Our Team

Meet the veterinarians and team of Countryside Animal Clinic PC below. We’re pleased to provide exceptional veterinary 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

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.”

Mary Fierstein, Practice Manager

Mary has worked at Countryside Animal Clinic PC for 17 years. She enjoys the diversity of management responsibilities and assisting the doctors and technicians in the treatment room. Over the years, she creates a powerful bond with both clients and patients. Married to her husband, Rob, they have three rescue dogs, also known as their fur babies. In her free time, she enjoys going to flea markets and upcycling found items, music, and fundraising for local animal shelters.

Chris Rivera, Technician
Chris has been working with animals for 13 years. She’s worked in the rescue field, clinic 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 photography. 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 were grown, Mary K decided to make a career change. 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 member of the team 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.

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, Front Desk Staff

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.