Meet The Team
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Staff
Ruth Collett
Behaviourist/Assessor
Ruth is a Qualified Pet Behaviourist and veterinary nurse based in Falmouth. She is a mum to 3 amazing children and has 3 wonderful dogs (2 rescue) & a menagerie of rehomed smaller pets including chickens, rabbits, fish, a bearded dragon and tortoise.
She worked as a veterinary nurse in veterinary practices for 22 years, in all aspects of veterinary care and later specialised in helping pets with behaviour issues. Ruth spent 19 years at Rosemullion veterinary practice and in 2019 decided to set up on her own offering pet behaviour services independently.
Using kind positive training methods, Ruth works with all breeds of dogs and all types of behaviour problems.
Beverly Dobson
Centre Manager
Beverly moved to Cornwall in 2017 from Oxfordshire where she owned a Canine Hydrotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, which she and her partner designed and built from scratch when hydrotherapy for dogs was in its infancy.
Beverly also qualified as a dog trainer and behaviourist many years ago and has been working with dogs for over 30 years. She has also been involved in the sharp end of dog rescue for over 20 years and has 2 rescue dogs of her own, has fostered many others all of which have gone on to find loving, forever homes.
Beverly brings her enthusiasm, passion and many years of relevant experience to overseeing the running of the St Francis centre.
Paula Adams
Foster Coordinator
Paula moved to Cornwall from Hertfordshire in 2013 with her Husband, newly Romanian rescued dog Chance, their 5 rescue cats and 13 rescue chickens.
As her dog, Chance, needed a lot of rehabilitation and she wanted to be around for him she decided to start her own dog walking business, which she loved and grew into a successful business. Wanting to learn more about Chance and his background, she decided to volunteer for the charity that saved him. She went to Romania where she found her second dog Cotton, who shortly after, joined her in Cornwall. Paula then went on to volunteering for a sanctuary in India where she was able to gain more hands-on experience working with the street dogs and other animals. Soon after she rescued her third dog Little Bee who sadly died this year at the grand old age of 15.
Paula always knew that dog training was her chosen path and so completed a couple of workshops with the IMDT and then Became a Certified dog trainer this year with the DTC. She is also a lifetime member with the DTC and a member of the pet professional network. Therefore always updating her learning and skills. Her passion is rescue dogs and reactivity. She is a kind and ethical force free positive reinforcement trainer.
Nicola Green
Rehoming Coordinator
Nicola has 15 years’ experience in the animal industry, working with a variety of animals from small domestic animals, exotics to wildlife. Her heart lies with animals rescue, especially dogs and this is where her enthusiasm and passion is channelled.
Nicola holds a BSc (hons) degree in Zoology, a Level 4 Canine Behaviour qualification and various in-house training and certificates. She has a keen interest in pet nutrition which she is hoping to study to obtain her qualification.
She has 3 children and 2 rescue dogs, Yurek and Penny, 2 rescue tortoises, and a Rainbow Boas and has fostered many dogs who have gone on to find loving homes.
Nicola first came to St Francis 2 years ago as a volunteer and now as the Rehoming Coordinator and loves the rewards that rescue offers.
Trustees
Anthony Kinder
Chair
Anthony became a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer in October 2020 and knows the area well after holidaying with his family and dogs at Watergate Bay for the last 12 years. He currently has three dogs – Jasmine, Arthur and Indie and is really looking forward to helping St Francis as they embark on the next exciting stage of their development.
Anthony is a Chartered Accountant and worked for an investment bank for many years before becoming a self employed financial consultant. He was appointed as Chair in July 2022 and is looking forward to working with the other Trustees to deliver on the charity’s objective to care for lost, abandoned and other dogs in need and to see St Francis become a key part of the local community again.
Anthony is married with two children who are now at University all of whom have fond memories of surfing and walking the dogs on the beach at Watergate Bay and this role will continue his link with the area.
Lucy Thomas
Treasurer
Lucy joined the board of trustees as treasurer in October 2022 and supports the charity as it embarked on an exciting new chapter.
Lucy, originally from Gloucestershire, relocated to Cornwall in 2011 and has lived on the outskirts of Newquay for the past 3 years. Lucy is a qualified chartered accountant and together with her business partner runs her own small accountancy practice. Lucy has the skills and knowledge to assist St Francis now and in the future.
Lucy is a huge dog lover and when out and about, often finds herself talking to dogs more than their owners! When she’s not working, Lucy loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and three young children. They are often found exploring a beach or wood with their cocker spaniel Harvey.
Miles Ashworth
Trustee
Miles joined the Board of Trustees in 2021, having moved to Devon with his wife, daughter and 3 rescue dogs.
Miles is a Cost Management Consultant and has extensive experience of working with the Charity sector. The knowledge he has gained in both these areas will benefit St Francis in the future.
He is married to Vicki and their daughter Elise is now studying for her MA in London. As well as the dogs the family also have 15 rescue chickens.
Miles is passionate about both people and animal welfare and before moving to Devon volunteered for a local Food Bank as well as a Charity supporting families needing child access visits. Miles was also a Samaritan and Samaritan Mentor for new volunteers.
Alison Beck
Trustee
Alison joined the Board of Trustees in May 2024 and is very excited to be part of the St Francis Dogs Home at such an exciting time for the Charity. She is looking forward to bringing her animal welfare knowledge to St Francis.
She has always been passionate about animal welfare and has given a home for life to many animals in need from cats, dogs, donkeys, horses to goats.
Having spent many years working in animal welfare both here and abroad, she finally retired a few years ago as a Welfare Adviser foe The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth covering Devon and Cornwall.
She now dedicates most of her time to her 3 rescue donkeys and two ex-puppy farm Golden Retrievers, Rosie and Finn.
Alison has lived in Cornwall with her husband, Steve, since 2008 and loves nothing more than exploring Cornwall’s glorious coastline with her dogs and Steve.
Andy Peters
Trustee
Andy joined the Board of Trustees in 2025 having moved to Newquay in 2021 with his wife and two dogs.
Andy has worked in construction his whole career. For 16 years he worked in the Caribbean as a project manager overseeing the construction of a university and several hotels.
Andy returned to the UK with his wife and two dogs, Maggie and Bear and is loving life in Cornwall. He still works part time for his old company but loves walking the dogs in the sand dunes at Holywell and singing in a local choir.
He is keen to use his construction knowledge to assist St Francis in the building of their new facility and beyond.
Chloe Lawson
Trustee
Chloe joined the Board of Trustees in March 2025, during an exciting period of redevelopment at St Francis Dogs Home. Having lived in Cornwall for over five years, Chloe recently adopted a rescue dog, welcoming Kodie into his forever home.
With a strong background in communications and engagement, Chloe brings extensive experience in the environmental and charity sectors. She will be instrumental in enhancing our outreach and engagement efforts, as well as securing future funding for St Francis Dogs Home.
Chloe is passionate about the outdoors and can often be found surfing at Watergate Bay or walking Kodie along the stunning Cornish coastline. She is enthusiastic about contributing to the charity’s mission of connecting dogs with their forever homes.