The Team

Michelle Silvester

Director, Senior Hydrotherapist

CertSocSci (open), S.A.C Dip (Animal Care), O.A. Dip (Animal Psychology), MCHA, ABC Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals.

Michelle qualified as a Hydrotherapist at Hawksmoor Animal Rehabilitation Centre in 2011 and is L3 Diploma, ABC Nationally accredited in Hydrotherapy for small animals. In 2021, she completed the Canine Arthritis Management – Level 1 course and is now a CAM Advocate. She is also trained in Canine and Feline First Aid, has a Diploma with Distinction in Animal Care (SAC DIP) and Animal Psychology. A member of CHA and BVNA. Michelle has over 35 years of business experience and her passion and drive is to ensure her centre only employs experienced, qualified para-professionals, providing a quality, professional service at affordable prices, putting the patient and customer first at all times.

Lois Vizer

Centre Manager

Senior Hydrotherapist

S.A.C Dip (Business Studies)

ABC Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals, MCHA

After completing her National Diploma in Animal Management (at Sparsholt College in Winchester) to a triple Distinction level, Lois gained experience working in Canine Hydrotherapy at a previous centre. She then went on to fully qualify at Greyfriars in April '11, gaining certificates in Canine First Aid, Pool Water Management, Canine Anatomy and Physiology, Understanding Orthopedic and Spinal conditions and Hydrotherapy theory and practice. In January '12 she qualified in Aquatic Treadmill Therapy at Hawksmoor and in May '12 Lois completed the Top Up To Level 3 course in which she passed and is now an ABC Nationally accredited Hydrotherapist for small animals. Lois completed her final assignments to pass her Level 3 Diploma in 2018.

Lois owns Dexter, who is an English Cream Golden Retriever and they have both passed their Pets As Therapy training and will be attending nursing homes and schools together.

Harvey Standfield

Canine Hydrotherapist

ABC Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy. MCHA

FdSc in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation

Harvey commenced his Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management in his first year at Sparsholt College in Winchester. He then went onto complete his Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Zoo in 2020 achieving a Merit Distinction Distinction (MDD). Harvey next went on to study a FdSc in Animal therapy and rehabilitation at Oxford Brookes University from 2020-2022 covering units on Animal Behaviour, Anatomy and Physiology, Practical Rehabilitation Skills, Animal Hydrotherapy, Complimentary Therapies and Nutrition and Biology, graduating in September 2022.

Harvey also completed his Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy at Hawksmoor Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Harvey is also a CAM advocate having completed the Canine Arthritis Management – Level 1 course.

Harvey brings a wealth of experience to the team having had a wide range of different animal experiences spanning over 7 years from cattery, zoo and veterinary work in addition to gaining experience in nutrition working for a large pet retail supplier.

Caitlin Rogers

Centre & Canine Hydrotherapist Assistant

Caitlin joined the team in January 2024. She joins us with a wealth of knowledge of dogs having worked for several years at a Boarding Kennels and also with managing a flyball team.

Caitlin enjoys participating in flyball with her 3 dogs (2 Border Collies and a Chihuahua mix) on a regular basis and co-manages a local competitive team. Following a sporting injury with her eldest dog, Caitlin has developed a keen interest in canine rehab and injury prevention, making this job ideal!

Sara Gilmour

Veterinary Physiotherapist

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, ACPAT CAT A

Sara qualified from Bournemouth University as a human Chartered Physiotherapist. She continues to work for the NHS and privately, and has a special interest in intermediate care. She has completed her post graduate training in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University Of Liverpool and Leahurst Veterinary College and became a Category A-registered member of ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapist in Animal Therapy). She has a passion for animal welfare and is the proud owner of a semi retired ex-racehorse and a young rescue horse whom her daughter has now started to compete at BSJ and affiliated this year. In her spare time she enjoys Wake boarding, cycling and having fun with her very lively Dalmatian X Collie's, Dolly and Duke.

Sara is a member of the following associations;

• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy https://www.acpat.org/
• Health Care Professions Council https://www.hpc-uk.org
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy https://www.csp.org.uk/

If you believe your dog is in need of Hydrotherapy, or your Vet has recommended treatment, first thing you need to do is call us on 01635 521915 or send us an email at info@ActNow-Newbury.co.uk