Emily Lockwood-Farrant, Keisha Russell and Chelsea Page from Pennard Vets.
Trio Of Client Care Advisers Showcase Career Progression Opportunities At Pennard Vets
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Three talented and dedicated women working at Pennard Vets’ Maidstone practice have recently been promoted, highlighting the career progression opportunities available within the employee-owned veterinary group.
Chelsea Page has progressed from Client Care Assistant (CCA) to Animal Care Assistant (ACA), through to Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN) and then Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), whilst Emily Lockwood-Farrant has moved from CCA to ACA and is now an SVN. Keisha Russell has progressed from CCA to ACA.
The trio’s career journeys demonstrate how team members can develop their skills and pursue new opportunities at Pennard Vets, whether in client care, animal care or
clinical nursing. The promotions also underline the value of investing in people and recognising potential as careers develop.
Chelsea said: “I joined Pennard Vets in April 2022 with a degree in International Agriculture and experience working as a farm manager. When I joined, the team knew I wanted to progress and I quickly went from CCA to ACA, which was a great stepping stone into veterinary nursing.
“I spent two and a half years studying at college one day a week whilst working at Pennard Vets, with the support of a clinical coach and mentor. I qualified as an RVN earlier this year. I love veterinary nursing because you are constantly learning and developing. You can build your knowledge in areas such as anaesthesia and undertake further certificates in specialist areas, whilst keeping up to date with new protocols and equipment through continued professional development. I love it at Pennard Vets, working with the animals I love, and no two days are ever the same. It’s also a lovely team to be part of.”
Emily said: “I’ve always loved animals and was in the Young Farmers Association as a teenager, before working in the care sector, but I soon realised I wanted to work in the veterinary industry and applied for a job at Pennard Vets. I started as a CCA before becoming an ACA. I didn’t have any previous qualifications or background in the role, but Pennard Vets supported me with in-house training and helped develop my skills.
“After a year, I was encouraged to apply for the nursing apprenticeship, and I’m now studying to become a veterinary nurse, which is a dream come true. Pennard Vets is financially supporting me through my training, which I’m really grateful for. There’s lots of exams, course work and assessments and I spend a day at week at college, all alongside my day job, but I love it and am really enjoying progressing my career in the veterinary sector.”
Keisha said: “I joined Pennard Vets in June 2025, having previously worked in another veterinary practice, which focussed on horses. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and experience in small animal practice, and everyone at Pennard Vets has been welcoming and supportive. They’ve given me the confidence to develop and try new things and I quickly progressed into the Animal Care Assistant role.
“I was already studying for my veterinary nursing qualification before joining Pennard Vets, and was encouraged to continue with it. The team is incredibly supportive, helping me get the right experience to complete all the evidence requirements for my course. Once I qualify, I hope to continue studying to become an RVN like Chelsea, and Pennard Vets will support me with this financially which is amazing.”
All three are based at Pennard Vets’ Maidstone practice, where they are supported by Group Practice Manager Claire Carr, who has enjoyed a long career with the business. Claire joined Pennard Vets 25 years ago as a trainee veterinary nurse and progressed
through a series of clinical and leadership roles to reach her current position.
Claire said: “Pennard Vets offers adaptive career pathways and the business values and nurtures the skills, ideas and development of its people. It’s been a real delight to see Chelsea, Emily and Keisha follow their passion and we look forward to continuing to support them with their future career goals. Our employee-owned structure is designed to give team members opportunities to develop and contribute to the future of the business and we encourage all colleagues to build careers that reflect their skills, interests and ambitions.”
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