Helen is the boss!
She is well established in the area having moved here in 1997 when she started working for the practice. Previously she’d worked in West Cumbria, Lancashire and Nepal, the latter with VSO as a volunteer teacher of Animal Health workers for 3 years. Prior to that, she spent time travelling through China where she studied veterinary acupuncture.
She lives locally in an underground eco house (which featured on Grand Designs) and is passionate about environmental issues.
Spare time is spent outdoors as much as possible… either up the hills or in the garden.
Janet joined us in the summer of 2023, with a wealth of experience. She has worked in a number of practices across the UK over the last 30+ years, even working in Zimbabwe for a year!
When she’s not at the surgery, Janet may be found travelling, sailing, horse-riding or simply spending time with her family and her beautiful golden retrievers!
Becky joined Old Hall Vets at the end of 2024 after working as a veterinary surgeon for 3.5 years at a small animal practice in Lancashire.
She enjoys all aspects of veterinary work but has a keen interest in surgery, anaesthesia and pain management.
Having now relocated to the area with her partner and 2 rescue cats, Steve and Bob, Becky loves the outdoors, especially hiking and is very keen to explore the local area.
Having previously worked with animals all around the world, Jay Joined us in September 2018. After training within the practice for 2.5 years, Jay qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2021. She enjoys all aspects of being a nurse especially, cytology and anaesthesia.
Jay loves the outdoors and doing anything adventurous with her sidekick Stanley. Stanley was rescued as a very poorly puppy from Appleby Horse Fair back in 2021. Jay helped to nurse him back to health and they regularly compete together in Canicross events. He’s definitely landed on his feet and their adventures often features on our Facebook page.
Prior to coming to Old Hall, Kerry completed a degree in Animal Behaviour Science at the University of Lincoln. Kerry also joined the team at Old Hall in September 2018 and in 2021 qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Kerry has always been interested in animals and their behaviour, but is equally at home in both clinical and surgical roles. She also monitors our environmental credentials!
In her free time you will find Kerry up a mountain or paddle-boarding on one of the lakes with her husband and/or adventure buddy, cocker spaniel Roo.
Steffani joined the team in February 2026 as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Holding a certificate in emergency and critical care, she takes a particular interest in inpatient nursing, phlebotomy, and diagnostic imaging. Her dedication to her craft extends beyond our practice; she also assists a Peripatetic Veterinary Ultrasonographer throughout the North West. At home, Steffani cares for her two cats, Nile and Nova, and enjoys unwinding with video games, scenic drives, and K-pop.
Emily joined Old Hall in March 2026. She has previously worked in a small animal practice in Carlisle. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary nurse in May 2025. Emily enjoys feline nursing and is currently completing a feline nursing certificate with International Cat Care (ISFM).
Emily enjoys consultations and in patient care, enjoying getting to know pets and guardians alike!
She has always loved animals and having grown up in India- she has had exposure to some exotic species in the past.
In her spare time Emily likes to explore the lakes and travel with her husband Tim. They have two male cats named Mac and Monty at home.
Gemma joined us in 2013 having previously completed level 3 in Animal Management at Newton Rigg. She subsequently qualified as an Animal Nursing Assistant through Myerscough College. As well as nursing and reception work, Gemma is our Health and Safety Coordinator, keeping everyone safe.
She was brought up near Appleby and lives in Kirkby Stephen with her husband, daughter, cat Teddy and Dash, the whippet!
Karen has been with us since 2020 as both a receptionist and, until recently, a dog groomer. Her organisation, efficiency and love of cleaning (all done with a smile!) are much valued.
She has lived in Appleby all her life so is a very familiar face to many. Prior to us she spent 15 years in education in a reception and caring role as well as bringing up four children.
Karen loves dogs great and small and has Chihuahuas, Cockerpoos and a Labrador at home. Out of work she enjoys walking in our beautiful area with her dogs.
Erin joined us as a receptionist in November 2022 having previously completed a level 3 course in Emergency Healthcare. She has become a really valuable member of the team with her calm and caring manner. Erin is a local lass and, having grown up in Appleby is already familiar with many of our patients and clients.
When not at the practice, Erin also works on a local farm helping out with the sheep and cattle. She loves all animals and is often found walking her own dogs in the hills.
Claire joined us as Office Manager in May 2015. She has great organisational abilities and keeps us functioning effectively and calmly.
Claire is Appleby born and bred and very much a part of the local community. She lives with her family in Bolton.
Claire and her family have Marin chickens, tropical fish and have recently adopted an adorable cockerpoo!