Jill Watson – Veterinary Nurse / Technician / Reception
Jill joined us in February 2003 our small animal nurse alongside her reception and administrative duties.
Jill is also a qualified Rural Veterinary Technician.
She is responsible for the weekly spore counts amongst many other duties.
Jill is a keen equestrian and worked for Jim Robins in Stratford before joining us.
Helen Snook – Reception/Admin
My husband Bruce and I have been living in the Waikato for the past 23 years where I was employed as an administrator for Matamata Vets. We are both originally from Eltham and it has been fantastic to be able to come back to be closer to my family and also to virtually have the same job which I love.
My favourite hobby has always been in Theatre so I’m looking forward to being involved with a local group again soon.
Eltham has changed a little over the years, but it’s great to come back and see familiar faces around town and catch up on local gossip.
Michelle McLeod- Nurse/Reception/Admin
Hi, my name is Michelle.
Having done my apprenticeship with a vet clinic when I left school I feel as though life has done a tumble turn and I am back with a whole lot of life experience.
I am married with three boys. We bought our own farm (after sharemilking way too many cows) and are slowly converting from dairy to a Hereford and Speckle Park Stud….oh and retirement!
Alex Rowlands – Reception/Admin
Hi, my name is Alex. I started at Eltham Vets during the lockdown after working at TSB in Stratford and Eltham branches for 5 years. I live on a dairy farm with my husband and in my spare time I enjoy heading to the cafes with friends and going for walks at Lake Rotokare. I am looking forward to getting to know you.
Editor’s note: Alex is currently on maternity leave & will return at the end of 2023
Amber Smith – Technician
Hi everyone I’m Amber Smith, I will be joining the team as the new Lab Tech. I grew up in Taranaki on dairy farms and have always had a love of animals. I’ve been dairy farming for the last 19 years, so I hope I get to continue working with large animals as well as domestic pets. I also work part time for QCONZ so may have met some of you on your farm.
I am the proud mother of 2 cats and 2 bunnies, oh and 2 beautiful daughters Ashley aged 18 and Reagan aged 14. I’m super excited to join the fun, talented team at the Eltham Vets and look forward meeting you all and your gorgeous pets.
Erin Bryant – Technician & General Handywoman
G’Day I’m Erin, Technician, new to the full-time team here at Eltham Vets. Previously some may have seen me around the teatsealing and disbudding camps over the last 3 years. I am Taranaki born and bred hailing from the eastern hill country of Whangamomona. I come from a drystock background and have done many roles from farming, shearing to rural supplies, vet tech, marriage celebrant and a deep tissue styled massage therapist over the last 15 years. My husband Hayden and I purchased the old Ngaere Gardens and intend to eventually get her open to the public again after some much needed maintenance and renovations. I look forward to getting to know and work with you, our clients, this coming season.
All the best for spring.
Karen Bellamy – Reception/Admin
Hi, my name is Karen Bellamy
I come from a farming background. My husband and I have just sold our dairy herd. We are enjoying our new pace of life, and our own property. We have a son Luke who is 13 years and is starting high school next year. In my spare time I enjoy walking and gardening and spending time with my family and catching up with friends. I’m looking forward to meeting you all.
Lonay Price – Vet Nurse/Admin/Reception
We are happy to welcome the newest addition to the Eltham Vet Services team, Lonay Price. Lonay is Taranaki born and bred and brings to the team extensive management, Exotic and companion animal nursing and customer service experience accumulated over the last 9 years. She has a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, and is currently studying towards her Bachelors Degree, alongside having multiple other animal related qualifications. Lonay has a particular interest in anaesthesiology, orthopaedics and animal welfare. Much of her time outside of work is dedicated to furthering the training of her 6 dogs, travelling around the North Island and exhibiting her two Japanese Spitz and two Basset hounds in championship shows. And if that is not enough, her Sundays are spent as an obedience dog training instructor for the North Taranaki Dog Training Club.
Welcome onboard Lonay, we’re excited to have you