This is a team unlike any other. The commitment, passion, patience and dedication of our each of our staff members is what makes Loyal Companions different from any other animal hospital. We don’t come in to work to punch a clock. To us, caring for your pet the way we would care for our own is a calling. Meet the people who make it all possible.
Doctors

Dr. Vicki Petsche
Owner and Veterinarian
The idea for Loyal Companions was born out of the combination of my dedication to learn and improve,and my desire to strengthen the bond people share with their pets.
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Dr. Aly Oriold
Associate Veterinarian
My desire to become a veterinarian was born from a lifelong compassion for animals integrated with a fascination for medicine.
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Dr. Michelle Sherman
Associate Veterinarian
Like many veterinarians, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian as a child. I spent many days bandaging and caring for
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Management

Siri Peterson
Practice Manager
I have always been deeply passionate about everything related to animals, which naturally led me to pursue a career in the veterinary field.
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Amanda Werley
Veterinary Practice Manager
My passion for the veterinary field started when I was very young, and only grew as I went through school.
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Hospital Team

Jaclyn Schmidt, CVT

Leticia Toler, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
I earned my degree in veterinary technology from Parkland College in 2003.
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Lindsey Rud, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
I graduated from Joliet Junior College in 2009 with an Associate’s in Animal Medicine.
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Molly Zabler, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
Hi, I’m Molly. I have had a love of animals for as long as I can remember.
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Maria Dekker, LV
Veterinary Technician
I am originally from Barcelona, Spain, where I earned my degree of Licensed Veterinarian at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 1993.
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Tash Balsamello
Veterinary Assistant & Client Relations
Animals have always been a part of my life. My very first memories involve my sweet cat Cameo.
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Michelle Perez
Veterinary Assistant & Client Relations
I have worked here at Loyal Companions for almost three years. I have three human children and two furry babies.
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Alex D’Agostino
Veterinary Assistant
Growing up, my family bonded over animals and the environment. My mother and I would volunteer to help stray animals
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Emma Pietsch
Veterinary Assistant
I am currently working towards a veterinary technician degree online and hope to become a Certified Veterinary Technician.
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Nora Pyle
Certified Veterinary Technician
My love for animals goes way back. I knew early on that I wanted to turn my love for animals into a career that gives back.
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Mary Jo
Certified Veterinary Technician
I am Elite Fear Free, Human Animal Bond, and Cat Friendly certified. I have been working as a veterinary nurse since 1988.
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Grace Klemm
I am one of the newer veterinary assistants here with a passion for all things animal care. My
journey in the world of animal care began with a deep
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Tatum Orr
Pet Resort Team

Kate Leidi
Professional Grooming Stylist & Pet Resort Attendant
Hi, my name is Kate. I am the Grooming Stylist at Loyal Companions.
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Paige Stratman
Groomer & Pet Resort Attendant
I have spent my whole life with animals. As soon as I graduated high school, I immediately started working with dogs.
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Robin Ralich
Pet Resort Attendant
I have been working with dogs and horses for over ten years. They truly are Loyal Companions.
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Erin Heuer
Pet Resort Attendant
I have been in the animal care industry for 8 years now. My journey with animals started with horses and slowly but surely moved into dogs, cats and other small animals.
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Ali Evanson
Dog Trainer
Ali is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and continues her education and professional growth by attending several seminars each year.
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Emma Hanson
Dog Trainer
Hello, my name is Emma Hanson, I have been professionally training and working with animals for almost 10 years.
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Brianna Cassata
I am a Daycare Supervisor and the new Puppy Kindergarten trainer. I am so grateful to be apart of such a great team that shares the same values as I do when it comes to taking care of animals.
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Kodie Cast

Reilly Ayers
I have been working with animals for seven years, but my love for them has been with me from the start.
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Madeline Crews
My two greatest passions in life have always been art and animals. I am at my happiest when I am surrounded by animals and creativity.
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April Callahan
Professional Grooming Stylist
I am a Fear Free Certified pet groomer. I love grooming because I get to help pets look and feel their best
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Jannise Benitez
I have been in the animal field for about 7 years. My love for animals began with my childhood pug Brownie.
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