Birgit qualified as a veterinary surgeon in Germany in 1988 and after working for a year as a conventional vet she worked with Peter Andresen who was the President of the International Association of Veterinary Homeopathy. She learned to treat dogs, cats, horses and small animals homoeopathically. Her PhD looked at fertility problems in horses. She moved to England in 1994 and continued to use homeopathy in small animal practices where she was working. After moving to Sussex, she became a referral vet, working with many local veterinary surgeries. She is passionate about treating animals with the most appropriate therapy or combination of therapies in order to improve their health and quality of life. Birgit started her practice at her home in Forest Row in 2008 and after years of growing we moved the Surgery to its own premises in 2019. Since 2005 Birgit worked with western acupuncture and then in 2015 she learnt traditional Chinese medicine in Holland with IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) In 2017 she then progressed her studies to Chinese herbs which is now an integral part of what we do here. Birgit lives at home with her husband and children and young Labrador Juno who you will also see from time to time at the surgery! She enjoys walking and runs her own meditation group.

Valentina joined our practice from Spain in August 2022 after training with us since February 2022. She graduated in 2014 as a veterinary surgeon and has worked ever since in small busy animal practices in Spain whilst also interning in Glasgow focusing on holistic medicine. She is currently undertaking a course looking at holistic medicine in oncology which she will bring to the practice. Both her parents are qualified medical doctors with acupuncture degrees therefore acupuncture has been a core part of Valentina's life growing up and a foundation in her learning. She has an infectious calming presence with the animals when working with them and acupuncture. When Valentina is not working she enjoys meditation and loves being around animals. Valentina lives at home with her crossbreed Noa who travelled over with her from Spain.

Diego graduated as a veterinary surgeon in Buenos Aires and moved to the UK soon afterwards. He completed a residency in Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the Royal Veterinary College and went on to work in several leading veterinary referral centres. His growing interest in integrative medicine led him to study veterinary acupuncture, which has become a true passion. Diego has completed a degree in veterinary acupuncture at the Chi University and is now completing a three-year training programme in Classical Acupuncture at one of Europe’s most renowned colleges and enjoys combining his extensive anaesthesia background with holistic techniques to support the wellbeing of his patients.

Alex has been working with Birgit since 2015, moved the practice with her from Forest Row to our new practice in Groombridge and has loved watching the practice grow. Alex deals with the running of the practice but you will also often see her in reception too. She has a background in working with animals and children and running her own business prior. Alex is now part time since having her baby in 2020 but is often on hand. Alex is also a qualified Canine Behaviourist and has worked alongside Birgit in the consult room. When Alex is not at the surgery she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being out in nature and Yoga. You may also meet Alex's puppy Luna when in the practice who loves to say hello!

Kylie joined the practice in October 2023 after a career in hospitality. She has a passion for horses and natural horsemanship which led her to looking at holistic medicine with animals. She has her own horse Chodi and lives at home with her 2 dogs, a German Shepherd Alfie and her rescue Spaniel Ruby after moving to England in 2013 from Paris. Kylie is also a keen musician and brings a lovely energy to the practice.

Claire joined us in March 2023 after her career as a detective working in Child protection for Kent police. She lives very locally in Groombridge with her husband, two children and two rescue pugs Lily and Mo. In her spare time Claire loves to be creative, especially sewing and loves to run in the countryside. Claire brings a lot of warmth to the practice and enjoys helping look after all the animals in our care.

Karla joined our reception team in March 2024 as maternity cover but has stayed on in a permanent role. She has previously completed a Veterinary Care assistant course and has a huge passion for animals. She also helps her daughter who runs her own hamster rescue charity and fosters dogs who are looking for their forever home. Karla has a background in hospitality and retail and has an eye for detail which helps keep everything running very smoothly here. In her spare time Karla loves reading and enjoys the local wildlife. Karla is trained in cat behavior here at the practice and is happy to offer practical advice to help with our feline companions. We offer 1:1 slots with Karla over the phone on a Tuesday if you needed tailored advice.

Sienna joined our reception team in January 2025. She has previously worked in riding stables and a cattery and has a real love for animals. Sienna previously worked with children at the stables, teaching them to ride. In her spare time Sienna loves to ride and keeps her horse Tally local to the practice. Sienna has a calming energy with the animals and great organisational skills in reception. Sienna is our onsite nutritionist and can help with finding the optimum diet for your cat or dog. To book in a 1:1 phone call with Sienna on a Monday you can arrange this with the office.

Juno has been part of the team since 2021 and you will often find her greeting you in reception!

Luna joined the team in 2023. She loves eating and playing!