Education: Iowa State University

Practicing Since: 1987

Growing up in rural Connecticut, I decided by age 7 that I wanted to be a veterinarian. It seemed to be the only career choice which made sense since I was always bringing home injured animals to 'doctor them up'. So I combined my two main interests, animals and medicine. Fortunately, with the aid of supportive parents, I was able to pursue my goal and graduated from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. After graduation, I came to Chicago and have worked at this hospital ever since. In September, 1996, I became the owner here at Oakton Animal Hospital. I am fortunate to have a wonderful, caring, well-trained staff and we hope to provide you with the kind of high-quality, personable, family practice you and your pets have been looking for and deserve.

Education: University of Minnesota

Practicing Since: 1983

I grew up in Sparta, Wisconsin on a small farm where my family raised and showed American Quarter Horses. My love for Veterinary Medicine grew from that and blossomed while volunteering and working at area veterinary hospitals while in college. I attended the University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary Medicine, graduated in 1983 & have been practicing in the Chicagoland area since that time, both as an associate veterinarian and practice owner. Some of you may know me from the times I provided relief coverage at Oakton for Dr. Ephraim over the past 5 years. I am glad to be a part of the team at Oakton Animal Hospital and want to provide the highest level of compassionate care for our clients and “VIPs” (very important pets/patients). Although I enjoy all aspects of practice, I have a special interest in dentistry and surgery.

I live at home with my husband and Bailey (a.k.a. Mr. B), a 12 year old Yorkie Poo. In my spare time I can be found out in the garden, relaxing with a good book, out paddling in a kayak/canoe or in the kitchen preparing a gourmet meal. We are also avid baseball fans and enjoy “chasing” – Our current goal is to see all 30 current major league baseball parks.

Practicing Since: 2009

I joined Oakton Animal Hospital on April 1 st 2019. I’ve spent the majority of my life in management and training positions ranging from the restaurant industry, to human medicine,industrial hygiene and, of course, veterinary medicine. I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Biological Illustration.

My husband Jason, son Christian and I live locally in my family home where I grew up and share our home with 3 cats, 3 dogs and Veruca, our Chilean Rose Hair tarantula. Gypsy is the eldest at 21 years old and is a cranky old tortie who loves to sing to me during the wee hours of the night. Pandora (9) and Mowgli (6) are our black cats and their favorite pastimes include eating and taunting Senna, our 6 year old pit bull. Gnocchi, our 4 ½ year old Frenchie,and Senna came to us at about the same time, became fast friends and are almost inseparable.When I met Jason he came with the most stubborn, obstinate mini dachshund ever, Pippen, who is 13 ½ and thinks he runs the show.

When I’m not here taking care of your fur baby I love spending time with my family,singing in the church choir, traveling, reading, gardening, painting and drawing. I welcome all suggestions as I strive to make every experience the clients and patients of Oakton Animal Hospital have the best it can be!

Practicing Since: 1994

Hi, my name is Debbie. I started at Oakton in 1994 as a technician. In 1996, Dr. Ephraim and I purchased the hospital in Sept. We married a year later in Sept. of 1997. I was the manager here for 2 years until the birth of our first child, Alexander. I took a 7 year hiatus from working at the clinic to raise Alex and our second child, Sarah. All along I did the business managing from home. In January of 2010, when both of our children were able to be in school all day, I returned to managing the hospital and can now be found at Oakton Monday-Friday from 9-2, and all day Tuesdays. My love for animals started very early on when I raised 'Billy' the snapping turtle from a quarter-sized hatchling to a turtle too big to keep in a 20 gallon tank. Fortunately, my science teacher at Harper adopted Billy from me at that point and made him a permanent fixture in his classroom. We have one dog, Dudley, and one cat, Annabelle.

My favorite part of working at Oakton is the many long-term relationships I have built with our clients and their furry companions. I thoroughly enjoy visiting with people and catching up on everything going on in their lives and the lives of their pets.

Practicing Since: 2014

Hi! My name is Kristin and I started at Oakton earlier this year. Even from a young age I knew I wanted to work with animals and as I grew older that desire didn't go away. So I went to Harper college for 2 years and got an associates degree and veterinary assistant certificate. Now that I have found my way to Oakton I feel like I made the right choice. I can't wait to meet all of the furry friends! (And their families!)

Practicing Since: 1990

Hi my name is Kim. I began working at Oakton Animal Hospital in 1990 and left a few years later to pursue a career in human x-ray technology. In the fall of 2010, I returned to Oakton. All along, I had been a client here bringing my pets to a hospital I had worked at before and trusted with my furry friends. I enjoy working here on Saturdays now. I really love animals. I have a dog named Gatorade and my new addition is an 18 year old pony named Santa Fe.

Practicing Since: 2012

Hi! My name is Jennifer but most people call me Jenn. I studied at Fox College in Tinley Park and in 2012, I earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. I passed my board certification exam in March of 2013 to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. I knew I wanted to work with animals since I was very young. As I got older, I realized medicine was interesting to me as well and decided to merge my love of animals and medicine together. It is very gratifying to me when a sick pet comes in and looks to me for comfort when their human can not be there with them and knowing that I can aid them to recovery. I have 3 fur kids of my own: yorkie poodle mix, shih-tzu poodle mix, and a rescued pit bull who is the biggest baby of the bunch. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies soon!

Practicing Since: 2015

Hi, my name is Alex and Oakton Animal Hospital is my first job. I am in high school right now and plan on becoming an engineer but I really do enjoy working with the animals here at Oakton. In my spare time I enjoy video games, building my own computers, hanging out with friends and playing baseball. I look forward to helping you with the care of your pets.

Practicing Since: 2016

Hello! My name is Jennifer Chung, and I am thrilled to be a part of Oakton Animal Hospital’s highly skilled and compassionate team! Although I’m definitely a kid at heart, my maternal instinct just kicks in when it comes to animals. I have worked in a few different animal hospitals in the past, developing a well-rounded skill set as kennel attendant, receptionist, and, finally, as a technician. My furry family includes two dogs: a Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog named Kina and a Yorkie Pom named Coco. Also included are two cats: a male named Dain Ironfoot and a female named Remy LeBeau. I feel incredibly humbled and fortunate to get to further develop my technical skills at Oakton Animal Hospital, and I can’t wait to meet all of our clients!

Practicing Since: 2001

Hi, my name is Steve. I am the newest member of the Oakton Animal Hospital team. Although I am new here I have over 17 years of experience in the animal care field. Growing up we always had a houseful of dogs and cats, which is where my love of animals started. In my free time I enjoy being outside (weather permitting) usually bicycling, canoeing, or hiking. When I'm stuck inside I like to read or watch football and baseball.

Practicing Since: 2003

Hi my name is Connie I am happy to be a part of the Oakton Animal Hospital team. I have worked in the veterinarian field for over 15 years. In my spare time I volunteer at a pet rescue. I love all animals but am a Chihuahua lover at heart.

Hi, my name is Luke, and I came to live at Oakton Animal Hospital after my previous owners could not keep me any longer. I spend most of my time lounging in my favorite chair up at the front desk, greeting everyone who comes in. Come in and say hello! (No, really. I like to talk. A LOT!)