Meet The Team

• Doctorate, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1987
• Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dentistry, 2007
• Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM
• Robert Wiggs Outstanding Candidate Award, 2007
• Medical Advisory Board of Brookfield Zoo and Shedd Aquarium
• Co-author of the 2013 America Animal Hospital Association Dental Care Guidelines
• Member, American Veterinary Medical Association
• Member, American Animal Hospital Association
• Member, American Association of Feline Practitioners
• Member, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association

WHY I DO WHAT I DO Being a veterinarian is the only thing I ever wanted to do. I grew up on a farm in Wheaton, Illinois with dogs, cats, sheep, horses, and chickens. Growing up I observed and then was recruited to help Dr. McCaslin care for our animals. In those days, he would stay for dinner after treating one of our animals and tell amazing stories.

After 15 years in general practice, I was accepted into a dental residency at the University of Illinois under board certified veterinary dentist and surgeon, Dr. Sandra Manfra. I cannot thank my wife and family enough for making it possible for me to travel to Champaign (over four years), maintain my caselogs, complete my required publications and study for dental specialty boards. Now, I have the pleasure to perform a wide variety of specialized dental and oral surgical procedures for companion animal as well as zoo/aquatic animals.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS The relationships I’ve had with my patients and their parents over 30 years have been priceless. Most recently, I was fortunate to provide oral surgery & extractions on Ramar a 50-year-old gorilla (the third oldest gorilla in captivity) at Brookfield Zoo. Ramar had heart disease and we were tasked with providing efficient oral evaluation & dental extractions, while an orthopedic surgeon performed arthroscopic knee surgery under the same anesthetic. Ramar had 3 diseased molars, received surgical extractions and made an excellent recovery. I have a finger painting from the “Big Guy” as a thank you!

THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE Beyond my great wife and 4 lovely children, we have been blessed with 4 golden retrievers that exemplify the description “man’s greatest companion” (dogs). Lance joined the family as a 10-year-old Good as Gold rescue with multiple health problems. After a few months of treatment for heartworm disease, two cancer surgeries, and root canal therapy he spent 4 years mostly with our daughter Grace at college. Holiday and summer breaks were a joy with Lance. Most recently we added Sperry, a 5-year old Good as Gold Rescue that has overcome anxiety to fit in the family.

• Doctorate, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1997
• Dental resident, American Veterinary Dental College, alternate training pathway
• Member, American Veterinary Medical Society
• Member, Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry
• Member, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association

WHY I DO WHAT I DO I have always had a passion for animals and becoming a veterinarian from a very young age. As a child I read every James Herriot book I could find and in summers would spend time at my grandfather’s farm. As I got older and began working for a veterinarian I learned that even though the medicine in those James Herriot books had changed, the passion that James Herriot had for his patients was still there. Knowing that I could combine science and knowledge to help animals solidified my dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS One of my first memorable experiences at the Veterinary Dental Center comes from a elderly dog that shared his life with a very sweet senior lady. Her beloved pet had a very large non-cancerous tumor in his mouth that could be cured, but would need involved surgery to cure him. She really struggled with decisions regarding his quality of life and his advancing “senior” age. After discussing the surgery, answering all of her questions, and showing her pictures of previous patients’ surgeries she decided to go ahead with the surgery. He did very well with surgery and went on to live a very normal life. His owner was very grateful and teared up while thanking me at his follow-up appointments, reminding me what an amazing career I have.

THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE I have had many pets throughout my life and they are all memorable in various ways. One pet in particular that comes into mind on many occasions was my collie that I acquired while still in veterinary school, Keiki. He was by my side through many aspects of my life: veterinary school, graduation, new jobs, marriage, babies, and multiple moves. As a senior pet, he developed a spinal cord tumor which affected his mobility and quality of life. Up until the very end, he lived his life with passion and my love for him stays with me even to today, reminding me of the important things in life.

• Doctorate, Ross University, St. Kitts, 2008
• Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dentistry, 2020
• Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM
• Member, American Veterinary Medical Association
• Member, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association

WHY I DO WHAT I DO I’m grateful to be a part of a group of caring veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and team members here at the Veterinary Dental Center who are dedicated to the care of animals and their oral health and comfort.  Similar to Drs. Juriga and Sasser, I’ve had the distinct benefit of growing up surrounded by animals and individuals who are passionate in their care of animals.  Being a part of a team that shares the goal of making life healthier and happier for pets and dental care easier for their owners feels like home to me.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS I enjoyed my first 6 years in general practice in Cincinnati, Ohio after which I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to pursue a dentistry residency through the University of Illinois where I also taught from 2014-2021.  My most rewarding experiences in my career continue to involve opportunities to apply my skills to improve the life of an animal and the extension to the pet owner that goes along with that.  Sometimes these are more dramatic events like stabilizing fractures in a patient that has sustained extensive maxillofacial trauma and other times it is simply providing options and empowering owners to make the best decision for their own pet.

THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE

My husband, daughter, and I are in love with our 7-year-old Pit Bull mix, Ellie, who still loves to run after bilateral TPLO knee surgeries and failing water treadmill therapy.  The real star of our house though is our rescue cat, Oliver who makes sure that the mantle is kept clear and helps himself to anything he can get his paws on, including his favorite food, tortilla chips.

Owner and CXO (Chief Experience Officer) – Alexandra Juriga

We are focused on exceptional pet and parent experiences. We have a State-of-the-Art facility and outstanding staff committed to the highest quality dental services in a warm/caring manner.

Office Manager

“I live in Aurora with my husband and our two teenage sons. We have two sweet Shelties named Duchess and Peewee. We also have three playful cats named Rory, Sherlock, and Hobbes. In my spare time, I like to play board games with my family, read, and crochet.” – Jen M.

“I am the veterinary dental center coordinator. I am married and have 3 children and 4 wonderful granddaughters. I have a rescue dog Dodger who rules the house. When not working I love spending time with my family and our combined 10 pets!” – Cathy M.

“I have worked for the Jurigas since 2005.  I live in Grand Ridge with my husband and our young son.  When I’m not working at Veterinary Dental Center I am busy taking care of our farm and animals, which includes horses, Kunekune pigs, goats and ducks.  In my spare time I enjoy baking, crafting, and making homemade soap from my goat’s milk.” – Verena B.

“I have been working in the veterinary field for 10 years, and graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at Joliet Junior College in 2015. I have always had a strong passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. My small zoo consists of a Jack Russell mix named Roxy, 2 goldfish (Cheeto and Pickle), and 3 cats named Patches, Jäger, and Camo. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter, hiking, cooking, and visiting local music venues.” – Laura P, CVT

“I have always had such a big heart for animals, and it is so fulfilling to be able to turn that into a career. I have been working in the veterinary field for 7 years now. Everyday is a new experience with every patient and case we see, and there is always an opportunity to learn more. Helping both our patients and their parents is extremely important to me, and I know for the rest of our team as well. I personally am at an all time low in my own home with 6 pets: My dogs Dexter and Epona, my cats Vladimir and Kyo, my turtle Koopa Troopa, and my tortoise Torta. ” – Melissa M.

“I received my associate degree in veterinary technician in Southern Illinois in 2012 where I started my career after receiving my license. Originally from Wheaton, IL I moved back to the suburbs to continue my technician work in general practice for many more years. Looking for a change, I sought out a clinic specifically geared toward dental care in animals and found the Veterinary Dental Center where I was fortunate enough to join their team in the end of 2019. I hope to continue learning new knowledge of oral health and to spread as much education as I can. In my down time, I have my two kitties, “Itty and Cleo,” who spoil me with lots of love. I also love to spend much of my time at the gym, seeing live music, and spending time with family.” – Dana B, CVT

“My love for animals has been, and always will be, a huge part of my life. I graduated from the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Joliet Junior College in 2020, although I have been in the field since 2016. I have always been intrigued by anesthesia and wanted to learn much more about oral surgery as well as dentistry. I have two dogs- Willow the Weimaraner and Cali the Catahoula mix. I spend my free time with my dogs or with friends and family.” – Lindsey I, CVT

“Originally from Miami, FL, I moved to Chicago in 2014 and pursued a career in veterinary
technology. I graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in Chicago in 2019 and became certified that
same year. Before that, I worked in general practice assisting in surgeries and dentals. That is
when and where my passion for dentistry grew. When I’m not working, I enjoy relaxing at home
with my 8 cats and 1 dog.” – Jenny C, CVT

(Kate’s picture coming soon)

“Animals and science have always been what I am most passionate about. I have been in the veterinary field for 6 amazing years and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. In 2019 while working in general practice veterinary medicine I graduated from Aurora University with a bachelor of science in human-animal studies with a focus in animal behavior. When I am not at work I enjoy kayaking, hiking and spending time with family and friends.” – Kate B.