Veterinarian
I graduated from Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) in 1996 with my DVM. I spent most of my childhood years calling Olathe, KS my home. I first became interested in Veterinary Medicine while taking my first dog, Buffi, to the vet. I was known as the “child with no parents” as the veterinary office rarely saw my parents. At the age of 15, I landed my first job as an Animal Caretaker with that same veterinarian. I worked for him for a total of 6 years including Veterinary Assisting. After entering vet school, I helped with a research project on anesthesia recovery in horses as well as front office member at the Kansas State Vet School Teaching Hospital.
I met my husband, Russ Brewer, DVM at Kansas State University. We both graduated in 1996 and found there were 42 veterinary job positions open in the greater Chicago area. I started my career at Christiansen Animal Hospital in Wilmette, IL followed by Harper Animal Hospital in Palatine, IL, finally coming to CARE when it opened in April of 2000. I also did relief work at AECCC in Northbrook, IL as an Emergency Veterinarian.
I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of Veterinary Medicine and have found my true love in surgery. I enjoy both soft tissue surgery and especially orthopedics. I am the visionary for the clinic which keeps me busy with both management in the clinic and also our continued efforts in connecting with the greater veterinary community.
Our family includes our son (Nathan) and daughter (Emma) who are slowly moving their way out of the house. I am the proud owner of 4 Flat Coated Retrievers (Zap, Wonka, Pip, and Moony) which I continue to train primarily in agility. Sunny is our King Charles Cavalier Spaniel that is a wonderful couch warmer. The house is ruled by our crazy cat, a rescue named Skippy Skittle.
I enjoy helping out with several community service activities, mostly through our church. In my spare time, I also enjoy scrap booking, bicycling, traveling, and spending time with family.