Meet Our Team!
Meet the veterinarians and team at The Animal Doctor! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to Know Our Team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Our Staff
Our dedicated staff members bring diverse expertise, training, and interests to The Animal Doctor. Click on the links below to learn more about our backgrounds, families, and pets! Reach out to learn more about The Animal Doctor staff.
Dr. Lori W. Wyatt, DVM, CCRP, DABVP
Veterinarian and Practice Owner
Dr. Wyatt is a native of Kentucky who received her BS degree from Western Kentucky University in 1986 and her DVM from Tuskegee University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She then attended Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Wyatt’s career in small animal practice began in Illinois at two animal hospitals before establishing The Animal Doctor in July of 1996. Dr. Wyatt has a special interest in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, animal rehabilitation, physical therapy, and working on challenging medical cases. In 2010, Dr. Wyatt completed certification in Canine Rehabilitation (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. She is married to Karl, and they have a daughter named Karla and a dog named Kaleb.
Memberships and Affiliations: American Veterinary Medical Association, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association, Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society.
Dr. Blair Daus, DVM, DABVP
Veterinarian
Dr. Daus joined The Animal Doctor in July of 2011. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and is happy to be back home. She obtained her BS in Biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame and her DVM from Tufts University in Massachusetts. After veterinarian school, Dr. Daus completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Wisconsin. She previously practiced emergency medicine. Dr. Daus’s interests are in all aspects of canine and feline medicine. Special interests include internal medicine, neurology, and emergency medicine. When not working, Dr. Daus enjoys spending time with her pets and her family. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and especially baking.
Memberships and Affiliations: American Veterinary Medical Association, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Tammy Garr, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Dr. Garr has been practicing veterinary medicine at The Animal Doctor since August 2000. She completed animal acupuncture coursework at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida, and is certified in veterinary acupuncture. She has a special interest in integrative veterinary medicine by combining traditional and herbal medicines along with acupuncture. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and received her bachelor’s in animal science in 1996 and her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Her primary focus is canine and feline medicine, but Dr. Garr also sees some exotic animal patients. She currently resides in Woodstock. She enjoys live music, travel, reading, and spending time with friends and family in Chicago and Rockford.
Memberships and Affiliations: American Veterinary Medical Association, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association.
Dr. Cendall Justen, DVM
Dr. Cendall Justen was born and raised in McHenry, IL. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Northwestern University, then chose to travel across the states to earn her DVM at Midwestern University in Arizona. During school, Dr. Cendall found a calling in feline medicine, and is Feline Friendly and Fear Free Certified. Her interests also include acupuncture and rehabilitation. As Dr. Cendall progressed through school, she found her biggest passion, surgery. She went on to spend extra time at specialty surgery sites to strengthen her skills and knowledge. Her love for surgery is a big reason she chose to become a part of The Animal Doctor team.
In her free time, she loves to workout, go on runs, and find new places to eat with friends. She spends as much time as she can with her kitties of her own: Hank, Junior, and Finn.
Dr. Cendall is so excited to be a part of the TAD team and care for you and your fur babies!!
Glenda
Glenda joined The Animal Doctor in December 2003 as a receptionist and was promoted to Office Manager in 2016. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she moved to the area in 2002 and is a proud mother of two and grandmother of five.
As Office Manager, Glenda oversees the daily operations of the clinic, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow for both staff and clients. Her responsibilities include supervising front desk and support staff, managing scheduling and staffing needs, handling client relations, and ensuring the clinic maintains the highest standards of customer service and patient care. She also continues to assist with phone calls, appointments, and client needs directly, always striving to provide a warm and welcoming environment.
Glenda is passionate about delivering outstanding service and support, always guided by her core belief: “Your pets are your children, and we will treat them as such.
Outside of work, Glenda enjoys barbecues, movies, hands-on projects with her grandchildren, serving others, and writing poetry. Her love for service shows as she is an active member of Trinity Baptist Community Church, serving on the Hospitality Committee, the Adult and Youth Sign Ministries, Angel Tree Program and the Women’s Prison Ministry. Glenda is also a founding member of Phoebe’s Legacy, Inc., a nonprofit organization.
Sandy
Technician
Sandy started out working as a professional cake decorator. Her medical doctor suggested nursing when she mentioned she wanted to make a career change. On her way home, Sandy drove through Crystal Lake and saw the sign for Animal Medical Center (AMC). She decided to stop in, and by the grace of God, the owner hired her on the spot. That was in 1990! She started as a kennel attendant and eventually became a practice manager. Sandy also received a degree in Animal Science through Cedar Valley College’s AAHA program and became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). After Dr. Wyatt acquired AMC, Sandy was happy to share her expertise and joined the team at The Animal Doctor. Over the years, Sandy has owned race horses, pet horses, and dogs. After marrying her husband, she joined him in his love for cows. Together they own a dairy farm with over 250 cows and heifers in the herd. They also have two dogs and 18 very friendly barn cats.
Samantha C. (Samm)
Samm has worked at The Animal Doctor since the spring of 2014. She has experience as a groomer, which makes animals look better, but she felt the need to do more and make them feel better. She started as a kennel technician and has worked her way to become a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2024. She has a passion for the small furries and loves to see them when they come in! During Samm’s off time, she enjoys reading, knitting, sewing, and camping.
Amy
Amy has worked at The Animal Doctor since its opening in July 1996. As a technician, her responsibilities include assisting the doctors in surgery, performing various X-rays, running lab work on our in-house equipment, and performing dental and various other procedures that ensure each animal entering the hospital receives exceptional care. Amy loves to relax in her spare time by scrapbooking, reading, and traveling. Amy enjoys interacting with the clients and their animals. “It is a wonderful feeling to help the sick and injured animals live a healthier and happier life.” She feels very fortunate to have a job she enjoys so much.
Emma P.
Emma has been working in the veterinary field since 2016, bringing nearly a decade of hands-on experience and deep compassion for animals of all kinds. She joined The Animal Doctor in August of 2021 and has become a valued member of the team, especially known for her enthusiasm and skill in assisting with surgeries. Outside of work, Emma enjoys riding her horse and spending quality time with her girlfriend, their dog, and a lively crew of reptiles. Whether she’s in the clinic or out at the barn, Emma’s love for animals is always at the heart of what she does.
Debbie D.
Veterinary Assistant
Debbie joined The Animal Doctor staff in February of 2007. She is married to Dennis, and they have two sons, Tony and Mike. They also have two dogs, Snoopy the Beagle and Buddy the Jack Russell Terrier. Debbie completed a Veterinarian Assistant class and has received a certificate to be a Veterinarian Assistant. Before working at The Animal Doctor, she did home childcare for 25 years. She loves animals, and now that her kids are grown, she decided to make a change and do something different. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dogs, going out with friends, camping, riding snowmobiles, and riding her motorcycle.
Rebecca
Rebecca has been working in the veterinary field since 2020, after completing her Veterinary Assistant course at the Community College of Lake County. She joined our team in the summer of 2023 and brings a strong passion for animal care, along with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to everything she does. From a young age, she felt a natural connection to animals and always knew her future would involve helping them. Her dedication, attentiveness, and genuine love for animals make her a valued part of our clinic team. I have 2 dogs and 1 cat at home all of which I love dearly, I cannot imagine life without having pets!
Lyndsey
Hi! My name is Lyndsey, and I am one of the veterinary assistants here at The Animal Doctor. I began working here in January 2024, and it was one of the best decisions I made. Here, I work both as a veterinary assistant on the veterinary side of our clinic, caring for your pet in any way I can, whether it’s blood draws, x-rays, lab tests, medication fills, or even just a nail trim, but I also work on our wellness side, helping your pet gain strength after surgery, endurance training, or even just to blow off some energy. Although I have only been working here for about a year and a half, I have been working as a veterinary assistant for about 5 years. Prior to working here, I have worked 3 years as a veterinary assistant, specializing in general practice and surgery, as well as 1 year in dentistry. I am currently finishing my pre-requisites at McHenry County College, and will be transferring to University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, with a major in veterinary medicine. My goal is to eventually become a zoo veterinarian, as I want to help as many animals I can, no matter the species.
Tracy H.
Tracy started working for The Animal Doctor as a receptionist in 1999. Tracy currently works on the Rehab side (TAD Wellness Center which is on the North side of the building). Tracy still works as a receptionist on that side as well as spend time with furry clients by swimming in our pool, walking in the Underwater Treadmill or to help owner work out side by side with their furry friends on the land treadmills. Tracy has been married to Pete for 30 years, has a son – Kole (21), daughter – Cherolyn (23) and Mica (their 10 year old furry family member)
Lisa E.
Receptionist
Lisa has worked at The Animal Doctor since August of 1997. She has a BS degree in education from Drake University. Her primary responsibility is assuring the overall efficiency of the front desk operation. She also assists doctors and technicians with animal healthcare. Lisa and her family have two dogs, Rocks, and Sparkle. Her husband, Brad, and children, Alex and Kaden, enjoy most sports, including swimming, boating, skiing, and skating. They also like traveling, shopping, dinner, cooking, and hanging out together.
Debra O.
Customer Care Representative
Debbie grew up in rural Iowa and moved to the Chicago area after graduating with a BA from Loras College. After working in corporate America for several years, in she opted to go part time and began working part time as a receptionist for a veterinary clinic in Crystal Lake. She began working at The Animal Doctor as a receptionist in 2017 working mostly afternoon shifts. Debbie loves interacting with other pet owners and strives to make every visit a pleasant one. She & her husband Pete have two rescued Basset mixes and like to take them to the Cary Dog Park and conservation areas. In her free time Debbie is an avid reader and enjoys going to antique stores and thrift shops. She also volunteers with Purrfect Cat Rescue driving cats to doctor appointments.
Lineida L.
Bio coming soon!
Khori Smith
Khori Smith is a Mchenry, Illinois native and a passionate advocate for animal health and wellness. She earned her Animal Poultry and Veterinary Science degree, from Tuskegee University and is currently pursuing further education, working toward her MS in Animal Science and DVM at her alma mater.
Khori has been a dedicated team member at The Animal Doctor, where she supports a range of services from routine wellness care to surgical and rehabilitation support. With a strong interest in companion animal medicine, client education, preventative care, and rehabilitation, she enjoys learning from complex cases and working alongside experienced professionals like Dr. Wyatt.
Outside the clinic, Khori enjoys doing nails, traveling the world with her family and cuddling up with her beagle mix, King Charles Ramseys III. She is proud to be part of a team that prioritizes compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.
Julian Sierra Hurtado
Vet Student
Julian is a vet student who’s been working in veterinary medicine since undergrad in Animal Science. I’ve worked at TAD over breaks for the past couple of years and really appreciate the variety of experiences I’ve had at TAD thanks to the great staff and equipment available.
Arianna
Vet Student
Bio Coming Soon!
Carla B.
Vet Student
Bio Coming Soon!
Zaria H.
Vet Student
Bio Coming Soon!
Priyanka
Priyanka has worked at The Animal Doctor since the spring of 2024. She graduated early from Cary-Grove High School in December of 2023 and earned her Accredited Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation through McHenry County College at the same time. Currently, Priyanka attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in Companion Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is passionate about providing the right care for your fur babies and is always eager to learn more about veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, playing with her dog and painting.
Sarah
Sarah started working at The Animal Doctor in 2022. She has always had a strong passion for animal care. She has received a Bachelors of Science in animal science from Louisiana State University. She hopes to continue on with her passion and attend Veterinarian school. She loves working at The Animal Doctor due to her love for animals and determination to take care of them. When not working Sarah loves to go shopping, travel and be around family. She also has a Miniature Australian Shephard named Saint.