The Royvon Team

Collette McKenzie - Accommodations Manager

Collette McKenzie
Accommodations Manager

I have always wanted to work with animals. I initially wanted to be a vet but after completing 2 weeks work experience at a veterinary surgery I decided that it wasn’t for me. I still wanted to work with animals but was unsure as to which sector I wished to work in so I decided to base my studies on the broader subject of Animal Management. After completing my GCSEs I attended Shuttleworth College to complete a National Diploma in Animal Management. I stayed at Shuttleworth and completed a Foundation Degree in Animal Management. During these 2 years one of the course modules was animal behaviour.

I found this module very interesting and realised that the route of behaviour and training was something that I wished to know more about as a potential career aspect. I completed some work experience for a company called Birds & Animals - they train animals for use on TV and in films. I found this hugely interesting and very enjoyable.

Since completing this work experience I made up my mind that training was what I wanted to do. I therefore attended Berkshire College of Agriculture to attain a Degree in Animal Behavioural Management. I achieved a First Class Honours Degree. I then set out on finding a job - which was easier said than done. I worked as a kennel maid for just over a year as I felt this would give me experience of working with dogs and caring for them until the job at Royvon turned up.

I applied for a trainer’s job at Royvon but was very aware of the fact that I had all the theory knowledge but little practical experience. I was fortunate that Darren was able to see the potential in me and offered me a position as a trainee trainer and I have been working alongside the other trainers at Royvon learning how to put my theory knowledge into practice.

I began working in accommodations at Royvon and progressed through to learning and becoming a customer co-ordinator. I began training alongside my colleagues to become a dog trainer which I thoroughly enjoy. I carry out all the various dog training activities but I really enjoy helping clients on a one to one basis. This could be in lessons, in home training or home visits.

Although my main objective is to be a trainer here at Royvon I am delighted that I’ve been able to progress into management. While our general manger was on maternity leave for a short period I was assistant manageress which I really enjoyed. I am very happy that my commitment was noticed and since her return I was promoted to Site Manager which has lots of responsibilities. After a couple of months into my Site Manager I was asked to take on the responsibility of the Accommodations department in addition to my Site Manager duties. I accepted the position and am now responsible for the team that ensures the health and wellbeing of the guests in out care and are responsible for cleaning and care of the guest. I’m ready for this challenge and really excited about my future at Royvon.

I have 2 Ducks as pets that I hand reared who like to follow me around on my days off. I am an outdoors person I enjoy walking & camping. I also enjoy doing water sports. I am a qualified Sailor, Canoeist and power boater. I am a rugby fan and enjoy watching sport; I was also able to attend the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

I enjoy working at Royvon, It has taken me many years to get into exactly what I would like to do and now that I have and can learn alongside other trainers I hope to progress my practical knowledge so that I feel confident in what I am doing and able to assist people with their dogs.

In the future, I now know that I will be training dogs in some capacity or other and thoroughly enjoying it. I think that I may be interested in training dogs for films & TV - similar to the work experience I had with Birds and Animals UK.