MEET THE TEAM

Natalie Brudenell KSVN.jpg

Natalie Brudenell

DipAVN (Medical) RVN V1 DTLLS

Natalie started VN training aged 18 and has worked in first opinion and referral practices in Kent and Surrey, gaining experience in many areas of the profession including exotics, neurology, internal medicine, soft tissue and orthopaedics and more recently in mixed practice.

Natalie, along with Caroline, launched KSVN in 2018. She is responsible for planning and delivery of the curriculum, working alongside the rest of the tutor team to ensure students’ progress, achieve and enjoy their time with us. Natalie also supports some of the Training Practices affiliated to KSVN and is also Head of Centre. Following Caroline’s departure in 2025, Natalie is now sole Director of the company.

Leila Parkin

RVN DTLLS

Leila started her VN training after leaving school and since qualifying, she has also worked as a rep for Novartis Animal Health and gained her certificate in the nursing of exotic species, which continues to be her passion in practice.

Leila has been part of KSVN since the beginning. She has a wide range of experience in both the teaching and VN profession and is the Senior Tutor for KSVN, enthusiastically teaching students. Leila also has responsibility for the assignment marking process for all student groups.

Erica Cobb

BSc RVN

Erica completed a degree in Animal Science at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth before starting her VN training in a small animal referral hospital in Cheshire. Erica qualified as an RVN in 2012 and moved back to Kent. She has developed special interests in anaesthesia, analgesia & care of diabetic patients. Erica has worked in Training Practices supporting student VNs in her previous roles. She is Head of Quality and lead IQA at KSVN.

Vicky Cloherty

BSc GradDip VN RVN

Vicky started her VN training at an orthopaedic referral practice after completing a BSc in Zoology and Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Liverpool. She qualified as an RVN in 2010 and gained a Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Professional Veterinary nursing in 2014. Vicky has been involved in several charity projects abroad and has keen interests in anaesthesia, holistic patient care and evidence-based veterinary nursing. Vicky works for KSVN as a Tutor and IQA.

Kate Langley

Kate is the admin assistant for KSVN, but also has an important role as Support Co-ordinator and mental health first aider. In addition to administrative responsibilities Kate also closely works with the students to review their training progress and ensure they are supported during their time at KSVN.

Mel Thomas

Mel started her training career as an Assessor and Internal Verifier, progressing to managing many large apprentice contracts. She then became Apprenticeship Manager at a large FE college, leading a team of Training Advisors and co-ordinating a wide variety of apprenticeships.

Following a career break, Mel has joined the KSVN in a business admin role and student support role.