
Kate Player
Owner, Veterinarian
Lauren
Practice Manager
Lauren has been passionate about animal welfare since high school, when she began volunteering at a husky rescue more than 13 years ago. She quickly developed a love for shelter medicine and a special interest in dogs with unique behavioral needs. That passion led her to a local shelter, where she worked for nine years in a variety of roles, gaining extensive hands-on experience in companion animal care.
To this day, Lauren continues to volunteer with the shelter that first inspired her. Over the years, she has fostered more than 250 dogs — including neonatal puppies, pregnant mothers, and dogs with special medical needs — and remains deeply committed to helping animals of all kinds.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys working out, golfing, attending live music events, reading, and spending time with her family. She also dedicates time to training her own dog, Lincoln. As Practice Manager at Bristol Veterinary Clinic, Lauren’s favorite part of her role is creating an environment where both clients and staff feel welcome, while embracing the new learning opportunities that each day brings.
Cori
Certified Veterinary Technician
Cori joined Bristol Veterinary Clinic in December, bringing with her a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Management and more than 15 years of experience as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). Her extensive knowledge and leadership in patient care have made her an invaluable part of the team from day one.
Outside of the clinic, Cori enjoys a busy family life with her husband and their two children, ages 9 and 6, who keep her on the go with sports and activities. She also shares her home with two beloved dogs: Anchor, a British Labrador, and Lindy, a French Bulldog. In her free time, Cori loves baking, reading, and escaping to her family’s cabin in Wisconsin, where she especially enjoys boating and time on the water.
Tara Worron
Chiropractor
Dr. Tara Worron has been helping animals move, feel, and live better since 1999. With over two decades of experience, she focuses on improving structure, biomechanics, and overall wellness through gentle and effective chiropractic adjustments.
Her care benefits a wide range of patients — from pets recovering from injury, to those managing mobility challenges, to performance animals needing support to stay active and comfortable. In addition to chiropractic care, Dr. Tara incorporates integrative therapies such as laser treatment to provide comprehensive support for her patients.
Outside of practice, Dr. Tara enjoys herding.
Leslie
Veterinary Assistant
Leslie graduated from Aurora University with a Bachelor of Science in Human-Animal Studies. She has always had a passion for giving back to her community, often volunteering her time at animal-related events. In 2021, Leslie began volunteering with TAILS Humane Society, where she first met Dr. Player and Lauren while assisting at a high-volume spay/neuter clinic.
The following summer, Leslie worked alongside Dr. Player as an extern and continued to gain experience at various high-volume clinics. Leslie hopes to continue her education and pursue veterinary medicine in the future.
Outside of work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her pets, which include a dog and two cats.
Nolan
Veterinary Assistant
Nolan is a veterinary assistant at Bristol Veterinary Clinic whose passion for animal care began at TAILS Humane Society. There, he gained hands-on experience working alongside Dr. Player during high-volume spay/neuter surgery days. Nolan developed a strong interest in surgery and continues to expand his knowledge in general practice and reproductive medicine while working at BVC.
Dedicated to advancing his career, Nolan plans to pursue veterinary school in the future. His enthusiasm, work ethic, and eagerness to learn make him a valuable part of the team, and he looks forward to growing within the field of veterinary medicine.
Bria
Veterinary Assistant
Bria is a veterinary assistant whose love for animals began when she was just four years old, sitting in the yard and befriending squirrels who would climb into her lap. That early connection grew into a lifelong passion for caring for animals. She is currently working toward her Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) credential and is especially devoted to fostering pregnant dogs and their newborn puppies through TAILS Humane Society.
At home, Bria and her husband stay busy with their blended family, which includes her three children — a daughter and son of her own and a stepson — as well as more pets than she can count. When she’s not at the clinic or fostering, Bria dedicates her time to family life, leaving little room for traditional hobbies, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jessica
Veterinary Assistant
Jessica joins Bristol Veterinary Clinic as a Veterinary Assistant, bringing hands-on experience from several fast-paced clinics. She has a strong foundation in patient care and technical skills, and she thrives in busy environments where attention to detail is key. Jessica is especially passionate about reproductive care and is eager to continue expanding her knowledge alongside Dr. Player and the rest of the BVC team.
Outside of the clinic, Jessica enjoys crocheting, spending time with family and friends, and caring for her two dogs: Winston, a spirited 3-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Brooklyn, a sweet 12-year-old Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix.
Alissa
Veterinary Receptionist
Alissa is one of our friendly veterinary receptionists and the first smile you’ll often see when you walk through the doors at Bristol Veterinary Clinic. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Southern Illinois University and previously worked as a veterinary technician before taking time away from the clinic to raise her children until they reached school age.
Animals have always been at the heart of Alissa’s life. At home, she and her family care for a true menagerie that includes alpacas, horses, chickens, a dog, and a cat. She is also an experienced alpaca breeder who enjoys showing her animals at competitions, as well as spending time riding her horses. Alissa takes great joy in encouraging her children’s schoolwork and their own animal-related passions, blending family life with her lifelong love of animals.
Barb
Chief Snack Officer
Barb isn’t a veterinarian, but she’s definitely part of the Bristol family. Known for her big heart and even bigger appetite, Barb takes her job of welcoming visitors (and sniffing out snacks) very seriously. She’s often spotted making the rounds in the clinic, checking in on patients, and reminding the team when it’s time for a treat break.
When Barb isn’t holding down her post at BVC, you’ll probably find her napping in a sunny spot, taste-testing new goodies, or making friends with anyone who will scratch her ears. Clients love her for her warm personality, unshakable loyalty, and the occasional comic relief she brings to the clinic.
Barb may not write prescriptions, but she specializes in comfort, laughter, and unconditional love—the best medicine of all.