Stacey Douglas
FOUNDER & VET
BScHons BVM&S CertAVP MRCVS
Whilst she spends a lot of her time in equine work which she has a particular interest in, she still thoroughly enjoys small animal and farm work and believes mixed practice offers a unique chance to develop a useful transferable skill set. She enjoys the community nature of rural vetting and getting to know her clients and their animals.
Gail Williams
PRACTICE MANAGER
Gail’s career has focused around her love of animals and the local community. After leaving school she worked for 5 years in a riding school and studied equine management at Clinterty Agricultural College.
In 1991 Gail took her first steps into the veterinary world when she was employed as an animal nurse at Mackenzie & Mackenzie, which later became known as Fochabers Vet Surgery alongside Aberlour Vet Centre. She continued in this role for many years before progressing to Practice Manager. Gail was a constant presence in guiding the practice through relocation, expansion and transferred ownerships, in addition she was instrumental in maintaining and advancing the high standards of veterinary care for her clients and their animals.
She is delighted to be part of a new exciting venture with The Craig Vets and to continue to bring her skills and experience to the local community.
Rebecca Mayer
VET
Rebecca graduated from Glasgow University in 2018 and took on a mixed vet position in Caithness at D.S.McGregors Vets having worked closely with the practice as a student. After several exciting years in the north, Rebecca moved down to Speyside, working alongside Stacey. Over the last 4 years Rebecca has continued to work as a mixed vet across Moray and Aberdeenshire, especially devoting time to developing skills in farm animal herd health, pregnancy diagnosis and epidemiology. Rebecca is dedicated to compassionate care, of all species and clients, and enjoys serving her local community.
Sara Shaffer
Sara embarked on a career change in 2013, moving to the UK from Boston in order to study at the University of Edinburgh. After graduating, they moved up to Aberlour where they developed a passion for mixed practice. Sara then spent a year working at Galedin Vets in the Borders, but their fondness for the Speyside area has brought them back north. They are excited to be joining the team and look forward to working with the community again.
ZOIE BALLANTYNE
VET
BVetMed MRCVS
Zoie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2019 and immediately moved up to start work at Aberlour Vet Centre to follow her dream of being a mixed practice vet in rural Scotland. After 5 years, and with a growing interest in more specialist level care, she took a year long rotating intern position at Veterinary Specialists Scotland in Livingston where she worked with some of the foremost veterinary specialists in the country. Whilst being an invaluable learning experience, this year proved that she preferred to be on the front lines of veterinary care, and missed the variety of mixed practice work. She was therefore drawn back to work with Stacey and wonderful Craig Vets team.
Zoie is a qualified companion animal OV for pet travel, has completed RECOVER veterinary CPR training, and has a particular interest in companion animal Emergency and Critical Care medicine.
IONA COSTELLO
VETERINARY NURSE RVN
Iona started her veterinary nursing career at UHI NHC in Thurso in 2014 working at a mixed practice in Aberdeenshire for the first 2 years of her studies, she then gained further experience in a 1st opinion and referral practice in Inverness , she qualified in early 2018 before moving back to the area later that year. She worked locally with Gail and Stacey until last year before taking a short break and locuming.
Iona has a soft spot for her geriatric patients but enjoys the variety that a first opinion mixed practice offers. Iona is excited to be back working within the Speyside area meeting our clients and caring for their pets.
RIA JOHNSTON
VETERINARY NURSE RVN
While at school Ria gained hands-on experience at a Hydrotherapy and Boarding Kennel establishment, building a strong foundation in animal care. After leaving school in 2016, Ria continued to develop her skills while working in clinical practice as a Receptionist/Student Veterinary Nurse and gained her qualification as an RVN in 2023.
In November the same year, Ria spent a month volunteering with a Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release programme in Sri Lanka, where she further developed her practical skills and gained valuable experience as a Veterinary Nurse.
Ria is dedicated to delivering a high standard of patient care while supporting clients throughout every stage of their animal’s life.
AMY TAYLOR
VETERINARY NURSE RVN
Amy is a newly qualified Veterinary Nurse who studied at SRUC. She completed most of her training in a small animal practice but is looking forward to working in a mixed practice! She has been working at a practice in West Lothian for the past 4 years but is originally from Aberdeenshire and is excited to be joining the team and working closer to home.
Amy enjoys the variety of work that comes with being a veterinary nurse, and working with all different species.
JODIE JOHNSTON
VETERINARY RECEPTIONIST
Jodie has been working as a veterinary receptionist at Fochabers Vet Surgery for almost seven years. Her interest in animals started at a young age and has naturally carried through into her role at the practice, where she enjoys being involved in their care and wellbeing.
During her time at the surgery, Jodie has become a familiar face to many clients and their pets. She is comfortable working in a busy environment and enjoys the day-to-day variety that comes with the role, from welcoming clients at reception to helping keep things organised behind the scenes.
She is honoured to be part of the team at The Craig Vets and looks forward to continuing to provide a welcoming and supportive experience for clients and their pets.
