Meet Our Team
Meet the veterinarians and a team of Countryside Animal Clinic! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to Know Our Team
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Dr. Michael Malitz, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Michael Malitz, DVM, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. He joined the team at Countryside Animal Clinic PC in 2003 and has been here since. “Veterinary medicine and the services available to pet owners have exploded. It’s great, but it can be a little overwhelming at times. My goal is to be a trusted source for pet owners to rely on when needed,” Dr. Malitz said. He lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife, three kids, and two dogs (Ruby and Pumpkin). When he is not working, he enjoys cooking, spending time with the family, and walking his dogs.
Dr. Mary Hannah, DVM
Dr. Mary Hannah received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Illinois in 1999. Although the love of animals drew her to the profession, she realizes that for every animal that comes to the clinic, a human is being attached to the other end of the leash/carrier. Being able to help pets and the people who love them makes her happy. Dr. Hannah shares her home with her husband, Jon, their two kids, and a cast of characters known as “the island of misfit pets.”
Chris Rivera
Chris has been working with animals for 13 years. She’s worked in the rescue field, clinical medicine, and also as a dog trainer. Her passion for animals is where she finds herself the happiest. She loves to learn new things and enjoys meeting new fur friends! In her spare time, she loves to bike, camp, hike, and photograph. Her greatest love, though, is her boys Homer, Plucky, and Carter.
Mary K.
Technician
Before transitioning to a career in veterinary medicine, Mary K worked as a preschool teacher, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois in 1988 and a Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in 1996. However, she soon left the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom, putting her education to use through raising her two daughters. After they had grown up, Mary K decided to change careers. She had always dreamed of working with animals when she was younger, and so she started looking for ways to make that dream a reality. In 2014, she signed up for a veterinary assisting class at the College of Lake County. After excelling in the course, she joined Countryside Animal Clinic in June of that year and has been a team member ever since. She also currently sits on an advisory board at the College of Lake County aimed at developing a vet tech program. Her favorite part of the job is seeing animals return happy and healthy each year.
Colin
Meet Colin, a dedicated Veterinary Assistant here at Countryside Animal Clinic. A proud graduate of Triton College, Colin is newer to the veterinary field but brings a strong passion for providing exceptional care to every patient he encounters.
At home, Colin spends quality time with his beloved dog, Dragonfly, and enjoys making memories with friends and family. When he’s not at work, you might find him outdoors, reading, or exploring new adventures with his four-legged companion.
Colin’s commitment to ensuring every pet receives the best possible care makes him a valuable member of the Countryside Animal Clinic team.
Naomi Levi
Front Desk Staff
Naomi is one of the front desk team members, pleasantly answering the phones and warmly greeting clients and their pets. She has been in the veterinary field for 18 years and enjoys every moment with the dogs and cats. Prior to that, Naomi lovingly raised her two sons, Adam and Jason, who are currently living in LA, doing their rock’ n roll thing. When Naomi is not working, she likes doting on her 12 ½-year-old “Millie Baby” her Maltese. She also has a love of all animals (conversely a vegan), Star Wars (“May the force be with you.”), the Chicago Cubs, and Converse “Chucks,” of which her current collection count is about 50 pairs.
Robin Gutmann
Front Desk Staff
Prior to entering the veterinary field, Robin was a preschool teacher for 20 years. Robin loves people, cats, and dogs. She has a husband, son, daughter, and two dogs named Kacy and Zoey. In her free time, she loves bike riding, canasta, mah-jongg, walking, and reading.
Janet Lapinski
Janet has 11 years of experience working at the front desk in the veterinary field. She is married with two children. In her free time, she is an avid nature photographer, enjoys hiking, gardening, and trying to solve family mysteries and break down “brick walls” with genealogy.
Heather LoProto
Front Desk Staff
Heather became a part-time staff member after a chance meeting with an old friend in 2022. While her main responsibility is working the front desk- she also assists doctors and staff in the back one afternoon a week. If you ask Heather, she will tell you that working at a vet’s office has always been something she wanted to do for a very long time!
Interests away from the office involve everything Samoyed! She has been one of the Samoyed National rescue secretaries for the past 20 years. Has competed in Obedience, Rally, and conformation with her dogs as an owner-handler. Finishing 4 of her Samoyeds to their championship/grand championship. Has done therapy work visiting nursing homes. An active member of the Samoyed Club of America Where she chairs the public education committee and assists with their quarterly “bulletin.”
Heather lives in the North West suburbs with her husband, 2 daughters, 3 Samoyeds, and 2 rescue cats. Living the dream!
Bridget
Meet Bridget, our dedicated Administrator at Countryside Animal Clinic! With 13 years in the veterinary field and a background from Wilbur Wright Community College in Chicago, Bridget brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate heart to our team. Known for her commitment to providing the best care for every pet and their owner, she treats each visitor as part of the family.
At home, Bridget has two beloved dogs, Reese, an energetic Australian Shepherd, and Eve, a sweet retriever mix. Outside of work, she treasures family time, playing sports with her daughter, exploring new restaurants, and catching a good movie.