Julie Wakerley B.V.Sc. (Hons.) M.R.C.V.S. (Partner)
Graduated from Liverpool Veterinary University. After an initial job in mixed practice, Julie joined the Dronfield Veterinary Practice when it was owned by Mrs. Lynda Ross. She became a partner in 1993. Her interests include diagnostic imaging (x-rays and ultrasound), general surgery and equine work.
When Julie is not working she likes to spend time reading, painting, attending the theatre and ballet; and riding her horse Higgins. She has become a late convert to gardening.
Ian Lowe BVet Med. M.R.C.V.S. (Partner)
Graduated from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London.
Ian became a partner in October 2009 after working at the practice for 18mths. The practice was renamed ‘Ark Veterinary Surgery’.
Ian is experienced in all aspects of Veterinary medicine and surgery. He has previously worked in a large busy small animal practice in Manchester, undertaking a large caseload of orthopaedic surgical procedures. Ian moved to the Sheffield area where he successfully managed an Emergency and Critical Care Centre. He has a special interest in the care of exotic pets, from the more common snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphibians, rabbits, birds and fish to the more obscure of the species such as sugar gliders, meerkats, prairie dogs, african pygmy hedgehogs and degus. Ian is also experienced and very interested all aspects of surgery, dermatology (skin conditions) and the care of brachycephalic dog breeds (boxers, bulldogs, pugs, mastiffs etc).
He is currently completing a European certificate in exotic animal practice in order to keep up to date with modern treatment developments and current best practice.
During his free time Ian enjoys all outdoor sports, going to the gym, cooking, gardening, DIY and looking after his collection of Royal Pythons.
Ben Safrany. Bvet Med. M.R.C.V.S.
Ben was born and raised in the Sheffield area, growing up in Dinnington. He graduated from the Royal Veterinary College and joined our practice team in the summer of 2010.
He has a particular interest in small animal medicine, including diagnostic imaging (x-rays and ultra-sound), endocrine diseases (diabetes, thyroid problems etc), and oncology (the approach to the cancer patient, chemotherapy), and surgical management.
Outside work Ben enjoys outdoor sports, golf and going to the gym. He lives with Nemo; a crossbreed recue dog.
Kerry Hewitt RVN (Practice Co-Ordinator)
Kerry qualified as a VN having started her career in Veterinary work when she was only 16. After becoming head nurse in her 1st practice and her VN assessor training in 1998, she has successfully trained many students enabling them to gain their Veterinary nursing qualification.
Kerry went on to increase her knowledge and experience within the Veterinary field by becoming a locum nurse. During this time she worked in a number of different practices including a large mixed equine practice in Leicestershire, an emergency and critical care centre, and finally a busy referral practice running their surgical department. It was there she gained extensive knowledge and experience in orthopaedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, dermatology and soft tissue surgery; working closely alongside many top Veterinary specialists.
Kerry came to work at Ark in May 2008 and and has never managed to escape! Kerry is always striving for perfection and enjoys a new challenge. Kerry enjoys travelling and has spent many months travelling around America and other parts of the world. She enjoys spending time walking her dogs, attending the gym and dabbling at gardening. Her downfall like every other female is retail therapy. She enjoys reading, going to the theatre, dining out, but most of all she enjoys socialising with all her friends.
Debbie Jowett
Debbie is a trained nurse who began her career here in 1983. Debbie worked as a receptionist before starting a college placement for beauty therapy. However she discovered nursing was where her interests lay and lucky for us she never left! She has dedicated her time caring for all our patients and has gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in all aspects of nursing. Her particular interests are laboratory diagnostics and theatre nursing. Debbie is a well liked and respected member of the close Dronfield community.
In her spare time Debbie enjoys cooking and baking for her family. She is very artistic; she is talented at dressmaking, cake decorating and a keen gardener.
Darran Julian
Darran joined our team in June 2008 as a trainee nurse, he had previously spent 15years in retail and took this opportunity to fulfil his lifelong ambition to work with animals. Darran had no previous experience with animals but it was soon apparent he had a natural ability, he quickly adapted to his new chosen career path.
He began his nurse training almost immediately and has successfully passed his 1st year nursing exams, and is hoping to qualify soon. He has a particular interest in preventative medicine and enjoys client interaction and nurse clinics. Darran has a keen and growing interest in exotic pets particularly reptiles.
Darran likes to relax by playing his guitar and listening to music. He enjoys reading factual books and is full of useless information, but is great to have around during a pub quiz as his general knowledge is frighteningly good!
Claire Bernard
Claire has been working in Veterinary surgeries since 1997 when she started here as a kennel assistant. She joined our team as a nursing auxiliary / receptionist in 2002. Claire is very popular and is always happy to help wherever she can. She has undertaken various roles while she has worked here including reception, ordering and maintaining the stock levels. However, she does feel her strengths lie in nursing, which we all agree on. She is hoping to start her nurse training soon.
In her spare time she voluntarily runs the local Brownie Unit in Dronfield Woodhouse and assists in the local Rainbow unit. When she does have spare time she likes to spend it watching the latest blockbuster at the cinema. She is a keen reader and is always tinkering about on her computer.
Cindy Kent
Cindy has been ‘running’ the Killamarsh reception since 2005. Prior to this she had an extensive career in office administration which enabled her to assist in the administration side as well as on reception itself. Cindy is a very knowledgeable receptionist and her skills are to the highest standard. Cindy is very well known and respected in our close knit Killamarsh community.
Cindy has 2 sons who take up most of her spare time. When she does find time to herself, she enjoys reading, travelling, trips to the cinema, lots of retail therapy and of course socialising with friends.
Tracey Woolen
Denise Wells
Denise was born and raised in Eckington, and has been a long term resident in Killamarsh for over 21 years. Denise spent 12 months residing in Australia but due to being home sick returned to England in December 2009. She then joined our Killamarsh team as a receptionist, looking for new challenge following a change in career from the Wholesale Hair & Beauty profession. Denise is of a happy disposition and is always happy to assist with all enquiries.
Denise’s main hobbies out of work include cooking, movies, travelling and socialising with friends.