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.

Hannah Thorpe

Canine Hydrotherapist & Veterinary Physiotherapist

IMSc, Level 3 Cert, MCHA, MRAMP

Hannah joined the team in January 2025. She graduated with an integrated Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy from Writtle University College in 2022. In addition she qualified at Level 3 in Canine Hydrotherapy and qualified at Level 4 in advanced treadmill techniques. Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team and provides an additional service of hydro physio to patients who will benefit from it or may still be too weak to do hydrotherapy.

Hannah lives locally and when not working she loves to travel to watch Premiership rugby matches and dog walking in the beautiful local countryside.

Charlotte Stacey

ABC L3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, MCHA

Charlotte re-joined the team in September 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience and dedication to canine rehabilitation, having also worked at the Dogs Trust. Having previously worked with the team from February 2017 to October 2020, Charlotte played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience and compassion in challenging times.

She achieved her Certificate in Hydrotherapy in July 2019 and went on to complete the highest award of the Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy in August 2019, reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence and continued learning. She also has a L3 National Foundation Diploma in Animal Management.

Now a proud mother to Hudson, Charlotte balances her professional passion with family life, enjoying time with her partner and their dog, Kobe. Her return marks a valued addition to the team, combining deep expertise with a nurturing spirit.

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