At GVNC, we’re proud to have an incredible team of lecturers guiding the next generation of veterinary nurses. One of them is Ellie Smith, a passionate educator who brings real-world experience and infectious enthusiasm to the classroom. In this interview, Ellie shares her journey from small animal practice to teaching, her advice for students, and what inspires her most about working in the veterinary field.
Do you have any pets?
Unfortunately, not at the moment — my flat doesn’t allow them. But I grew up surrounded by animals, including chickens, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and fish. Guinea pigs remain one of my favourites to treat in practice.
What made you want to be a vet?
I’ve always cared deeply for animals and wanted a career that would allow me to help improve their welfare. I considered several options, but veterinary medicine was the perfect way to combine my love of science with my love of animals.
Do you have any advice for our student veterinary nurses?
Always remember why you’re here. It’s easy to lose sight of that during a busy day in practice, but ultimately, we’re here for the animals. It might be your 100th blood sample, but for that animal, it could be their first — so do whatever you can to make the experience comfortable and reassuring.
What led you to this point in your career?
I worked in small animal practice for five years and realised that the parts I enjoyed most were client education and mentoring students. I hadn’t quite found my dream role yet and wanted to explore more opportunities within the veterinary field. I took my first teaching role in March 2024, lecturing in veterinary nursing and animal science. I felt I’d found my calling, but not yet my dream workplace. When I saw the advert for Goddard’s Nursing College, I instantly felt a connection. I started working here in June 2025, and I feel that Goddard’s approach to education and support aligns closely with my own values.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I get so much satisfaction from creating that ‘unmissable lesson’. I aim to make every session interactive and engaging because I want students to love the subject as much as I do.
What would you say is the hardest part of your job?
I can sometimes get caught up in trying to create the perfect lesson — but I’m learning that perfection doesn’t really exist. You can spend hours planning something you think will go brilliantly, and it just doesn’t land. Other times, you have to adapt on the fly, and it ends up being the best lesson of the week.
What skills do you think you need to be a lecturer?
Patience, kindness, and a genuine willingness to learn and educate.
What’s the best thing to happen to the veterinary industry during your time?
The industry has advanced so much since I qualified in 2019. I’m not sure I can pick just one thing! It’s exciting to see how medicine evolves each year. For example, I remember being taught at university that FIP was untreatable — now we have a medication we can use. That kind of progress is incredible and its why I find medicine fascinating.
Ellie’s story is a brilliant reminder that teaching is as much about compassion and adaptability as it is about knowledge. Her commitment to helping students connect with their purpose — and to always keep animal welfare at the heart of their work — embodies everything we value at GVNC.