Meet The Team
Malcolm Leitch
Clinical Director and Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S MRCVSMalcolm graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1996, after which he spent 12 years gaining a broad range of experience at a mixed practice in Dingwall. He joined our team in 2008, and became our clinical director in 2018. He has a particular interest in dermatology and internal medicine, but loves the variety that general practice provides. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and avoiding doing the dishes afterwards!
Pauline McKenzie
Practice Manager
Before joining us in 2023, Pauline worked as the manager of a referral dental practice and as an admin team leader at a leading children’s charity. She is proud to lead our compassionate and hardworking team, and loves seeing our team members take such great care of our patients. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her cat, Morty.
Jen Monteith
Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S PGCert(SAS) MRCVSAfter graduating from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2010, Jen worked at mixed practices in Aberdeen and Fife for eight years, before returning to Edinburgh and joining the Oak Tree family in 2018. She holds a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in surgery, is a qualified official veterinarian and has volunteered for StreetVet, a charity that provides veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness. In her own time, she enjoys watching rugby, going to the gym and taking care of her dog and cats.
Rebecca McCall
Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S MRCVSBorn and raised in South Carolina by an Irish mum and a Scottish dad, Rebecca has always loved animals. She moved to the UK to study bioveterinary science at the University of Lincoln, and later qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the University of Edinburgh. She joined our team in 2023, and loves spending time with her son and going hill walking – she has tackled four munros so far.
Ekaterina Stadnik
Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S MVetSci MRCVSAfter graduating from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2018, Ekaterina gained experience at a small animal practice in Newcastle, where she developed an interest in internal medicine and diagnostic imaging. She joined our team in 2024, shortly after returning to Edinburgh, and enjoys practising Japanese martial arts in her free time.
Jenny Huang
Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc MRCVSAfter graduating from Massey University in Palmerston North, a tiny city on the other side of the world, Jenny worked at a small animal clinic in New Zealand for four years. She moved to Edinburgh in 2024, and when she’s not getting excited about the puppies and kittens in our clinic, she can often be found tackling indoor bouldering walls or hiking in the hills.
Gillian Robson
Veterinary Nurse
RVNGillian qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 1996, and worked in practices in Fife before joining the Oak Tree team in 2010. She lives with her husband and their dog, Griffin, and has a passion for nursing clinics. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the cinema, watching live music and supporting the national rugby team at Murrayfield.
Robyn Kerr
Veterinary Nurse
RVNRobyn first came to Oak Tree for work experience in 2010. Having enjoyed her experience, returned in 2011 as a student veterinary nurse studying at Edinburgh College. She passed her exams and qualified in February 2015 and joined the team as a member of full time staff. Pictured with her is Harvey, her Westie/cocker spaniel cross. Robyn also has two gerbils, Cindy-lou and Martha May. When she's not in work Robyn she enjoys meeting up and socialising with friends and long walks with Harvey.
Jess Howe
Veterinary Nurse
RVNOriginally from Dorset, Jess studied biochemistry at the University of Southampton and worked in teaching and as a medical laboratory assistant before qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse in 2022. Her favourite pastimes include running, hiking, skiing and gun dog training with her dog, Bea.
Ellie Black
Veterinary Nurse
RVNEllie joined us shortly after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University in 2023, and has a keen interest in inpatient care and nursing clinics. When she’s not working, she can often be found reading, exploring the Pentlands on foot or blasting Taylor Swift!
Naomi Boyd
Student Veterinary Nurse
A lifelong animal lover, Naomi has a degree in animal science from the University of Nottingham and is currently studying veterinary nursing at Sparsholt College. Her hobbies include singing, playing the piano, running, walking her dog, Tess, and catching up with friends over coffee.
Catherine Maclellan-Hawkes
Veterinary Care Assistant
Catherine joined the Oaktree team in 2022, having previously trained as a veterinary care assistant at SRUC and studied animal behaviour and welfare at The University of Edinburgh. When she’s not working, she enjoys travelling, going for long hikes with her dog, Luca, completing Camino pilgrimages and exploring the Highlands.
Elspeth Whyte
Senior Receptionist
Elspeth worked at several veterinary practices before moving to West Lothian and joining our team in 2004, and has completed courses and certificates in areas such as veterinary terminology, pet nutrition and parasitology. Outside of work, she loves musical theatre, taking care of her cats and relaxing with a wee glass of fizz. In 2024, she celebrated her 20th work anniversary with us!
Heather Davidson
Receptionist
Heather worked for the NHS before joining our team in 2022, and loves all aspects of her job, especially running our Facebook page. When she’s not working, she enjoys walking her dogs, Kiera and Devon, socialising with friends and spending time with her family.
Cristina Pool
Receptionist
Having previously worked as a fitness instructor and drama teacher, Cristina made a complete career change when she joined our reception team in 2023! In her free time, she loves going to dance classes and relaxing at home with her family and their cat, Nukka.
