MEET THE TEAM

Emma Cleanthi

The Boss

Hi. I’m Emma and together with my Husband and daughters, we run Crossways. Here is how we ended up in our dream jobs! My daughter Molly was working in the kennels and hydrotherapy centre and was loving it. I was of course totally envious of Molly working with the animals and in such a beautiful setting, I knew I wanted to work here to. Luckily I got a job on reception and settled in quickly. After a while the owners suggested that they were ready to retire, which was the chance we had been waiting for. We decided that we were ready to make a lifechanging decision and take over the business. We moved in with our 4 daughters and have not looked back since, we are loving the opportunity. I have always been passionate about animals and dogs in particular so this is a dream come true for me. The team are key in maintaining our 5 star rating and together with our passion and energy we can only improve. You will often find me in reception and I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies.

Lauren Holmes

Pack Leader

Hello, I’m Lauren and I originally started working at Crossways in October 2015, but I left to do voluntary youth work in Lewisham. I came back to work at Crossways in October 2018 and have since done my level 3 Hydrotherapy course. I spend my day in the kennels, cattery and Hydrotherapy pool.

I always had my heart set on having a Rhodesian Ridgeback but in March 2017 I rescued a Parson’s Russell cross breed named Rafferty, he is my first ever dog and a challenge, but he has become my best companion. I also have a cat called Pepper who lives at my mum’s house as him and the dog aren’t great friends. I spend most of my time with my dog exploring new walks.

Gillian Norman

Hydrotherapist Manager

Hi, I’m Gillian and I started at Crossways in September 2003 working weekends, and when I finished school in 2005 I became full-time. I was part of Crossways whilst the hydrotherapy centre was being developed and completed a City and Guilds level 1 and 2 in Small Animal Hydrotherapy. The hydrotherapy industry has changed a lot since then, and I have completed further training in line with this, achieving my level 3 ABC award in 2013.I have spent many years caring for several generations of family pets in the kennels, cattery and hydrotherapy pool.

I have 1 cheeky terrier and 3 springer spaniels at home along with rabbits and guinea pigs. I like to spend lots of time with my dogs doing agility, hoopers, scentwork and trick training.

Suzi Flynn

Kennel Hand?

Hi, my name is Suzi. I’ve worked at Crossways for 16 years, I started as a weekender in 2003 but have been full time for the last 7 years. I attended Merrist Wood Agricultural College for 4 years where I completed a National Diploma and Foundation Degree in Animal Management. I’ve been a level 3 qualified Hydrotherapist for 9 years, completing courses in animal first aid, anatomy and physiology.

My days at Crossways are made up of duties in the kennels, cattery and hydrotherapy pool. I own a collie called Belle and a Golden Retriever called Omlette (silly name to match her silly nature).

Over the years I have owned 6 rescue dogs from different rescue centres such as Battersea dogs home and PNH in Ireland. I feel very lucky to have this job and love spending my days with the animals and the Crossways team. I’m currently expecting my first baby who I hope in years to come will be a weekender here too.

Jo

Hydrotherapist

I grew up in Cambridge surrounded by animals, so a love for their wellbeing has always been part of who I am. After completing my Social Anthropology degree at the University of Edinburgh, I spent several years working within the Home Office before returning to my true passion—animal healing.

In 2012 I retrained, earning a Level 4 BTEC Diploma in Animal Healing from Plumpton and Asentia College, and went on to run my own healing practice from a cosy yurt in my garden. A year later, hydrotherapy became a turning point for me. I gained my Level 3 Diploma and began working in Coulsdon, building hands-on experience while raising my young son and caring for my wonderful (and wonderfully challenging!) rescue Akita/Rotti cross from Ireland.

I’ve always been an “eternal student” at heart. Over the years I’ve trained in Reiki (now a Reiki Master), canine massage, Tellington TTouch, subtle energy medicine, Bach Flower remedies, and adult teaching (City & Guilds Level 3). Most recently, I qualified as a Feng Shui practitioner through the London School of Feng Shui, deepening my fascination with how energy flows in our homes—for both people and pets.

In 2024 I happily joined Crossways, after time working with Gatwick Border Force and hands-on dog care in a daycare centre. I love supporting our hydro patients and keeping my knowledge fresh through regular CPD with the Canine Hydrotherapy Association. I’ve also studied Level 4 canine gait analysis and behaviour with Greyfriars Rehabilitation.

Outside work, my lively (and sometimes sofa-loving) Whippet, Paddy, keeps me exploring the countryside, usually alongside my now 16‑year‑old son. I enjoy swimming, pub quizzes, tarot and psychic evenings, travelling whenever I can, and indulging my love of antiques at markets and fairs.

Alex

Hydrotherapist

‘Hi, I’m Alex and I’ve been working at Crossways for eighteen months now. I qualified back in 2023 and was working in a hydrotherapy centre for nearly two years before moving to Crossways, which is ideal because it’s much closer to home!

The industry is ever-changing and I feel strongly that, together with a great team, we can make a huge difference. I love meeting you all and feel very privileged to work in amongst great friends and an incredible environment.

I have three wonderful terriers at home, one of which has been having hydrotherapy since he had a spinal injury in August 2023. He is my greatest ally in this fast paced, ever changing world and I wouldn’t be without him.’

Helen Markham

Receptionist

Hi, my name is Helen and you will find me at Crossways Reception.