Meet Our Veterinarians at Wheaton Animal Hospital
Dr. Kerry Lancaster, DVM
I have always loved animals and early on knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I grew up in this area, spending most of my childhood in West Chicago. During high school, I worked part-time at a veterinary clinic as a kennel worker and veterinary assistant, spending many Sundays and holidays cleaning cages and taking care of the animals. It was not glamorous, but I learned a lot!
I attended the University of Illinois, receiving a BS in animal science in 1994, a BS in veterinary science in 1996, and my DVM in 1998. After veterinary school, I moved with my wife, Elaine, also a veterinarian, to New Jersey, where we spent my first years of practice. In 2000, we moved back to the Chicago area, where I joined the staff of Wheaton Animal Hospital. I enjoy the variety of patients we see here. The most rewarding part of my job is getting to know my patients and their families, seeing them from puppyhood through adulthood and beyond!
My wife and I have been blessed with two daughters who share our love of animals. We currently have two dogs, a German shorthaired pointer named Lucas and a Labrador-Golden mix named Polly; three cats, Lovergirl, Pancake, and Syrup; and fish. Our newest addition is a hermit crab! I also enjoy running and biking in my free time.
Dr. Arielle Herndobler, DVM
I have always loved animals and dreamed of being a veterinarian. I went to high school at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, which is the only working farm in the city of Chicago. I was able to take care of many animals there, including everything from chickens to llamas. I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I completed both my undergraduate and veterinary degrees.
I’ve always had an interest in holistic medicine. Personally, I’ve used herbal medicine and acupuncture, and I feel like it’s a helpful addition to traditional Western medicine. I find a holistic approach to be more fulfilling, because it helps you get to the root of the problem that is causing chronic symptoms or just gives you other options when you’ve done everything you can in terms of Western medicine.
I’m so happy that I’m able to work at a job I love, and I’m eager to help many more pets with a holistic approach.
Dr. Erica Hansen, DVM
Veterinary medicine was always my calling; I was an animal lover from birth, bringing home all sorts of pets and wildlife to nurse to back to health. I was very fortunate to have wonderfully patient parents that encouraged my love and dedication to animals, no matter what strange critter I drug home.
I grew up in Colorado Springs, and I am a mountain girl at heart. I love everything outdoors; camping, hiking, climbing, and biking. I’m not really sure how I ended up in Illinois, hundreds of miles from mountains, but I am enjoying my life here very much with my husband, Dave.
I currently have a chocolate Labrador and German short hair pointer mix named Scooby. I also have a longhaired calico named Culpepper, who is an evil genius and loves to torment Scooby.
My greatest love in this field is exotic animals, and I even think about getting into zoo medicine some day.
Dr. Lidia Komina, DVM
I was the first one in my family to be born in the United States. My family is originally from Macedonia (of the former Yugoslavia). I have a great interest in space and science; I’m a huge Star Trek fan. I even considered becoming an aerospace engineer at one point; however, my love of animals won out.
I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do. All too often, animals don’t get the recognition they deserve. I’m so grateful to be able to care and help them and, in turn, their owners. I love the relationships I form with clients and their pets. It’s so wonderful being able to care for animals throughout their lives. Being a veterinarian is like a dream come true. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine; however, I greatly enjoy the mechanics of surgery.
My husband, Michael, and I share our home with our children, Kullen and Brynn. Our pets, miniature dachshund Valentine and kitty Magnum, complete our family.
Dr. Jennifer Trytek, DVM
I have always had animals in my life. My mom grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa and wanted to keep some of that connection, even though we lived in a Chicago suburb. We had chickens, rabbits, geese, ducks, and cats at our house in (unincorporated!) Countryside. I began competitively showing and riding Quarter horses at the age of 6. I do not currently own a horse, but will again, hopefully some day soon.
My equestrian background brought me to the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, for my undergraduate work, where I completed my BA in pre-veterinary medicine in 1996. I continued my studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, complete my DVM in 1999. I am passionate about the “investigative” part of medicine—taking all the pieces of the puzzle and putting them together to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. I also love the surgical opportunities veterinary medicine offers. The most rewarding thing I find in veterinary medicine is educating the clients and helping them understand what is going on with their pet.
I have three young daughters: Audrey, Hannah, and Madison. They keep me extremely busy, entertained, and are my most precious gifts. Mater, a 100-pound boxer mix that is as gentle as he is big, and Ziggy and Zoie, our two cats adopted from a stray mom, complete the family.
Dr. Elaine Turcotte, DVM
I am originally from Quebec City, Canada. After receiving my Doctorate in Veterinary
Medicine from the University of Montreal in 1997, I completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at the University of Illinois. That is where my interest in surgery really developed, and so I went on to complete a two year Surgical Internship at Garden State.
Veterinary Specialists in New Jersey. In 2000, my husband and I came back to the Chicago area where I have been working in general practice with emphasis in surgery.
I have been a behind the scenes supporter of Wheaton Animal Hospital since 2000 when
my husband, Dr Kerry Lancaster joined the practice. Since then I have taken a more active role with Wheaton in expanding the surgical services.
Outside of veterinary medicine I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 daughters,
gardening, and competing in triathalons. Our family also includes 2 dogs, 3 cats, and hermit crabs, and fish...and still growing!
Dr. Rebecca Beisner
I have wanted to be a veterinarian ever since I was 7 years old. It’s a wonderful gift to be doing something I truly love.
I went to St. Georges University for vet school. It is located on the island of Grenada in the Caribbean. It was an interesting experience and on that I won’t forget.
I personally enjoy dermatology and soft tissue surgery. I also like to volunteer my spare time helping PAWS Chicago with the care of their rescue dogs.
I share my life with 3 dogs, 6 cats, a husband and a new son. It’s a full household, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I started working at the Wheaton Animal Hospital prior to vet school as a technician/receptionist and its great coming back after all these years.
Kim Walter
I have been with Wheaton animal hospital since early 2008. I started out at our Naperville clinic as a receptionist before becoming Wheaton’s manager. I truly love what I do, and love working with the animals and their owners. I have done many jobs prior to working in an animal hospital, and I have to say this is the most fulfilling job I have ever done. I could not imagine doing anything else.
When I am not here I love spending time with my husband, and our four children, Tanner, Ashley, Larkin and Rowen, and of course our 4 legged children. Our 3 dogs and 2 cats complete our family!!!
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