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
    • Lorrie HarrisLorrie Harris

      Phenomenal, compassionate, goes the extra mile and truly gets our love for our animal family members. Her assistance with the difficult decision to end our 7 month old kitten Moon's terminal pain February 9th, 2017 will forever be remembered. Dignity, love and respect by not only Dr. Tammy, but her staff as well, is unmeasurable. They are the epitome of what all animal medical care givers should aspire to be. Again, thank you truly. <3 Sincerely, Lorrie Harris, Aden and Carolyn Giannopoulos, her many canine siblings and cousins, otherwise known as Moon's family. *Side note, Dr. Tammy, we are saddened to learn last night when we returned home from Moon's passing, that you yourself lost your personal cat yesterday. He and Moon are playing, I'm sure of it.

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    • Sarah Matheny-CarnieSarah Matheny-Carnie

      We love the mchenry animal hospital!! Everyone is friend and helpful!! Our poor old man (shiba inu) was suffering from ear infections and our old vet kept saying it was just ear mites and to keep cleaning them!! After a month I had enough went here and bam ear infection!! After some antibiotics and a deep cleaning all is well!! Thank you so much for listening to my concerns and addressing them! Never going anywhere else!!

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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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    • Michael CostiganMichael Costigan

      Very compassionate, innovative, and thorough. They really care about the animals that they help.

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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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    • Jenny S.Jenny S.

      Love this place! Everyone is so nice and Dr. Schmidt is wonderful. One of my dogs got hurt and she squeezed us in that day (which was a Friday). She is... Read More

    • Emma OteroEmma Otero

      We LOVE this place! And are so glad we decided to switch and come here ! My puppy, Ted, can be a handful! Dr. Schmitt and the staff are so patient with him. From the minute we walk in he is greeted with smile and a treat! Even when he is being a little anxious and barking away! We had a couple issues with our Ted and Dr. Schmitt has been great with any questions or concerns we have. We would not take him anywhere else!

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