Meet Our Veterinary Team

Char

Office Manager

With 36 years of experience in veterinary care, Char is a cornerstone of Palos Animal Hospital. A graduate of Moraine Valley Community College, she has dedicated her career to ensuring every client and their pet feels respected and cared for. Char finds joy in the many aspects of client relations and can’t imagine doing anything else.

Outside of the clinic, she loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and enjoying the company of her two beloved Terrier mixes.

Raquel

Receptionist

Raquel joined Palos Animal Hospital in December 2024 as a receptionist, bringing a warm and welcoming presence to every client and patient who walks through the door. She takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that pet owners feel supported and informed during their visits.

Outside of work, Raquel enjoys spending quality time with her dog, making the most of every moment together. Whether greeting clients or assisting the team, she is dedicated to creating a positive experience for both pets and their owners.

Mary Ellen

Receptionist

Since joining Palos Animal Hospital in 2021, Mary Ellen has been a warm and welcoming presence at the front desk. As a receptionist, she takes great pride in getting to know both pets and their owners, ensuring every visit is a positive experience. She is dedicated to doing everything in her power to help pets and provide exceptional support to their families.

Outside of work, Mary Ellen enjoys reading, watching movies, and listening to music. She also loves playing video games with her 14-year-old son and spending quality time with her seven beloved animals. Her passion for animals and people alike makes her an invaluable part of the Palos Animal Hospital team.

Candy

Receptionist

Candy has been a dedicated receptionist at Palos Animal Hospital since 2022. With a passion for animals and a thirst for learning, she takes pride in interacting with a variety of pets and continuously expanding her knowledge in veterinary care. Currently attending Moraine Community College, she plans to transfer to JJC to pursue her dream of becoming a Veterinary Technician.

Candy enjoys building connections with both pets and their owners, ensuring that every visit to the clinic is welcoming and stress-free. Her commitment to exceptional customer service and her enthusiasm for animal care make her a valued member of the Palos Animal Hospital team.

In her free time, Candy loves watching Korean shows, training her two dogs, and staying active through exercise. She is currently training for a marathon, demonstrating her dedication and perseverance both in and out of the clinic. As a Disney fan, she enjoys immersing herself in the magic of her favorite movies whenever she gets the chance.

Jacqueline

CVT

Jacqueline is a dedicated Certified Veterinary Technician at Palos Animal Hospital. A graduate of Fox College Vet Tech Institute, she has been providing compassionate and thorough care to her patients since 2024. Jacqueline takes pride in ensuring every pet receives the highest level of attention and medical support, treating them as if they were her own.

In her free time, she enjoys unwinding with a good movie and exploring new restaurants. Her passion for animals and commitment to excellent veterinary care make her a valued member of the Palos Animal Hospital team.

Lori

CVT

Lori has worked at Palos Animal Hospital since 1995. She became a certified Veterinary Technician on 2001. Lori is dedicated to making every patient as comfortable as possible while ensuring pet owners feel confident in their care.

Natalee

CVT

Natalee, CVT, is a dedicated veterinary professional at Palos Animal Hospital. She has been in the field for five years and became a Certified Veterinary Technician nearly three years ago. Natalee originally joined Palos Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant in 2020 and has since grown into her current role, bringing expertise and compassion to every patient she cares for.

Natalee takes pride in building strong relationships with both clients and their pets. She enjoys assisting in diagnosing patients and is committed to continuous learning to provide the best possible care. Her passion for veterinary medicine is evident in her attention to detail and her dedication to improving the health and well-being of every animal she encounters.

In her free time, Natalee enjoys walking her beloved dog, Pumpkin, as well as hiking, traveling, and reading. She is also currently learning to cook, embracing new challenges both in and out of the clinic. Her well-rounded interests and commitment to professional growth make her a valued member of the Palos Animal Hospital team.

Cyndy

CVT

Cyndy joined our team in May 1996 after earning her associate degree from Parkland College. Being a vet tech enables her to combine her love for animals with her love for medicine, so she considers the position the best of both worlds. She also loves the variation in her schedule, especially her dental cases, and working with people who do their best to help pets down the road to wellness.

Cyndy and her husband, John, have two children, Ben and Courtney. They also have Odie & Louie (mixed breed rescues) and Buzz & Grover (cats). Cyndy enjoys spending time with her family & pets and taking her dogs for hikes.

Laura

Receptionist

Laura has been with Palos Animal Hospital since October 2019. She has been in animal care for over 23 years. She has 2 adorable dogs- Leona a boxer, and Daisy May a pit/lab mix. In her free time she loves to listen to music, read, and spend time with her family.

Jaycie

Vet Assistant

Jaycie is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Palos Animal Hospital, where she has been providing compassionate care since August 2022. A graduate of Lockport High School, Jaycie takes her role very seriously, ensuring that every patient is treated with respect and safety. She finds joy in seeing animals excited to visit, knowing that her care and kindness contribute to their well-being.

Jaycie is passionate about creating a positive experience for both pets and their owners. Her commitment to patient safety and comfort makes her a valued member of the Palos Animal Hospital team.

Outside of work, Jaycie enjoys unwinding with a good book or watching her favorite TV shows alongside her beloved kitties. Her dedication to animals extends beyond the clinic, as she finds happiness in spending time with her own pets after a fulfilling day at work.

Angela

Vet Assistant

Angela is a Veterinary Assistant at Palos Animal Hospital. She began her journey in veterinary medicine in June 2024 and studied at Moraine Valley Community College. With a deep passion for animal care, Angela prides herself on her compassionate approach and dedication to ensuring every pet feels safe and comfortable. She understands the trust pet owners place in veterinary professionals and works tirelessly to provide the highest level of care.

Angela takes great pride in continuously expanding her knowledge, from assisting veterinarians to monitoring animal behavior. She believes that even the smallest details matter when it comes to the well-being of pets and strives to create a calming and supportive environment for every animal she encounters.

In her free time, Angela enjoys caring for her beloved Pomeranian, Princess Peach, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her love for animals extends beyond her professional life, having grown up on her family’s ranch, where she developed a deep appreciation for nurturing and bonding with animals. This passion for care also fuels her ambition to become a human rights lawyer, as she is driven by a strong desire to help and advocate for those in need whether they are people or animals.

Mikayla

Vet Assistant

With over nine years of experience in veterinary medicine, Mikayla is dedicated to ensuring every pet has a comfortable and positive experience during their visit. She attended Oak Lawn Community High School and has been an integral part of Palos Animal Hospital for nearly a decade. Mikayla takes great pride in creating a stress-free environment for both pets and their owners.

In her free time, she enjoys going on adventurous hikes and teaching her dog, Yeti, new tricks.

Alexis

Vet Assistant

Alexis is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Palos Animal Hospital. She has been working at palos animal hospital since 2023.. She attended Moraine Valley Community College and has always had a deep passion for working with animals.

Alexis takes pride in creating a safe and comforting environment for pets, ensuring they feel secure and at ease when their owners are not around. Her gentle and reassuring approach helps alleviate stress for both pets and their owners, making every visit a positive experience.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Her love for animals and dedication to their well-being make her a valued member of the Palos Animal Hospital team.

Lauryn

Vet Assistant

Lauryn has been a dedicated veterinary assistant since 2019, bringing six years of experience to Palos Animal Hospital. She began her academic journey at Moraine Valley Community College before transferring to Lake Forest College. With a strong passion for teamwork and a commitment to maintaining a safe and positive work environment, Lauryn plays a vital role in ensuring the clinic operates smoothly.

She takes great pride in upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and organization within the hospital, understanding that a well-maintained space is essential for both patient care and staff well-being. Lauryn is deeply committed to the trust that pet owners place in her and her team, ensuring that every animal receives compassionate and attentive care.

In her free time, Lauryn enjoys playing video games, spending quality time with her friends and family, and taking cozy cat naps with her beloved feline companion, Mochi Mittens.

Dan

Vet Assistant

Dan is a Vet Assistant at Palos Animal Hospital and has been part of the team since 2016.

Dan is an alumnus of Saint Xavier University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He always wanted to work with animals in some way, and at Palos Animal Hospital, he got his wish. His favorite part about working with us is getting to meet and help take care of so many different animals. Dan has 4 pets of his own: 1 dog named Maggie and 3 cats named Bruce, Selina and Murphy. His hobbies include reading, baking and cooking, building models, hiking, bird-watching, and watching movies.

Ademaris

Vet Tech

Ademaris is a Tech Assistant at Palos Animal Hospital and has been part of the team since October 2024. She graduated from Fox College and has been dedicated to providing compassionate care to every patient she encounters.

Ademaris takes great pride in making pets feel loved and welcomed during their visits, ensuring they are comfortable and at ease. She especially enjoys meeting new puppies and kittens, making their first experiences at the clinic as positive as possible.

Outside of work, Ademaris loves spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Larry. She enjoys watching TV shows and movies, with The Vampire Diaries being one of her favorites. In her free time, she also likes to cook and take relaxing walks with Larry.

Ademaris is committed to creating a warm and caring environment for both pets and their owners at Palos Animal Hospital.

Olivia

Tech Assistant

Olivia has been an integral part of the Palos Animal Hospital team since 2020. As a Tech Assistant, she plays a vital role in ensuring pets receive the highest level of care and attention. Olivia takes pride in creating a comfortable environment for both pets and their owners, helping to ease any stress during visits. Her dedication to patient care and passion for animal well-being make her a valued member of the team.

When she’s not at the hospital, Olivia enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves going downtown to sit by the lake with friends or taking peaceful walks along the water. These moments allow her to recharge and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Sherri

Tech Assistant

Sherri is a dedicated Vet Tech Assistant at Palos Animal Hospital, bringing 11 years of experience to her role since earning her degree from Saint Xavier University in 2013. She has a special talent for working with scared or anxious animals, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable. By maintaining a calm presence and moving slowly, Sherri helps ease their stress, making veterinary visits less intimidating for her patients.

Outside of work, Sherri enjoys unwinding with a good book, creating intricate diamond paintings, and spending quality time with her friends. She also loves caring for and playing with her many animals, further showcasing her deep passion for animal well-being.

Sue

Tech Assistant

Sue started working at Palos Animal Hospital in 1998. She loves working with animals and that every day on the job is a new experience. She has two sons, Josh and Ethan, and shares her home with her partner, Tammy, and their two dogs, an Australian shepherd named Kody and an Australian shepherd mix named Ace. When she’s not at work, she enjoys playing softball, spending time with her sons, and attending her sons’ sporting events.

Dr. Sarah Turek

Veterinarian

Dr. Sarah Turek has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since 2007, bringing a compassionate and Fear Free approach to every patient she treats. A graduate of Purdue University, she prioritizes reducing stress and anxiety for pets through positive reinforcement, training, and education. Her goal is to ensure that every visit is as comfortable and pleasant as possible for both pets and their owners.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Turek enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking with her dog, running, or getting lost in a good book.

Dr. Deirdre Shepard

Veterinarian

Dr. Deirdre Shepard has been dedicated to veterinary medicine for over 32 years, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue University in 1993. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lewis & Clark College. With a deep passion for animal care, Dr. Shepard takes pride in building lasting relationships with pet owners and ensuring their beloved companions receive the best possible treatment. She is committed to educating clients about proper pet care, empowering them to make informed decisions for their pets’ health and well-being.

When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Shepard enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets, and embracing the outdoors. Gardening, reading, and simply unwinding are among her favorite pastimes.

Dr. Joel Mills

Veterinarian

With over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Joel Mills has been dedicated to providing compassionate care since earning his degree from the University of Illinois in 1997. He takes pride in ensuring that every pet has a positive experience during their visit, making each interaction as stress-free and comfortable as possible.

When he’s not at the clinic, Dr. Mills enjoys spending time with his beloved dog, MJ, curating his ever-growing collection of 45s, and catching the latest films at the theater.

Dr. Rachel Thomas

Veterinarian

Dr. Rachel Thomas is a dedicated veterinarian at Palos Animal Hospital. Since earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 2021, she has been committed to providing exceptional care for pets and building lasting relationships with their owners. Dr. Thomas believes that veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals but about partnering with pet owners to ensure their beloved companions live happy, healthy lives.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Thomas enjoys horseback riding, getting lost in a good book, and indulging in her passion for musical theatre.

Dr. Thomas R. Kleven

Veterinarian

Dr. Kleven has been a veterinarian at Palos Animal Hospital since June 1978, the only position he’s held since earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. He has a special interest in weight management cases in dogs and cats. His decision to pursue veterinary medicine stemmed from his enjoyment as a kennel assistant at Striegel Animal Hospital in Carbondale, IL, in 1972. Throughout his career, he continues to enjoy the various aspects of a veterinary practice, including forming relationships with his clients, their families, and their pets while nurturing the human-animal bond. He also enjoys working with such a large staff and being involved in a wide variety of pet care cases. When he’s not at work, he loves to read, work outside, watch sports and listen to classical music.

Dr. Susie Wall

Veterinarian

Dr. Wall- Veterinarian, Has been with Palos Animal Hospital since 1997.

Dr. Wall loved animals since she was a child and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she could remember. Taking on veterinary jobs and internships throughout high school and college confirmed that veterinary medicine was the right career path for her. Dr. Wall earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Illinois Wesleyan University and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University. She continues to build upon her experience with countless hours of continuing education, and also helps grieving pet owners by volunteering for the CVMA Pet Loss Support Helpline.

Dr. Wall’s favorite aspect of working at Palos Animal Hospital is getting to know families and their pets over the years and working with pet owners to manage complicated medical cases and improve their pets’ quality of life.

Dr. Wall is married with 3 children, and she also has 2 pets, a mini goldendoodle named Cassie, and a cat named Cinder. Outside of work, Dr. Wall enjoys reading, biking, hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Jeff Sankey

Veterinarian/Practice Owner

With over 16 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Jeff Sankey is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for pets. A graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, he leads the team at Palos Animal Hospital with a commitment to treating every patient as if they were his own.

Dr. Sankey’s passion for animals extends beyond medicine. He values the deep bond between pets and their families and strives to make every visit a positive experience. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys working on cars, spending time with his family, and maintaining his coral reef tank.