mEET THE TEAM
Abi - centre manager
I have worked at S.A.R.A. since 2011. I have a true passion for animal care and welfare. I attended Askham Bryan College where I completed three years of studies in Animal Management.
I have worked in various placements gaining experience along the way with small animals, reptiles, domestic animals, farm livestock and zoo animals. I worked with farming livestock for nearly 11yrs as well as working part time at S.A.R.A. as an Assistant Manager.
When a full time position became available at S.A.R.A., I leapt at the chance. Having worked at S.A.R.A. for ten years, I became Centre Manager. It has been an absolute joy to work alongside such passionate staff and volunteers and most of all, our rescue animals!
STEVEN - ASSISTANT MANAGER
I have worked at S.A.R.A. since 2009. I feel blessed to be able to work for such a worthy cause and have the ability to help numerous animals find a new and lovely home. I have always enjoyed been around animals from a young age.
I always had pets of my own such as, rabbits, guinea pigs and snakes as well as dogs and cats. I have been involved in obedience, agility and flyball over the years with my own dog and even had the pleasure of taking part in flyball at Crufts. I started working with animals straight from school and I was lucky to be granted a NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship placement with the RSPCA. I was there for two years.
After I finished my apprenticeship, I took a year out and worked in a factory in order to raise the money for a six week ranger course in Africa where I studied many different things such as, taxonomy, astronomy, astrology and biology as well as getting to go on safari and see amazing animals.
In between finishing at the factory and going to Africa, I completed my NVQ Level 3 in Animal Management through Houghall College, with my placement being a dog groomer.
Vicky - Assistant Manager
I started volunteering at S.A.R.A. when I was 18yrs old. I completed a two year course in Animal Management at Askham Bryan College and after volunteering at S.A.R.A. for eight years, a vacancy for an Animal Care Assistant became available in 2016, I knew that was the job for me!
I have numerous animals, most of which are rescued. I currently have five degus, two dogs, two terrapins, two cats, three gerbils, 13 guinea pigs and one hamster. I have done different placements from hydrotherapy to volunteering at a vets but my true passion has always been helping rescue animals.
Outside of work, I have enjoyed competing in flyball with my own dogs and going to country shows. I have learnt so much since starting work here, including going on courses such as caring for wildlife and animal first aid.
KAY - ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT
All animals, domestic or wild have been a love of mine from being a young child, and they have made me who I am today. I started horse riding at 6yrs old, with horses being a big part of my life, gaining equine qualifications after leaving school. I have owned horses for many years and still do today. I have had many small animals pets, including dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils which have all helped me to decided on a career change.
In the summer of 2018, I started to volunteer at S.A.R.A., which opened up a whole new world for me. I went on to study Animal Management Level 3 at Houghall College, staying at S.A.R.A to do my placement for the course.
As my placement was coming to an end, a vacancy for Animal Care Assistant became available so naturally I jumped at the chance and applied to work at S.A.R.A. I feel extremely lucky to work for S.A.R.A. with the gorgeous animals that we take care of and find loving new homes for and a great knowledgeable team that make it all possible.
Lauren - ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT
After leaving school I went on to get 3 A-Levels at Bede College. It was after this that I decided to follow my true passion of animal care. To achieve this, I went to Askham Bryan college and earned my Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management. This course consisted of both theory and practical lessons, where we worked with a variety of animals, including small furries, reptiles and larger mammals. On top of this, I have previously worked in a dog groomers and work in a doggy daycare alongside my part-time position at S.A.R.A.
I feel truly blessed to have been given this opportunity, it really is a dream job! It is incredibly rewarding, and helping our animals find new forever homes is amazing. I find that I am constantly learning on the job, and feel so lucky to be part of such a caring and dedicated team. It is also nice working alongside our lovely volunteers who offer their free time to help at our centre.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my cocker spaniel, Alfie. We like to go on walks, play, and have plenty of cuddles! His favourite things are leaves, the snow, and bubbles!
Robert - ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANt
I have always had a strong interest in Animal welfare growing up. I have always had pets that have come from rehoming centres; dogs, cats, rabbits, rats and snakes.
After studying for my level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma I sought my first job working with animals, after spending a year working for a doggy day care I was offered a full time position at the RSPCA as an Animal Care Assistant. I found this role highly interesting; working with dogs, cats, smalls and reptiles.
I joined S.A.R.A in January 2023, I have really enjoyed my time here so far, working with a small dedicated team is great. Our volunteers are wonderful and can't help you enough!