Meet Our Team
Care Animal Hospital is committed to providing exceptional surgical and general pet care with compassion, expertise, and at a fair price—ensuring every pet and family has access to the treatment they need to thrive.
Dr. David Aul
Veterinarian
Dr. Aul opened Care Animal Hospital in 1970. A Chicago native, he practiced veterinary medicine in Hawaii for three years after graduating from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1999, Dr. Aul moved Care Animal Hospital into a new facility directly across the street from Care's original building. Dr. Aul has an ever-growing pack of Labradors (many of which compete nationally in field trials), including: Magic, Solo, Pearl, and Eva. He is an avid gardener and optimistic fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. Dr. Aul and his wife, Pauline, have three children.
"Dr. Aul has been taking care of our family's pets for three generations."
Longtime Client – Barrington, IL
Dr. Peter Haase
Veterinarian
Dr. Haase received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University and then attended The Ohio State University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1997. He then completed an internship at the Sacramento Animal Medical Group before moving to Illinois and joining Care Animal Hospital in 1998. He returned to the classroom and completed additional training to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2008.
With his family and pets, Dr. Haase enjoys mountain biking, backpacking, running, and competing in triathlons, marathons, and adventure races. He is an adjunct professor at his alma mater Ohio Northern University teaching biology students how to work and live in backcountry environments.
Dr. Haase provides both general veterinary services as well as extensive surgical services.
“Dr. Haase was great with our dog Perla. She broke her arm and he placed an external fixator on her right arm. She's back to normal running in the yard and being happy again. Much improved!”
Steve F. - Palatine, IL
DVM, PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS and PROFICIENCIES
- PennHip Certification – 2001
- Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner - 2008. I utilize traditional modalities for rehabilitation as well as Class IV laser therapy, VersaTron Shockwave Therapy, HakoMed Therapy, and Regenerative Medicine.
- Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Complete Course – 2004.
- Instructor - Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Complete Course – 2008
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) Certified – 2002.
- Arthrex OATS, Everost OrthoZIP, Arthrex TightRope proficiency and experience
- Kyon Total Hip Replacement - Complete Course 2006
- IMEX Complete Course in External Skeletal Fixation – 2003
- IMEX Companion Animal Circular External Skeletal Fixation Course – 2005
- AO / ASIF and Minimally Invasive Plate Fracture Management proficiency and experience
- Complete Course in Arthroscopy – 2003
- Complete Course in Rigid Endoscopy – 2003
- DexDomitor Anitsedan Local Expert (DALE) – 2007 to 2010.
- Vet Stem Regenerative Veterinary Medicine Certification - 2008.
- Synbiotics Canine Semen Freezing Certification – 2002.
- Zoetis Professional Speaker 2020 - 2022
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
- 500+ Tibial Tuberosity Advancement procedures
- 500+ Arthroscopic procedures
- 500+ Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy procedures
- 500+ Lateral lateral suture cruciate repair procedures
- 500+ Luxating Patella procedures
- 500+ Canine and Feline Fracture Repair procedures incorporating external skeletal fixators, AO/ASIF plate fixation, locking plate fixation, internal wire/pin fixation, and interlocking nails.
- 500+ other miscellaneous orthopedic procedures encompassing femoral head ostectomy, triple pelvic osteotomy, total hip replacement, amputation, arthrodesis, etc.
- 1000+ advanced general surgical procedures encompassing gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine, neoplastic, thoracic, and other soft tissue procedures
- 500+ Minimally invasive procedures including ovariectomy, gastropexy, flexible endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, cystoscopy, thoracoscopy, laparoscop
Dr. Alexandra Gibson
Veterinarian
Dr. Alexandra Gibson is a native of the Chicagoland area and grew up in the western suburbs. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2016, and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2020.
While in veterinary school, Dr. Gibson had the opportunity to work with a patient with an extremely rare spinal cord tumor so she wrote about it for other veterinarians to learn from the case as well. Her paper is published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association with the title Magnetic resonance imaging findings and antemortem cytologic diagnosis of intramedullary spinal cord ependymoma in a dog.
Dr. Gibson is especially interested in surgery including orthopedics and more advanced soft tissue procedures, and she is taking steps to pursue additional training in these areas. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Gibson enjoys golfing, boxing, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband have one cat at home named Ace.
Dr. Michael Polick
Veterinarian
Growing up in the Western Suburbs, Dr. Michael Polick’s path was always guided by the veterinary world, a natural extension of a childhood spent with dogs always nearby. His initial years in the field as a veterinary technician cemented his passion, leading him to pursue his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University (LSU).
Dr. Polick brought his expertise back home to the Western Suburbs, where he has been a valued member of the team at Care Animal Hospital. He is particularly drawn to Care’s commitment to excellence; he finds the specialized facility and highly skilled staff allow him to address complex cases and offer advanced treatment options that often exceed the capabilities of many other clinics.
A firm believer in continuous education, Dr. Polick holds WAVE certification in abdominal ultrasound, enhancing the hospital's diagnostic services. He is currently focused on expanding his skills further through advanced training in dentistry and echocardiography.
When not caring for patients, Dr. Polick is focused on his family: his wife, their two sons, Henry (7) and Malcolm (5), and a full house that includes a cherished geriatric dog, Baba, and two cats.
Dr. Eric Cho
Associate Veterinarian
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Cho immigrated to the United States at age four. A childhood spent immersed in nature documentaries, from The Lion King to Steve Irwin's adventures, ignited an early and enduring passion for wildlife.
Initially considering human medicine, Dr. Cho realized his true calling lay in veterinary science—the perfect blend of healing and working with animals. They graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, where their passion for global conservation truly took flight. Highlights of their studies include volunteering with the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network and assisting with African wildlife management during an externship in South Africa.
When not practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Cho is an avid adventurer. They are a dedicated martial artist, practicing Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and an underwater photographer who loves to SCUBA dive in places like Cozumel and Hawaii. For downtime, they enjoy relaxing with classic films like Jaws and Jurassic Park.
Michelle Kwasniewski
Veterinary Practice Manager
Michelle brings nearly two decades of veterinary medicine experience to the team, driven by a deep love for animals and their wellbeing. She thrives on building meaningful relationships with clients and their pets, ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported. When she's not making a difference at the hospital, you can find her relaxing with music, movies, or enjoying a road trip with her husband, Matt, and their cat, Opie.
Kimm Smoczyk
Assistant Hospital Manager – Purchasing & Inventory
Kimm Smoczyk, a graduate of Roosevelt University in Early Childhood Education, joined Care Animal Hospital in 2000, trading a career as a kindergarten teacher for her lifelong passion for animals.
Now, as the Assistant Hospital Manager, she is an integral part of the team, overseeing purchasing and inventory to ensure the hospital is always fully equipped. After briefly stepping away to assist with her husband's business, Kimm quickly returned, realizing how much she missed the rewarding environment and the team she calls her "second family." With over two decades at the hospital, she is a familiar and trusted face, having watched many client families and their pets grow over the years.
Outside of work, Kimm enjoys spending time with her husband and her beloved Chihuahua "fur baby," Chili Bean, a pet she proudly calls her child. Her other favorite pastimes include reading and taking long nature walks.
Lori Phillips
Rehabilitation Technician
Lori is a highly experienced veterinary technician with over 25 years in the field, including more than 10 years at Care Animal Hospital. She specializes in canine rehabilitation and weight management, working closely with patients recovering from injury, illness, or managing genetic conditions. Lori treats every dog with the same love and compassion she gives her own pets, and she is deeply committed to helping them regain mobility, improve their overall health, and return to a happy, active life. Her expertise and dedication make her a trusted and valued member of the Care Animal Hospital team.
Andrea Desecki
Licensed Veterinary Technician
A professional in veterinary medicine, Andrea brings her dedication to continuous learning to the team. She earned her Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Rockford Career College and is distinguished by her Fear Free Certification, ensuring a gentle approach to patient handling. Andrea is particularly drawn to the demanding environment of the operating room. Her favorite part of the job is being in surgery, where she dedicates herself to mastering new skills and supporting the clinical team in advanced daily procedures. In her personal time, Andrea balances her intensity with outdoor activities and fitness. She is also currently engaged in a personal tribute project, rebuilding a vintage Corvette, and relies on the calming presence of her two pit bulls, Ruby and Sookie, at home.
Courtney Tannehil
Licensed Veterinary Technician
A driven technician since 2019, Courtney has practiced both general and emergency veterinary medicine. Her career is built on a simple foundation: combining her love for animals with a genuine desire to help people by keeping their pets well. Courtney especially enjoys the teamwork at Care Animal Hospital, the daily variety of her work, and the strong bonds she forms with patient families. Outside of the hospital, she stays active, travels to her Michigan lake house, and spends quality time with her dog and loved ones.
Andre Changelon
Veterinary Assistant
Andre is on a fast track to becoming a veterinarian, with a degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a wealth of hands-on experience that started at Barb's Precious Rescue. Now a core part of the Care Animal Hospital team, he tackles everything from routine treatments to advanced dentistry and surgical procedures. What truly motivates Andre is the hospital's dynamic environment and the unwavering, team-first spirit of his colleagues.
Sarah Laubach
Veterinary Assistant
Five years strong with the Care Animal Hospital family! Sarah is dedicated to providing compassionate care and making a positive difference in the lives of patients. Care’s strong sense of community has been key to their professional growth and passion for this work. At home, their life is ruled by a sweet but feisty cat, Milo, who ensures they are always reminded of the joy animals bring. When not at the hospital, Sarah enjoys traveling and discovering new experiences, from exploring new cities to picking up new hobbies.
Jasmine Brooks
Veterinary Assistant
A lifelong passion for animals became a career for Jasmine when she first joined Care Animal Hospital in high school. Starting as a kennel attendant, she quickly advanced to daycare attendant and then Kennel Supervisor, gaining nearly a decade of hands-on experience in animal care. Now pursuing the medical side of veterinary medicine through studies at Ashworth College, Jasmine thrives on making a meaningful impact on pets and their families every day. When she's not at the hospital, you can find her traveling, adventuring with friends, or at home with her black cat, Kodi, and her lovable black Lab, Elsa.
Julie Kim
Veterinary Assistant
A DVM graduate from Korea, Julie practiced veterinary medicine before taking time to raise her children and support her family through many moves. Her deep passion for the field was rekindled ten years ago after settling in the U.S. Julie is grateful to have spent the past two years at Care Animal Hospital, caring for our patients, supporting their families, and learning alongside dedicated colleagues. In her free time, she is an active person who enjoys golf, tennis, gardening, and Korean Bible calligraphy.
Lindsey
Kennel Attendant
With three years of experience at Care, Lindsey provides dedicated support as a kennel attendant. Her lifelong passion for animals is evident in her daily work, where she finds particular fulfillment in assisting veterinary technicians and continually expanding her knowledge of high-quality animal care. Outside the hospital, she is kept busy and happy by her loyal dog, Rocky, and her five feline companions.
Ana Lassiter
Kennel Attendant
Anaeyah Lassiter, who goes by Ana, channels her deep-seated passion for animal welfare into her work as a Kennel Technician. Her daily inspiration comes from the diverse array of dogs and cats she cares for at Care Animal Hospital. At home, Ana is a proud pet parent to a Chihuahua, Cookie, and a Shih Tzu, Candy. Outside of the hospital, she is an active member of the convention community and enjoys cosplaying and exploring her interest in horror films.
Sam
CSR
Sam’s passion for animal welfare is what brought her to our front desk. She loves being the first friendly face for clients, cheering on their pets, and keeping our busy team running smoothly. Outside the clinic, you can find her on the pickleball court, exploring new travel spots, or relaxing with a movie and her dogs.
Bianca
CSR
Bianca is a dynamic member of the Care team, having started in 2023 to expand her veterinary experience. She maintains a packed schedule as both a clinic staffer and a groom for an FEI Dressage trainer, all while working toward her pre-law degree. For a change of pace, she hits the trails for a run or a hike with her dogs.
Tabatha
CSR
Tabatha has nurtured a deep passion for animal care since she was a teenager, continuously expanding her expertise through ongoing training and hands-on experience.
At Care Animal Hospital, she thrives as part of a dedicated team that shares her compassion and commitment to pets and their families.
When she's not at the hospital, Tabatha loves spending time with her two children and three cats. For relaxation, she dives into a good mystery, crime, or thriller book or movie, or spends hours immersed in nature—surrounded by trees, flowers, water, and wildlife.
Kaelyn
CSR
A veterinary receptionist driven by a lifelong love for animals, Kaelyn has been working in the field since she was 16. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge while supporting both our clients and their pets. She thrives on being part of a passionate team that genuinely cares about every animal they see. Outside of work, her passion continues as she shadows dog trainers and enjoys training and spending quality time with friends, family, and her beloved pets.
