Hi everyone, I have two horses, two crazy kittens and five tortoises at home which keep me busy although in the past I have kept many reptiles, birds and various small and large pets.

I teach practical animal health, animal behaviour and handling, practical animal husbandry and feeding, accommodation and moving.

My first career was working with pre-school age children, which I did for over 20 years before changing direction. I have a BSC Hons degree in animal management. I completed the foundation degree at Weston College and then topped up at Hartpury College in Gloucester.

I then worked at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm for 11 years as deputy head keeper, working with a huge range of animals from crocodiles to tigers. I was responsible for running the bird and reptile section and also worked in every other section of the zoo during my time there. I think I am very lucky to have had such a wonderful keeping career.

I have been teaching since last year and love passing on my knowledge of the animal industry to others.