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.

In 2023, I started working in a shelter to gain whatever experience I could and began school at Vet Tech Institute at Fox College a few weeks later. Shortly after starting school, I found TLC First and was soon hired! Although my journey in the vet field is only beginning, I have enjoyed every minute of my job!

When I’m not at school or work, I enjoy spending time with my two furry monsters Thor and Pluto, binge-watching Netflix or baking to get a break from my studies.

Aza

Veterinary Technician

I graduated from an Accredited American Veterinary Medical Association school in Mexico in 2012, after that I completed a 2-year degree as an Equine Specialist in Mexico City from The National Autonomous University of Mexico. I moved to the states after completing those degrees around 9 years ago.

My love for animals started when I was a kid working on a farm back in a small town in Mexico and practicing the national sport with horses for more than 10 years.

My love for small animals started in 2020 when I started working in a mixed animal practice down in Texas, which worked with dogs and cats.  Before that,  I was only specializing in horses, completing an equine internship in Wisconsin.

I love to work in veterinary medicine with a holistic approach because I’ve witnessed many cases where integrative medicine can prolong life and give a better quality of life to any pet animal by being more natural.

In my spare time, I love to learn new information about veterinary medicine and energy medicine. I enjoy being in nature, especially parks or the lake with my dog Yuko.

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.

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 Coordinator

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.

Nancy

Client Care Assistant Supervisor

When I was growing up, I didn’t know what career path was right for me. I had done quite a bit of dog walking and pet sitting, as well as customer service work. When my first dog Melody became ill, I learned a lot about signs and symptoms, learned what questions to ask and how to read her body language. Being able to help her when she was most in need, I realized my interest in veterinary medicine was more of a passion.

One day, my friend Stefanie called and presented me with an opportunity to work with animals. I was so excited and immediately jumped at the opportunity. I love working at TLC First and getting to know all the patients.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fur babies Boosie, a Boston Terrier mix and Willow, a French Bulldog mix. I enjoy taking them hiking and to Starbucks for pup cups. They also like visiting and playing with their cousins. I also like to hang out with family and friends, go shopping and watch mystery horror movies.