Dr. Jamie A. Abete
Veterinarian, DVM
Education: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Jamie Abete graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 following her clinical year at Oklahoma State University. Before attending veterinary school she began her masters degree coursework through Western Illinois University with an emphasis on Zoo and Aquarium Studies. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.
During veterinary school she was actively involved in wildlife rehabilitation through Ross University’s student chapter of AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarians) and feral cat population management via the university’s TNR (trap neuter and release) program. She also was involved in research in the Microbiology Department studying various tick borne diseases and the prevalence of infection and co-infections in the canine population on the island of St. Kitts, West Indies.
Dr. Abete has a special interest in all avian species but also enjoys working with dogs, cats, reptiles and other common small exotic species. She has kept, bred and raised psittacines for nearly two decades and has hand raised many types of parrots, soft billed birds and even a few toucans. She also is very interested in animal behavior and training and has taken courses in both at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL.
Outside of veterinary medicine Dr. Abete has a certificate in hatha yoga instruction and enjoys regularly practicing yoga, clicker training her cats, bird watching and photography. She shares her home with four rambunctious island cats that followed her home from St. Kitts, her pet Ducorp’s Cockatoo, lovebirds, lineolated parakeets, starlings and her husband Dan.
Dr. Samantha Johnson
Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Kiana Davis
Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Alexandra Friedman
Veterinarian, DVM
Michelle
Practice Manager
Julie
Veterinary Technicianstrong>
Education: Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology.
Started working part time in the veterinary field in late 1998 while attending school for interior design. Realized that her passion for the field was her life calling, and moved out to Colorado to attend Bel-Rea Institute for Veterinary Technology. Graduated from Bel-Rea Institute early in 2004 and moved back to Illinois. Knew about Niles Animal Hospital from taking her childhood pet Parakeets here. Started working for Niles Animal Hospital in June of 2004.
Has always been an animal lover since a very young child. Grew up with the family’s rescued shepherd mix since a baby. As well began horse back riding since the age of 3 and enjoys riding to this day. Since then she has had pet fish, a rescued German Shepherd Mix that loved road trips to and from Chicago and Colorado. A pet rat and mouse, fostered a cat while living out in Colorado for school. A rescued Bearded Dragon, as well as a rescued California King Snake.
Her current pets are two rescued Pit Bulls. Her oldest rescued Pit Bull is Daisy Mae the primary blood donor for Niles Animal Hospital since she seems to be a canine universal blood donor for all the anemic dogs that have come through the hospital to this day. Pixie Dust her second rescued Pit Bull is the hospital’s back up blood donor, in case another donation is needed with a month. Both well loved and very spoiled girls when not working at the hospital, that love to lounge around the house.
Besides her passion for being in the veterinary medicine field. She enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, road trips and traveling, drawing, jewelry making, reading, visiting museums and watching movies. Spending time and enjoying life with family and friends, as well as playing and cuddling with her rescued Pit Bulls.
Christopher
Veterinary Assistant
Christopher is a local college student who has been working at the hospital for several years. His duties include assisting the veterinarians and maintenance in other areas of the hospital. Christopher enjoys working with animals and has a keen interest in going into the human medical field.
At home Christopher has multiple pets, including dogs, cats and birds. Christopher’s interests include reading, music and playing guitar. Christopher had been active in scouting, achieving the rank of Life Scout.
Maria
Veterinary Assistant / Bird Room Assistant
Maria has worked professionally with animals for over 10 years, with experience ranging from dogs and cats, to exotic animals of all types. She attended Elmhurst College and in 2011 earned her BA in psychology with a focus on animal behavior, and her BA in criminal justice focusing on animal crimes. Before coming to Niles Animal Hospital, Maria was the Animal Care Manager for the PAWS Chicago Rescue & Recovery Center, as well as managing at the PAWS Chicago Adoption Center. She has a strong passion for animal rescue and welfare. During her time at PAWS Chicago, she placed great priority on working with their behaviorally challenged animals, developing treatment and training plans to help them succeed. She currently assists Dr. Jamie Abete with behavior consults offered at Niles Animal Hospital. As both a receptionist and vet assistant, Maria enjoys the opportunity to spend time throughout all areas of the hospital. Maria shares her home with her dogs Scout & Puddles, two cats Bugsy & Lucky, leopard gecko Reptar, puffer fish Deandra & Dennis, and gerbil Pepper.
Bianca
CVT, Veterinary Technician
Haley
CVT, Veterinary Technician
Miranda
Veterinary Assistant
Jules
Veterinary Technician
Ruth
Veterinary Assistant
Rebecca
Head Receptionist
Rebecca is our head receptionist and has been with Niles Animal Hospital for 25 years. Due to over 60 years of Niles Animal Hospital being in existence, it has given Rebecca the opportunity to meet generations of families and their pets. While working here she has given refuge to three stray and abandoned dogs, Precious, Jack, and Tillie.
Eileen
Receptionist
Eileen has a dual role at the hospital, serving as both a receptionist and a veterinary assistant. She has been employed at Niles Hospital since 1990. She has worked in all areas of the hospital from receptionist, veterinary assistant, assisting in bird surgeries, treatments of hospitalized birds and other animals. Eileen has also volunteered for over twenty five years at the Lincoln Park Zoo, with the traveling zoo to school and doing behavioral studies at the zoo.
Eileen graduated from North Park University with a BS degree in Biology and an Associate’s Degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania. She shares her home with two parakeets, Spunky and Frisky, which she raised from chicks. Her special interests are traveling and cheering on her niece of track and cross country meets. Eileen has traveled around the world and has been to every state except Hawaii.
Melissa
Receptionist
Allyson
Receptionist