Our Staff
Dr. Dawn Sackman, D.V.M. & Owner
Dr. Sackman is a 1986 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sackman moved to the Chicago area shortly after graduating and began her career at Lincoln-Way Animal Hospital. She also spent several years practicing emergency medicine at Emergency Veterinary Care South before she opened and co-owned Laraway Animal Hospital in 1994. In March of 2000, shortly before the birth of her daughter Paige, Dr. Sackman opened Sackman Animal Hospital. Dr. Sackman has two golden retrievers, a pug, four cats,a guinea pig, a budgie, a fire-belly toad, and an aquarium of glowfish. In her free time she enjoys going to the zoo and spending time with her friends and family.
Paige, Future Veterinarian??
Tracy Porter, C.V.T./Hospital Manager
Tracy is a 2001 graduate of the Joliet Junior College Veterinary Medical Technology program. Tracy previously worked with Dr. Sackman at Laraway Animal Hospital, working her way from kennel attendant to receptionist, to veterinary assistant. Tracy has been employed with Sackman Animal Hospital since March of 2000 (with an absence from March of 2002 until August of 2003). Tracy has previously worked as a veterinary technician at Emergency Veterinary Care South and Animal Emergency of Mokena. In her free time, Tracy enjoys spending time with her friends and family, riding her Thoroughbred, and enjoying her collector cars. Tracy has a dog, four cats, and a rabbit.
Zeus, Resident House Cat
Zeus is our resident house cat. He prides himself on being one of the "spokescats" for the indoor Invisible Fence containment system. Zeus also willingly helps us demonstrate many "how to" instructions to our clients.
Freak, Resident House Cat
Freak is our other resident house cat. She is the other "spokescat" for the indoor Invisible Fence containment system. Freak also helps us show our clients "how to", but she would prefer to reassure the hospitalized patients and their families. Freak gets her name because she is a "polydactyl", meaning she has more toes than your average cat!!
While you may not be able to tell from the pictures, Paige is an aspiring veterinarian!!! Now her free time is consumed with gymnastics, horseback riding, playing piano, playing the flute, chorus, hip-hop dance, playing with her friends, swimming, and being a fifth grader!!!
Dr. Jack Engels, D.V.M.
Dr. Engels is a 1982 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Engels is married and has several canine friends and a parrot at home. He is interested in American history, especially the Civil War period. Dr. Engels spent 6 years in emergency medicine, prior to traveling to several animal clinics to perform their surgeries. Since September 13, 2007 Dr. Engels has been performing our routine Thursday surgeries. Many of you know and love Dr. Engels from previous visits while Dr. Sackman has been out of the office. Dr. Engels has been an important part of our team for several years now.
Meghan Kamba, C.V.T
Meghan officially joined our staff in August of 2010 after completing her summer externship with us. Meghan graduated from Joliet Junior College in May of 2011 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in July of 2011. Prior to her employment with us, Meghan spent 8 years working as a veterinary assistant at another area hospital. Meghan is a huge fan of the Chicago Bears and loves attending games. Meghan has a beautiful labrador named Meadow, and three cats; Baby Tat, Pauly Walnuts, and Ariel Luanne.
Nicole, Veterinary Assistant
Nicole joined our staff in May of 2011 during her summer break and will continue to fill in with us during her school breaks. Nicole is a full time pre-vet student at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and his planning to apply to vet school after graduation. Nicole shares her home with Clyde, her bloodhound and her cat, Neal. Nicole spends her free time reading, going to concerts, and white sox games.
Brenna Lane, C.V.T.
Brenna joined our staff after completing her spring technician internship in May of 2011. Brenna is a 2011 graduate of the Joliet Junior College Veterinary Medical Technology program and officially became a CVT in August of 2011. She has 3 cats and 4 dogs. In her free time Brenna enjoys spending time outside, walking her dogs, baking, gardening, and hula-hooping! Brenna has a passion for all animals and prides herself on her compassion and patient care.
