Staff
Tara Hartman is a Veterinary Nurse who has been a member of the Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital staff since June of 1996 and began her career in companion animal care in 1985. In addition to her years of experience, Tara attended Cook College and has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Rutgers University. Asked what she enjoys most about her work, she says, “I am given the opportunity to continually learn and improve my skills and I appreciate that the doctors value my opinion in things that have to do with the hospital and certain cases.”
Tara’s pets include a mixed breed canine named Canela and three cats named Raazzle, Lil’ Richie and Jezebelle. Her interests include playing softball, volleyball, as well as watching her son play baseball and helping out with the team.
Michele Conklin is the Practice Manager of Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital and a Veterinary Nurse. She began her career in animal care in 2000 and joined the Hospital’s staff as a Veterinary Nurse in October of 2004. Michele enjoys working alongside a staff that is professional, compassionate and team oriented. She considers the hospital to be a home away from home not only for herself, but also for the many animals that are welcomed into the hospital. Michele feels that a combination of sound veterinary practices and the use of state-of-the-art-technology is an integral part of ensuring quality care for their patients.
At home, Michele enjoys the company of her Great Dane Stoli and time spent relaxing with family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, fishing, softball, whitewater rafting and skydiving.
Veronica Morilla is a Veterinary Nurse who has been a member of the Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital staff since 2007. “I like working here,” she says, “because our number one goal at wellness visits is to educate clients and help pets heal, which means our staff must also be up to date on the latest in pet care. This is why our staff is always participating in continuing education and growing our skills. I also love how thorough we are in our work and how we really recommend the best medicine.”
Veronica has two cats named Hennessy and Remy and enjoys doing as much as she can with her daughter Aiyana—going to parks, zoos, aquariums, and more—as well as dancing (her number one hobby) and teaching dance, which she has done for more than ten years. She specializes in hip hop, lyrical, modern, salsa, mambo, bachata, merengue, and pointe. She also likes to play co-ed softball in the summer.
Veterinary Nurse Kristin Pilla has been with Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital since January of 2011, but began her career in companion animal care in 2005. She says she enjoys working here because of how thorough our medical staff is with all of our patients and that we take the time to educate our clients on pet care and nutrition so they can become better pet owners. “I love how much care and dedication is involved with this practice,” she says.
Kristin’s pets include a Siamese mixed cat named Ninja, a mixed breed canine named Kirra, and shares her home with three other dogs and three cats owned by her grandma and sister. Her interests include writing music, playing the piano, singing, hiking, comic books (her favorite is Superman), cooking, and spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend.
Lindsay Katz-Poltarak is a Veterinary Nurse and joined our Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital staff in September 2012. She began working in the animal care field at a grooming/boarding facility and later entered veterinary care. She earned her bachelor's degree in animal science from Delaware Valley College and loves working at Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital because of her dedication and devotion to animals. "I am constantly expanding my knowledge and ability here and I love that our staff always gives out patients the very best care at all times," she said.
Lindsay is a pet owner herself to a puppy named Ryder and a painted turtle named Nippy and she also helps care for her family's dog, Mischief. In May 2012, she married her high school sweetheart and in her spare time enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, cooking, scrapbooking and spending time outdoors with her family.
Brittney O’Brien is a receptionist at Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital and has years of experience after working at the American Kennel Club in New Jersey as a dog show handler and a dairy farm for four years each. She is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Raritan Valley Community College and says that the care given to the pets at Bridgewater is second to none. “The doctors and nurses truly treat each pet as if it were their own,“ she says.
At home, Brittney has a Saluki named Roxanne and a cat named Bo. She also owns two dairy cows named Laddie and Lilith and works with the Somerset County 4H and companion pet clubs. Her interests include spending time on her family’s farm and with her friends as well as fishing, hanging at the beach and swimming.
Receptionist Danielle Marino has been with Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital since February of 2008. She says she considers her coworkers to be like a second family and that everyone here makes Bridgewater a comfortable and fun work environment. “Every day I learn something new that not only helps me be better at my job, but helps our clients become better pet owners too,” she adds.
Danielle has a Lab mix named Herbie and two cats named Cali and Oreo. Her interests include camping, hiking, horseback riding, spending time with her daughter when she is home from college, and going for walks with her dog Herbie.
Geri Staub has been the Bookkeeper at Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital since 1995, but has been in the accounting field for more than 30 years. In addition to her many years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and is working toward Management Accountant certification.
“I really enjoy working with Dr. Levinston and the practice management to develop and follow through on the financial goals of the practice,” she says. “I also enjoy working with the doctors and staff on a regular basis and respect the knowledge and professionalism of them all.”
At home, Geri has a beautiful rescued cat named Matilda Jane. Her interests include skiing, boating, and visiting the beach near her summer home in Cape May, New Jersey. She and her husband, Michael, also travel through Europe as much as possible. They are also both from Philadelphia and moved to Bridgewater in 1986.
Corinna LaMorte is a Kennel Assistant who has been a member of the Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital staff since June of 2010. She is also a student at Raritan Valley Community College.
Corinna always brings a very positive attitude to all that she does and says, “I like working here because the other staff members are very nice, patient and always willing to help.”
Her pets include a Pomeranian named Lucy and a Teacup Poodle named Mia. Corinna’s interests include spending time with her family and friends, running, swimming, going to the beach, taking pictures and making scrapbooks.
Veterinary Assistant Jessica Townley joined our staff in February of 2012 and performs many duties in our office including answering phones, assisting clients and doctors and hugging the animals. Jessica is currently enrolled at Kean University and strives to do her best every day.
Being part of a dedicated staff is one reason that Jessica enjoys working at Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital. "We treat your pets as if they are our own. Everyone here is more than willing to help and answer any questions that pet owners have. I couldn't be happier working in such a fun, positive environment."
Jessica has three dogs, Cody, Axel and Jack. In her spare time, she can be found spending time with her family and friends, baking, reading and going to the beach. She also enjoys cheering for the New York Giants.
Receptionist Michael Butler's job responsibilities include greeting clients, checking in and discharging pets and scheduling appointments. Michael has been working in the animal related field for over three years and has experience working as part of the management staff at a local kennel for two years. He joined our staff in April of 2012.
Michael recognizes that Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital has a special office atmosphere. "It is a helpful, uplifting and motivating environment in which to work," he said. "The client interaction is very personalized and I feel like I am part of the community," Michael said.
In his personal time, Michael enjoys playing basketball, hiking, drawing and playing laser tag.