Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!

TLC First Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility servicing dogs, cats, and exotics, located in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Sue

DVM

I graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biology/Zoology from Northeastern Illinois University in 1991. I earned a second Bachelors in Veterinary Science in 1994 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1996, both from 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 actually 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 carrys nothing but a 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 am 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 playing and hiking with my four-legged kids, Bruno and Eli.

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 am currently registered at Northeastern Illinois University. 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 for me and I look forward to many happy and successful years here.

I enjoy spending my off-time with my beautiful daughter Hayley, our cockatiels Sami and Georgie, and our Quaker Parrot Toby.

Andrea

Veterinary Technician Manager

From a young age I have always loved animals; pretty much ALL species with the exception of snakes and spiders (eww!) This may be due to the fact that my parents wouldn’t let me have any pets growing up except for outdoor bunnies. My very first job at the age of 15 was working as a kennel assistant in Oswego, IL. The same clinic cross-trained me in reception as well as taught me the skills to be a veterinary assistant. I eventually moved to Chicago in 2002 to attend college and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from DePaul University.

I have been with TLC First Animal Hospital since April 2009 and absolutely love working here! I especially love that we are a close-knit bunch and truly like family. I enjoy the fast-paced environment of being a technician and the variety of tasks that come along with it. I have a distinctive talent for laboratory work including: fecals, blood differentials, skin scrapings and cytologies, and FNA (fine needle aspirates). In early 2012, I was promoted to Veterinary Technician Supervisor. Since then, I’ve worn many hats at the clinic including: Veterinary Assistant/Technician Manager, Inventory Specialist, OSHA Safety Manager, and Assistant to the Practice Manager. I have been a member of the Chicagoland Veterinary Managers Group (CVMG) since 2013 and attended and graduated from the PeoplesFirst Leadership Certificate Program through Zoetis in 2017.

When I’m not working with my furry friends, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Andres, and our daughter, Marisol. In my free time (which isn’t very much!) I LOVE to cook and bake, enter recipe contests, kayak, fish, hunt for beach glass, metal detect, scrapbook, craft, and explore the many cultural enclaves the city offers. We currently don’t have any furry friends at home but we do have 6 turtles (2 red-eared sliders, 1 painted, and 3 Cumberland slider babies), 4 mystery snails, and a flourishing freshwater fish tank.

Gabriela

Veterinary Technician

Ever since I was young, I wanted to work in a profession that helped animals. I came to America when I was 5 years old, unknowing of what the world had in store for me. I had some miscellaneous jobs during college, and then in late late December of 2017, I started working at TLC First. Every day I come to work with a smile on my face, ready to learn something new.

At home I have a boxer named Borys, a “special needs” Pekingese named Stevie, a red eared slider named Linda, and an athletic hamster named Kira. When I’m not working, I’m cleaning tanks and cages, rubbing bellies, or writing short stories.

Mówię po polsku!

Julian

Veterinary Assistant

I have worked in doggie daycare for over 4 years and have a huge love for animals. I wanted more experience with dogs, so I started walking and training them in my spare time. I also attended Triton College to pursue a career as a Veterinary Assistant. That is where I developed my love for ALL animals, not just dogs. I was fortunate enough to find TLC First and could not be more pleased with the environment and all my co-workers.

I have a Chiweenie named Travis, a Pug named Tater, a Pitbull named Chicken Chalupa, and a turtle named Thundercat who loves tortillas. In my spare time, the pups and I love to hike and do other fun outdoor activities.

Laura

Client Care Asst. Supervisor

Throughout the majority of my working career, I have had the privilege of serving people. From serving food and coffee to removing snow, volunteering, and helping my neighbors, it gave me great pleasure to serve. However, after experiencing a life-altering medical condition, I was forced to change careers. I am now very excited to be at TLC First Animal Hospital, serving humans again, along with their beloved pets (bonus).

I was blessed to have a variety of pets during my lifetime, from a miniature poodle to several German Shepard’s, boa constrictors, tarantulas, and cats. And since I believe in saving shelter animals’ lives, all my pets were rescues. Because I care for my elderly mother, I am currently unable to have pets, so I am very thankful that I can work where my heart is, that is helping animals and their humans.

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. We also have a rescued cat.

Stefanie

Client Care Coordinator

In 2007, I attended Westwood College and became certified as both a Medical Assistant and a Phlebotomist. I worked in human medicine for 8 years, but really wanted to work with animals. I found a job at a dog daycare where I worked for many years. I was responsible for grooming, training and reception, but something was missing. I really wanted to learn more about medical care for pets and that is when I found TLC First and I am so happy to be here.

I have quite the collection of 4-legged children, although if it were up to me, I’d own a ton more and live on a big farm so they would all have the space they need. I have 3 dogs; Stitch, Abby and Louise, 2 cats; Teddy and Harley, and a Miniature Pig named George. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my 2 boys and my husband doing outdoor activities such as soccer, volleyball, baseball, hiking, kayaking, camping and going to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee.