Meet our Team

Dr. Van Pelt, who co-founded Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated with honors from the University of Illinois' College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. She opened this practice with the goal of providing the highest quality veterinary care, which demands professionalism, compassion, and a personal touch from all of us at Family Pet. Additionally, served on the board of directors for the Chicago Emergency and Specialty Center (now MedVet Chicago) as Vice President and subsequently as President from 2002 until 2015 to ensure our patients had the best specialty and emergency care available to them.

What made you want to become a vet?
In second grade my teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I replied that I wanted to be a veterinarian she told me that I would change my mind. I was a determined child and I took it as a challenge. When I reflect, I am grateful that I love my career so much and did not err out of stubbornness. In school I was drawn to the sciences and medicine was the obvious choice. I prefer veterinary medicine to human medicine because we focus on the well being of the entire patient and not just one organ system.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Every time I send a patient home healthy I find my career rewarding. I always call my clients after a serious procedure on their pet, or late at night if there is a turn for the better, or too early in the morning if there is good news, because I find it rewarding to relay my excitement and concern for their pet and to hear the relief or joy in the owner’s voice.

After practicing for 25 years, I find it equally rewarding to help younger veterinarians better understand test results or a disease and to pass on the art and nuances of veterinary medicine I have picked up over the years. You can be well-educated, but it takes time to truly assess a patient and apply the diagnostic results to come to the correct diagnosis. I love when I see it click in a new veterinarian’s mind.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I am told I should go into interior design, but I know I have my own style and would probably not accommodate to another person’s style. Besides, I get too excited when I see medical shows on television and catch the director’s mistakes or learn about a new procedure or concept in human medicine and try to incorporate it into my veterinary knowledge.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Snakes! I have tried to overcome this by handling them, but I cannot predict their movements or understand how they are able to move without feet. This frightens me.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Professionally, starting Family Pet Animal Hospital with Dr Marla Minuskin (and now continuing with Dr Jane Lohmar.) Our personalities are so different, but we respect those differences and each other’s medicine. I feel we have created an atmosphere that reflects the best of each of our personalities and drive. As president of the board of Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (Recently acquired by MedVet Chicago in 2015), I am seeing a long time dream of mine finally come to fruition as we have established and continue to expand this important resource for clients and veterinarians. Personally, adopting and raising my children with my husband, Bob.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
I am short on spare time between working and my family. I love to be active (tennis, pilates, working out) so it is great when I can exercise with my kids. My daughter and I will sometimes go on a morning run. When she is tired, we walk and talk and I love to hear how grown up she has become. Otherwise, put me on a boat! I love the water – It relaxes me.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
There are so many pet experts offering advice on all areas from nutrition to training to health care. I feel the industry needs more accreditation programs so that the average pet owner can knowledgeably select whose advice to follow.

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
I once treated a pet opossum for kidney failure and a Vietnamese potbelly pig for intestinal upset from an apple pie.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I was recently put on a wheat-reduced diet so my favorites had to change. Dark chocolate covered raisins and milk chocolate strawberries are my new stress relievers.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Laziness. I cannot understand why some people don’t want to experience more out of life.

Name 5 things people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I’m on a wheat-reduced diet
2. I’m allergic to cats and rabbits
3. I’ve gone skydiving and bungee jumping
4. I can’t whistle
5. My first job was selling shoes at Wiebolt’s

Dr. Lohmar graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995, and began practicing here as an associate veterinarian in 1997. Dr Jane is one of the pillars of Family Pet’s practice, and we were both proud and grateful to welcome her as a partner in 2011.

What made you want to become a vet?
Being a banker for 11 years just wasn’t cutting it for me. I loved the people I worked with (yes, bankers can be lovable!) but got no charge out of what I was doing. I had done extensive volunteering in the wildlife and zoo fields, and knew that broadly I wanted to work with animals. A good friend asked me what I would do if there were no obstacles, and “Be a vet” just popped out of my mouth. (Thank you, Steve!)

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I had volunteered at an animal hospital with my friend Darrin, but when he moved to Seattle to become one of the vets at the Woodland Park Zoo, he suggested I call Family Pet. At the time, it had been opened only a short while, and when I spoke to Marla about volunteering, she answered that she wouldn’t know what to do with a volunteer! I persisted and later landed a volunteer spot before I went to vet school, then kept coming back during school. At graduation, Family Pet didn’t have room for another vet, so I worked at another hospital for 2 years until a spot opened up. (Two VERY LONG years, I might add.)

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I was an economics major in undergrad, and had virtually no science in my background, so I had to go back to school to take biology, chemistry, physics, etc. before I could apply to vet school.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?

• What is my dog allergic to?
• What is the best food to feed my pet?
• How long will my pet live?
• (All, by the way, virtually unanswerable questions.)

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Inattention. By whom? Owners, veterinarians, day care supervisors, dog park visitors, pet sitters We’re all responsible for the safety and health of our companion animals.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Hands down, crocodiles. A number of years ago I was on a research expedition in Brazil, and while paddling a canoe down a river, I was surrounded by stealthy crocs. I froze and it was one of the few times in my life I truly felt panicked.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would love to be an editor. I’m not very creative, but I can usually take what someone else has written and make it better. In my fantasy world, though, I would be a Supreme Court Justice, but without the need for congressional approval.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Making sure that every year is better than the last.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Reading (I’m on my fifth or sixth read of A Son of the Circus right now); gardening, although it always gets the best of me; Pilates (thank you Frog Temple for giving me the only exercise I have ever stuck with); watching HGTV; and making my pets happy, which gives me the most happiness in the world.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Costa Rica. It’s got everything I love.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken Pot Pies from 404 Wine Bar.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Drivers who think the yellow light means to speed up. When did they stop teaching that it is illegal to enter an intersection when the light is yellow? That behavior is rude, dangerous and, most of all, arrogant. So I guess that, truthfully, the answer is “arrogance.”

Who are your heroes?
This is the easiest question of all: Jane Goodall.

Name 5 things that people might be surprised to know about you:
Since I wear my heart on my sleeve, I can’t imagine there’s anything that’s not known about me. But here goes:

1. I lived in the jungles of Borneo for 6 months, at an orangutan research facility.
2. OK, that’s all I can think of.

What is your favorite quotation?
“No man made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little” I have no idea who said that, but it has always resonated with me.

Dr. Ujiki graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her clinical year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. She joined Family Pet in 1994 as a technician while still in high school, and continued working here during her summer and winter vacations while completing her undergraduate degree in New York. We eagerly welcomed Dr Amy as an associate veterinarian as soon as she graduated from vet school! Because she has been present for and contributed so much to the rich history of Family Pet, we were excited to welcome her as a managing partner of the practice in 2016.

What made you want to become a vet?
I couldn’t imagine working without animals in my life and I come from a medical family which made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice for me.

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would either own my own flower shop or search for a career that would allow me to travel the world.

What animal scares you more than any other?
All insects big or small…even ladybugs!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
Fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian and my relationship with my husband who is also a veterinarian.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I started at Family Pet as a high school volunteer and immediately fell in love with the hospital and all of the patients. The people at Family Pet became a second family to me and I feel privileged to be a part of such a special practice.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
I enjoy golf, movies, knitting, cooking, gardening, (and silly reality shows are a guilty pleasure).

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
I’ve worked on a lynx, capuchin monkey and a camel.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Obesity has become a growing problem in veterinary medicine (no pun intended).

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere and everywhere…I love to travel. Some favorites include: Sydney, Sienna, Paris, and St. Barths.

What was your minor in college?
Major: Environmental Science. Minor: Religion

What is your favorite comfort food?
Pretty much all food makes me happy.

Dr. Ken graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He had practiced in both Florida and New York prior to settling in Chicago. He had worked occasionally for Family Pet as a relief veterinarian prior to him officially joining our team as an associate veterinarian in 2015.

What made you want to become a vet?
As far back as I can remember, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. My mom claims it started when they bought me a Fisher-Price veterinary kit when I was about 3 years old.

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I was fairly new to the city and was at a neurology dinner-lecture, and I randomly and fortunately sat down at a table next to Rae Ann Van Pelt (co-founder and managing partner of Family Pet). We got along really well and kept in touch and now here I am!

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I was a biology major and anthropology minor in undergrad. Biology was always by far my favorite and best subject.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
The most common question I get is “What kind of food should my dog or cat be eating?” I kind of like this question because I think there is a lot of misleading information out there, perpetuated by companies marketing the various diets. The marketing is really out of control, in my opinion. As long as the food is for the correct life stage (e.g. puppy/kitten, senior), the pet likes the food, the stool is consistent and solid, and the pet’s correct weight is maintained, I’m pretty happy with it.

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
I think the two biggest dangers that can be prevented are obesity and lack of dental care.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Early on in my career, I worked a year as a solo overnight ER vet. I had to perform two emergency GDV surgeries (where the stomach bloats and then flips over) over the course of two weeks on two separate dogs and both did really well. I had to step out of my comfort zone and do something I had never done before and it was very rewarding to see both dogs go home a few days later.

What animal scares you more than any other?
Sharks. I won’t go in the ocean deeper than my waist

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I’d want to be a biologist of some kind.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Getting into veterinary school. I worked really hard for it. The day I got my letter of acceptance was one of the happiest days of my life.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I go to the gym a lot, take naps with my dog Joey, and I’m a foodie-wannabe.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
London

What is your favorite comfort food?
Bacon Cheeseburger

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Honestly, it’s tardiness. So the emergency shift suits me well, because there are no appointments, so no one can ever be late.

Who are your heroes?
That question is kind of a pet peeve – at least how it’s often answered. To me, a hero isn’t just someone you look up to or a role model, but someone who knowingly puts him or herself in harm’s way to help someone else out. So anyone who has served in a war is my hero.

Name five things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1. I snore and sleep with a snore guard
2. I make a large pot of soup every Sunday which then serves as dinner four nights a week.
3. I have really bad dry eye and have to put in various eye drops all day long
4. I’m Jewish but have always celebrated Christmas.
5. All of my dogs that I’ve had as an adult were dogs that were hit by cars, had broken legs/pelvises, and were then abandoned by their original owners.

1. I skydived and jumped off a large waterfall, which I will probably never do again as I have a slight fear of heights. 
2. I am Bolivian American and I am extremely proud of it. 
3. I was lucky enough to visit the University of Pretoria in South Africa and meet a wonderful group of soon-to-be veterinarians from around the world and work with the wildlife veterinarians at Kruger National Park. I rode in the back seat of a truck with a lion that was tranquilized during that trip, which was quite the adrenaline rush. 
4. I was lucky enough to live in the Caribbean for a few years and absolutely loved it and truly miss it. 
5. I am trying, and emphasis on ‘trying’ to learn the violin. 

1. I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
2. I enjoy listening to EDM music and going to festivals.
3. My FAVORITE color is black.
4. I have never successfully kept a plant alive.
5. I’m allergic to cats and dogs but own three cats and one dog – plus I’m a veterinarian. I take lots of allergy medications throughout the day to keep me going! 

What made you want to become a vet?

My choice to become a veterinarian is something I decided to pursue as I was finishing up my undergraduate degree. I was concluding my studies in psychology and was looking to go into clinical social work. After a couple of internships in the field, I decided that it was not the path for me. I always had an interest in medicine and after having to take my dog to the ER for a toxic ingestion, I felt such relief that they were able to help my pet. I wanted to be able to provide that same experience for pet owners.

Educational and/or career background and a little bit about yourself:   
 

Dr. Gonzalez graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She has been practicing in Chicago for 6 years prior to joining Family Pet. Her professional interests include dentistry, internal medicine, and preventative care. Dr. Gonzalez is a Chicago native and lives with her husband and daughters in the Chicago area.  

How did you find yourself at Family Pet?

After practicing in the Chicago area for several years, I found that it was time for a change. What attracted me to Family Pet is that it is a fast-paced hospital that practices exceptional medicine.

Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
My undergraduate degree is in psychology and art history.

What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
What should I feed my pet?

How big will my puppy be?

How do I brush my pet’s teeth?

How old do you think my pet is?

What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?

Unrecognized oral disease. I have had several cases where owners have mentioned that their pet overall feels so much happier after we have removed diseased teeth, and that they did not realize they were even in discomfort.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?

Overall, it has been the ability to build relationships with clients in the care of their beloved pet.

What animal scares you more than any other?

Any insect is off the table. I do not like bugs!

If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?

If I were not a veterinarian I probably would somehow work in interior design, real estate or architecture.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Since I decided later in my studies to become a veterinarian, I had to spend an extra year in undergrad to obtain the science prerequisites needed to get into veterinary school. Spending the extra time in school and getting the experience necessary to get into veterinary school is one of the hardest things I have had to do, and I am so proud that I was able to achieve my goal.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, and you will always find my husband and I hosting a backyard BBQ for our friends and family during the summer. Recently, I discovered an interest in coming up with cocktail recipes and I am the unofficial family mixologist. When I have an opportunity, I also enjoy tapping into my artistic side by painting with watercolors or taking photographs.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I enjoy spending my time anywhere tropical, put me in front of a beach and I am one happy person.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My favorite comfort food is chocolate.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people are not proactive and wait to be told what to do.

Who are your heroes?

The strong women who raised me including my mom, grandma and aunts are always a source of inspiration.

Name 5 things that people might be surprised to know about you:

1) I love to dance and am an avid salsa & cumbia dancer.

2) I am a skincare enthusiast and love learning about new products.

3) I love makeup artistry and have done makeup for family members special events.

4) I hate mushrooms and cherry flavored stuff.

5) My number one guilty pleasure is reality television.

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Dr. Minuskin, a co-founder of Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. After taking an extended medical leave from June 2009 – June 2010, Dr. Marla made the difficult decision to retire from active veterinary practice to focus on her health. She lost her four-year battle with cancer on May 3, 2013. She had a profound impact on all those she met with her larger-than-life personality. We miss her dearly every day. She will remain in our hearts forever.

Melissa received her B.A. from Valdosta State University and began her career in 2021 at Family Pet with previous Veterinary Practice Management experience at Prairie State Vet Clinic. Before Veterinary Practice Management, She was a Zoological Manager and Zoological Hospital Manager at Lincoln Park Zoo. Melissa’s love of animals and their wellbeing is obvious from her zookeeper background at four different zoos across the nation as well as her veterinary technician experience.  She has two sweet, old cats named Squishy Face McGee and Big Boy Blue, as well as one rambunctious step cat named Tips. Her love for exotics will never die, so she also has a piebald ball python named Picasso. What she loves most about working at FPAH is that she gets the opportunity to help maintain exceptional care for our clients and their pets. Melissa is a lover of live theater, traveling out of the country, museums, matinee movies, and reading a good book on the beach.

Jim, one of our Client Care Managers, came to Family Pet in 2002. It was our good fortune that he wanted to give up his previous career in dog walking to work at our front desk! Jim always goes the extra mile for our clients and his fellow staff members.

Michelle, one of our Technical Staff Managers, came to FPAH fresh from school in August 1993. Starting as kennel staff, she was trained in-house by our own doctors to assist in anesthesia and dentistry, and has become a pillar of the Family Pet team.

Kate graduated with a degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (I-L-L!) in 2008, and worked as a technician at DuPage Co. Animal Care and Control for 4 years. After moving into the city, Kate began working at Family Pet early in 2013. With her wealth of experience and terrific personality, she’s been a wonderful addition to our team.

Lilly came to FPAH in October 2010 with a background in management and accounting. A true administrative professional, Lilly works hard to make every client and patient's experience here is as perfect as possible!

Brett joined FPAH in 2010 with a background in fine art. Check out his website www.edentonstudios.com to look at some of his beautiful paintings "in the realist traditions of the old masters."

Josie joined the team in the fall of 2019 after tiring of working management in the food industry. She has always loved animals and her parents keep what she calls a "small zoo" including: a large snake, a prarie dog, a pair of kinkajous, a few lizards and a pair of cats. In the city, she has her 90lb Pit Bull, Ghost, who she will show photos of to anyone who asks. She says she has always been an animal person and finds joy in coming to work to see all the pets where her goal is to pet as many cats and dogs as possible.

Marie joined Family Pet in January 2020, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (B.S.) and an assortment of experience in customer service, I.T., and mental health research. She was drawn to Family Pet by a love and respect for all living creatures (expect maybe earwigs) and the opportunity to greet doggos every day. Her fur baby is Lulu, an orange tabby, who loves car rides and chewing shiny ribbons. You might see her biking to and from Family Pet, wearing a helmet that looks like a watermelon.

Stella graduated from University of Iowa in 2017 with a bachelor’s in psychology. She has worked for 10+ years in customer service positions, and most recently as a dog trainer before Family Pet. The love of animals and assisting people is what gets her up in the mornings. She was very happy to find a job that matches her interests so well! On her off days she will be spending time with her dog Trapper and cat Dorothy, reading, or going to a museum.

Damonde moved from Orlando,  Florida and joined the Family Pet team in August of 2020. He has a background in computer animation, tech support and customer service. Damonde's home currently has a bearded dragon and a retriever mix.  In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and listening to music or an audio book.

Kristine graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a major in Creative Nonfiction and a minor in Cultural Studies. She brings over 8 years of customer service experience to the table with a background in lifeguarding and the restaurant industry. She wanted to combine her experience in customer service with her passion for animals, and Family Pet was the perfect fit! She is thrilled to have a job that allows her to care for animals surrounded by coworkers who share similar passion and compassion. In her free time, you can usually find her at home cuddling with her 2 rescue kitties, Grandpa and Simba, or in a local park, lounging in a hammock with a good book.

Michelle (Micha) joined Family Pet in October of 2020. She has a background in project management and administrative support, along with experience dog walking and pet sitting. She is dog mom to Peanut Butter. She enjoys long dog walks, game nights with friends, going to the comic shop, and traveling to visit family. She appreciates the care and family environment with her coworkers to provide the best support to our clients and patients.

Tony, our Technician Supervisor, joined Family Pet right after we opened in 1990, earning him the FPAH employment-longevity record. Trained over the years by Rae Ann and Marla right here at Family Pet, he is an expert in handling our more frightened or less cooperative patients; a respected team member who leads by example in dedication, work ethic, and necessary good humor; and a skilled technician whom our clients trust implicitly.

Tina has worked at Family Pet as a Veterinarian Technician and Assistant for a total of 10 years – originally beginning in 1992 and then again in 2020.  She has a passion for a variety of animals that led her to an Animal Keeper position at Lincoln Park Zoo. With her experience she opened her own pet care business that sustained 27 years. Outside of Family Pet, she enjoys bird watching & hanging out with her two cats Rosie and Bailey.