Each
member of the South Town Animal Hospital staff is ready to assist
you with all
of your pets' health care needs. We'll be
happy to answer your questions and to work with you
to find the best
possible treatment options for your pets.
Denise Crittenden, DVM
Dr. Crittenden earned
her doctorate at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been a
practicing veterinarian since 1986. After graduation, she practiced in
Princeton, Illinois in a mixed animal practice, where she specialized in small
animal medicine, and then moved on to a small animal facility in Hanover Park,
Illinois.
Dr. Crittenden grew up
and attended high school in Elgin, and has now returned to realize her dream of
opening her own practice in her home town. In addition to her continued
commitment to the veterinary field, she enjoys golfing, horseback riding, and
spending time with friends, family and a special dog named "Elliot".
Jessica Tartof, DVM
We were pleased to welcome Dr. Tartof to South
Town Animal Hospital in April, 2010. Dr. Tartof graduated from Ross
University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, and has completed
multiple internships including a surgery internship at the
prestigious Tufts University. Since graduation she has worked at
both equine and small animal veterinary facilities, and she
continues to work part-time for a local equine hospital.
Dr. Tartof has developed an interest in
combining traditional veterinary medicine with alternative
therapies, and will begin working towards her certification in
veterinary acupuncture in late 2010. She enjoys horseback riding,
dog obedience and agility, tracking and canine therapy work. She is
owned by one horse, three rescued dogs and one rescued cat. Dr.
Tartof sees patients on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at South
Town Animal Hospital.
Nicole Sponsler,
Practice Manager
Nicole moved to the
United States from Australia in 1999 and has been working in veterinary medicine
since 2000 and joined South Town in 2005. She graduated in Australia with
degrees in Journalism and in Public Relations, and is our hospital administrator
in addition to assisting the doctor in aspects of veterinary care and client
education. Veterinary medicine has been a thrilling and very rewarding
field for Nicole who is particularly interested in aspects of total health and
wellness care, such as pet nutrition and alternative therapies. She lives
with her husband, son and their 2 dogs, "Newkie" a Labrador Retriever and "Krikkit",
a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon together with their cat, "Reuben". In what
rare spare time she has, Nicole enjoys gardening.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have an urgent pet care matter, please call the hospital at
(847) 695-7387 immediately as Nicole is not in the office each day.
Anne Burton
Customer Service Representative
Anne has extensive experience in the animal industry from working at
Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin for 3 1/2 years, until she
moved to Florida where she worked at a wildlife rehabilitation
center. She has since moved back to the midwest and started at
our facility in 2008. Anne's job is to make our clients'
visits to us as pleasant as possible by taking calls, making
appointments, client education, and assisting the doctor and
technicians with patient care. Anne lives locally with her son. Her hobbies include
reading, shopping and nature walks, and she is very interested in
expanding her knowledge of the veterinary field as much as possible.
Diana Eggum
Veterinary Technician
Diana started with us in 2007, after
she already had two years experience as a veterinary technician. She has also
been grooming dogs since 2001, and is a trained phlebotomist (for taking blood
from humans).
As a technician, Diana assists the veterinarian in all
areas. She is interested in pursuing an Associates Degree in Veterinary
Technology to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Diana lives in
Elgin with her dog Gizmo, and enjoys taking Gizmo for walks, working out and
watching television.
Alison Burton
Veterinary Technician
Alison started with us in 2007, after
accumulating five years of experience working with the animals at Anderson
Animal Shelter in South Elgin; doing temperament testing, cleaning and general
medical duties. She has been able to expand on that role working at this
facility, assisting the veterinarian with surgeries, procedures and during
examinations, in addition to educating and serving our clients and patients.
She is particularly interested in expanding her knowledge about surgery.
Alison lives in Elgin with her two Pitbulls, one Miniature Pinscher,
three cats and one Dagu (Czechoslovakian squirrel), and she continues to do
foster work for Anderson Animal Shelter. When Alison is not at work she enjoys
drawing and spending time with family and friends.
Brittany
Faircloth,
Veterinary Assistant
Brittany helps keep our facility spotless and
also helps with hospitalized patient care.
Danielle
Engel,
Veterinary Assistant
Danielle is always ready to lend
a hand, helping with everything from patient care to
tidying up.
