Meet our Team

Dr. Van Pelt, who co-founded Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated with honors from the University of Illinois' College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. She opened this practice with the goal of providing the highest quality veterinary care, which demands professionalism, compassion, and a personal touch from all of us at Family Pet. Additionally, served on the board of directors for the Chicago Emergency and Specialty Center (now MedVet Chicago) as Vice President and subsequently as President from 2002 until 2015 to ensure our patients had the best specialty and emergency care available to them.

What made you want to become a vet?
In second grade my teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I replied that I wanted to be a veterinarian she told me that I would change my mind. I was a determined child and I took it as a challenge. When I reflect, I am grateful that I love my career so much and did not err out of stubbornness. In school I was drawn to the sciences and medicine was the obvious choice. I prefer veterinary medicine to human medicine because we focus on the well being of the entire patient and not just one organ system.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Every time I send a patient home healthy I find my career rewarding. I always call my clients after a serious procedure on their pet, or late at night if there is a turn for the better, or too early in the morning if there is good news, because I find it rewarding to relay my excitement and concern for their pet and to hear the relief or joy in the owner’s voice.

After practicing for 25 years, I find it equally rewarding to help younger veterinarians better understand test results or a disease and to pass on the art and nuances of veterinary medicine I have picked up over the years. You can be well-educated, but it takes time to truly assess a patient and apply the diagnostic results to come to the correct diagnosis. I love when I see it click in a new veterinarian’s mind.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I am told I should go into interior design, but I know I have my own style and would probably not accommodate to another person’s style. Besides, I get too excited when I see medical shows on television and catch the director’s mistakes or learn about a new procedure or concept in human medicine and try to incorporate it into my veterinary knowledge.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Snakes! I have tried to overcome this by handling them, but I cannot predict their movements or understand how they are able to move without feet. This frightens me.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Professionally, starting Family Pet Animal Hospital with Dr Marla Minuskin (and now continuing with Dr Jane Lohmar.) Our personalities are so different, but we respect those differences and each other’s medicine. I feel we have created an atmosphere that reflects the best of each of our personalities and drive. As president of the board of Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (Recently acquired by MedVet Chicago in 2015), I am seeing a long time dream of mine finally come to fruition as we have established and continue to expand this important resource for clients and veterinarians. Personally, adopting and raising my children with my husband, Bob.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
I am short on spare time between working and my family. I love to be active (tennis, pilates, working out) so it is great when I can exercise with my kids. My daughter and I will sometimes go on a morning run. When she is tired, we walk and talk and I love to hear how grown up she has become. Otherwise, put me on a boat! I love the water – It relaxes me.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
There are so many pet experts offering advice on all areas from nutrition to training to health care. I feel the industry needs more accreditation programs so that the average pet owner can knowledgeably select whose advice to follow.

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
I once treated a pet opossum for kidney failure and a Vietnamese potbelly pig for intestinal upset from an apple pie.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I was recently put on a wheat-reduced diet so my favorites had to change. Dark chocolate covered raisins and milk chocolate strawberries are my new stress relievers.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Laziness. I cannot understand why some people don’t want to experience more out of life.

Name 5 things people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I’m on a wheat-reduced diet
2. I’m allergic to cats and rabbits
3. I’ve gone skydiving and bungee jumping
4. I can’t whistle
5. My first job was selling shoes at Wiebolt’s

Dr. Lohmar graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995, and began practicing here as an associate veterinarian in 1997. Dr Jane is one of the pillars of Family Pet’s practice, and we were both proud and grateful to welcome her as a partner in 2011.

What made you want to become a vet?
Being a banker for 11 years just wasn’t cutting it for me. I loved the people I worked with (yes, bankers can be lovable!) but got no charge out of what I was doing. I had done extensive volunteering in the wildlife and zoo fields, and knew that broadly I wanted to work with animals. A good friend asked me what I would do if there were no obstacles, and “Be a vet” just popped out of my mouth. (Thank you, Steve!)

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I had volunteered at an animal hospital with my friend Darrin, but when he moved to Seattle to become one of the vets at the Woodland Park Zoo, he suggested I call Family Pet. At the time, it had been opened only a short while, and when I spoke to Marla about volunteering, she answered that she wouldn’t know what to do with a volunteer! I persisted and later landed a volunteer spot before I went to vet school, then kept coming back during school. At graduation, Family Pet didn’t have room for another vet, so I worked at another hospital for 2 years until a spot opened up. (Two VERY LONG years, I might add.)

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I was an economics major in undergrad, and had virtually no science in my background, so I had to go back to school to take biology, chemistry, physics, etc. before I could apply to vet school.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?

• What is my dog allergic to?
• What is the best food to feed my pet?
• How long will my pet live?
• (All, by the way, virtually unanswerable questions.)

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Inattention. By whom? Owners, veterinarians, day care supervisors, dog park visitors, pet sitters We’re all responsible for the safety and health of our companion animals.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Hands down, crocodiles. A number of years ago I was on a research expedition in Brazil, and while paddling a canoe down a river, I was surrounded by stealthy crocs. I froze and it was one of the few times in my life I truly felt panicked.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would love to be an editor. I’m not very creative, but I can usually take what someone else has written and make it better. In my fantasy world, though, I would be a Supreme Court Justice, but without the need for congressional approval.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Making sure that every year is better than the last.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Reading (I’m on my fifth or sixth read of A Son of the Circus right now); gardening, although it always gets the best of me; Pilates (thank you Frog Temple for giving me the only exercise I have ever stuck with); watching HGTV; and making my pets happy, which gives me the most happiness in the world.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Costa Rica. It’s got everything I love.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken Pot Pies from 404 Wine Bar.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Drivers who think the yellow light means to speed up. When did they stop teaching that it is illegal to enter an intersection when the light is yellow? That behavior is rude, dangerous and, most of all, arrogant. So I guess that, truthfully, the answer is “arrogance.”

Who are your heroes?
This is the easiest question of all: Jane Goodall.

Name 5 things that people might be surprised to know about you:
Since I wear my heart on my sleeve, I can’t imagine there’s anything that’s not known about me. But here goes:

1. I lived in the jungles of Borneo for 6 months, at an orangutan research facility.
2. OK, that’s all I can think of.

What is your favorite quotation?
“No man made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little” I have no idea who said that, but it has always resonated with me.

Dr. Ujiki graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her clinical year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. She joined Family Pet in 1994 as a technician while still in high school, and continued working here during her summer and winter vacations while completing her undergraduate degree in New York. We eagerly welcomed Dr Amy as an associate veterinarian as soon as she graduated from vet school! Because she has been present for and contributed so much to the rich history of Family Pet, we were excited to welcome her as a managing partner of the practice in 2016.

What made you want to become a vet?
I couldn’t imagine working without animals in my life and I come from a medical family which made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice for me.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would either own my own flower shop or search for a career that would allow me to travel the world.

What animal scares you more than any other?
All insects big or small…even ladybugs!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
Fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian and my relationship with my husband who is also a veterinarian.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I started at Family Pet as a high school volunteer and immediately fell in love with the hospital and all of the patients. The people at Family Pet became a second family to me and I feel privileged to be a part of such a special practice.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
I enjoy golf, movies, knitting, cooking, gardening, (and silly reality shows are a guilty pleasure).

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
I’ve worked on a lynx, capuchin monkey and a camel.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Obesity has become a growing problem in veterinary medicine (no pun intended).

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere and everywhere…I love to travel. Some favorites include: Sydney, Sienna, Paris, and St. Barths.

What was your minor in college?
Major: Environmental Science. Minor: Religion

What is your favorite comfort food?
Pretty much all food makes me happy.

Dr. Goldrick graduated in 2007 from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison. In 2012, after he spent a day here at FPAH for a working interview and everyone got to talk with him, we knew he was just the doctor Family Pet was looking for and we welcomed him onto our team.

What made you want to become a vet?
My journey to becoming a veterinarian did not start out like many others. When I was young, my career aspirations did not center on veterinary medicine, but rather on becoming a Hollywood stuntman. While in high school I developed an affinity for the sciences and actually thought about pediatrics – animals and children are very similar – they can’t talk to us, they are under the care of someone else and they vomit/have accidents when they don’t feel well. My love of animals and problem solving really propelled me toward veterinary medicine – I have loved my job every day since! Although some days I do still think about being a stuntman.

Have you practiced anywhere besides Family Pet?
Yes, I worked as a mixed animal veterinarian in Appleton, WI – a wonderful experience in all things four-legged and furry! I have also practiced just outside Chicago in River Forest.

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I double-majored in Animal Science and Biological Science during my time as an undergraduate at the University of Vermont.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?

1. How big will my puppy be when he/she grows up?
2. What kind of pets do you have?
3. What is the best food to feed?

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Obesity – it is so important to keep pets at an ideal weight. 54% of pets in the United States are considered obese – weight control can decrease the risks of metabolic and orthopedic diseases. The other big risk is dental disease – the advancement in veterinary dentistry over the last decade allows for early detection and treatment of many diseases, increasing pets’ quality of life and preventing the development of severe oral disease.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
One moment does not stand out but one of my favorite things has been being called out to a farm to aid in the delivery of a calf during an abnormal birth. After pulling out a live baby calf and watching the mother lick it clean, I drove home watching the sun rise.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Snakes.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
Teacher – I love sharing knowledge and presenting it in a fun way! Engineer – Being presented with a problem and having to seek out a solution is one of the major reasons why I became a veterinarian. Although not working with animals, problem solving is something I actually enjoy and engineering has always been fascinating to me!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a very active person and love competing in the sport of triathlon. – so in the warmer months that means I can be found running around Chicago, seated on my bike or getting a swim in at a pool or in Lake Michigan.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Believe it or not, I have never really taken a vacation. However if travel is involved, I do love going back home to Vermont whenever possible – chance to see mountains again is always welcome!

What is your favorite comfort food?
The Red Onion sandwich from Red Onion café in Burlington, VT, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Maple syrup, Bagels – quite the combination!

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Like many other people bad drivers and people who have no regard for animal welfare or the environment.

Who are your heroes?
Without question, my parents – they are still changing my life today.

Name 5 things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I am from Vermont.
2. I compete in triathlons (sprint distance through Ironman).
3. I have been kicked by cows more times than I have been bitten by dogs or cats.
4. I own five bicycles.
5. One of my favorite animals is the moose.

Dr. Dempsey graduated from The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She completed veterinary rotations in oncology, small animal and exotic medicine, as well as practice management. We welcomed her to our team of doctors in that fall of 2014. Like many of our doctors and staff, she's worked in the veterinary field since her first job at 16 years of age. While she's not a huge fan of big cities and the traffic headaches that come with them, we're glad she found her way to Chicago anyway.

What made you want to become a vet?
I’ve been saying that I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was about 8 years old. I grew up playing “vet” on my stuffed animals and my pets at home and always had a love for science and animals. I started working at a veterinary hospital when I was 16 years old and have never left!

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I learned about Family Pet from my friend who had completed one of his "externships" during veterinary school at Family Pet and absolutely fell in love with the hospital and all the wonderful people who work here. When Family Pet had an opening for a new doctor, I jumped at the chance to work at such a well-respected and fun practice.

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I studied zoology in undergrad at Ohio State University (GO BUCKS!) so I have always been studying animals in school!

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
I think the questions I answer most are often behavior related. A lot of people have questions about why their pets act the way they do and how to go about handling things like their pet’s storm/noise phobias, potty training, obedience training, inappropriate elimination in cats, etc.

What animal scares you the most?
Snakes! And horses too- they can be pretty scary and unpredictable!

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
If I were not a veterinarian, I would be a food critic. I absolutely love eating, cooking, and trying new restaurants so what greater job than to eat for a living?

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I absolutely love to travel and to explore new places in Chicago while I am not working at the hospital. I also love to be outside running, reading, or playing tennis or volleyball.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is hands down the beach. I grew up going every summer to the panhandle of Florida. Nothing better than a book, warm sun, and sea breeze!

Favorite comfort food?
I am a southern girl so I love southern comfort food. I love really sweet iced tea, fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, collards, biscuits, and the list keeps going! Some good southern cooking can cure any bad day!

What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is seeing people litter. Nothing gets me going more!

Who are your heroes?
My biggest hero is probably my dad. He raised my sister and I on his own for the majority of our childhood. He was always working hard to support our family but managed to be there for every sport game, school play, and bad day. I strive every day in both my work and daily life to emulate his qualities of compassion, hard work, and perseverance.

Name five things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I spent a summer backpacking through South America following the route of “Che” Guevara in the movie/book “The Motorcycle Diaries.”
2. I am addicted to watching the show House Hunters on HGTV. I have watched way too many episodes!
3. If I had to describe myself as being an “expert” at something (besides veterinary medicine), I would say that I am a cheese expert. I eat it constantly and love trying new varieties
4. I was a state champion in tennis my freshman and senior years of high school.
5. I have a cat named “Cat Stevens” after the famous folk singer.

Dr. Ken graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He had practiced in both Florida and New York prior to settling in Chicago. He had worked occasionally for Family Pet as a relief veterinarian prior to him officially joining our team as an associate veterinarian in 2015.

What made you want to become a vet?
As far back as I can remember, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. My mom claims it started when they bought me a Fisher-Price veterinary kit when I was about 3 years old.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I was fairly new to the city and was at a neurology dinner-lecture, and I randomly and fortunately sat down at a table next to Rae Ann Van Pelt (co-founder and managing partner of Family Pet). We got along really well and kept in touch and now here I am!

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I was a biology major and anthropology minor in undergrad. Biology was always by far my favorite and best subject.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
The most common question I get is “What kind of food should my dog or cat be eating?” I kind of like this question because I think there is a lot of misleading information out there, perpetuated by companies marketing the various diets. The marketing is really out of control, in my opinion. As long as the food is for the correct life stage (e.g. puppy/kitten, senior), the pet likes the food, the stool is consistent and solid, and the pet’s correct weight is maintained, I’m pretty happy with it.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
I think the two biggest dangers that can be prevented are obesity and lack of dental care.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Early on in my career, I worked a year as a solo overnight ER vet. I had to perform two emergency GDV surgeries (where the stomach bloats and then flips over) over the course of two weeks on two separate dogs and both did really well. I had to step out of my comfort zone and do something I had never done before and it was very rewarding to see both dogs go home a few days later.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Sharks. I won’t go in the ocean deeper than my waist

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I’d want to be a biologist of some kind.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Getting into veterinary school. I worked really hard for it. The day I got my letter of acceptance was one of the happiest days of my life.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I go to the gym a lot, take naps with my dog Joey, and I’m a foodie-wannabe.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
London

What is your favorite comfort food?
Bacon Cheeseburger

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Honestly, it’s tardiness. So the emergency shift suits me well, because there are no appointments, so no one can ever be late.

Who are your heroes?
That question is kind of a pet peeve – at least how it’s often answered. To me, a hero isn’t just someone you look up to or a role model, but someone who knowingly puts him or herself in harm’s way to help someone else out. So anyone who has served in a war is my hero.

Name five things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I snore and sleep with a snore guard
2. I make a large pot of soup every Sunday which then serves as dinner four nights a week.
3. I have really bad dry eye and have to put in various eye drops all day long
4. I’m Jewish but have always celebrated Christmas.
5. All of my dogs that I’ve had as an adult were dogs that were hit by cars, had broken legs/pelvises, and were then abandoned by their original owners.

Dr. Maggie is a 2014 graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and worked exclusively as an emergency medicine veterinarian for five years prior to joining the Family Pet team in August of 2019. We are excited to add her experience and expertise to our mix of talented veterinarians.

What made you want to become a vet?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals, and it just made sense that I be around them all day every day.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I came to Family Pet from MedVet and I have been an ER veterinarian for the past 5 years. After so many long days (sometimes 15 hour shifts!), over nights, weekends, and holidays, when Dr. Van Pelt approached me about a position at Family Pet I knew I had to check it out. Not surprisingly, I felt at home when I visited, and chose to come on full time.

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I don’t know if it counts, but I studied Animal Sciences! I loved working with llamas, goats and dairy cattle— I still miss the adorable giant ears and crazy antics of baby goats, calves, and crias! Ultimately, I couldn’t stay away from the strong human-animal bond that I get to see every day in small animal practice.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
Which food should I feed my pet, why is my pet licking his feet so much, and "is this normal" (about everything from the way they sneeze to the way they lay down)?

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
This is a great question, and I am a bit biased coming from the ER setting: the greatest danger in my opinion is having your pet off leash—even if they are well behaved you can never predict other animals/people/cars.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
I have worked closely with rescues in the past, and it’s always rewarding to see a rescue pet go to their forever home. My favorite case was “Chance Christmas.” He came in on Christmas eve as an abuse case, and I was able to be a part of his medical team—he’s doing super well, and I still get updates on him.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
Travel writer, or food/wine critic — In my off time I LOVE exploring the cities new restaurants.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Steak and an Old Fashioned. Whenever something has gone wrong in my personal life, my dad always says "Maggie, there are few things a great steak and some whiskey can’t fix."

What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who chew with their mouth open!

Name five things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I have studied abroad in 5 different countries for different lengths of time
2. I grew up showing dogs and llamas
3. I’ve never broken a bone
4. I went to finishing school
5. I was almost arrested for trespassing in Brazil for trying to pet capybaras (I couldn’t read Portuguese and they are so cute!)

Dr. Kathleen graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 and worked in general practice in the suburbs prior to joining our team of veterinarians in September of 2019. Community outreach has always been an important part of Dr. Kathleen’s life as a veterinarian, whether it’s working with rescues and shelters, educating children on proper animal handling, visiting seniors with animals for companionship, or other rewarding ways she’s able to give back. When we met her, we appreciated her intelligence, drive, and no-nonsense attitude and she was particularly drawn to the collaborative, team approach to medicine here at Family Pet Animal Hospital. We’re happy to welcome her as our newest associate veterinarian.

What made you want to become a vet?
I’ve always loved being around animals. In high school, I also developed a strong affinity for my science classes, especially biology. When I realized that I could connect my enjoyment of animals and science together in the field of veterinary medicine I couldn't think of any other job that I wanted to do.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I had recently moved further north in the city and was looking for jobs closer to home. When I interviewed at Family Pet I knew it was the place for me. Everyone was super welcoming and inviting. I could tell it was a great veterinary clinic.

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
In college, I double majored in wildlife ecology and science communications. My favorite class in undergrad was a bird-watching class! I had to memorize over 150 bird calls for the final.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
How much should I be feeding my pet?
What would you do if this were your pet?

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
I think household toxins are a huge danger to our pets. There are so many different foods that we eat every day and medications that we take which are safe to us, but extremely toxic to dogs and cats.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Anytime I can make a patient and their family more comfortable is a great moment.

What animal scares you more than any other?
I’m petrified of city rats! They’re so fast and sneaky.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would probably become some sort of chef. I love to cook and eat!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
I think my greatest accomplishment was finishing my first marathon. It took so much training and dedication to get to the finish line.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to be active- running, working out, swimming, etc. I also love going to concerts whenever I can.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
One of the more recent trips I took was to the Pacific Northwest and I loved it out there! Other than that, I love anywhere with a body of water.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Grilled cheese, mac and cheese, anything with cheese really.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don’t use their turning signals while driving! It’s so easy!

Who are your heroes?
Strong women throughout history who have pushed the boundaries and opened the doors that have allowed me to be in the position I am today!

Name five things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I was born and raised in Chicago
2. I’ve been playing the piano for 15 years.
3. I’ve run two marathons and 5 half marathons
4. Goats are my favorite animal

Dr. Suma graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She has many years of experience as in general practice and has provided relief veterinary services in shelters as well. She has been a friend of Family Pet for years and we were thrilled when she joined our team as a relief veterinarian in June of 2020.

What made you want to become a vet?

I was a software consultant for several years during which time I often dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but 6-7 years of additional schooling and training seemed like too enormous a challenge. Then in the wake of an unexpected personal and family tragedy, I saw every day how my pets kept me going and helped me to heal, and I couldn’t put it off any longer. I love animals and medicine, but I am a veterinarian because I know that often the best way to help humans is to take excellent care of their best friends.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?

I’ve had friends and acquaintances at Family Pet ever since I returned to Chicago following my internship in 2010, and I’ve always thought very highly of the practice. I am so pleased and excited to be finally joining the team!

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?

My first time through undergrad I got majors in art history and French with minors in computer science and math. Let’s just say I was confused about what I wanted to do with my life.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?

The questions I get are as varied as my clients and patients! One of the best things about this job is the need to constantly update my knowledge and keep learning, so I love getting questions I’ve never gotten before.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?

Any issue that breaks down the human-animal bond between an owner and their pet is a danger. These are often behavioral challenges, or even medical problems that are misinterpreted as behavioral. No matter how much we love our pets, sometimes their responses to fear and stress and other natural urges drive a wedge into that loving relationship. If not addressed with education, patience, and My most rewarding moments have all been, in some way, times of connecting with my clients in a deeply meaningful way. Sometimes it’s being able to reduce someone’s anxiety over their pet’s condition and helping them feel more in control of it. Sometimes it’s knowing I’ve earned their trust, or just being a good listener. And sometimes it’s sharing their grief. Being there through all the joys and challenges of pet ownership is very gratifying.

What animal scares you more than any other?

I have a knee-jerk fear response to wild snakes (not pet snakes) and large spiders.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?

I don’t know. I believe this is the career I was always meant for, and I’m so thankful I figured that out!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Over time, I’ve found I value my milestone accomplishments less and feel more gratitude for the fact that life offers incremental ways to grow and contribute every day.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to cook and I’m a huge fan of audiobooks. Documentaries and museums appeal to the general nerdiness which is probably one of my defining traits. I love traveling and still have a lot of places I’d love to visit.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite place to visit is Florence, Italy. Not being a large city, it’s very walkable and quite safe. Especially for someone who enjoys political and cultural history, there’s no end of things to see and do, even on return trips.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My comfort food is what is known as “tiffin” in South Indian cooking. The term is used for a group of dishes that are typically eaten for breakfast in South India, such as idli, dosa, poori, chapati, etc. and their accompanying chutneys and curries.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Unkindness

Who are your heroes?

My brother is my hero. He’s an incredibly hard worker, as well as an excellent husband and father. We have very different personalities but when I need advice on virtually anything, he’s the one I seek out.

Name 5 things that people might be surprised to know about you:

I am a reformed plant murderer who has actually gotten quite good at growing orchids.

I love fostering and so far I have fostered 1 dog, 28 cats, 3 birds, and 1 rabbit.

I like mechanical things and got my private pilot license in the late 90s just to learn about small planes. I’ve never used it to fly myself anywhere.

The animated movie “Chicken Run” caused me to go vegan for three years.

I think bats are adorable and very fascinating.

Dr. Minuskin, a co-founder of Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. After taking an extended medical leave from June 2009 – June 2010, Dr. Marla made the difficult decision to retire from active veterinary practice to focus on her health. She lost her four-year battle with cancer on May 3, 2013. She had a profound impact on all those she met with her larger-than-life personality. We miss her dearly every day. She will remain in our hearts forever.

Linda, Family Pet's Practice Manager, joined the team in February of 2013. She received her B.S. in Computer Science from Purdue University. After years of an unfulfilling career as a software engineer, she took a major career detour into the world of pets. She worked as a veterinary technician prior to being recruited for the core start-up team of the high-end, award-winning pet resort, Paradise 4 Paws. Linda played a critical role in launching, defining, and shaping Paradise 4 Paws, where she ultimately served as General Manager. She brings to Family Pet her penchant for delivering the highest quality pet and client care.

Jim, one of our Client Care Managers, came to Family Pet in 2002. It was our good fortune that he wanted to give up his previous career in dog walking to work at our front desk! Jim always goes the extra mile for our clients and his fellow staff members.

Lilly came to FPAH in October 2010 with a background in management and accounting. A true administrative professional, Lilly works hard to make every client and patient's experience here is as perfect as possible!

Kate graduated with a degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (I-L-L!) in 2008, and worked as a technician at DuPage Co. Animal Care and Control for 4 years. After moving into the city, Kate began working at Family Pet early in 2013. With her wealth of experience and terrific personality, she’s been a wonderful addition to our team.

Michelle, one of our Technical Staff Managers, came to FPAH fresh from school in August 1993. Starting as kennel staff, she was trained in-house by our own doctors to assist in anesthesia and dentistry, and has become a pillar of the Family Pet team.

Tony, one of our Technician Managers, joined Family Pet right after we opened in 1990, earning him the FPAH employment-longevity record. Trained over the years by Rae Ann and Marla right here at Family Pet, he is an expert in handling our more frightened or less cooperative patients; a respected manager who leads by example in dedication, work ethic, and necessary good humor; and a skilled technician whom our clients trust implicitly.

Brett joined FPAH in 2010 with a background in fine art. Check out his website www.edentonstudios.com to look at some of his beautiful paintings "in the realist traditions of the old masters."