Ravenswood

Since graduating in 2014 from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Lenyr has worked in both feline-specific and general practice. She is also the staff veterinarian for The Chicago Catcade, a non-profit feline rescue. Throughout this work, she has solidified her passion for all aspects of feline medicine including oral and soft tissue surgery. She also has a soft spot for geriatric pets and loves to see them thrive with good care.

Dr. Plourde has been practicing small animal medicine for the last decade after graduating from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine. His favorite thing about practicing veterinary medicine is improving the quality of life of a pet in need; especially providing life-changing dental surgery. He finds improving the oral health of his patients very rewarding because it can relieve painful conditions and can add years of good quality of life.

Dr. Kara Bennett is native to Tennessee, but moved to Chicago in 2015 all the way from Dublin, Ireland where she completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine! She recalls being a child and realizing that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Her mom found a drawing that she had done with a hut with an “animal doctor” sign with an elephant, zebra, and lion waiting outside. Dr. Bennett enjoys the puzzle-solving aspect a difficult case presents. She also loves the feeling of sending home an animal that she was able to make feel better.

Dr. Ivanina was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the US with her family when she was 3 years old. They settled in Brooklyn, NY. She left the city to attend Cornell University for her Bachelor’s degree. She gained veterinary experience when she took a job at the clinic where her family had taken their dog for many years. She ended up working there for 5 years. Dr. Ivanina enjoys most topics in veterinary medicine, particularly ophthalmology, genetics, surgery, small animal reproduction, and preventative medicine.

Dr. Raju has been a practicing veterinarian since 2008! Here’s what Dr. Raju had to say about her journey so far:

"I was a software consultant for several years during which time I often dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but 6-7 years of additional schooling and training seemed like too enormous a challenge. Then in the wake of an unexpected personal and family tragedy, I saw every day how my pets kept me going and helped me to heal, and I couldn’t put it off any longer. I love animals and medicine, but I am a veterinarian because I know that often the best way to help humans is to take good care of their best friends."