Christine Charles, DVM
Owner and Veterinarian
Dr. Charles has worked here since June 1995 and became the owner in March 2020. She grew up in Galena, IL, on a farm and has always had animals in her life. She went to school at UIUC for all 8 years of college. Dr. Whitebread called her looking to hire a veterinarian in her last months of schooling, and she’s been in Mt Carroll ever since.
She loves this area and has extended family that has always lived here and she feels it’s nice to be able to live in a rural community. She always loved animals, like most people in the industry. Dr. Charles grew up with all sorts of animals and has loved working with them and caring for them. All the different species have different quirks that she finds challenging and fulfilling to work with. She loves training (and being trained) by her pets.
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Dr. Charles loves the different “ness” and the sameness of the profession. She enjoys working with the people who own the animals/pets and looks forward to each day getting to see and learn something new. She’s passionate about working with our local rescues and helping them help the unfortunate pets who don’t have responsible owners in their life. Dr. Charles is also passionate about preventative medicine and whatever she can do to help pets live longer healthier lives.
Her husband Terry farms beef cattle and crops locally. Her oldest daughter Olivia is going to college at UIUC in Agricultural Communications with interests in leadership and crop science and her youngest daughter is a Senior at West Carroll High School with an interest in music.
Her personal interests are family and being good neighbors. She is thrilled to own this practice with deep roots in the local area. This building has been a veterinary clinic since the horse and buggy days and she is glad to be able to continue that.
Diane
Office Manager
Diane started at the Mt Carroll Veterinary Clinic in July 1980 as receptionist/secretary. She was hired by Dr Whitebread because she had taken an accounting class in high school (pre-computer days). When she started it was just her and Dr. Whitebread until Dr. Schroeder joined the practice in May 1982. As the business grew, Diane also started learning about the veterinary assistant position. She became office manager with the retirement of Dr. Whitebread and the semi-retirement of Dr. Schroeder in the spring of 2022. It is amazing how much animal health care has evolved over the last 40+ years.
Diane has had pets all of her life and even grooms her own dogs (standard poodles). She has 3 adult children: Tyler, computer tech support, Amorette, schematic design, and Diamond, workforce development. She married Scott, who retired from the Air Force in June 2004. He was a foster parent and Diane had to become one also. Shortly after they were married they were able to adopt the 2 boys, Brandon, CNA, and Joe, distribution center. Diane’s interests outside of the vet clinic are swimming, line dancing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading, and traveling.
Jessica R.
Veterinary Technician
Jessica is a Certified Veterinary Technician and started working here in January of 2018. She grew up in Pearl City, Illinois, and graduated from Pearl City High School. She then attended Rockford Career College and received an associate’s degree in Applied Science and took the Veterinary Technician National Exam in order to receive her certification in veterinary technology. Part of her requirements for graduating from college included doing an externship at a vet clinic, which is how she came to start working here. She recently moved to Lanark, Illinois to be closer to work.
Growing up, Jessica had a variety of pets and lived on a farm for part of her life, so she has always had a love for animals and has been intrigued by them. She knew from a young age that she wanted a job that involved working with animals. Her favorite thing about working with animals is seeing the success stories of animals who come in very sick and end up beating whatever illness they were fighting. She feels it’s very rewarding to be able to have a part in helping them get back to good health.
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She knew she was in the right profession when she first started working here because she really enjoyed being able to meet and work with the variety of different cats and dogs that come into the clinic that she otherwise would never have the chance to meet. Jessica loves that each day is different and she’s constantly learning new things.
Her family consists of her Mom, Dad, sister, and many pets between their 2 households. She has 1 dog and 1 cat that lives with her and they are like her kids. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and pets. She also loves being outdoors and gardening. She has quite a collection of succulents and cacti plants that she likes to take care of and add to frequently.
Brenda T.
Veterinary Assistant
Brenda has been with Mt. Carroll Veterinary Clinic since February 1991 as a veterinary assistant. She also has lived in Savanna, IL all her life. She has always loved animals and it makes her so happy when they recognize her and are very happy to see her. Brenda has been married for 35 years to her husband David. They have a daughter Allison and son-in-law Jordan. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her family on the river.
Drew P.
Veterinary Assistant
Drew is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at MT Carroll Vet Clinic. Born and raised in Lanark, IL, Drew has always had a deep connection to the agricultural community and a love for animals. She holds degrees in Agribusiness and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, combining her academic interests with her passion for animal care.
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Drew’s journey into the veterinary field was inspired by her upbringing, where she spent her childhood showing pigs and being surrounded by animals. Her family’s commitment to rescuing animals further fueled her desire to help those in need. For Drew, the most rewarding aspect of her work is being part of the healing process and knowing she’s making a difference in the lives of animals.
Outside of the clinic, Drew is the oldest of four sisters and grew up in a lively household full of energy. She enjoys staying active through sports and working out, attending concerts, and socializing with friends. At home, Drew finds joy in spending time with her family’s pets, continuing her lifelong love of animals.
Contessa E.
Receptionist
Contessa is a dedicated Receptionist at Mount Carroll Vet Clinic. Originally from Mount Carroll, she was raised in the area before leaving to pursue higher education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Communications from Elmhurst College and had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand for a full semester.
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Contessa’s journey in the veterinary industry began during high school when she worked at Mount Carroll Vet Clinic as a weekend kennel assistant from 2012 to 2016. Her deep love for animals and the opportunity to reconnect with her hometown made returning to the clinic a fulfilling experience. She finds immense joy in working with pets and their owners, ensuring they feel welcomed and cared for.
Outside of work, Contessa enjoys spending time with family and friends, often hosting game nights and dinners. She has a passion for the outdoors, whether it’s camping, kayaking, or exploring new destinations through travel.