BERGLUND - Key Persons
Born and raised in Illinois, Alison became a CVT in 2013. She has over 10 years experience working in both shelters and small animal practices. She has always had a passion for animals and knew at an early age this was the career path for her. She has owned and fostered many animals over the years. Recently married, Alison and her husband, Bailey, look forward to growing their furry family!
Born and raised in Skokie, Carrie used to bring her pets to Berglund as a little girl. In 1975, Carrie started working at Dempster Animal Hospital. In 2001, when Dr. Cosnow retired, Berglund was fortunate enough to open the door to his clients, but most importantly, Carrie decided to join the staff at Berglund as well. She has been working here ever since and has a wealth of information and experience. She loves country line dancing and checking out the local garage sales. She has a grown son, Karl, and lives in Grayslake with her husband, Bill, 2 dogs, Wilbur, and Chester, and many pet chickens.
Catherine joined the Berglund team in September 2020. She came here from Florida after spending two years working at Zoo World. She had previously worked alongside Alison, one of our CVTs, at Wright-Way Rescue and Alison knew that Catherine would be a great fit here at Berglund. She lives with the sweetest black cat, Milo.
Dr. Aria Hill was born and raised in New Jersey and knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian. After volunteering at the Humane Society of New York during high school, her career path was solidified. Aria obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. After making the big move from the East Coast to the Midwest in 2015, Aria joined the Berglund family and couldn't be happier. She looks forward to meeting you and your furry family members.
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Veterinarian
Lu grew up in Evanston/Skokie and graduated from ETHS in 1987. She completed her veterinary medical training at the University of Illinois CVM in 1993. She lives with her husband, Jon, children, Harrison and James, and 2 dogs, Betty and Barney (photo coming soon). Her crew of senior dogs (Pepsi, Dino and Chilly) pictured have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Dr. Laura Schwartz happily joined the Berglund family in the Fall of 2015. Laura grew up in Mt Prospect and began her veterinary career at the age of 15 as a veterinary assistant at a local animal hospital. She attended the University of IL where she obtained her B.A. in Animal Sciences. She loved the ILLINI so much that she stayed to receive her D.V.M in 2008. Dr. Schwartz' true love of veterinary medicine is split between the science of medicine, specifically geriatric veterinary medicine, and the bond created between families and their pets. She is the proud owner of a standard poodle named Daisy.
Job Titles:
- CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Elena joined the Berglund team in June 2021. A long time client of Berglund, she witnessed our move from Gross Point to Central Street and was so excited to join us as a client service representative. Born in Khabarvosk, Russia, Elena moved to the US at 18 months old and settled with her family in Wilmette at age 6. After graduating from New Trier in May 2017, she went away to college, but missed her cats so much that she came back home. Now joined by her dog, Lily, the cats Alexander and Nicholas are happy she is back!
Francesca joined the Berglund family in August 2019. She was born and raised in the Des Plaines area and graduated in May 2019 with an A.A.S. at the Veterinary Technician Institute at Fox College where she got hands on experience with large, small and exotic animals before becoming a CVT. Francesca has dreamed of this job to help animals for as long as she could remember but became more interested in becoming a CVT after losing her Chihuahua in 2015. Francesca currently still lives in Des Plaines with her Border Collie mix, Cali.
Mandy graduated from Parkland College and became a CVT in 1999. She joined the Berglund staff in 2000 and hasn't looked back. She has excellent technical skills and loves helping in dentistry and surgical procedures. She currently lives in Gurnee with her husband, James, 2 cats and a rabbit.
Tracy joined Berglund Animal Hospital in May 2014. She comes to us with a background in Nursing with a specialty in Hospice Care. She lives in Libertyville with her son, Jadon, who keeps her busy and young. She has an overwhelming desire to care for both humans and animals, and knows the importance of listening to patients.