When you trust us with your cat’s health, you’re putting your cat in good hands. Our staff is skilled and educated in feline care and medicine. Let us introduce you to our cat care professionals:
Meet Dr. Schmidt
Dr. Rebecca Schmidt founded the Northern Illinois Cat Clinic located in Libertyville Illinois in 1982. At that time, Dr. Schmidt was one of only 15 veterinarians in the United States limiting her practice to cats. Dr. Schmidt graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973. She was the first female veterinarian to complete a post graduate internship at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975.
Dr. Schmidt has a special interest in feline internal medicine. Her fascination is motivated by the cat’s ability to hide disease symptoms and resist human intervention. Dr. Schmidt’s dedication, experience, knowledge of feline medicine and surgery, and gentle touch combine to make her a special member of the Northern Illinois Cat Clinic PC Team.
Dr. Schmidt is a member of:
- American Association of Feline Practitioners
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Schmidt and her husband have two cats at home: Pepsi and Boots. Their two children are grown and now have cats of their own.
Meet Dr. Miller
Dr. A. Michelle Miller received her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology at Eastern Illinois University. She then graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. After graduation, she moved to Elkhart, Indiana and spent the next 11 years practicing general small animal medicine and surgery.
While in Indiana, she served on the Board of Directors for the local Humane Society, spoke regularly at local schools about pet healthcare and vetted the cats for the local 4-H Society’s cat shows. It was during those years that Dr. Miller developed her interest in feline medicine as she realized that the feline population was underserved. Her favorite field is geriatric medicine and helping owners balance the myriad health issues that beset the elderly cat.
Dr. Miller is a member of:
- American Association of Feline Practitioners
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
To support a strong desire to concentrate her medical and surgical skills on only cats, Dr. Miller joined the Cat Clinic in 2001. She is owned currently by three cats; Spike and Gus, young trouble making boys and Dyna, an outgoing and photogenic three-year-old that is often seen on the clinic’s computer monitors. When not working, she can usually be found in the garden or out cycling.
Bryan: Hospital Manager – Joined our team – at birth
Coming from a pair of veterinarian parents, animal love and care was bred into him. When you discuss developing radiographs as a twelve year old, experience is an understatement. Striving to keep the best staff, provide the best medicine, and emanate customer service, he keeps a busy schedule. If you need anything at all, ask for Bryan.
Nicole: Head Technician – Joined our team –5/16/2011
Nicole graduated in 2011 from Carroll University with a biology degree (emphasis in animal behavior). Nicole once worked at a pet store and currently volunteers her time at an animal shelter in Wisconsin. She has one sweet kitty at home named Frankie. Frankie has health issues of his own and is a frequent visitor of our clinic. Nicole is extremely pleasant to deal with and always strives to do her best. She has a gentle touch which the kitties sure appreciate.
Ana: Technician – Joined our team – 3/6/2007
Her compassion for cats and uplifting attitude for us humans have to be her best attributes. Versed in anesthesia, phlebotomy, catheter placement, and radiology, you can be assured your kitty is in capable hands. The most kind and gentle care comes in to play as she whispers sweet nothings into your kitty’s ear to make them comfortable during procedures. If you come in feeling a little down, she will be glad to give you some of her positive energy.
Erika: Technician – Joined our team – 7/7/2007
Celebrating her five anniversary at the hospital, Erika has become an integral part of the team. She specializes in your cat’s comfort and always has a smile for you.
Karina: Front Desk Joined our team – 6/1/2013
Karina is new to the Cat Clinic and learning fast. Prior to our clinic, Karina worked in human pediatric medicine for 3 years. Working with kids can be challenging as most are afraid of the doctor’s office. Her warm smile and gentle touch worked well with the children and now our patients benefit from the same. Recently Karina rescued a kitten from a “fast food” restaurant parking lot. The kitten is now safe, sound and healthy because she was so kind.