Kathy Huys

Kathy – Since 1999, it has been my pleasure to greet clients and their pets at Oak Hill Animal Clinic. The best part of my day is meeting the “parents” and learning about an important part of their family. I have been a pet owner since the age of eight – always dogs of questionable heritage. We have also added 2 cats with equally shaky pedigrees. I wouldn’t change any of them!

Before coming to the clinic, I worked for eight years as a floral designer in a local shop. When away from the clinic, I enjoy reading anything I can and I continue to do some floral designing. I have been a member of a philanthropic sorority for twenty years and am active in the auxiliary supporting our local fire department.

Betsy Kubisz

Betsy – Upon completing my college degree in Parks & Recreation, I worked in the private and public sector for ten years, only to find out my true love was in the veterinary field! I had been living with dogs all my life and with horses almost as long. I was convinced I wanted to work in large animal, until I did a “ride along” with a horse doctor and found out how insane the hours were, and how physically demanding that field was. With that in mind, I decided on working with small animals, instead. I have been doing this now for 20 years. As the front office manager for a very busy practice I grew tired of the fast pace and found Dr. Walsh and his lovely clinic here at Oak Hill. I truly enjoy the people here and the standard of care practiced by the entire staff.

My home life at my hobby farm in Lowell consists of rescued dogs (newfie & St. Bernard), cats, bunny, pony, and a big pinto who takes me around the neighborhood, when the weather cooperates. I also have a wonderful teenage son and a very understanding husband (notice he gets mentioned last…), who has put up with all my animals and their ongoing needs.

Louise Hooper

Lousie – My family and I moved from Munster to Crown Point in 1987 to enjoy life in the country.  Our family consists of my husband Bob, who is now retired, and our 3 children who are now all married , each with 2 children of their own.  I did work at Cooley Animal Clinic for about 15 years doing many different jobs, all involving working with companion animals.  I then switched to all breed grooming at Cooley’s and continue to do that today on a very limited basis.  In April, 2009 I started working at Oak Hill Animal Clinic doing reception duties.  I have always felt truly lucky that my vocation and avocation are one in the same.  Going to work has always been something to look forward to!

My personal relationship with dogs started when I was 9 with a Pointer/Dalmatian mix named Mo, short for Sir Montague Morris.  He had a burly, outgoing personality and learned any trick I was willing to teach.  He and I performed in several neighborhood carnivals to earn money in support of Channel 11 (public television) which was in its infancy back in the early 1950′s.  Black Magic (Maggie), a black Miniature Poodle, was my first show dog back in 1957.  She was patient with me as I learned about grooming, shows and raising puppies.  Maggie went on to live out her days with my Dad and Mom in Florida where they retired. 

I’ve had several breeds over time including Harlequin Great Danes and a Bearded Collie named Amy.  In 1982 I saw a Cairn Terrier at a dog show and decided it was the breed I would like to get serious about.  Independent, hearty, of a smaller size with very little shedding made them seem just perfect.  It was a good fit as 27 years later Cairn’s are still  a big part of my life.  My kennel prefix is Glenmore and Bob and I are proud of the 25+ Cairns we have bred and shown to their AKC Champion titles.  At home with us now are Pillar (the Bouvier de Flanders), Nick Knack, King Lui, and Fizz (all Cairns).  I hope to continue showing dogs until I am well into my 70′s.  It has been a hobby that continues to bring me great satisfaction!

Maggie Reed

Maggie – I was born in Chicago in the 50′s and attended St. Joseph’s College with a degree in business management and accounting.  I worked for 20 years as a pipe fitter in Local # 597 and am now retired.  My husband Rich and I operated New Horizon’s Hunt Club in Fair Oaks, IN.  After 23 years we closed the Club last year to enjoy retirement.  I have always had a passion for dogs especially Labs, English Pointers, English Setters and German Short hair Pointers.  I recently graduated as a certified pharmacy technician and I am continuing my education in the Veterinary Technician field.  I joined Oak Hill in November of 2008 and I am responsible for  maintenance and housekeeping and have also moved into reception duties as well.

REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS  

Laura Garcia, RVT

Laura-  I started working with animals in 1989 after attending college for 2 years away from home with no declared major.  Frustrated, I decided to ask myself what I actually felt passionate about and the answer was animals.  So, I came home and began applying to every animal clinic in the area and finally landed a job at a local vet.  I soon discovered I had a natural ability and decided to apply at Purdue for the Veterinary Technology Program. I graduated in 1991 and have been working in small animal practices ever since.  I especially enjoyworking with geriatric patients.  I currently live in Schererville with my dog Sid and my old lady cat, Maisy. I was married to my husband Ceser Garcia December 5, 2009 and I am finishing my Bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Northwest soon.

Bethany Elliott, RVT

Bethany - My love for animals started at an early age. We have always had pets in our home:  dogs, birds, turtles, fish, salamanders, guinea pigs, etc.  This love of animals has translated into a career that I love!  I have been working with animals since 2007. Before I started working with animals, I was a music performance major at Cornerstone University. After realizing I didn’t want to do that anymore, I began classes at the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College and graduated in December 2008.  I have been working here at Oak Hill since October 2008.  My special interest include clinical laboratory, client education, surgical assistance and of course interacting with the pets.   Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at my home church in Lansing, IL, spending time with my family and friends and spoiling my dog Cocoa. I have always had a love for animals and now I am able to enjoy working with them everyday.  My fiance`, Ryan and I look forward to adding to our four-legged family after our marriage this October.

ASSISTANTS

Mandy Vargo

Mandy – Hi, my name is Mandy and I have been with this wonderful practice since July 27, 2010. However, I worked at another veterinary practice for the past 7 years. Ever since I can remember, I have had a love and passion for animals, this had led me to a career of working with them. I am currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program through Purdue West Lafayette. The online program allows me to work full time and still complete my goal of achieving my Veterinary Technician Certification. Once I achieve this, I am hoping to become an animal behaviorist. 

I was also involved in the Lake County 4-H Dog Program. Ten years as a member, and then 7 years as an assistant trainer, 2 of which I was the Superintendent. 

On March 14, 2009, I began the waiting process to bring the new addition to my family home. My best friend had an unexpected litter and I made it there just in time to my little girl being born. Her name is “Keagan” and she is a 17 month old black Toy Poodle. She is very much spoiled and loved by all who meet her. My family also has a Golden Retriever named “Cheyenne” who is also 17 months old and an 11 year old Shih-Tzu/Poodle mix named “Kirby”. 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending it with my family and friends, camping, hiking, or just being outdoors.

KENNEL ASSISTANTS

Danny Misch

Danny - I started working at Oak Hill Animal Clinic in October of 2008.  I have always loved animals having grown up with a Dalmatian, many fish, hamsters, hermit crabs and currently an Australian Shepherd mix.  Growing up I knew I would like to go into an animal related career or environmental science.  I will graduate from Crown Point High School next June and hopefully will study environmental science at Purdue University Lafayette in 2010.  I have been “pet-sitting” for over 4 years mainly for neighbors and family friends.  When I was hired at Oak Hill I was expecting to walk dogs and help in the kennel.  By this time I oversee all the boarders and help out with anything that’s needed.

 Corinne Wilschke 

Corinne – I began working at Oak Hill Animal Clinic as a kennel assistant in July 2010, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of this business! I love seeing all the different animals that come in to the clinic, and I love helping out as much as I can. I have been a dog lover since I was a little kid, and I hope to have a career in veterinary medicine someday. I love science, especially biology, and plan on attending Purdue University West Lafayette.

I am also a part of Lake Central High School’s Science Olympiad team, Chess Club, Environmental Club, Spell Bowl, Business Professionals of America, Dollars for Scholars, and I hope to add National Honor Society, Debate Club, and Interact Club to the list this year! 

I love working with the people and the animals here; everyone is always very friendly, and I enjoy coming to work everyday!

Justin Cunnane

Justin – My name is Justin, and I am a Junior at Crown Point High School. I originally lived in Thorton, Illinois, but have lived here in Crown Point for over 3 years. I plan on attending Ball State Univeristy, where I can pursue my love of animals majoring in zoology. 

I have always had many pets and currently own a Labrador Retreiever/Rottweiler mix named Sunny, a Corgie named Gracie, a cat named Purdy, tropical fish and 2 box turtles.

Tyler Triumph

Tyler - My name is Tyler, and I am a Senior at Crown Point High School. I have been working here at Oak Hill since this past July as a Kennel assistant and love every minute of it. I have always had a love for animals growing up and have had many pets in my home. I currently have dogs, cats and a hedgehog. Growing up I always had big dogs and my ferret.

Outside of school and work, I enjoy wrestling, frisbee golf, and running. I plan on attending Illinois University with my major still undecided.

DOCTORS  

 Daniel Beatty, DVM

 Dr. Dan - Dr Dan, as I am affectionately known, has been working here since January 2008. I am a 1996 graduate of University of Illinois and I became certified as an animal chiropractor in 1998. I work at Oak Hill on a part-time basis and have my own practice specializing in chiropractic treatment of horses. Besides my busy career I have a busy home life with my wife and 4 children, 2 dogs and a cat. And when I am not busy with all of that I run another business in internet marketing. My outside interests include soccer, paintball and watching my kids grow up.

Dr. Young -    I am a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1989.  I am the former owner of Munster Animal Hospital and  I joined Oak Hill Animal clinic in September 2008.  I am here 2 days a week and 2 Saturdays a month.  In addition to veterinary practice, I also teach a ruminant nutrition class at Purdue University, Calumet.  I am an avid Green Bay Packers fan as well as a civil war history buff.  I enjoy traveling to the historic battlefields where I participate in on site history classes.  I have 2 German Shepherds for pets.