Meet the team
Marina Certucha-Vargas
Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner
DVM, GPCert in Cardiology and Imaging, GPCert in Dermatology, MRCVS
Hey! I’m Marina and I qualified in 2012 in Madrid, my home town. Life brought me straight after uni to the UK. Since then, I have worked in different independent and corporate small animal practices across the country and decided to settle down in North Devon over 4 years ago as I very much love the coast and the outdoors around here.
Through my 13 years of being a veterinary surgeon, I have gained loads of experience in medicine, diagnostics and surgery, having particular interest in ultrasonography and cardiology.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me hiking or trail running with my dog Kracken (mainly so I can eat as much food as possible), having fun with family and friends which tends to involve some sort of outdoors and, of course, food, sun seeking, and when I find the time, travelling to new places and chilling are also on top of my list!
Freya Brookes
Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner, BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS (Hons) MRCVS
Hi I’m Freya, I qualified in 2017 from Nottingham Vet School. Making my way to Devon via Herefordshire and a stint as a Lead Vet at the PDSA in Birmingham, teaching at Bristol Vet School and a locum vet stint spanning from the Isle of Wight to the Isle of Skye before concluding that North Devon is the best (and my dogs favourite place).
I’m an unflappable allrounder who particularly enjoys surgical and dental cases as well as working nervous patients (owning a slightly neurotic and very dramatic rescue Viz cross).
Outside of work I enjoy being part of a local running club, hiking, riding on Exmoor and failing to surf.
Angela Ruthven
RVN Veterinary Nurse
Hello, I’m Angela, and I’ve been a veterinary nurse in Devon and Cornwall for more than 20 years. For me, the best part of the job is building a bond with owners and their pets. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing a simple tip or bit of advice has helped make a real difference to a pet’s health and happiness.
North Devon has always felt like home – growing up, I spent many summers here and made the move from London 25 years ago. (does that qualify me as a local now?)
When I’m not in my scrubs, you’ll find me swimming or cycling and wandering the glorious Devon countryside with my family – always on the lookout for the next hidden gem.
Charlotte White
RVN Veterinary Nurse
Hi, I’m Char, a Registered Veterinary Nurse with 13 years of experience in the veterinary world. I genuinely love every part of what I do, but I have a real soft spot for theatre, medical nursing, and connecting with clients during consultations. One of the best parts of my job is seeing a pet go home happy and healthy, those moments never get old.
At home, I’m kept on my toes by my dog, Albie (Albus Dumblepaw!).
He’s a seven year old Lab cross, who’s obsessed with swimming at our local beaches and also has a bit of a shoe thieving habit, which can definitely make mornings interesting!
I also have a cheeky black cat called Minnow, who I rescued as a stray kitten last year. She's growing into a sassy little shadow who seems to think everything in the house belongs to her (including my houseplants).
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me by the sea, pottering around in my garden, or getting messy at the pottery wheel.
Evie Moorfield
RVN Veterinary Nurse
Hi! I’m Evie and I qualified in 2022 having completed my training in a busy farm, equine and small animal hospital. I always wanted to become a veterinary nurse and I love working in all areas of first opinion practice but especially enjoy inpatient care, anaesthesia, theatre, dentals, and emergency cases! I also enjoy consults and weight clinics and helping animals to live much happier and healthier lives.
In my free time you’ll often find me hiking with my two terriers Ginny and Tilly, in the garden with my cat Morty, or out riding the country lanes with my horse Brownie, as well as paddle boarding or anything that involves the sun and sea!
Lis Oram
RVN Veterinary Nurse
My name is Lis. I am passionate about making trips to the vets and veterinary procedures as calm and stress-free as possible for pets and their people. Over the years, I have gained further qualifications including AMTRA C-SQP, the ISFM Certificate in Feline Friendly Nursing, and recognition as both a Dog Friendly Advocate (Dogs Trust) and a Canine Arthritis Management Advocate. In 2023, I was honoured to receive the Brush Vivash Jones Award for outstanding contribution to the advancement of small animal veterinary nursing — a recognition that means a great deal to me both personally and professionally.
I am a Romanian Rescue Pro Trainer, as well as an accredited PACT ABTC Animal Training Instructor and Behaviour Technician. My work focuses on using compassionate, evidence-based methods that support animal welfare and help each individual feel safe and understood. I also have a particular interest in the connection between human and animal mental health, and the many ways they can influence and support one another.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me near the sea or out in nature, recharging with a book in hand or spending time with my own much-loved rescue pets. They remind me every day why I do what I do.
Charly Smith
Client Care Assistant
Hi, I’m Charly, born and bred in Pilton, so know the area and the community well.
I’ve been working in the veterinary industry for about a year, with the aim to do my veterinary nurse training. Prior to this, I worked in the agricultural industry for over 10 years, specialising in bovine breeding and genetics.
In my spare time you’ll usually find me with my collie Soup, who was meant to work sheep… but is scared of them. We’re often out on adventures on Exmoor and the beach, and we love a camping trip. Whether I’m out on the farm or at the beach, I love to spend my time off outdoors, enjoying this amazing coastal place we live in!
I look forward to meeting you and your furry friends
Sophie Eaton
Client Care Assistant
Hello, I am Sophie, part of the team at Tarka Vets.
A little bit about me…
I have worked in the animal sector for 23 years, 12 of those years at the Dogs Trust and the other 11 years as an animal care assistant in a mixed and small animal veterinary practice. Both rewarding in their own right and been lucky to enjoy both as much.
North Devon is the place I have lived for 25 years, and I never let myself take it for granted how lucky I am, to be surrounded by the beautiful countryside and the ragged coast line, which I try to enjoy as much as possible with my rescued terrier.
I also love being creative, whether that is painting, drawing or crafting. Usually something I found on the beach!
Or my other past time is spending quality time with my family and friends. What more could you want. 😊