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.
My working days are Monday & Friday.
Lorraine Smith
BSc BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Lorraine Smith
Bio coming soon
My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
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.
My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Juliet Cairney
BVSc PgC(SADI) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Juliet Cairney
Bio coming soon…
My working days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Veterinary Nurses
Gemma Toghill
DipVN NCert(Anesthesia) 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 achieved my NCert in Anaesthesia (advanced qualification) in 2025 and enjoy being able to use my knowledge to better support our patients under anaesthesia. I also love seeing our patients for 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!
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Jade Fincher
DipVN 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
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.
Sarah Randell
DipVN 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.
My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Summer England
SVN
Student Veterinary Nurse
Summer England
I first joined AVC in 2024 while completing my Veterinary Care Assistant course, spending two days a week on placement with the team and the rest at college. In 2025, I became a full-time member of the team after qualifying as a Veterinary Care Assistant, and I’m excited to begin my Student Veterinary Nurse training in September 2025.
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!
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
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!
My working days are Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Nicky Cook
Receptionist
Nicky Cook
I have been a Veterinary Receptionist at Avenue Vets since November 2017 and absolutely love working with animals and their owners. I bring over 35+ years’ experience as a personal assistant, which means I’m highly organises, people-focused and calm under pressure. I am currently being “trained” as a cat owner with my lovely Bandita and have had the great pleasure of owning 2 wonderful Westies. When I am not at work, I enjoy travelling, walking and socialising with family and friends and learning new skills as knitting, crochet and sewing.
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
Alice Thielker
Receptionist
Alice Thielker
I joined AVC mid 2025. It is lovely to be able to work in an environment where I have quickly got to know our clients, and then to have the benefit of greeting all of their animals that pass through our doors is such a pleasure. I am passionate about animal care and have experience in customer service, so this role helps me blend the two.
My personal interests are long walks in nature often with a dog in tow, spending time with friends and painting in my down time.
My working days are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.