Meet Our Swaleside Vets Team | Swaleside Veterinary Surgery, Kent

Meet our team

At Swaleside Vets our professional team of vets and nurses care passionately about animals and treat every patient as a sentient being. Every member of our team is hand selected for their compassion and ability to go above and beyond for our clients. They have the skills to provide a timely diagnosis and first-class veterinary treatment.

Vets

Veterinary Surgeon

John

Veterinary Surgeon

Ewen BVSc, BSc MRCVS

Ewen graduated from Bristol Vet School in 2001 with degrees in both Veterinary Science and Zoology. Since then, he has worked exclusively in busy small animal practices across the UK. Known as a true “Swiss Army Knife of a Vet,” Ewen brings a wide-ranging skill set to the team—from orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery to ultrasonography, medicine, exotics, and dentistry. He is currently studying towards a certificate in Dentistry and Oral Surgery and was proudly named “Vet of the Year 2024” at the DNA Vet Awards.

Ewen is passionate about animal welfare and volunteers with several charities, including British Divers Marine Life Rescue, where he responds to whale and dolphin strandings along the South East coast. He also works with The Worldwide Veterinary Service on overseas projects like Mission Rabies and hopes to help launch a Kent branch of StreetVet in 2026.

Outside of work, Ewen enjoys kitesurfing, mountain biking, and mushroom hunting with his wife Vika, daughter Sidney, and their lovely dog Pola (pictured). Fun fact—they even had a mushroom-themed wedding!

Veterinary Surgeon

Maria-MRCVS

Dr. Maria is a dedicated and compassionate veterinarian with over 7 years of experience in small animal care. She graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has since developed a strong interest in feline medicine. Passionate about providing the highest standard of care, Maria especially enjoys working with cats and is committed to delivering expert, gentle veterinary support to every patient she sees.

Nursing Team

Nursing Assistant

Tasha

Student Veterinary Nurse

Sophie

Sophie has been part of the team for over 8 years and is currently training as a Student Veterinary Nurse. She enjoys all aspects of nursing, particularly making sure every patient feels safe and cared for during their visits.

Outside of work, Sophie loves spending time with her golden retriever, keeping fit and travelling. Her friendly, approachable nature and dedication to animal care make her a valued member of the team.

Nursing Assistant

Blanche

Blanche has been a dedicated Veterinary Care Assistant for over 10 years and brings a wealth of experience to the team. She is passionate about providing the very best care for every patient and supporting their owners through all aspects of their pets’ health and wellbeing.

At home, Blanche is a busy mum of two and also enjoys spending time with her dog, other pets and feiends.
Her caring nature and friendly approach make her a valued member of the practice team.

Head Nurse

Clare-RVN C&GCertVNES APVN

Clare began her veterinary nursing journey in 2011 and qualified from City and Islington College in 2015. As Head Nurse, she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Clare has also studied the nursing of exotic and zoo animals and has a particular passion for surgical nursing.

Outside of her role at the practice, she volunteers with German Shepherd Rescue Elite, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and The Aspinall Foundation. At home, Clare is kept busy by her three ferrets, a German Shepherd, and a Labrador-cross-Spaniel, whom she hand-reared from a puppy.

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Emma

Emma qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in August 2024. At home, she cares for three cats and a tortoise named Blaze.

She has a strong passion for working with a wide variety of animal species and enjoys combining this with her love of travel.

Support Team

Practice Manager

Emma

Emma became a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2001 and has since gained extensive experience working in general practice, referral, and emergency care. In 2014, she transitioned into a business development role within the veterinary industry, bringing her unique expertise to the field. Emma joined DNA Vetcare in March 2025, where she continues to make a positive impact.

Outside of work, Emma is passionate about animals and cares for a variety of creatures, including dogs, chickens, and horses. She also enjoys spending time with her young daughter, keeping her life full and rewarding.

veterinary receptionist

Katy

Katy is our dedicated and passionate Veterinary Receptionist. With over 14 years’ experience in medical secretarial and administrative roles, she brings a strong background in client care and organisation to the practice.

A lifelong animal lover, Katy grew up surrounded by pets – including five cats, two guinea pigs, two degus, a rabbit, and a chocolate Labrador. She feels incredibly fortunate to be part of a team where she can combine her professional experience with her passion for animals, while welcoming clients and their much-loved pets.