Meet Our Team

Dr. Sue

DVM

I graduated in 1991with an undergraduate degree in Biology/Zoology from Northeastern Illinois University. In 1994 I earned a second Bachelors in Veterinary Science and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1996, both from the University of Illinois. My prior work experience includes externships in both Exotics and Holistic Care. I am the former shelter vet for Felines, Inc. and have also volunteered for Lincoln Park Zoo’s Farm in the Zoo. I currently provide advice online for the Ferret Health List (FHL).

I decided to be a veterinarian at the very early age of five and have continued working with animals throughout my life. I started working for veterinarians when I was 15 years old. I have worked tirelessly to fulfill my dream of opening my own small animal veterinary hospital. I worked closely with the designers and decorators along the way, making sure that this hospital carries nothing but positive energy. You can feel it the moment you walk in the door.

I see all small mammals, including many exotics and especially enjoy combining holistic and alternative medicines into many of my treatments. I recently became certified in Reiki which helps in this area. I see quite a few geriatric patients as well. I believe that every animal deserves proper care regardless of their physical age.

In my spare time I like to play guitar, write song lyrics and poetry. I enjoy cooking and creating new recipes and spending time with my four-legged kids, Eli and Asher.

Mari

Business Manager

I graduated from Wright College with an AA degree. While working on my AA, I also earned a Business Office Software Skills Certificate as well as a Microsoft Office Certification. I have been a member of the Chicagoland Veterinary Managers Group (CVMG) since 2013 and attended and graduated from the PeopleFirst Leadership Certificate Program through Zoetis in 2017.

I have been with TLC First Animal Hospital and Dr. Liszewski since the company’s startup in October 2008. I have over 40 years of experience in accounting, customer service, office management, sales, marketing, and product development, mostly with service or manufacturing businesses. Managing TLC First Animal Hospital has been an exciting challenge and I look forward to many happy and successful years here.

I enjoy spending my free time with my family, including my cockatiels Sami and Georgie, and our rescued Quaker Parrot Toby.

Gabi

Veterinary Technician Manager

Ever since I was young, I have had a connection to animals. Growing up in rural Poland, I had frequent opportunities to understand them better. Before TLC First, I worked in a bakery baking bread and decorating cakes. In late 2017 is when I got hired as a client care coordinator and over the years, I’ve worked in many positions. Now I can gladly say I am the Veterinary Technician Manager.

At home I have my Red Eared Slider Linda, a Domestic Long Hair Spinelli and a Calico named Callie. When I’m not working, I enjoy going to the gym, reading, or going to concerts.

Gail

Veterinary Technician

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a strong connection with animals. I enjoyed going to the zoo to see the animals that I’ve only seen on TV or in photos. I felt a deep compassion for the animals but haven’t been back to a zoo in 15 years. After that, I turned my attention to small animals. Born and raised in Chicago, I’ve worked in the veterinarian field for over 16 years, and I’ve never looked back.

The one animal that had always been in my heart are humpback whales. Growing up I would wish daily to swim with whales and as an adult my lifetime wish came true.  For 7 days I lived on a boat in the middle of an ocean, and I swam with whales twice a day. Words can’t express my incredible, once in a lifetime adventure, it’s a feeling that I hold dearly in my heart every day.

My supportable family has learned to love animals as much as I have. I live with my husband Dave, my son Jack and our beautiful boxer/pitty mix Vaeda.

My co-workers have become great friends. Each animal I take care of leaves with a little piece of my heart. It is a privilege to work at TLC First Animal Hospital.

Emma Rose

Veterinary Technician

Since kindergarten, I have wanted to be a veterinarian. Working with animals was my dream, a passion that has followed me. When I began college during COVID, I felt like vet school wasn’t possible. However, I learned about the veterinary technician position and knew that my dream of working with animals was still very possible.

I began my journey working in a shelter, and in February 2023 started the vet tech program at Fox Collage. Shortly after starting school, I found TLC First and was soon hired! As of December 2024, I officially have my Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology and plan on taking the VTNE this year!

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my son and my two furry monsters Thor and Pluto, and binging shows on Netflix in my down time.

Caitlin

Veterinary Technician

I’ve been surrounded by animals my whole life. Everything from dogs and cats to snakes and hamsters. I knew I wanted to pursue veterinary medicine from a young age with a focus on exotics and zoo medicine. I graduated from U of I in Champaign-Urbana in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science, but fell into a passionate career in upper corporate management. I spent 10 years in multiple leadership roles, but in June of 2024 decided to make a big career switch back to my passions.

I was lucky enough to get hired at TLC First Animal Hospital and every day is an adventure.  I am so fortunate to have found a clinic where I can explore my passions, continue to learn something new every day and take steps towards my ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian myself!

I have many fur babies at home including my two dogs, Bully mix Mystique and Labrador mix Mochi, and 3 cats; Ozzie, Roman, and Harvey. When I’m not at work, I enjoy gaming, listening to music, and traveling with my boyfriend, Riley.

Emma

Lead Veterinary Assistant UW-AAB

I always wanted to work with animals, it was just a matter of how. By the age of 6, I was already the go-to expert on shark biology, so I originally intended to graduate college with a degree in Marine Biology. I ended up with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Animal Behavior from Eckerd College in 2020.

My senior year, I interned as a zookeeper at Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary and that really re-sparked my love in all animals and not just ocean life. On top of zookeeping, I would help the operant conditioning trainer with target training on the bears and tigers as well as help the sanctuary veterinarian administer more hands-on medication, such as arthritis injections and eye drops, to the more elderly residents. Learning a bit about the medicinal side of things really helped me get a better understanding about what goes into animal welfare besides just the environment. I was looking around for a job that I would enjoy and give me the hands-on experience I needed for a little over a year before I was recommended to check out TLC First, and I have been here since June 2021.

I have 5 furry friends: an 11-year-old shih tzu named Jasper, two 6-year-old cats named Harley (tortoiseshell) and Ginger (orange tabby), a 1-year-old pittie named Beans, and a 1-year-old kitten named Sawyer. When I’m not working or managing the fur factory that is my house, I’m doing a variety of fiber arts from crocheting to sewing.

Lizette

Veterinary Assistant 

Since I was little, I was always surrounded by animals, so I always knew I wanted to help them in any way I can.

I worked at a doggy daycare for 3 years as a Kennel attendant, and got to learn more about dog handling and behavior. Then in November 2022, I started working at TLC First Animal Hospital as a Vet Assistant. Every day I look forward into seeing each animal and working with them. I really look forward learning new things, and being able to be a part of great team!

In my spare time. I love watching movies, cuddling and playing with my 6-year-old Boston Terrier named Coco. I also enjoy spending time reading, drawing, writing, and playing games with my little sister Kayla.

Lia

Veterinary Assistant 

Since I was young, I’ve always been surrounded by animals. We are talking dogs, cats, fish, crabs, hamsters, bunnies, bearded dragons, ducks, and my personal favorite – snakes. I know it’s a long list! My mom always said that I need my own farm- maybe I’ll make it a reality someday.

I love all animals – from fur babies to reptiles. If there is one thing, I know from starting here at TLC First Animal Hospital, it’s that I plan to dedicate my life to helping animals no matter where I go.

In my free time, I spend time with my partner Josh watching anime or driving around the city. I’m also a huge horror fan! I also make it a hobby of mine to go out to eat and try new foods. I plan to do a lot of traveling in my lifetime and keep adventuring.

Denise

Client Care Supervisor

I started working in the veterinary field in 1987 as a receptionist. Since that time, I wanted to learn more about working directly with the animals, so I began working as a Vet Assistant and have been doing both ever since. In 2010 I joined TLC First and am thrilled to have learned so much about all the exotic pets we care for. In 2012 I was promoted to Client Care Supervisor and am glad I accepted the challenge. After so many years in the field, I can still say “There is never a dull day”.

I have been happily married to my husband, Lance, since 2001 and we enjoy spending time at our place in Wisconsin with our boxer Hooch.

Elizabeth

Client Care Assistant Supervisor

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I began working at TLC First in March 2023, and I absolutely love it. One of the best parts of my job is getting to connect and meet with all the furry animals that walk through our doors.

At home, I’m surrounded by the love of my two cats, Tobi and Peaches, as well as my two dogs, Corazon and Botas. When I’m not at work you can find me snuggled up with my cat’s binge watching my favorite TV shows. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, whether it’s going out to eat or just simply enjoying each other’s company. Outside of work, one of my favorite things to do is cook with my mom and I love spending quality time with my younger brothers.

Rita

Client Care Coordinator

I have always had such a deep connection to animals. They have always filled my heart with so much love. Working at TLC First has been such a joy, it’s so great to welcome clients and be around so many beautiful animals.

When I am not at work, you can find me in the gym, studying astrology, hanging out with friends, and going on adventures with my husky mix Blue