MEET OUR TEAM
We think it’s important for pet owners to know a little bit about the people
caring for their pets.
Here you can learn about our vets, nurses and support staff, including some of their professional and personal interests.
We value a culture of team-work at Avenue Vet Centre, something which shines through in the positivity, motivation and commitment of our team.
Veterinary Surgeons
Mark Picton
BVSc MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Mark C Picton
I qualified from Bristol in 1994 and joined the practice in January 1995, and thoroughly enjoyed what mixed practice offered, encompassing all creatures great and small, and have treated some unusual creatures ranging from a leopard gecko to a reindeer.
I joined the partnership in 2000, and have been the sole director since 2013. My current menagerie includes a labrador, Islay, who makes up with enthusiasm what she lacks in training, and 3 cats Kitty, Tank and Luna. I believe it is important to think as a pet owner, and to try to provide a practice where we do the right thing at the right time. I enjoy spending time with my family and keeping fit.
Jenny Rawling
BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Jenny Rawling
I have been working at AVC since 2005, after moving to Bristol from the North of England. I have a GP medicine certificate and an interest in epilepsy and in pain management including acupuncture. Outside work I am a founder trustee of an epilepsy charity and my three children and dog keep me busy.
Penny Morgan
BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Penny Morgan
I qualified from Bristol Vet School in 2001, and worked as a mixed animal and government vet for 3 years before moving back to Bristol where I worked as an emergency service vet covering the nights and weekends for many Bristol vet practices. For the last 17 years I have worked as a charity small animal vet at the busy Bristol PDSA pet hospital, where I also held national organisational roles, developing policies and pet health education materials.
I have a passion for emergency care, trauma surgery and dentistry, and advocate for holistic patient care that best meets the needs of the pet and owner.
My family and I live with our current 2 rescue cats called Varjak and Fluffy.
Away from work I run cooking skills workshops and community events to support population health and wellbeing in the Greater Brislington area.
I swim indoors and outdoors all year round. Which led to being a campaigner for protecting rivers from sewage pollution, and am part of a feature film about the river Avon.
I joined Avenue Vets in 2025 and work Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Veterinary Nurses
Gemma Toghill
RVN
Head Registered Veterinary Nurse
Gemma Toghill
I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2019, I have been working at AVC since 2024. Before joining AVC, I worked in a range of first opinion roles where I have enjoyed utilising my skills. I have been a clinical coach since 2022, and have been privileged enough to mentor several Student Veterinary Nurses so far in my career.
I have a keen interest in anesthesia and I’m currently working towards my NCert. I also love supporting our patients with confidence visits, and weight clinics! Outside of work, you’ll usually find me at the gym, walking my handsome pooch, Otis, or spoiling my niece & nephew!
Michelle Corbett
RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Michelle Corbett
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1999 and have worked in charity; referral & first opinion hospitals since then.
My passion for training student nurses, lead me to achieve my Certificate in Education at Bath Spa University, where I qualified as a teacher in 2007. I had the opportunity to teach Veterinary Nursing at the University of Bristol & Bath College for eight years thereafter. After gaining my Nursing certificate in Anaesthesia & Analgesia in 2017, I have utilised my knowledge in various anaesthetic procedures in referral and first opinion settings. Since joining Avenue veterinary Centre, I have particularly enjoyed the variety of nursing shifts and being part of a supportive team. My hobbies include: skiing, motorcycling & paddle boarding with my amazing family. I have one fabulous cat called Lulu, who loves exploring & being a sofa buddy in the evenings!
Jade Fincher
RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Jade Fincher
I joined the AVC team as a receptionist in 2019, before moving into the clinical team in 2022 to begin my VN training. I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2025. Before moving into the veterinary world, I worked in a range of business and marketing roles.
I have a strong interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest research & evidence to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care.
I’m a cat lover through and through – I’m incredibly passionate about feline behaviour and low-stress handling, and I’m currently leading the practice’s application for ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic status.
Outside of work, I’m an avid baker, and enjoy exploring new places. I’m usually kept busy by my very spoilt (and overweight) cat, Max
Sarah Randell
RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Sarah Randell
I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2025 and joined the AVC team shortly after. I enjoy all aspects of nursing but have a particular interest in inpatient care & nursing consultations.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, photography, walking in the countryside and I have recently taken an interest in cycling. I am kept busy by my two crazy cats, Lily (pictured) & Abi.
Summer England
SVN
Student Veterinary Nurse
Summer England
I love being hands-on with our patients and take pride in making their time with us as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
At home, I have 3 dogs, a tortoise & a bearded dragon called Gizmo!
Customer Care Team
Marlies Lawrence
Business Support Manager
Marlies Lawrence
I first joined Avenue in 1994 as a Student Veterinary Nurse. I qualified as a RVN in 1998 and have worked in various practices in Bristol and Bath, progressing to Head Nurse, Practice Manager before returning to Avenue in 2023 as Business Support Manager.
At home, I enjoys spending time with her family and am kept busy looking after my 2 Border Terriers, Betty and Wilf, Hamish the cat, Speedy the tortoise and 6 chickens!
