Could you introduce yourself and your new role to our members?
I’m responsible for the development, planning and implementation of the WSAVA’s Learning and Development (L&D) strategy and for ensuring that all of our activities in this area reflect our strategic objectives. I’ll also be supporting some of the WSAVA Committees with their projects.
Could you tell us a bit about your career before joining the WSAVA?
I’ve had a varied career in the veterinary profession in the UK. I’m a Registered Veterinary Nurse and spent many years in clinical practice nursing and training student nurses. I then moved into academia and lectured for several years before moving to the UK’s British Veterinary Nursing Association to develop its educational offerings.
More recently, I have been working in industry for a veterinary equipment and consumable supplier in an Associate Director role.
Where does your own passion for learning stem from?
It comes from seeing the positive outcomes it delivers and the difference it makes to students and to improving animal welfare. I find this really rewarding. At a personal level, I also have a thirst for learning and self-development and the sense of achievement that comes with learning new things.
What attracted you to this role?
I was immediately attracted to the role because it encompasses my passion for learning and the ability to work with some wonderful people all committed to the same goal of improving animal welfare globally. I feel very privileged to be part of WSAVA and its mission.
How did you enjoy your first World Congress experience in Lisbon?
I can only describe it as a whirlwind! I had only been in the role for a week so the highlight was meeting so many people, including the Executive Board, Member Representatives, Committee Members, Delegates, Sponsors and Speakers. It was a great way to be fully immersed into the WSAVA. I’d like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome.
Do you have any advice for members who may be considering how to take their learning journey forward?
Everyone’s learning journey is different. Real learning begins when we can reflect on our own learning needs and how we learn best. It can be easy to focus on topics we enjoy learning about, rather than what we also ‘need’ to learn. It’s good to develop a personal learning plan that is diverse and can lead to improvements of outcomes for yourself and the patients in your care.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Outside work, life is full on! I’m married and have two teenage daughters. My daughters and I play netball and compete in local and county teams. We have two spaniels. I am an agility instructor and teach a class weekly of owners with a range of dog breeds, which is great fun. I also compete with my own dogs. I’m currently studying toward a Master’s in Business Administration.