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 as a fan and coach, 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.

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, is 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. At home, Kristen is Austin’s mother and Kevin’s wife. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys reading, singing along with Broadway shows, spending quality 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.

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 four dogs, Gracie, LT (Little Trouble), Buddy, and Tallulah. In her free time, Brenda shares one of my favorite kitchen tools as a passion…sous vide cooking! and LOVES Pickelball.

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 really 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 sweet five # 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 Lilly 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, just celebrating her eleven-year anniversary! Her favorite part of working at the hospital is building relationships with clients and their pets. She lives in Cary with her husband Jim and two cats, while her son Robbie lives in Chicago and is pursuing a postgraduate health care degree, and her daughter Ashlee attends Illinois State. In her free time, Kadee can be found reading a good book, taking a walk, or trying new community restaurants with her husband.

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 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, welcomed their first child, Sage, born February 2, 2023. In her free time, Eryn enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, 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; 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 that out of the blue 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. 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. 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 sons (Chuck, Adam, and Edison), all under the age of four. Horseback riding, sewing, and hiking are Amanda’s hobbies away from work. Amanda’s furry friends include dogs Clark and Rogue, guinea pigs Jane and Curly Fry, 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 cricuting, 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 over 20 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’s son, Vaughn, is the apple of her eye and her favorite person on earth. Cheri enjoys spending her time off with Vaughn, their dog Max, and her mother. Hiking, listening to inspirational podcasts, and exploring are all 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. Brooke lives with her basset hound mix Annabelle, her husband Eric, three-year-old daughter Kennedy, and eighteen-year-old stepson Ian. Between a home in Belvidere, a toddler, 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. Tracy 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, Sybil, Yinzer, Jose & Lily, in addition to her horses, Rosie, Jezebel, and Jewel. Horseback riding (Dressage), her cats, and reading are her passions.

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, dog, cats, gecko, and horses), and traveling.

From Dr. Burgess….

Rare 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.

Over the last twenty-plus years, Dr. Erica Gibbs has practiced small animal medicine and large animal medicine and owned a practice. Since March 2018, she has been our semi-permanent Wednesday veterinarian. Dr. Gibbs lives in Lake Geneva, WI, with her husband and two Labrador retrievers, Chelios and Diamond. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and playing golf.

From Dr. Burgess….

Ensuring that our patients and clients receive the same experience every time they visit Healthy Paws while personally balancing work and family time can be challenging in a single veterinarian practice. I would choose to close for a day before having the wrong person treat my patients or work with my team. Meeting Dr. Gibbs was a sigh of relief for me. Her practice style, medical knowledge, and respect for our team fall right in line with our practice culture. Dr. Gibbs’ years of experience and calm compassion allow our practice to grow gracefully. Dr Gibbs has become an integral part of our team, allowing us to expand our service hours while continuing to provide an amazing and reliable veterinary experience.

James Herriot, 4H, and a cat named Cicero made Dr. Burgess who she is today. Born and raised in Kansas City to high school teachers, summer driving trips were spent listening to All Creatures Great and Small on the car radio—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 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 young daughters. Her hobbies include reading, swimming, sewing, and cooking.

Healthy Paws Animal Hospital, How We Exceed Expectations….

At Healthy Paws Animal Hospital, compassion meets dedicated care. Our facility goes beyond the ordinary, providing tailored medical, surgical, dental, and behavioral services for your cherished pets. From general wellness exams to compassionate euthanasia, communication is vital, and vaccination protocols are customized for each patient.

Our features, including “in-room” checkout, floor-to-ceiling exam room windows, and paperless records, create a calming experience. Located on Lakewood Road, near Crystal Lake and Algonquin, we’re here for you and your beloved pet. Please contact us today for a veterinary experience that exceeds expectations.