VETNETWORK - Key Persons
Veterinary Technician Adrian Perez got his start in veterinary care five years ago at Brighton Park Animal Hospital. He joined the Animal Hospital on Route 66 as a part-time employee in April 2010.
"I work with some of my co-workers of (Brighton Park Animal Hospital)," he says. "There is more technology here at Route 66."
Adrian is responsible for assisting our clients, administering vaccines, and making sure everything runs smoothly during appointments. He most enjoys the interactions with different clients each day, as well as caring for their pets. Adrian has learned all of his skills on-the-job and puts his best effort into his work. He is bilingual, which is an invaluable asset to our team.
At home, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family - going to the zoo, museum, and aquarium together. He has a 12-year-old cat named Gizmo.
Although Dr. Ernesto Perez credits his mother as his biggest supporter and inspiration, his brother Victor motivated him to choose veterinary medicine during their childhood in Chicago. "As children we would catch stray dogs and cats feed them and nurse them back to health," he remembers. "I specifically remember my brother showing me his biology study flash cards and stating to me, ‘When you grow up, you are going to be a veterinarian.'"
While not all children obey their older siblings, in this case the message stuck. Dr. Perez earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology/Zoology with a minor in Psychology and Spanish from Western Illinois University. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana-Champaign. "The most satisfying part of being a veterinarian is relieving clients' anxiety by successfully treating their sick pet and making them healthy again," he says.
Dr. Perez is a member of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery and emergency and critical care.
When not busy caring for animals at his practice, Dr. Perez enjoys spending time outdoors, specifically running, biking, hiking and swimming. He and his wife Ana Lucia De Leon have two beautiful, healthy boys, Axel and Enrique. Together they also care for their "first baby," a fawn Boxer named Bruno, who was born to Ana's dog Candi while she and Dr. Perez were dating.
Dr. Ernesto Perez is excited to bring his more than 20 years of veterinary experience and passion for pet medicine to the heart of Cicero, Illinois and to Berwyn, Stickney, North Riverside and Riverside. Before opening Animal Hospital on Route 66, Dr. Perez founded Brighton Park Animal Hospital, a flourishing practice that has been keeping pets healthy and clients happy since 2001.
Dulce Tellez has worked with Dr. Perez since October of 2002, and she officially joined the staff of our animal hospital in April of 2015. Since then, Dulce's responsibilities have included welcoming clients and managing their pets' records so they can be seen by the doctor. Her favorite part of the job is answering clients' questions so they feel confident their pet is receiving the best possible care.
"I love the family-like atmosphere here," Dulce explains. "We all respect each other, which is a great thing. We have fun working with each other every day!"
At home, Dulce cares for a Spaniel mix named Jonny. In her free time she enjoys taking her children to outdoor activities such as the beach, the playground, and the park.
Veterinary Assistant Felipe Lascurain has worked at Dr. Perez's Brighton Park Animal Hospital since it opened in 2001. He joined the team at Animal Hospital on Route 66 as a part-time employee in April 2015.
"I love working here because I've grown with Dr. Perez," he says. "I started with him at his first clinic and having the opportunity to grow with him at his new hospital truly brings me joy."
Felipe is responsible for administering vaccines, assisting during surgery, collecting samples for laboratory testing, taking X-rays, and inserting intravenous catheters.
"Surgeries are my favorite part of the job, from beginning to end," he says.
At home, Felipe has a five-year-old Boxer. Her Aztec name, Zyanya, means "forever." Felipe enjoys being outdoors in his free time. He especially likes windsurfing, sailing, and other water sports.
Juan Carlos began working at our animal hospital in July of 2015. His duties include performing radiography and dental prophylaxis, but Juan Carlos most enjoys assisting in surgeries. Juan Carlos is a graduate of Fox College Institution of Veterinary Technology, where he earned his Associate's degree in Applied Science. He is also a certified veterinary technician.
"I love working here because I get to help the pets of my local neighbors," Juan Carlos explains.
In his free time Juan Carlos enjoys running, working out, skating, biking, hiking, swimming, dancing and finding new adventures. He also cares for four dogs: Chihuahuas named Bimbo and Fevie, a Pitbull named Diesel, and a Husky named Diamond.
Michael Cortese joined the team at our animal hospital in April of 2015. His job responsibilities include drawing blood, vaccinating pets, assisting during surgeries, taking X-rays, and passing IV catheters. Michael has over 10 years' experience in animal-related positions, and he's quickly developed a reputation as a quick learner who's willing to do everything necessary to make a pet healthy.
Since becoming a member of the team at Animal Hospital on Route 66 in August 2015, Myra Garcia has taken on a wide variety of responsibilities, including giving medications, shots or treatments, collecting and maintaining patient records, taking and developing X-rays, collecting and testing lab samples, giving animals nursing care and first aid, and preparing animals for exams and/or surgery. Myra's favorite part of her position is working in our animal hospital laboratory.
Myra is a graduate of Fox College Institution of Veterinary Technology, where she earned her Associate's degree in Applied Science. She is also a certified veterinary technician.
Myra is the proud pet parent to two dogs named Xylo and DeeDee, as well as four Guinea Pigs named Hercules, Medusa, Rutila, and Lil'G. When she's not at work, Myra enjoys relaxing with her dogs, camping, reading a book, or looking up funny videos.