Meet Our Friendly Walpole, MA Veterinarian Office Staff
Practice Manager Lauren Tavares has been with Norfolk County Veterinary Service since April of 2008. In addition to her years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies and a Master's of Science in International Business from Southern NH University.
"I enjoy working at this practice because of our fantastic sense of teamwork and sense of pride in our hospital and our jobs," she says.
Lauren resides in Providence, Rhode Island with Wayne, her husband, and their three cats. Their names are Arya, Kitten, and Nunzio Anthony. When not working, Lauren and her husband like to go biking, to the movies, and they enjoy sporting events. She is an avid Cubs, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics fan. When they can find time to travel, they enjoy visiting different Major League ballparks. Their goal is to visit each ballpark at least once.
Tracy has been with Norfolk Veterinary Service since March of 2008. She was originally hired and worked as a veterinary technician, but in 2019 she was promoted to the position of Office Manager.
"I have been a client here for more than 32 years," she says. "I really enjoy spending time with my coworkers in and outside of work because they are a great group of people. I am also proud of the exceptional level of care and compassion toward all clients and patients."
Tracy has 4 cats: seven-year-old Polly, three-year-old Logan, siblings Jack and Ninny Muggins who are both one year old. All are “dumpster cats” who have been hand-raised and some were even bottle fed. Her interests include fishing, hiking, traveling, spending time with nieces and nephews and backyard bird watching. She has more than eight bird feeders, so there’s always lots of entertainment. Tracy has more than thirty years experience as a dancer. She was a former dance teacher in her mother’s dance school and performed at Disney and on Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Donna has been with Norfolk County Veterinary Service since January of 2009. In the beginning, she was a receptionist, but in March of 2020 she retired from the desk and began working from home as the Social Media Manager. As part of her job, she manages the Norfolk County Veterinary Service Facebook page as well as all printed and digital advertising. She is a former elementary school teacher and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Master’s degree in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley College.
“Before being employed here, I was a client,” she says. “I like the personal and caring touch that each pet receives from the veterinarians here. I also like being a member of a team that genuinely cares about animals and people.”
Donna lives in Taunton with her husband and a Labrador Retriever named Angie. Angie is the sixth Labrador that Donna and Paul have owned. She is by far one of the cutest and smartest of the bunch. Donna’s interests include gardening, knitting, cross-stitch, sewing (particularly making quilts), walking and hiking, reading, cooking, playing board and card games, computer games, and spending time with her husband and family, especially her two sons and grandchildren.
Receptionists
Amy is one of our receptionists and has been with Norfolk County Veterinary Service since October of 1998. In addition to her years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wheaton College.
“We have a great team and we have fantastic clients,” she says of her work, “and I love talking to people about their animals.”
At home, she has a Senegal Parrot named Bijou Peche and two ferrets named Hadoken and Shoryuken. Amy’s interests include reading and needlework. She has stitched several needlework pieces the size of posters!
Jackie is a receptionist who has been with Norfolk County Veterinary Service since November of 2010. In addition to her work experience she has a Veterinary Assistant Certificate from Massasoit Community College.
“Before I started working here I was a client and loved coming here with my pets because of the caring staff, technicians and doctors,” she says. “Now that I work here I am glad I can be part of it.”
Jackie has three cats named Duncan, Paddington, and Lucy. Her interests include reading, watching movies and spending time with my children and grandson Rocco.
Don is one of our receptionists and has been with Norfolk County Veterinary Service since September of 2010. In addition to his work experience, he has a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy and has a wonderful gift with people; very compassionate, caring, and sincere.
“I am proud that this office serves the pet care needs of many different communities,” he says of what he enjoys most about his work. “The staff also works well together with giving personalized attention to every pet and care to every client.”
Don has a Lhasa-Apso named Chloe and his interests include travel, biking and dancing.
Joyce began working as receptionist at Norfolk County Veterinary Service in April of 2019. She had 15 years experience working at other veterinary hospitals prior to being employed here.
Joyce enjoys working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service because everyone is nice. She likes the people and caring for their pets.
When not at work, Joyce enjoys spending time with her family and Shelby, her young black Labrador Retriever. One of her biggest pleasures is taking her dog for walks.
Technicians
Nicole is a Veterinary Technician who has been with Norfolk County Veterinary Service since February of 2009, but began her career in animal care in 2006.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Nicole says, "It has a small, intimate practice environment and I really do love my coworkers and management team. We truly provide personalized care to our patients."
Her pets include two cats: Princess and Loo. Nicole’s interests include camping, traveling and spending time with Connor, her son, as well as her family and friends.
Veterinary Assistant Kali joined the staff of Norfolk County Veterinary Service in December 2013. She recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire and will be attending Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary medicine in the Fall where she will pursue her life long dream of becoming a veterinarian.
"I enjoy working at this hospital for so many reasons," she says. "This job is better than anything I ever thought it would be. All of the staff is so welcoming and I enjoy working with all of our clients and our patients."
Kali's pets include two Bengal cats named Ranger and Daisy, a Yorkie named Bentley, a Russian Tortoise and a fish. Her interests include spending time with friends, fishing, and hiking.
Kristin has worked as a veterinary technician for the past 7 years. She joined the staff of Norfolk County Veterinary Service in April of 2012.
"I could tell from the very start that Norfolk County Veterinary Service was the right fit for me. It's a wonderful hospital and you can tell that everyone truly enjoys what they do. The doctors and staff are fantastic and I feel very lucky to be a part of the team here at NCVS."
Kristin enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including her husband and their three Cairn Terriers: Brady, Jake, and Fiona.
Veterinary Assistant Tiffani began working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service in August 2015, but started her career in animal care in 2012. She earned her certification in grooming at Animal Behavior College, and continues to work toward a degree in Veterinary Technology.
"I love working at NCVS," she says. "Our whole staff is so welcoming and extremely passionate about what we do. Every patient that comes through the door receives the best possible care we can give."
Tiffani’s pets include a Chihuahua named Shrimp and a cat named Blaze. Her interests include spending time with family and friends and traveling.
Kelsey is a veterinary technician who began working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service in March of 2015. Before coming to NCVS she worked at a kennel for about 3 years. Kelsey has enjoyed being around animals since she was very young and always knew working with them was what she wanted to do when she grew up. She is currently enrolled at Mount Ida College where she is working towards a degree in veterinary technology.
"I love coming to work every day. All of my co-workers are great to work with and I love meeting all of the patients and clients. It’s great working in an environment where you know you are helping these animals and that they are receiving the best care possible because everyone that works here loves what they do and wouldn’t have it any other way."
Kelsey has three cats at home. Butterscotch, Marni, and Mel.
Jessica joined the staff of Norfolk County Veterinary Service in November of 2018 with over 5 years of experience working at various farms including: Edraz Farm, Sugarridge Farm, Cutler Farm, and Ten Broeck Farm. She has an Associates degree in Equine Business Management.
“I enjoy meeting and working with all the different patients. I like working here because my co-workers are all nice, helpful, and easy to work with. I am able to learn a lot about veterinary medicine, and the level of care for both client and patient is very thorough and of high quality.”
Jessica’s pets include three dogs (Luna, Harley, and Duke), a nineteen-year-old paint horse named Sydney, and six Rhode Island Red chickens. In her spare time she enjoys horseback riding, gardening, reading, and playing video games. She is a member of the Charles River Dressage Association.
Jess has been a veterinary technician at Norfolk County Veterinary Service since March of 2018. She earned her Veterinary Assistant Certificate through Massasoit Community College in 2015. Before joining the staff at Norfolk County Veterinary Service, Jess worked in a grooming salon and volunteered at a rescue. She has more than 7 years experience working with animals in a variety of settings.
When asked what part of her job she likes doing best and why she likes working at this particular place, Jess replied, “I love being able to help our patients and try to make them feel as comfortable as possible, whether it is recovering them from surgery or in an exam room. I enjoy working at NCVS because we are like a family here. Everyone gets along so well and we all care greatly for the patients as well as the clients. I have learned so much since working here and only hope to continue to learn more.”
Jess has a variety of pets at home. She has 5 cats named Oliver, Tony, Penney, Cody, and Bria. Keller is a deaf Powder puff Chinese Crested. Jess also has a beta fish she calls Opie.
On her days off, Jess enjoys spending time with her friends/family, visiting breweries, and spending time outside.
Alexa is a full-time veterinary technician. She began working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service in May 2020. She has been employed in animal related fields since 2015.
When asked what Alexa likes best about working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service, she replied, “I love working at NCVS because all of the staff work really well together, especially in making sure every animal is taken care of to the best of our ability everyday while also developing good relationships with the owners.” Her favorite part of the job is treating/taking care of the animals whether it is just feeding and walking animals or administering fluids and medications to them. She likes to make sure the patients are comfortable while staying at the hospital. Alexa is extremely passionate about animals and does everything in her power to do what's right for the animals and she strives to treat every animal with love and compassion.
Alexa has lots of pets. She has a DSH cat named Lilybug, two crocodile skinks Venus & Phoenix, two crested geckos Lucifer and Louie, two African dwarf frogs Rick & Morty, two beta fish Yoda and Mila, a painted turtle named Dexter, and a bearded dragon named Ducky. In addition to taking care of her pets, Alexa shadows rehabilitators and is working on her license to rehabilitate wildlife herself.
When Alexa is not working, she likes to read, cook, and spend time outdoors with friends and family.
Veterinary Technician Brandon began working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service in December of 2020. Before coming to NCVS, he worked at Foxboro Animal Hospital for more than 3 years. Brandon has an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from New England Institute of Technology. He is a Certified Veterinary Technician in the state of Massachusetts.
“The best part of my job is helping sick animals feel better, as well as making sure animals feel safe and comfortable while at the vet. I like working at Norfolk County Veterinary Service because of the welcoming atmosphere all the employees exhibit to clients and patients. I like all the love and compassion everyone shows to the patients to help the owners feel like they’re in good hands.”
Brandon lives with his parents, who have a dog named Chief. Chief is a male Blue Tick Coonhound that was rescued from Tennessee. Brandon enjoys camping and spending time outdoors.
Amy is a Veterinary Technician who joined the staff of Norfolk County Veterinary Service in March of 2018, but began her career in animal care when she was in high school. She has over 25 years of experience working as a technician as well as a special interest in “pocket pets” and other exotics.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Amy says, "Seeing a patient who was so sick or injured go home healthy and happy after a long stay with us and knowing that I had something to do with that. I love that everyone here is 110% invested in each pet that comes through our door every day.”
Her pets include two dogs named Flower and Bo, 2 cats named Squish and Jackson, 6 chickens, 3 fish, and a gerbil named Jake. Amy has also fostered and helped re-home dogs from a southern rescue. She loves spending time with her husband and 2 children taking day trips to see new places. She also enjoys quiet time at home snuggled up with her cats and a good book, working in her yard and flowerbeds, and visiting family in the Berkshires where she grew up. She’s really a farm girl at heart!