Meet Our Veterinary Team

Jean-Marie has been with Healthy Paws since our opening in 2010. She has a degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University and a second degree in Operations Management and Information Systems from Northern Illinois. Jean was a stay-at-home mom after leaving her previous role in audit with Sears. A lifelong resident of Crystal Lake, Jean-Marie lives with her husband and has four children. In her free time, Jean-Marie enjoys sports, reading, volunteering, and generally having fun. You can often find her on a kayak, paddleboard, or boat on our lovely Crystal Lake.



From Dr. Burgess…

Jean-Marie wears many hats. She is not only our bookkeeper but also my sister-in-law, an amazing mother, aunt, Godmother, and friend. Owning a small business is not always easy, and managing the books and day-in/day-out random operations is no exception. I clearly remember the day I called Jean when I was going for a run. I had a huge favor to ask her: Would she take over our books? My Practice Manager and husband (her brother) and I had been “sharing” this job, which was a terrible idea. To know you have infinite trust in someone as your bookkeeper is such a peace of mind. Jean-Marie keeps us in line while still making sure we are having fun. Recently, seeing her spread her wings into other areas of our business is even more exciting. Jean also shares a special bond with our clinic cat, Eleanor, who regularly keeps her company and bites her toes.

Evan first came to Healthy Paws Animal Hospital following his junior year of high school as an assistant. He graduated from Iowa State and is currently attending the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. While Evan is now busy with school and not technically working at Healthy Paws currently, I consider him an honorary employee nonetheless. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with friends, family dog, and parachuting.

From Dr. Burgess…

Many people will tell you, “They want to be a vet.” After working with Evan, it was apparent very early on he “would be a vet.” As a team, we have had the pleasure of watching Evan grow up over the years, much to his chagrin, as we often reminisce. Not only is he smart and driven, but he is also what I would call “salt of the earth.” Equal parts inquisitive, asking questions as I practiced medicine, and a team player bringing french toast casserole to a brunch potluck, Evan brought a breath of fresh air to our team. For any little girl or boy who dreams of being a vet someday, Evan’s story is the one they should follow.

Anastasiia joined the Healthy Paws team in 2024, bringing with her over a decade of veterinary experience from Moscow, Russia. She graduated with honors in 2010 from the Moscow Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Skryabin. Passionate about veterinary surgery, she began working in the field during her third year of academy and dreams of returning to surgery work in the U.S. in the future.

Anastasiia lives with her husband, Aleksandr, their daughter Dakota, and their Bengal cat, Ice. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through sports, exploring new places while traveling, and drawing with markers. Her calling to veterinary medicine began in childhood, after a deeply personal experience with her family dog. That moment shaped her resolve to become a compassionate and skilled veterinarian – a goal that continues to inspire her every day.

From Dr. Burgess…

Anastasiia is mind blowing. While her formal training is that of a veterinarian, it is a long and arduous process getting licensed in the United States. In the interim, Anastasiia joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant allowing her to gain fluency and experience during this process. I cannot tell you how fortunate we feel to have her as part of our team. Initially there was concern with how someone learning English could help our team and clients when language and communication are everything. I am so thankful that we put that fear aside and gave Anastasiia the chance she deserved. Anastasiia is one of the hardest working people I have met. She is humble, never pushing her expertise, in spite of the fact that we all benefit from it. She is silly, kind, and has a knack with technology that makes me green with envy. Anastasiia makes me feel good, even when sometimes the world around me may not feel so good.

Sarah attended Winthrop University, majoring in Graphic Design. She has been working in the veterinary profession for 17 years and started her career in South Carolina. She joined Healthy Paws in March 2023, fitting in seamlessly as a veterinary assistant. Sarah lives in the Crystal Lake area with her family and main squeeze, Chihuahua Mochi. In her free time, Sarah is a professional artist creating beautiful and unique masterpieces and often spends weekends enjoying Chicago.

From Dr. Burgess…

Stealth, purposeful, and constant are the words that remind me most of Sarah. She is always there – in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. Her ability to quietly work behind the scenes getting a project done or a record completed is really quite remarkable. Sarah is also unexpected in so many ways, most notably with her wit that, at a moment’s notice, can bring a smile to your face or a chuckle to the room. And then there is Sarah’s artwork. It is a given that Sarah is amazing with animals, but she is also exceptional with art. She creates artwork that is striking, unexpected, silly, colorful….it blows my mind how she can take color, texture, mix it with her mind and graphically create such unique creations. For all of these reasons, Sarah makes our worlds more colorful.

Kristen is another client convert for our team who previously worked in radio marketing, nonprofit fundraising, and education. Client number 797, Kristen’s cat Fred, was known by all. Similar to Carol, we were so excited when she expressed interest in joining our team, even willing to wait several months until we had the proper opening for her in January 2021. At home, Kristen and her husband, Kevin, are empty-nesters with their son away at college in Milwaukee. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys reading, singing along with Broadway shows, spending time with her family, and traveling, especially to her home state of Colorado for hiking and skiing.

From Dr. Burgess…

I am not sure what sold us more on Kristen, knowing her for years as a client, her interview, her application, her cover letter, her thank you card. Quite honestly, any one of them was enough for us to say “yes, please” – the combination blew us away. Kristen fits in with our team beautifully. I would argue that every one of my coworkers is overqualified for their role bringing experience and professionalism to our work environment that is priceless, Kristen is no exception. So much of our Healthy Paws world is about selflessly making someone else’s life easier, whether it be a coworker, client, or patient. Kristen, on day one, saved me by helping me modify a Zoom account issue I was having. It may seem small, but it is the small things that add up, and I cannot wait to see all of the small and big things Kristen has to offer.

Anna joined the Healthy Paws team in the spring of 2024. She has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science from Purdue University. She worked at Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette, Indiana and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago before becoming a stay at home mom to twins who recently graduated from college. Most recently she worked as a Paraprofessional in District 158 helping students with reading and math. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Though she currently has no pets at home, she’s been blessed with dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, reptiles and rodents throughout her life.

From Dr. Burgess…

Anna joined our team part-time in spring 2024. For the first several months, she balanced working with students in the classroom and then coming to work with our clients and patients. She has a passion for nature and animals, always noticing the beauty around her and participating in events such as the Great Backyard Bird Count. “Gentle soul” is how I would best describe Anna. No matter what life throws at her, no matter how tough or unsettling, Anna always stays true to herself and shares kindness and compassion with everyone around her.

Brenda came to Healthy Paws in July 2020 from the airline industry, working at United in customer service. With prior experience as a swim coach and full-time mom, Brenda understands juggling individual needs while keeping a team together. Brenda lives with her husband, Mark, and three dogs, Gracie, Buddy and Tallulah. In her free time, Brenda shares one of my favorite kitchen tools as a passion – sous vide cooking – and LOVES playing pickleball.

From Dr. Burgess…

Brenda just has it together. Done. She reminds me of the poles that you see stoplights on, always present and reliable and able to withstand the worst of storms while looking simple but elegant. And then, below the surface, Brenda is one of the nicest human beings you will ever meet. Brenda feels things deeply, which is one of her gifts. When her son adopted a dog that was infected with heartworm disease, it nearly broke Brenda’s heart. Scarlet recovered, and Brenda found a passion. She took her experience and basically vowed to be “that person” for every client going through a similar situation. Her advocacy is stunning. I truly love seeing the tenacity with which Brenda makes things her own.

Carol officially joined our Care Coordinator team in May 2019, but she joined our Healthy Paws family back in 2010 as one of our first clients (client number 149, to be exact). Carol previously worked as a pharmacy assistant and as a homemaker. We were very excited when she approached us about an opening we had, as we already knew we loved her as a client. Outside of work, Carol enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and their sweet and tiny doggy friend, Bodie.


From Dr. Burgess…

Hiring is a very emotional time for us. We are excited to have a new “friend,” but always a little apprehensive about how everyone will get along in real-time. It is an art to find the right fit and our team is fiercely protective of our culture. When Carol expressed interest in a Care Coordinator role, we were nearly giddy. Having taken care of her dog Lily for years, we knew that Carol was compassionate, dedicated, reliable, resilient, and an advocate from the get-go. Carol is a hard worker beyond comparison, always pushing herself to be better, always her toughest critic. While Carol shines at customer service, it is equally fun to see her tenacity, fighting for not only the rights of our clients, but also of our practice. I am super excited to have had Carol now as not only a client, but a coworker.

Kadee joined Healthy Paws Animal Hospital in 2011 and her favorite part of working at the hospital is building relationships with clients and their pets. She lives in Cary with her husband, Jim, while their son Robbie lives in Chicago and just finished a postgraduate health care degree and their daughter Ashlee just graduated from Illinois State and started her nursing career. In her free time, Kadee can be found reading a good book, taking a walk, trying new community restaurants with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.


From Dr. Burgess…

I had the pleasure of meeting Kadee as a childcare provider years ago at our local YMCA. Kadee’s openness, welcoming personality, and sincerity immediately caught my eye as someone I wanted to be around and work with someday. It has been a pleasure experiencing her work at Healthy Paws and our families have grown with Kadee over the years. We often say, “remember when” we only used two exam rooms, “remember when” the kids were all in diapers or grade school? Kadee is an integral part of our team, always eager to learn and explore new solutions. In particular, she takes pride in her ability to wrestle a schedule, allowing us to help as many pets as possible, yet still give the time that everyone deserves. More than anything, you can hear Kadee’s smile through the phone, providing ease and comfort for countless people daily. Kadee is a true leader and teacher in all she does.

Eryn received her Veterinary Technician degree from Rockford Career College and immediately entered the world of emergency medicine. Healthy Paws became her home in January 2022. Eryn and her husband, Kevin, are parents to two young children, Sage and Cullen. In her free time, Eryn enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, baking and crafting. Her furry housemates include dogs Charlie, Shiloh, and Chloe.



From Dr. Burgess…

I am chuckling as I think of Eryn, she could not have been more custom made for our team. In total Eryn style, you may not know her for long, yet she packs so much energy and sincerity into everything she does that it feels like a long-term relationship from day one. Eryn takes the world in stride, and, in the process, she brings those around her up. Rest assured, if you need a laugh, you can rely on Eryn to come up with some random comment out of the blue that has everyone giggling. Eryn, while pregnant with her first child, kept us in stitches with her dry and blunt observations on her and our world alike.

Heather attended Rockford Career College to earn her Certified Veterinary Technician degree. Prior to joining Healthy Paws Animal Hospital in 2021, she worked with a holistic veterinarian for many years. Away from work, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and their dogs, Sharpie and Scotty, and cats Sammy and Stevie. Her free time is spent gardening, creating stained glass, sewing, camping, hiking, and kayaking.

From Dr. Burgess…..

I have a good friend that I call my Bonsai tree. She was a friend of a friend originally, but over the last ten years, slowly and steadily, our friendship grew roots that are so solid and reliable that they seem timeless. Heather reminds me of this friend in how, without pomp and circumstance, she has established herself within our practice and team. Getting to know the layers of her personality and seeing the depth of her skills has been like unwrapping a new gift every month. And even better is when you get Heather going, and you see her silly side coming out of nowhere – it makes everybody’s day more enjoyable.

Amanda received her Bachelors in Animal Science from Southern IL and her Veterinary Technician Certification from Joliet Junior College. Her experience began in high school at a large and small animal practice and has included an exotic animal practice, a large multi-doctor practice, and a holistic-focused practice before joining Healthy Paws in early 2021. Amanda has a busy home life, spending time with her husband, Nick, and three young sons, Chuck, Adam and Edison. Horseback riding, sewing, and hiking are Amanda’s hobbies away from work. Amanda’s furry friends include dogs Clark and Rogue, bearded dragon Reptar, and horses Tammy Fay and Maynard.

From Dr. Burgess…

I quite honestly do not even remember when we hired Amanda because I cannot remember a time without her contagious spirit being in our treatment room. Amanda’s spirit is absolutely overflowing and pervasive. Whether it be completing a work task, talking about bad reality TV shows, coming up with ideas for a birthday party, or lamenting a child’s illness, Amanda finds a way to be all in and stay positive. Balancing home and work is a talent, and having young children, twins nonetheless, has given Amanda a run for her money. Yet she comes in laughing constantly, amazing us with her creativity. I often feel like I get to live vicariously through her sewing and cricutting, which are also passions of mine. To have all of this and a love and talent with animals is unbelievable.

Liz had years of experience as a Certified Veterinary Technician before joining our team in March 2016. She earned an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology at Madison Area Technical College in 2004 and has practiced in both Illinois and Wisconsin. In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband, son Jack, daughter Addie, and extended family. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, watching her kid’s sporting events, and walking her best furry Labrador mix friend, Indy.

From Dr. Burgess…

The words that best describe Liz to me are quiet grace, spice, and confidence. Her personality is such a fun mix of these three qualities that it is always fun to hear what she is going to say next. Getting a rise out of Liz is nearly impossible, which is so valuable in our often tumultuous world. While one may think that Liz is shy, she has a spark that makes us laugh on a daily basis. And when it comes to skills and experience, she is wise beyond her years. I am blessed to work with so many moms. Being able to share parenting trials and tribulations, knowing I am not alone or crazy, is always reassuring. On a regular basis, Liz is an amazing “Mom sounding board” for all of us. Having Liz join us has given us stability I could only have dreamed of as a team member.

Cheri joined the Healthy Paws team in 2012. She has nearly 30 years of animal hospital experience with various specialties, including surgery, diagnostic imaging, emergency, and critical care. Cheri has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Andrews University and an Associate in Sciences and Arts degree from the College of DuPage. Cheri enjoys spending her time off with her partner and her son with their 3 animals. Listening to inspirational podcasts and exploring the outdoors are favorite pastimes.

From Dr. Burgess…

Cheri and I worked together at a specialty hospital in Downers Grove. When John and I were planning Healthy Paws, I told Cheri there would always be a spot for her working with me, just say the word. I still remember the call two years later and my joy at being reunited with this amazing person. Cheri has a spirit that is pervasive. Those who meet her immediately experience her exuberance for life. She is one of the toughest people I know and has one of the best attitudes you can imagine. With her mix of emotional support and reflective wisdom, she is who you want to be around when things are tough. Cheri helps us all lead not just a “half-full” life, but an “overflowing” one.

Starting as an extern in January 2016, Brooke officially joined our Healthy Paws team in March 2016 after graduating with her Certified Veterinary Technician degree from Rockford College. Away from work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband Eric, their two young children, Kennedy & Cooper, stepson Ian, and their basset hound mix Annabelle. Between a home in Belvidere and close family ties, Brooke thrives balancing a full platter.



From Dr. Burgess…



I first heard about Brooke from a previous coworker that I greatly respected. She suggested Brooke as a potential extern. While I was not sure we were ready to support a student, I knew there must be something special about Brooke for her to come so highly recommended. I have been grateful ever since that we said yes. Since then, we have seen Brooke grow from a green new grad to a confident veterinary care provider. Brooke is a go-getter, always willing to take on new tasks and challenges. Her work is impeccable, while her love of animals is endless. Brooke’s husband is a tattoo artist and, while I myself do not have any tattoos, I love seeing the beautiful artwork he creates. Even more beautiful is seeing Brooke in the role of mother. While initially a bit shy, Brooke very quickly blossomed into a very talented technician, leader, and source of knowledge for our team.

Dr. Tracey Haslitt graduated from Michigan State University in 2005 and worked primarily in emergency medicine until she joined the Healthy Paws family in March 2022. Over her career, Dr. Haslitt has received additional certifications in acupuncture, chiropractors, and rehabilitation. With those modalities, Dr. Haslitt offers both a Western/traditional medical approach to patient care along with an integrative view and alternative therapies. In her free time, Dr. Haslitt adores her feline children, Jose, Yinzer & Elvis, as well as her horses, Jewel, Jezebel and Westley. Her passions include horseback riding (Dressage), her cats, and reading.

From Dr. Burgess……

Finding an associate veterinarian is one of the biggest challenges in our profession. Trying to find someone with similar values and communication skills who practices strong medicine and can get along with team members and clients alike is tough enough. Combine this with an overwhelming lack of veterinarians and it often feels like finding a unicorn might be a better bet. When my good veterinarian friend brought Dr. Haslitt to my attention, I literally stalked her (in a non-creepy way) in an effort to show her our little piece of heaven here at Healthy Paws. Dr. Haslitt has become an endearing part of our culture. She is not only generous, kind and patient, but as importantly, she practices exceptional medicine. Dr. Haslitt pushes me to be a better veterinarian, which is a double blessing.

Dr. Megan Mosier graduated from Kansas State University in 1999 and then completed a small animal internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital, a large specialty/referral hospital in Florida. Since then, she has practiced small animal medicine in various settings, initially as an associate and later as a relief veterinarian. Dr. Mosier relocated to the Chicagoland area, where she lives with her three college-age kids, her son and twin daughters. Notably, she has been working collaboratively with Dr. Burgess since their Hollywood Animal Hospital internship in Florida. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, taking care of her myriad of pets (rabbits, dogs, cats, geckos and horses), and traveling.

From Dr. Burgess….

Rarely do you meet a person like Dr. Mosier. Exuberant, bubbly and just plain joyous is how I would start to describe her, but this only scratches the surface. A talented veterinarian with a fierce dedication to her patients, Dr. Mosier is a balance of compassion, knowledge, and reality that is truly essential to thrive in our profession. I have known Dr. Mosier since veterinary school and we have taken very similar paths over the years. Personally, she has provided me support and been a cheerleader through thick and thin; professionally, she leaves me feeling confident and at peace when caring for our patients.

James Herriot, 4H, and a cat named Cicero made Dr. Burgess who she is today. Born and raised in Kansas City with parents who were high school teachers, her summer driving trips were spent listening to All Creatures Great and Small on the car radio – it was then that an interest in veterinary medicine and a determination to embrace all things animal was born. Volunteering for the local vet at fourteen turned into a high school job and taught her the ropes of the profession, from kennel cleaning to answering phones.

Dr. Burgess attended Kansas State University and received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After graduation, she moved to Hollywood, FL, to obtain advanced training at a large referral, general, and emergency practice in a small animal internship focusing on cats and dogs. In 2000, she relocated to her soon-to-be husband’s hometown of Chicago.

Dr. Burgess then practiced downtown at an extensive general practice and at the referral specialty center Arboretum View Animal Hospital, which provided emergency/critical care. Along with her husband, John, the idea for Healthy Paws Animal Hospital was born and a dream finally came true with its opening in May 2010.

While not at work, Dr. Burgess enjoys spending time with her husband and practice manager, John, and their four daughters. Her hobbies include reading, swimming, sewing, and cooking.