Our Careteam

Elyse
Veterinary Assistant
Although she’d always had a soft spot for animals, Elyse didn’t know she would find herself working in the veterinary profession one day. When she first applied to be a veterinary employee, she was just looking for something a little different. Now, Elyse’s work is much more than a job—it’s her true passion!

Elyse first joined the Animal Hospital of McHenry family in November of 2011. Her favorite part of the workday is the wide variety of things she gets to do and the multitude of different pet personalities she’s able to interact with on a daily basis.

At home, Elyse has several pets. She shares her life with two cats named Noah and Summer; a rescued mouse who goes by Mousy; and multiple fish.
Karen
Veterinary Assistant
Karen grew up in Deerfield, Illinois, where she got her first dog at the age of three and began riding horses when she was only four years old. All her life, she’s been interested in helping animals—Karen is thrilled to continue her veterinary journey as a member of the Animal Hospital of McHenry team!

Karen started her animal-care career at a large-animal facility, then became a state-certified large-animal investigator. After working a number of other jobs in various fields, she accepted a position at another local small-animal practice before joining the Animal Hospital of McHenry family.

Karen and her husband have three children and six grandchildren. They share their home with two dogs—a Labrador named James Brown and a mixed-breed named Minnie—as well as three horses and a pony. Karen trained, taught, coached, and showed horses for many years, and is happy to now share her knowledge and love of these wonderful creatures with her grandchildren.
Stacy
Veterinary Assistant
Stacy grew up in a small Wisconsin town, where she spent a lot of time on the family farm. Her passion for animals was apparent quite early—she remembers getting reprimanded frequently for bringing critters into the house! As fate would have it, Stacy’s love of animals has come full circle. Now, she’s able to help pets on a daily basis as a Veterinary Assistant.

Stacy’s veterinary journey began several years ago when she took a reception job at a specialty practice in Buffalo Grove. When her son was born, she took a few years off before getting back into the workforce part-time as a waitress. As her son grew a bit older, Stacy was ready to transition back into day work and knew that a veterinary clinic was the only place for her—that’s when she joined the Animal Hospital of McHenry team. As an Assistant, she’s especially fond of performing dental cleanings and chatting with pet parents during check-ins. Stacy never tires of a cute animal story!

Much of Stacy’s free time is spent reading, a hobby that she’s happy to say has been passed down to her son. The family lives with several pets of their own: Jinx, a rambunctious pit bull who still thinks he’s a puppy; an elderly cat named Cricket who loves giving Jinx the cold shoulder; a pair of crested geckos; and a corn snake.

  • Pet Cartoons
    • Stangebåy KayStangebåy Kay

      My dog, Feist, and I are thrilled to have access to such compassionate and professional veterinary services that are provided by Dr. Schmitt. Thanks to Dr. Schmitt, Karen, and Stacy for always treating our visits with great attention. I highly recommend this clinic.

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    • Jenna K.Jenna K.

      We just love Dr Schmidt! She's very minimal in her treatment when she can be and moves along slowly to figure things out. She speaking common terms to make... Read More

    • Mary T. DurosMary T. Duros

      This is one of the nicest animal hospitals I've been to. Large, homey, exam rooms with cushioned seats perfect for comforting and snuggling your furkid. Great staff! And Dr Tammy Schmitt. The BEST veterinarian in the greater Chicago area! And not a bad drive from Chicago at all. I highly recommend it.

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    • Lynne Harms GeuzendamLynne Harms Geuzendam

      Dr. Tammy is very thorough and very thoughtful. She's patient and kind to her clients and their pets. Our dogs and cats showed no fear towards her or her staff. We'll never take our pets to anyone else. So very glad we found her!

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    • Melissa CholewinskiMelissa Cholewinski

      My pup and I love it here! Always a happy greeting, appointments are easy to get in, the staff are the best and so is Dr Schmitt!

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    • Dave DemersDave Demers

      Tammy made my Mr. Dennis Reynolds the 2nd a happy cat in no time. She even had a wonderful baby food suggestion that worked, well, it worked wonderfully; I used Gerber beef and beef gravy, the little freak sucks it up like a vampire. I am even able to mix the liquid anti biotic without him noticing. It's no fun forcing liquid into a cat much less a sick jerk cat.

      A good vet. I'll go back I'm sure.

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    • Aimee RoseAimee Rose

      I have now used Animal Hospital of McHenry 3 times now, with each visit being extremely satisfying. It is always nerve-wracking trying a new vet especially for a fur-mom like myself. This vets office has been nothing but worry-free since the first phone call. Every time I bring my dog in they greet her by name with treats. They do a great job or making it a positive experience for both canine and owner. I have always been treated with the utmost respect, kindness, compassion and empathy. My dog had her surgery on her tooth performed at this location and they called me through out the day to let me know how she was doing. My border collie can be a bit of a handful when she is stressed but they handled her so well. They allowed her to roam the back or be in a play pen because she is frightened by crates/cages. They let my dog be herself and allowed her to feel comfortable at her own pace.

      Again, I would highly recommend them and I thank them for the kindness and compassion they have shown myself as well as my most beloved furry friend. I will continue to be a loyal client and trust The Animal Hospital of McHenry with my babies.

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