Our Veterinarians

• Dr. Margaret Dougherty
• Dr. Sheila Newenham
• Dr. Elizabeth Hetler

• Dr. Karen Hendrickson
• Dr. Claire Ojala
• Dr. Bobbie Ziesk

Dr. Margaret Dougherty

I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. I practiced two years near Charlotte, NC and 2 1/2 years in Glenview, IL before coming to this practice in 1995. My husband, our son, our Labrador, Bulldozer and cats, Marley and Tory, live in Schaumburg.

I have always loved animals and been interested in the relationships people have with their pets. I enjoy surgery, medicine and developing long term relationships with pets and their people. I find it very rewarding to be part of this bond.

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Dr. Sheila Newenham

I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995 and have enjoyed practicing at the Animal Hospital of Streamwood ever since. I became an owner of the hospital in 2001. I have wanted to care for people's pets for as long as I can remember. Helping people to better understand their pets, thereby enriching their relationships, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I enjoy counseling pet owners about preventative care and behavior/lifestyle issues. Getting to know the unique personality of a cat or kitten, who doesn't often wear their heart on their sleeve like dogs do, always makes my day.

I share a home with my husband, our cats, Homer and Seward; Hobbes, a release dog from Canine Companions for Independence; our rabbit, Ally; and many tropical fish. I volunteer rehabilitating wildlife at a local nature center, spend a lot of time in the garden, love to travel and take pleasure in nature photography.

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Dr. Elizabeth Hetler

I graduated form the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. I 'd wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age and never looked back. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary practice but particularly like performing ultrasounds of the abdomen. I have a special fondness for labrador retrievers and orange and white cats. I live with my husband, our two dogs; Al and Alex, and our cats; Sly, Henry, Wally and Woody.

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Dr. Karen Hendrickson

I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. I wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 10, when my family got our first cat. I sat in awe every time we took him to the doctor for his physical exams. I am thrilled now to be the one who gets to perform those exams. I thoroughly enjoy both the medical and surgical aspects of veterinary medicine. Being a part of so many different people's lives is extremely special to me.

I am owned by 3 dogs; Katie, Spencer and Gracie; and 2 cats, Gus and Flo. Outside of work I enjoy reading fiction, gardening and am a major sports fanatic.

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Dr. Claire Ojala

I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006.  As a child, my fascination with animals led me to realize how much there is to learn about our pets and their care.

I became a veterinarian so that I could help educate owners about their animal companions leading to stronger, and hopefully longer, relationships.  One of the best parts of my job is the variety of problems I can help prevent and treat. However, I have a special interest in behavior, skin, and cytology (looking at cells under the microscope).  

I share my home with my running partner (a rescued pit bull) and my loving but temperamental tortoise-shell cat named Stella.

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Dr. Bobbie Ziesk (retired 2009)

Over the past 25 years, I have had the pleasure of being a part of this great community of animal lovers. When I arrived here as a new graduate in May of 1985, I never imagined the sincere warmth and joy that I have received by practicing veterinary medicine at the Animal Hospital of Streamwood.

Over the years, I have developed great friendships with the four-legged members of your families and with you, the caring clients that seek the array of services that we have been able to provide for your pets. You have opened your hearts to me and have allowed me to share in your lives in ways that have touched me deeply. These are blessings that I count every day!

My children have now grown and my husband and I are ready to begin a new chapter in our lives. At the end of this year, I will be retiring from the practice of veterinary medicine.

To you, our caring clients, I owe my sincerest gratitude. Because you look to us for high quality, compassionate care, this practice has grown from 2 veterinarians to now 6. With our growth, we now keep our door open until 9:00pm. With our addition in 2003, we have added a state of the art surgical suite, more exam rooms, ultrasound, advanced dentistry and digital radiography. Our staff has expanded to over 50 team members that keep current with the latest veterinary practices. I have again been blessed to have worked alongside such caring individuals.

Eight years ago, Dr. Sheila joined on as my partner. She will remain on staff as the practicing owner. Dr. Margaret, Dr. Beth, Dr. Karen and Dr. Claire will also continue to provide this community with the highest level in veterinary care.

I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve your veterinary needs over these 25 years. You will remain forever in my heart.