Staff
Veterinary Technician Shelly Ehle has been with Palatine Animal Hospital since July of 1992 and engaged in the animal care field for more than 20 years. Her primary responsibilities include assisting during surgery, managing the Hospital's stock and inventory, managing the kennel, and drawing blood for lab work.
Shelly says that she has always been drawn to helping animals that are sick or injured and enjoys making lasting connections with our many clients. "You get to know them on a personal level after being at this clinic for so many years," she says.
At home, Shelly is busy managing her house and taking care of two kids as well as her pets, which include a Sheltie named Sally, Pitbull mix named Mater, and two fish tanks filled with an array of colorful fish. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, fishing, and camping with her family.
Veterinary Technician Kellie Bianchi began her career in the animal care field at Palatine Veterinary Hospital in June of
1991 as a Kennel Attendant. Since then she has matured into one of our most experienced Veterinary Technicians and
plays an important role helping other technicians improve their skills. Her other duties include lab work, assisting
during exams and procedures, taking radiographs, and helping manage the day-to-day flow of pets and people.
"I enjoy the fact that I have been able to see a number of clients for many years," says Kellie of her work. "I get to see the animals grow and become a fully integrated member of our clients' families, which is really satisfying to be able to witness."
Kellie's animal family includes one dog named Tux and a cat named Roo.
Veterinary Technician Ashley Staehling has been with Palatine Animal Hospital since 1999 with a three year break during the years 2003 to 2006 when she went to school and acted as a wildlife caregiver in Australia. Beyond her many years of experience, she also has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.
Her main duties include a wide range of Veterinary Technician tasks such as drawing blood, assisting with procedures and exams, taking radiographs, and more. She is also responsible for managing the Hospital's computer network, software and website.
Asked what she enjoys most about her work, Ashley says, "I like coming up with new and exciting ways to educate our clients on their pet's health. This was also my first animal care job working in the kennel, so I know a lot of my coworkers very well and I enjoy working with them and seeing the same clients and pets year after year."
A pet owner herself, Ashley has two Miniature Dachshunds named Deeds and Dax, an Australian cattle dog mix named Brissie, Tonkinese cat named Coco, three Leopard Geckos and three Dart Frogs. She also enjoys terrarium construction and monthly meet-ups with The Suburban Chicagoland Dachshund Lovers. Her other hobbies include fixing up her new house, sewing, camping, and spending time with her dogs.
Technician's Assistant Diane Taboada began her career in the animal care field with Palatine Animal Hospital in July of 2002. Her duties include performing X-rays, assisting with the pets during exams and procedures, filling prescriptions, and generally helping around the Hospital.
Diane says that she began working with the Hospital when she was 17 years old as a Kennel Attendant, which has given her a certain affinity for Palatine. "I grew up here," she says. "I have known most of my co-workers for eight years and I like what I do and the people I work with."
The best part of her job, says Diane, is playing with all the puppies and watching them grow.
At home, Diane has four Pitbulls named Jojo, Baby Solo, Chavelle, and Shelby, a one cat named Kitty-Kitty, 3 red foot tortoises, and a parrot named Tweakers. With her free time, she likes to spend as much time as possible with her two kids, 6 year old Matthew and 3 year old Elyana, as well as hiking, fishing, camping, and watching movies on family night.
Receptionist Ashley Deschamp has been with Palatine Animal Hospital since July of 2006, but got her start in the animal care profession in 2004. Her primary responsibilities are booking appointments, answering phones, checking clients in and out, ordering supplies, and being the first friendly face when clients come through our doors. She completed her Veterinary Assistant Certification at Harper College.
Asked what she enjoys most about her work Ashley says, "I like seeing all the animals as they return to the Hospital and watching them grow over the years. I also like the doctors and my co-workers very much too. And, did I mention that it's fun getting to wear scrubs to work every day."
At home, Ashley has a Boston Terrier named Garbo, Pitbull mix named Gretta, American Bulldog named Vada, and a cat named Gibbi. Her hobbies include painting, cooking, reading, watching movies and TV, hanging out with friends and playing with her pets.
Receptionist Nicki Poltera has been with Palatine Animal Hospital since July of 2008. Her primary responsibilities include checking clients in, updating computer information, answering phones, processing accounts receivable, and assisting the veterinary technicians.
Asked what she appreciates most about her work with us, Nicki says, "It's a relatively small practice so it makes it easier to become more acquainted and personal with the clients and their pets. I also love to watch the puppies and kittens that get their start here grow up."
Nicki says that she also enjoys training her own pets, which include two mix-breed dogs named Vegas and Presley and two cats named Rocky and Lucky. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, traveling, playing with her dogs, dirt biking, and going to outdoor festivals.
Receptionist Cristina Gomez joined Palatine Animal Hospital's staff in August of 2004 and has been working in the pet care field since 2002. Her duties include answering phones, scheduling appointments, billing and accounts receivable, cleaning, filing, and assisting the veterinary technicians as needed.
"I have worked every position here and I found where I fit best," she says. "I have gotten to grow up and get close with my co-workers and I like that my boss allows me to bring my pets to work with me. I also enjoy helping the technicians and doctors with the patients and helping clients through stressful situations."
Cristina is also a competitive dog trainer and a former volunteer with Paws of Chicago. Her pets at home include a Rottweiler named Sasha, two Miniature Pinschers named Kamikaze and Koda Bear, an English/American bulldog mix named Bosco, and a Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot named Kiwi. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, playing the violin, decorating her home, camping, spending time with friends and family, and volunteering for the Spina-Bifida Association and Shop with a Cop, a program to help needy kids purchase holiday gifts for their families.