Meet the Team
Our dedicated and compassionate team are committed to providing your pets with the exceptional care they deserve.
Vets
Dr Chris Goetschel BVetMed MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon and Founder
Chris graduated from The Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2014, and spent a year working in Birmingham before moving to Colchester in 2016. While Chris enjoys all aspects of general practice, his biggest passions are cats and cardiology; he has two cats of his own at home (Tilly and Dimitri), and is currently working towards the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Cardiology. In his spare time, Chris likes seeing live music, tackling cryptic crosswords, and learning Italian.
Dr Joanna Rodak-Smith MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon and Founder
Joanna, originally from Poland, qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon at Wroclaw University and discovered her passion for small animal medicine during her studies. She has worked in England since 2005, with over 15 years in Colchester. Her interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, ultrasonography, and veterinary acupuncture. Joanna is dedicated to compassionate, high-quality care. Outside work, she enjoys family time, hiking, dancing, and life with her Cocker Spaniel, Rolo.
Dr Megan Roberts BVetMed MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Megan grew up in Essex and graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2023. After qualifying, she spent three years working in a busy small animal practice before joining the team at The Colchester Vets. She enjoys all aspects of being a vet and loves that every day is different from the last.
Megan lives with her cat, Bruno, who was a stray brought into the practice where she previously worked. Outside of work, Megan enjoys running, reading, and finding new crafts to try.
Nurses
Becky Frost BSc
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Becky trained as a Veterinary Nurse in London, after graduating with a degree in Zoology from the University of Reading. During this time, she began working with animals at Battersea Dogs Home and Wildwood Zoo. She has lived in Essex since 2018, working in small animal practices and enjoys both anaesthesia and nursing hospitalised patients.
Becky lives with her husband, Nick, Milo the boxer, Ralph the Springer Spaniel Cross, and a cat called Piglet. Outside of work she loves to travel the country seeing as much live music as possible, always finding a new castle to explore along the way.
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Sophie Oliver BSc
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Sophie initially studied Zoology at the University of Exeter, before going on to train as a Veterinary Nurse and qualifying in 2023. At work, Sophie has a particular interest in exotics and Schedule 3 minor surgery.
Outside of work, Sophie enjoys playing netball and football with local teams, spending time with her horse, Victor, and going to gigs (usually visiting a castle on the way).
Jaide Leonard
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Jaide qualified in 2022 from the Central College of Animal Studies. Since qualifying, she has developed a keen interest in surgical nursing, anaesthesia and radiology, with plans to complete a certificate in anaesthesia and analgesia.
In her spare time, Jaide enjoys spending time with her horse, Summer.
Kati Bamforth BSc (hons.)
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Kati originally graduated from university with a degree in Psychology, she later discovered her passion for veterinary nursing and went on to pursue a career working with animals.
Kati had her student training at a referral hospital and registered in December 2025. She is looking forward to growing her skills with the team.
In her free time, Kati likes doing agility training and exploring the countryside with her husband and three dogs- Ruby, Winnie, and Parsnip.
Client Care
Lorraine Liles
Client Care Coordinator
With almost 20 years of experience working in veterinary reception, Lorraine has built a wealth of knowledge and experience within the veterinary profession. She has also completed her SQP and BVRA exams, further developing her skills and understanding.
Outside of work, Lorraine loves taking part in Parkruns, and enjoys spending time with her granddaughter. She is also kept busy at home by her much-loved rescue cat, Mince, and her dog, Denzel.
Lorraine Lee
Client Care Coordinator
Lorraine is fairly new to her role in Client Care but has already found it to be the perfect fit for her.
After many years working in reception and administration, Lorraine is delighted to have found a role she genuinely enjoys. She is always happy to make a fuss of the four-legged clients, and there will never be a shortage of treats for the cats and dogs!
Outside of work, Lorraine loves musicals, live concerts, country music, and collecting crystals. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and her four cats.
Lauryn Youngs
Client Care Coordinator
Bio coming soon...