VETERINARIAN/OWNER 

OFFICE MANAGER

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 3 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.

CLIENT CARE TEAM 

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 & german shorthair), cats, 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.

Heather Thaxton

Heather- Hi my name is Heather and I have been working at Oak Hill Animal Clinic since December 2011. I have never worked at an animal clinic before but I have always enjoyed spending time with my own pets which include a German Shepherd, “Sabrina”, house cats, “Lulu” and “Eva”, barn cats, and chickens. I look forward to learning more about our clients and their furry friends!

REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS  

Bethany Goodwin, 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 Bauer and my cat Smokey. I have always had a love for animals and now I am able to enjoy working with them everyday.  I was married to my husband Ryan this past October and we look forward to adding to our four-legged family.

VETERINARY 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.

 Annie Fisher

Annie- Hi, my name is Annie and I have been a Vet Assistant for 9 years. In these past 9 years I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with many brilliant Doctors that have taught me a lot along my journey.  I am happy that I have found my way to Oak Hill Animal Clinic where I continue to grow in my education and  feel confident in passing on what I have learned. The staff are wonderful, caring and very knowledgeable. Our patients are wonderful and very friendly. This place makes me feel at home!

In my spare time, I love spending time with my family which consits of my future husband, my 16 year old son and 17 month old grandson. They are the joy of my life.

I am so excited about meeting the current clients and future clients of Oak Hill Animal Clinic.

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 graduated from Crown Point High School June 2010 and am currently studying Natural Resources and Envrionmental Science at Purdue University West Lafayette.  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.