Meet the Team
We are incredibly proud of the team we have built at Doorstep Vet. We select our staff very carefully, and the whole team strives to deliver the exceptional level of customer service that we have become renowned for. Whether you’re speaking to a member of our office team or chatting to our nurses or vets at your appointment, you are in safe hands.
We have a highly experienced team, and every staff member has worked for many years in the vet profession. Some of us are entering our 3rd or 4th decade of working with animals – that’s a lot of pets that we’ve seen over the years!
Vet Team
Joanna Melville MRCVS
Founder and Veterinary SurgeonJoanna (Jo) graduated from the R(D)SVS, Edinburgh and has worked in the veterinary industry for over 20 years.
She decided to set up Doorstep Vet after seeing a clear need for a less stressful and more personal experience for owners and their pets.
Jo loves all aspects of GP care, but has a particular interest in internal medicine and management of chronic health conditions. She has a particular soft spot for our Golden Oldies….
Jo is available for appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Lexi Butler MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonBio coming soon
Lexi is available for appointments on Mondays.
Yasmin Aabouz MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonOriginally from London, Yasmin graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2016. After qualifying she decided to make the North East her forever home. She enjoys all aspects of consulting, but she especially loves building a strong bond with your pets.
Outside work Yasmin’s hobbies are hiking and photography. She’s already completed a few long distance trails and is always planning for the next one! She’s slowly making her way through the 214 Lake District wainwright list.
Gemma Rutherford MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonGemma enjoys spending time with pets and their parents, performing thorough examinations, working at their pace, talking through options and decision making together, and building a bond of trust with the family. Gemma loves the geriatrics, especially our feisty felines!
Appointments are currently unavailable with Gemma.
Nursing Team
Gabby Taylor RVN
Registered Veterinary NurseGabby has 20 years experience of working in Veterinary Practice. Gabby takes pride in taking her time to get to know each of your pets, ensuring that trust and bonds are built during each visit.
Gabby has a particular fondness for our feline and rabbit friends, and always strives to make their experience as positive and relaxed as possible.
Outside of work, Gabby enjoys dancing and walking in nature, and spending quality time with her cheeky Persian cat Winston’.
Amy Brown RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Bio coming soon
Office Team
Jessica Perkins RVN
Practice ManagerJess found her true calling after volunteering for a cat charity. She has acquired a wealth of experience during her 20 years of working in the veterinary profession.
Jess qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2010 and has since gained valuable experience in first opinion and referral practices. As well as Head Nurse and Practice Manager positions.
Jess is passionate about owner and pet care, striving to provide the highest level of care and attention to both
Outside of work Jess enjoys being in the countryside walking or cycling with her husband and son.
Lorna Mitchell
Client Care AdvisorLorna joined the Doorstep team in Summer 2024, bringing with her, many years of experience in the veterinary industry
As a Client Care Advisor, Lorna is mainly based at our office. She is passionate about building strong relationships with clients and takes pride in being the first point of contact and guiding owners through their journey with us. She is also a fantastic team player and keeps everyone entertained at Mission HQ!
When she’s not at work, Lorna enjoys spending time outdoors. She is an avid hiker, often taking on challenging trails for personal fulfillment or to support charitable causes.
Johanna van Talligan
Client Care AdvisorJohanna’s career in the veterinary profession began (after 30 years as a civil servant) when she joined an Equine veterinary practice in Stocksfield carrying out both animal care and reception duties. After 12 very happy years she moved to a small animal practice closer to home and worked there as a veterinary receptionist for the next 8 years.
Johanna joined Doorstep Vet in May 2024 as a Client Care Advisor. She has always believed that pet and client care is paramount in the veterinary industry and tries to ensure she is a friendly and helpful point of contact at all times.
Outside work Johanna enjoys walking with the family dogs (2 lovely lurcher sisters), reading and gardening.
Isla
Head of SecurityIsla joined us in 2023, having previously struggled to find her niche in previous roles. She is mainly responsible for ensuring office deliveries run smoothly. She has been known to chew the odd package and is still on probation.
Reggie
Trainee Office Motivation ManagerReggie joined us in 2026. Lacking life experience, he is on a steep learning curve but is very enthusiastic. Reggie is great for team morale but not so good for productivity as the team spend a lot of time cuddling him. Reggie is on probation.