Jenny Saddler BVSc MRCVS

Jenny has a keen interest in small animal surgery and orthopaedics. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding.

Charlotte Denston BVetMed PgC SAM MRCVS

Charlotte, our Director and lead vet, has been working in mixed practice since qualifying in 2007. She has a particular interest in small animal internal medicine, and achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2021. Charlotte and her husband, Pete, have owned Coomara since 2013.

Dr Emma Paice BVSc MRCVS

Emma qualified from the University of Bristol in 2021, and joined our team in 2024. She has worked in mixed practice since qualifying. Emma enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, and camping with her cocker spaniel, Archie.

Dr Joanna Luxmoore BVM&S MRCVS

Joey joined our Vet team in 2024 shortly after graduating from Edinburgh vet school. She is originally from the West coast of Scotland, where she learned to like swimming in cold water! In her spare time she likes to get out into the Lakes and climbing.

Sarah Lewin BVetMed Cert E.P. MRCVS

Sarah has been at Coomara since 2015, and works part time on Wednesday and Thursdays. She has a particular interest in Equine work, and holds an RCVS certificate in Equine Practice.

Laura Simmonds RVN, Head Nurse

Laura has been with Coomara since 2017, initially as a trainee, qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse in 2022. Laura is now our Head Nurse. Laura loves all aspects of nursing, but especially holding nurse clinics and supporting clients with all aspects of pet care.

Michaela Hough RVN

Michaela joined our nursing team in March 2025, and has been qualified since 2012. She is midway through a postgraduate medical nursing certificate, and is particularly interested in ultrasound, endoscopy and running nursing clinics. She has two cats and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier at home, and loves spending her spare time tending to her allotment.

Sarah Richardson RVN

Sarah graduated from Harper Adams University as a Registered Veterinary Nurse with an additional CSQP qualification in September 2025, having done a placement year with Coomara in 2023/24. She enjoys walking her lurcher, Edna, and competes for the county in Archery.

Emma Rowan RVN

Emma joined us as a student veterinary nurse in March 2022, and qualified from Myerscough College in 2024, remaining with us as a valuable member of our qualified nursing team. She has a passion for providing exceptional care to animals and supporting their owners. Outside of work Emma loves spending time outdoors, often going on walks around the Lakes and spending time with her family and friends.

Sophie Nunn

Sophie joined our team as an animal care assistant in March 2025. She helps both our client care and nursing teams to support clients and patients alike. She has just completed her Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management. In her spare time she loves taking her 4 dogs, Bess, Fly, Amber and Andy, for walks around the Lakes and fells. She has also recently started horse riding.

Alena Watson SVN

Alena joined the team in March 2025 and has recently started studying to become a Veterinary Nurse with Myerscough College. She is passionate about animal care and loves being part of a dedicated team that helps pets and their owners every day. Outside of work she enjoys keeping active through walking, running, and going to the gym. She also enjoys spending time with her cat Geoffrey.

Ellen Mallinson

Ellen has been part of Coomara since 2003 and heads up our administrative and client care team.

Louise McCutcheon, Receptionist

Louise was new to our team in January 2024, but has been working in Veterinary Practice in our area throughout her working life. Louise has an entertaining African Grey parrot called Henry, who occasionally visits the practice and keeps us in check.

Alison Maleney, Receptionist

Ali joined Coomara’s reception and administration team in 2019. Ali has 2 dogs and a tortoise at home. Ali likes reading, puzzles, and crafting.

Rachel Robinson, Receptionist

Rachel joined the team in 2022

Pete Denston BSc(hons)
Practice Manager and Director

Pete originally ran outdoor education centres, before joining Coomara as Director and Practice Manager in 2013. He is still very active in outdoor pursuits, and is a keen ultra trail runner. He assists at Dalston Scout Group, is a parent Governor at Cumwhinton Primary School, and plays hockey for Carlisle Hockey Club.