Reception Team

Caroline Wood

Director

Alongside Jonathan and Lizzy, Caroline is Co-Director of the practice.

Caroline has spent many years as the Practice Manager, but has now taken a step back in order to enjoy a well deserved retirement. She remains a Director, and will still have an input into certain aspects of the practice behind the scenes. But, a partial retirement will allow her more time to spend with her family and grandchildren.

For many years Caroline enjoyed the thrill of horse riding and competing with various horses she has owned. Outside of work Caroline loves spending time with her grandchildren, meeting up with friends and relaxing.

Louise Rowson

Office Manager

Louise joined the team in October 2017. Having always worked in a Customer Service environment, she had spent the previous 9 years in another mixed veterinary practice, where she gained a wealth of knowledge in both large and small animal care.

Here at Jonathan Wood, Louise has taken on the responsiblity of co-ordinating TB tests and daily farm visits, organising the Vets diaries as well as a whole host of other duties.

Outside of work Louise loves living in the countryside and enjoys supporting village fundraising events. She also cares for her border collies, who love nothing more than exploring Exmoor.

Clare Higglesden

Head Receptionist RVR

Clare joined the Reception Team on a part-time basis in Feb 2017. After developing a love of practice work, in 2019 Clare completed the ISFM Cat Friendly Receptionist Course, the Compassion Understood Bereavement Course and a Dispensing course. In 2020 Clare has completed the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels to become a BVRA Registered Veterinary Receptionist.

Having been born in Devon, Clare has spent the majority of her time living and working in London and the South East, primarily based in Customer Relations Management. After focusing on raising her two children, in 2011 the family relocated to Devon.

You’ll spot Clare loving all the felines that visit the surgery, in fact the whole family are cat mad. Having kept numerous cats at home for over 25 years, the family currently have 6 felines in residence – 5 ginger boys and a tortie girl. In general though, Clare loves all the animals that arrive in the surgery and strives to ensure the Reception Team provide a first class client experience for everyone.

Sara Thurgood

Receptionist

Sara started with us in January 2012. She works part time in the practice, and you’ll spot Sara helping with both dog and horse related enquiries.

Sara is a qualified Dog Trainer, running a local Dog Training School. She also re-homes English Springer Spaniels. Sara is often giving out useful behavioural and training advice to clients in the waiting room of the surgery, and she is very involved with the Local Pony Club where she is a Chief Instructor.

At home, Sara is kept busy with her menagerie which includes a couple of horses, a couple of cats and numerous dogs. She keenly competes in agility with her spaniels and after breeding her flat coat retriever Myshka and keeping a daughter, she competes in shows and has been successful in qualifying for Crufts!

Helen Mildon

Receptionist

Helen joined the Reception Team on a part-time basis in August 2019. Previously she spent many years working in a busy GP practice, which has prepared her well for the busy waiting and reception area at Jonathan Woods. Helen gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of customer service while offering a warm and friendly welcome.

Helen has lived locally all her life and enjoys seeing familiar faces at the practice and especially loves seeing all the new puppies.

Outside of work Helen enjoys horse riding, cooking and going on long walks with her two black Labradors Millie and George.

Ali Woodstock

Receptionist

Ali joined the Reception team on a part-time basis in November 2019. She grew up in the South East and spent her childhood on a large poultry farm. In 2006, the family (Ali, her husband, two children and two dogs) moved to Devon.

Prior to joining us, Ali has spent 11 yrs working in a busy GP practice. Here she gained a wealth of experience in client care, as well as specialising in dispensing. Ali is thoroughly enjoying her new role at Jonathan Wood, and with her GP practice skills being transferable, she’s a real asset to the team. She loves welcoming clients and providing the best service possible – but most of all, Ali’s enjoying making a fuss of all the animals that arrive at the surgery.

Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with her husband and grown up daughters, as well as walking with her friends and new puppy Springer Spaniel Welly.