Administration Team at Watkins & Tasker Vets

Nailsea Practice
01275 858628

Portishead Practice
01275 397449

Yatton Practice
01934 833685

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Administration Team

Nursing Team

Our Story So Far

Holly Charlton BSc (Hons) - Operations Director & Co-Owner

I am the Operations Director for the whole Practice and became Steve’s business partner in 2018. I qualified as an Event Manager from Portsmouth University in 2005 with First Class Honours and after a variety of other jobs worked for the British Small Animal Veterinary Association organising the exhibition at the annual BSAVA Congress which many of the team have attended over the years.

I bring a variety of skills, lots of enthusiasm and an extensive background knowledge of the veterinary industry to my role. I love that every day is different, and I am passionate about ensuring that the team have the tools and support, especially concerning their mental well-being, to carry out their roles in caring for your pets. In 2019, I was proud to become a Mental Health First Aider.

In my spare time, and around any major rugby matches (particularly if Wales are playing), my partner and I are converting a Welsh Chapel into a home for us. It has been a long renovation project and one day we hope to have it finished.

Leigh G - Practice Administrator

I have worked at the Practice behind the scenes since 2000, trying to keep the finances in order but occasionally I do escape to Reception to have a chat with the clients. Outside of work, I keep myself busy with my three dogs: Rosie, my sensitive English Pointer, Alfie, my scruffy terrier and Zeus, my English Pointer from Corfu.

I also hate having my picture taken so Cinch is modelling for me instead!

Michelle L - Accounts Administrator

I have worked for Watkins and Tasker Veterinary Group since December 2017. I job share with my colleague Leigh, dealing with the accounts and finances. I have always worked in accounts and joined here after having my two children. I also have a tortoiseshell cat called Jessie who loves attention, especially from the children. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, baking cakes and socialising with my family and friends.

Penny J - Insurance Co-ordinator

I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1986 and then had a stint of 9 years working as technical advisor for a well-known pet insurer. I brought this knowledge back to my current role as Insurance Administrator. I really enjoy helping our clients out with their insurance claims. I am also involved in the administration of our brilliant Pet Health Club and part of the EcoTeam at Watkins & Tasker Vets.

I have two rescue cats Buddy and Binkie. All my spare time is taken up with my beloved pony, Owen. We enjoy regular trips to the beach and love going on fun rides in the summer.

Jude C - Insurance Administrator

I studied Stage Management and technical theatre at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 1985. I worked in theatre for 32 years, including 18 years in the West End on large scale musicals.

I moved to Somerset in 2013 and started working in a Veterinary Practice as a Receptionist and Insurance Administrator in 2018. Some actors are like animals, so I felt quite at home!

I joined Watkins and Tasker Vets as an Insurance Administrator in September 2021 and love helping clients with their insurance claims.

I live with my partner and two-house rabbits, and in my spare time, I love spending it with my family, gardening and playing poker.

Georgina S - Practice Development Personal Assistant

I joined Watkins & Tasker Vets in January 2022 in the role of Practice Development Personal Assistant. Prior to this I worked in recruitment and the travel industry so bring a variety of skills to the business ensuring that your pets' care is our number one priority. My two biggest passions are animals and traveling so being able to combine my professional skills with a passion of mine is a dream. I am undertaking the Veterinary Practice Administration Certificate.

I currently have one cat & a kitten – Sheldon & Gamora (Big Bang Theory & Marvel fans will get the names!). I have always had animals from a young age including dogs, cats, geckos, snakes, rabbits, rats, turtles, tortoises and hamsters – quite a variety! In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, reading and seeing friends and family. I am also part of the EcoTeam at Watkins & Tasker Vets.

Judi A - Reception Manager

I have been a client of Watkins and Tasker Vets since 2001 and joined the reception team in January 2018. I had previously worked in administration for over 20 years and brought lots of skills to my role as Reception Manager. I work across all three branches and love meeting the clients and their lovely pets.

I have been known to try various sports including parachuting, horse archery and scuba. I married Nick in 1999, during an underwater ceremony. We share our lives with two dogs, Bear and Lucy, our three cats, Boots, Bumble Bee and Pumpkin, plus our gorgeous spotty horse, Dustin.

Kat H - Reception Team Leader (Portishead)

I joined the team in October 2016 and I am based at our Portishead branch. Taking on the role of Veterinary Receptionist was a massive career change for me having worked in Pensions for eleven years previously. I love working with animals and especially enjoy all the cuddles with the lovely pets who visit. In my spare time I love spending time my with family and friends, keeping fit and snuggling up at home with my two cats, Bella and Simba.

Claire R - Reception Team Leader (Yatton)

I joined Watkins and Tasker Vets in August 2021 and I am based at our Yatton Practice. Before joining the team I had moved over from Australia where I previously worked in private medical practice before transitioning into the veterinary field. This is something I wish I had done sooner as I really enjoy my role.

I enjoy exploring the beautiful scenic countryside on my weekends and meeting new people. I have a lovely black and white cat named Frenzy at home. She always keeps us busy giving her lots of attention and cuddles. I enjoy staying fit and I am currently looking for a local sporting team to join.

Rebecca (Bex) B - Receptionist

Since July 2017, I have worked as Veterinary Receptionist for Watkins and Tasker Vets.

I love greeting clients and their lovely pets and being part of such a great team of people.

Outside of work, I enjoy fitness and challenge myself with competitions such as Tough Mudder. Sadly, I do not currently have any pets of my own, but I look forward to extending my family with a dog one day. In the meantime, I am kept extremely busy with my young twins who certainly keep me on my feet.

Trudi H - Receptionist

I joined the Watkins and Tasker team in August 2015, having been a client since 2009. In my role as Receptionist at the Yatton Practice, I enjoy welcoming both clients and pets alike.

In my spare time I enjoy photography, walking, the coast and looking after our two Ragdoll kittens.

Laura B - Receptionist

I joined Watkins and Tasker Vets in August 2022 and have come from a very different line of work, but I have always wanted to work in the animal care field. I love all animals but have a particular soft spot for dogs.

In my spare time I enjoy new adventures with my Dachshund Rex and caring for my ever-growing houseplant collection. I am proud to be a Mental Health First Aider and a huge advocate for positive well-being.

Claire R - Receptionist

I have been working at Watkins and Tasker Vets since 2012. I have always had a passion for animals and find working with our clients and their pets so rewarding. While it keeps me busy, I enjoy that no day is ever the same.

In my spare time, I enjoy riding and competing my Irish Sport horse, Matty, and spending time with my family.

Ashleigh A - Receptionist (& Trainee Vet)

I have worked across all three practices of Watkins and Tasker Vets since 2018. I grew up in North Somerset and enjoy being back, after spending three years in North Wales studying Medical Science. In 2019 I started my dream course in Veterinary Medicine at Bristol University to become a Veterinary Surgeon. During my studies I will still be seen around the Practices undertaking placements or working on reception. I am looking forward to continuing to meet all the lovely clients and their pets.

Outside of work, I can be found studying, riding my huge Irish Draught horse, Bramble, or walking with my Chihuahua, Bobbi!

Sam L - Receptionist

I joined Watkins & Tasker Vets in December 2022 in the role of Receptionist.

I originally worked in a Veterinary Practice but left this so I could go traveling. After exploring some of the world, I then worked for Royal Mail for 17 years before returning to my original passion within the Veterinary sector.

I spend most of my free time with my children, my two dogs; Marge and Paddy and my daughter's horse.

Mel O - Receptionist

I joined the Watkins and Tasker Vets team in February 2020 but have been a client for many years. I really enjoy being part of such a great team in Portishead, meeting and greeting our clients and their pets.

We have two dogs at home, Pepper an English Pointer and Maggie who is a terrier cross. Outside of work, I enjoy a busy family life, keeping fit, walking the dogs and taking regular trips to Cornwall.

Faye S - Receptionist

I joined Watkins & Tasker Vets in December 2021. I have worked in veterinary sector since 2004 having trained as an Animal Nursing Assistant. After many years as a nurse and receptionist I ventured into the Veterinary Sales Sector in 2010 predominantly teaching infection control to veterinary practices and animal charities around the UK. I now work on reception at Portishead and Nailsea.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the beach with my Golden Retriever, Camelot, and my husband, seeing family and friends. I also have a three-legged cat called Peggy. I am also a proud Mental Health First Aider and part of the EcoTeam at Watkins & Tasker Vets.

Rose C - Receptionist

I joined Watkins and Tasker Vets in January 2023 in the role of Receptionist and have come from a different line of work. I have always wanted to work in the animal care field so went back to college to study Animal Care Level 2. I love all species of animals but have a particular soft spot for cats.

I have two cats Jack and Halo and a very fluffy German Shepherd called Murphy.

Jennie L - Receptionist

I began working for Watkins & Tasker Vets in August 2023 after being recommended to apply by my good friend Charlotte who had recently started. I had taken a break from the pet care world and wanted back in! Running my own pet care company for 4 years was a real highlight and after a short spell working at a school, I realised animals are definitely more my thing!

I love people and pets, and being there for both through the fun, happy but also sad and emotional times. I live with my partner Matt and my two teenage boys Murphy and Aidan. We have two rabbits Thumper (who lives up to her name!) and Chase, two gerbils Caramel and Cream. I have had dogs, rabbits, hamsters, budgies and guinea pigs previously!

In my spare time I love to read, walk and meet with up with friends. I have a passion for nature reserves and now my boys are older, having the freedom to go on little adventures is such fun!

Charlotte O - Receptionist

I joined the Watkins & Tasker team in May 2023. I had been working with animals for the past few years and have encountered everything from stick-insects to chickens and goats all the way up to Shire Horses, not to mention a few tortoises, snakes, lobster and more!

In my spare time I spend as much of it as possible with our own dogs, Freja the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Dilys, the West Highland Terrier. I am also owned by three cats – Penelope, Jessica and Chubber, who are quite demanding at times too, but only for food!

When I am not servicing the five of them, you can find me in the garden attempting (not always successfully) to grow some fruit and veg. Once the garden is sorted, I turn my attention to my role as admin of a Facebook group that arranges monthly walks for Westies and Cairns (and their friends) in Bristol and nearby areas.

Other than that, I can be found reading a book (I will literally read anything) or in the kitchen as my fiancé and I love cooking from scratch, and baking for family and friends when time allows.