Meet The Team

Our caring, passionate team of veterinarians, nurses and support staff have years of experience – ensuring your pet is always in great hands.

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Simon Ratcliffe

BVSc certAVP(GSAS) MRCVS

RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in General Small Animal Surgery & Practice Principal

Hi, I’m Simon (we’re all on first name terms here!). In 2014 my wife Camilla and I took over the running of Kelperland. It has been owned principally by 4 families in succession since the practice was first opened in Maidenhead in 1958 and we are extremely proud to continue this tradition. It’s really important to us that we are truly independent, as opposed to being owned by huge corporations, like many small practices are these days. Why does this matter? If you’re used to going to a corporate-owned practice, and then you come to us, you’ll find out!

I’m a dairy farmer’s son from Cheshire, and have wanted to be a vet as long as I can remember. Camilla is a secondary school biology teacher by trade, but she has put that to one side for the ten years since we took over Kelperland to run the business side. We moved to Windsor and bought the practice when we had been married for less than a year! It’s been a roller-coaster for sure (!) but we are proud to run a business that is important to the local community and employs local people.

I went University in Liverpool and graduated in 2005. I genuinely love being a general practitioner vet – getting to know clients and your pets, working together to keep our furry friends happy and healthy! The job is full of variety, fun and challenge and I wouldn’t do anything else.

My main clinical interest is surgery, especially orthopaedics (bones and joints). I am recognised by the RCVS (the veterinary governing body in the UK) as an “Advanced Practitioner in General Small Animal Surgery,” which reflects the level of my post graduate training and experience. This means we can offer a wide variety of procedures for your pet here at Kelperland, as opposed to needing to be referred to another practice.

We also now welcome referrals from other practices – we are here to help with procedures that your normal vet may not offer but at a price point below specialist referral centres. We have an ‘Affordable Fracture Fixation Scheme’ too. In some practices if a pet breaks their leg the only option available to clients is to be sent to a specialist. The care received would be amazing but the price is high. We are offering a middle ground where I, as an advanced surgeon but not a specialist, perform the surgery for a more affordable fixed price. We’ve already started seeing cases on this scheme – including a classic broken leg in a puppy on Christmas Eve!

Camilla and I live locally with our daughter Elana and son Theo. The practice is truly a family affair – we use the kennels to control the children if they become unruly! Our family dog is Finlay, a border terrier. He is ridiculously friendly and comes with us into the practice office each day and to check on inpatients in the evenings.

Outside of work and family I’m a keen sportsman and enjoy all sports. I play cricket for the MCC and love paddle boarding on the Bray lake in the mornings before work.

If you’d like to come to our practice Camilla and I will do everything we can to look after you and your pets. We look forward to meeting you!

Dr. Nikki Benawra

BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Hello, I’m Nikki and I joined Kelperland in November 2022.  I graduated from the University of Surrey in 2020 and have been working as a small animal vet in Berkshire since then.

I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine but have a particular interest in imaging and surgery.

I have a 9-year-old Dachshund called Rolo who was my inspiration to become a vet and in my spare time you can find us both enjoying walks in Windsor Great Park.

Dr. Fiona Dickinson

BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Hello, I’m Fiona and I joined the Kelperland team in September 2018. Since graduating from Liverpool University in 2000 I have worked in Morocco, Devon, and Herefordshire but I’ve been treating the pets of Berkshire in various clinics since 2003.

I thoroughly enjoy all the many aspects that make up our role as veterinary surgeons and relish the variety that any working day can bring. I also practice acupuncture on our patients as a complement to our other services.

I live (very) locally with our young family, the youngest 2 of whom have just started school, hopefully giving me lots of “free time” to enjoy other hobbies and relaxing outside work!

Dr. Alex Ogley

BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Hi, I’m Alex and I joined the veterinary team at Kelperland in April 2021. I graduated from the University of Bristol and have since focused on treating small animals. I have my own furry family member ‘Slinky’ who gets into endless mischief but is soon forgiven.

General practice has always been enjoyable for me and I further hope to progress my career focusing on dog and cat medicine. In my spare time, I love anything crafty and can be found knee-deep in paints, pottery, and anything that usually leaves a lot of mess around the house!

Dr. Rosie Skinner

BVSc CertAVP(VD) MRCVS

I recently rejoined the Kelperland team after 5 years working as a sole charge branch vet in a large Small Animal Hospital group. Prior to that I had worked at Kelperland as maternity cover for a year. It is lovely to be back and I’m extremely impressed by the positive changes that have happened in the last few years.

I qualified in 2004 from the University of Bristol with distinction. I am an experienced general practitioner and an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology. Alongside dermatology, I enjoy all aspects of general practice, in particular medical cases and caring for our feline patients.

I live in Wokingham with my family and two cats Captain Morgan and Bagheera. Since having a baby, my hobbies have fallen by the wayside for now, but I am trying to learn Portuguese and enjoy pushing myself in the gym.

Dr. Ffion Iavagnilio

BVSc MRCVS

Hello, I’m Ffion and I have joined the Kelperland team after graduating from the University of Surrey in July 2024. I have been very lucky to have done many placements here at Kelperland throughout my university time and I am sure I have already met lots of your wonderful pets over the last five years.

I’m very excited to start my career in small animals with interest in both surgery and medicine. In my spare time I enjoy taking a trip down to Wales to see my family. We have Bonnie a Bernese and three little Bichon crosses who all love a good walk on the beach!

Our Nursing & Management Team

Camilla Ratcliffe

Business Manager

Hi, I’m Camilla and I’ve been managing Kelperland since 2014 when we took over the practice.  It has been quite a journey transforming a one-man local vets to be the bustling business it is today.  We take pride in our independent ethos, family-based principles, and compassionate team.

Outside of work, I have two wonderful children (already completely animal-obsessed) and a Border terrier, Finlay.  We enjoy going for long walks or bike rides and I also love yoga and drinking coffee or wine with friends!

Tessa

Practice Manager

Hello, I’m Tessa and I joined the Kelperland team in Autumn 2024. I have worked in veterinary practice for nearly forty years, initially as a sixteen year old Student Veterinary Nurse, qualifying as a nurse couple of years later and then moving into practice management. I have always enjoyed the variety of general practice, when a single phone call can change the way the day plays out.

My jobs have predominantly been in Berkshire and surrounding counties in small animal, farm and equine clinics. Away from work I am kept busy with teenage twin boys, three cats, some volunteer work and the occasional park run.

Faye

RVN / Head Nurse

Hi, I’m Faye and I’ve been working at Kelperland since 2006.

I’m Kelperland’s resident cat lady!! I currently have two cats Hank and Dale who are both very special in their own ways. They are rescue cats who I’ve picked up along the way (occupational hazard) but wouldn’t be without them.

Outside of work my hobbies include boxing training and highland dancing and I’m busy learning new dances for exams and shows later this year. I also enjoy baking for my friends and family. My Oreo cupcakes are a particular favourite and a big hit within the Kelperland team!

Becky

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hello, I am Becky and I joined the Kelperland team in October 2024. I have been a Registered Veterinary Nurse since 2008.

Currently I don’t have any pets of my own but I am sure that will change now that I am part of the Kelperland team.

When I am not working, my spare time is taken up with being Mum to two boys and being a local Cub Scout Leader where I live in Fleet.

I am looking forward to meeting you all soon.

Jess

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hello, I’m Jess and I joined the Kelperland Team in September 2024. I have been a registered veterinary nurse since 2013, having worked in various practices from general to dentistry referral throughout the years.

I enjoy all aspects of being a veterinary nurse, but I have a strong interest in emergency & critical care work & owner education through providing nurse clinics where I get to meet lots of lovely characters.

I live locally with my two young children; however, we currently do not have any animals. In my spare time I enjoy baking, cooking, crafting and being outdoors with the family exploring the local beauty spots.

Kat

Reception Manager

Hi, I’m Kat and I love spending time with my gorgeous rescue dog, Daisy, as well as with my other child with just two legs! My spare time is spent walking one and watching the other play football!

I have been an enthusiastic member of the Kelperland team since September 2015 and love snapping pictures of all your cute pets for our Facebook page…. you have been warned!

Kim

Receptionist

Hi, my name is Kim. I’m local to Holyport and have really enjoyed getting to know you all and your lovely pets since joining the Kelperland team in February 2021.

I have one dog – Oscar, the most gorgeous Staffordshire bull terrier! He is full of character and is such a big part of our family. When I’m not working my spare time is taken up with my two children and a busy family life.

Mandy

Receptionist

Hi, my name is Mandy and I’m local to Holyport village. I’ve lived and worked in the area for many years. I love the community spirit here and the people are great!

I joined the Kelperland team in February 2022 and felt right at home the minute I walked through their door.

I own two cats that treat me as their human slave and I’m always looking for more as they are great to have around. I do actually have a large animal family as I look after and care for a lot of animals, large and small, in the local area and they play a big part in my busy family life.

Britney

Student Veterinary Nurse

Hi, I’m Britney. I’ve been with Kelperland since August 2021 and started my formal nurse training in January 2022. I have my own three dogs who I love spending a lot of my time with; a German Shepherd called Winnie, a Jug called Fifi, and a Jack Russell called Poppy.

Outside of work I love shopping for vintage clothing and crystals – so you’ll more than likely find me rummaging in a charity shop!

Daisy

Student Veterinary Nurse

Hi, I’m Daisy and I joined the team here at Kelperland in the winter of 2021. I started my nurse training and studies in January of 2023, and I’ve really enjoyed gaining experience in the veterinary profession.

I have my own little cavapoo called Cookie, who is my furry best friend. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and traveling the world.

Katie

Student Veterinary Nurse

Hi, I’m Katie, and I started working at Kelperland in September 2022 after finishing my A levels. I have always been interested in working with animals and started my formal nurse training in September 2023.

I have my own little sprocker spaniel called Milo who is absolutely crazy! In my spare time I enjoy taking Milo out on long walks with friends.