Slovakia, she graduated from Middlesex University in 2019 with a BSc in Veterinary Nursing. Since then, she has primarily worked in emergency care at various hospitals in London. Simona’s passion for animals drives her to specialise in emergency care, where she can have the greatest impact by being there during critical moments. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym for CrossFit or running, and also enjoys traveling and exploring new things.
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Jessica Bickerstaff RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Jess qualified as an RVN in January 2021 after being on maternity leave with her daughter and joined the team at Wanstead the same year. She has a lot of previous experience working for charities and rescues and has a keen interest in wildlife. Her favourite part of nursing is emergency and critical care and helping to nurse critically ill patients back to health.

Andrew Cox RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Andrew has been with the Goddard Gropu since 2001 and qualified as a veterinary nurse at Stone Lion in 2006.  He then spent six years at our busy Fulham branch before returning to Stone Lion in 2014.  Andrew enjoys working as a clinical coach training student nurses and has a particular interest in client care and patient rehabilitation.  At home Andrew has had many cats and dogs over the years but most of his spare time is now spent with his two daughters.

Rachael Lofts RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Details to follow

Charlotte Matthews RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Charlotte joined the team at Stone Lion in 2024 after graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2022 as an RVN. Charlotte also completed a BSc in veterinary nursing in which she focused on anaesthesia. Charlotte particularly enjoys nursing inpatients and finds it so rewarding when they can return home to their families. Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys painting, creating art, baking, and making cakes.

Ines Pearson RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Ines joined the team at Stone Lion in 2025. She grew up in France and moved to the UK in 2019 to pursue veterinary nursing. After four years in Devon, Ines had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer at an animal shelter in Grenada. Travelling and combining her love for animals with volunteering has always been a dream which she hopes to continue in the future. Ines is passionate about building strong relationships between pet owners and the practice. She also enjoys nursing consultations, especially those focused on behaviour, where Ines hopes she can make a meaningful impact on the pets and their owners.

Bryony Pleace RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Bryony joined the team at SLVH in 2024 and qualified as an RVN in 2019. Bryony’s main interests are inpatient nursing and nurse clinics. She has spent most of her career in general practice, with some ECC and referral nursing. Outside of work, Bryony likes to spend time outdoors and with her cat Valerie.

Jessica Turnbull RVN

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Jessica joined the Stone Lion team in 2024 and qualified as an RVN in 2025. She is very interested in emergency and critical care and ensuring all patients receive the best care possible. Jessica developed a keen interest in wildlife after working in a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia.

Alana Hewitt

Student Veterinary Nurse

Alana joined the team at Stone Lion in 2023 and is currently training to qualify as a veterinary nurse. At home, she has two dogs Teddy and Alfie.  Alana would also love to have a cat, but Teddy isn’t quite so keen!

Anastasia Markou

Student Veterinary Nurse

Anastasia joined the Goddard Group in 2022 and the team at Stone Lion in 2023. Stacey has always been the “animal whisperer” of her family, contantly bringing home stray kittens and puppies much to her family’s dismay. She completed her BSc in Biological Sciences and MSc in Animal Behaviour from the University of Roehampton, and is now training to be a veterinary nurse. In her free time, Stacey likes everything creative (painting, photography and making jewellery at the moment) and spending time with her sassy and silly rescue cat Salem.

Emily Taylor

Student Veterinary Nurse

Details to follow

Simona Guarino

Nursing Assistant

Details to follow

Aimee Stopford

Nursing Assistant

Aimee joined the team at Stone Lion in 2024 and is excited about beginning her veterinary career.  At home Aimee has two dogs, Wesley and Charlie, as well as a snake and a horse!

Rosie Tebboth

Nursing Assistant

Rosie joined the team at Stone Lion in 2025 and is starting her training in the veterinary profession.

Karen Connell RVN

Hospital Manager

Karen brings over 35 years experience in the veterinary industry to her job as Stone Lion Hospital Manager.  She qualified as an RVN and managed a nursing college before moving into practice management. At home Karen has two daughters and two Miniature Schnauzers, Max and Murphy as well as two cats called Salem and Vinnie.

Louise Thomson RVN

Hospital Supervisor

Louise qualified as a veterinary nurse at Stone Lion in 2005 having previously worked at our Kingston branch.  She loves both cats and dogs and for many years organised and assisted with puppy classes, learning about canine behaviour.  Louise enjoys anaesthesia, surgery and nursing geriatric patients back to health.  In her spare time she enjoys visiting Scotland and driving her Morris Minor. She has two rescue cats and a Border Terrier.

ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic Cat Advocate

Tania Gibbins

Head Receptionist

After working in banking for 27 years Tania decided to follow her heart and started a career working with animals. She began as an auxiliary nurse in a wildlife hospital and after two years joined the team at Stone Lion as a receptionist. Tania is now the line manager for the team of five receptionists. Tania is the first port of call for any wildlife casualties that are brought in and helps with the rehoming of strays. At home, Tania has six cats, three rabbits and one tortoise (all rescues) and enjoys cycling, reading and volunteering at Wildlife Aid.

Ashley-Halle Bolt

Nursing Assistant

Details to follow

Emily Ditson

Receptionist

Details TBC

Lyndsey Duggan

Receptionist

Annette Earl

Receptionist

Annette joined Stone Lion in November 2010 following a long career with HSBC. She loves cats and in her spare time volunteers for Cats’ Protection at their Chelwood Gate adoption centre.  Annette supports several animal charities and is a member of The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.  In her spare time, Annette enjoys 80s music and Formula One. She lives with her husband and feisty cat Lulu.

Karin Grace

Receptionist

Karin joined the team at Stone Lion in 2021.  After many years in the customer service industry, Karin has at long last fulfilled her dream of ensuring our clients and their pets receive first-class service whenever they visit.