Shannon
Receptionist and In-Room Veterinary Assistant
Growing up in a rural area outside of Griffith, Shannon was constantly brushing, feeding, and riding her neighbor’s horses. By the time her parents finally got a dog and a cat, Shannon was fully immersed in the world of animal care. She knew that she would love to do it for a living!
In 1994, a former neighbor of Shannon’s called her parents to let them know there was a position available here at Southlake Animal Hospital. Shannon jumped at the opportunity to work in pet care, and has spent her entire professional career here at the clinic! She’s well-versed in all areas of the hospital, and especially enjoys seeing the joy on a pet owner’s face when the clinic team is able to take care of their beloved companion.
Shannon lives in the Crown Point area with her two children, Tristan and Josephine, who are already huge animal lovers themselves. The family shares their home with two cats— Pastel, and Pixie—and two dogs named Bones and Parker.
In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with family and friends. She’s also an avid bowler, a hobby she first picked up from her parents. Her most memorable moments include her all-time high-scoring game of 279 and the time she won a free bowling ball!
Tara
Veterinary Technician / Nurse
For as long as she can remember, Tara has been fascinated by animal behavior. Her desire to be up-close-and-personal with pets and witness their interactions with humans is what drew her to the veterinary field. As a Veterinary Technician here at Southlake Animal Hospital, she gets a front-row seat!
Tara was born on a Florida Navy base and moved to Indiana as a baby. She never had pets while growing up; she says this only made her want them more! Tara first applied here at Southlake Animal Hospital before graduating from high school, wanting to gain experience before heading off to veterinary technician school. She earned her degree from a school in Michigan City and graduated in 2013.
Tara’s love of animal behavior was only affirmed in 2014 after she rescued a dog named Jyl. Jyl became very attached to Tara and her own dogs, but eventually needed to be adopted out to a loving family. On her second night in her new home, Jyl slipped out of her collar and escaped. After many nights of organized searches and fruitless false sightings, Tara decided to take her own dogs out to the area where Jyl was last seen. Within five minutes, they’d tracked the missing dog down!
Tara lives with her husband, Michael, son Theodore and many pets of their own. They have two Border collies, two mixed-breed dogs, a German shepherd, and three Chihuahuas. The animal family is rounded out by two cats and a bearded dragon.
Outside of work, Tara’s interests include geocaching, canine sports, animal rescue, and camping with her family and dogs.
Susie
Office Assistant and Receptionist
Susie grew up in Hammond, Wisconsin, where her family kept everything from dogs, cats, and fish to hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. She also spent plenty of time on her grandfather’s farm, where she would help care for cows and chickens. For Susie, animal care has always been a part of life—a career in the veterinary world is simply natural!
Susie started her pet-care career in 1990 at a Petland store, then began working for a veterinarian in Orlando Park, Illinois in 2002. She would remain there for the next 12 years before moving back to Indiana to be closer to family. After settling in this area, Susie visited Southlake Animal Hospital—right away, she knew that she’d love to work here! Susie has served as one of the clinic’s receptionists ever since.
Susie and her husband, Chris, live on Lake George, where she loves watching all of the wildlife that visits their backyard feeders. The couple has one daughter, Kendra, and lives with two dogs and two cats. Beatrix is a French bulldog who loves to snort; Bozco is a cuddly French bulldog/Boston terrier mix; Arthur the Siamese cat is very vocal; and Sphinx cat Deliah can always be found wrapped up in blankets.
Natalie
Technician Assistant
Natalie has ties to Southlake Animal Hospital starting when she was a young child. Natalie grew up in a family that spent their time volunteering at local animal shelters and transporting animals, so she was destined to grow up to become a big animal lover.
Throughout her life, her family had made Southlake Animal Hospital their primary care veterinarian and had taken the family pets here for care. When she was able to join in on the visits, Natalie would tag along because of her love of animals.
When Natalie turned 16 and was able to get a job, it only made sense that she would see if Southlake Animal Hospital was hiring. Thankfully, Natalie got the job! This was a great fit given her personal history with the hospital and the staff, and this allowed her to follow her passion and work with animals.
Natalie truly loves animals and enjoys working here where she can spend all of her time with the animals. She’s learned so much since working here and is looking forward to continuing to learn more!
Savannah
Veterinary Assistant
Growing up an only child in Boone Grove, IN, Savannah found herself gravitating toward animals from a very young age. As she got older, she felt herself longing for more than just pet ownership and began looking into the veterinary industry. Knowing she wanted to make a difference in the lives of as many animals as she could, Savannah decided to follow her heart, and the rest is history!
Savannah’s journey began at the age of 17, when she took a job at a clinic while finishing up high school. By her late 20s, she decided to change gears and focus more on the holistic side of animal care. Savannah joined Southlake Animal Hospital in 2022, then returned in 2024 after taking some time off. Professionally, she has a special interest in senior pet care. There’s something about helping an old soul.
Outside of the clinic, Savannah is mom to three special needs cats who, among them, have two eyes total. She also has a senior horse named Chase, and six dogs whom she refers to as a “variety pack.” Then there are the chickens, turkeys, and occasional fosters running around. Savannah also has one human son named Hudson, who shares his mother’s love of animals.
When she’s not working, you will usually find Savannah spending time with Chase, or taking the dogs on a hike. Sometimes she will just sit outside and watch all the animals living their best lives. Seeing them happy and content is guaranteed to put a smile on her face!
Haley
Veterinary Assistant
Haley grew up in Illinois surrounded by dogs. When it came time for her yellow lab, Ivan, to cross the Rainbow Bridge, the veterinarian who came to the house showed so much kindness and compassion, that Haley knew immediately this is the industry she wanted to work in. As a veterinary assistant, Haley appreciates being able to help animals, even if it’s something as simple as a nail trim!
Prior to entering the veterinary field, Haley spent eight years as a manager for a large movie theatre company. When it came time to make a change, she landed a role as a veterinary receptionist but was eager to grow and learn more. In May of 2024, Haley joined Southlake Animal Hospital as a vet assistant. Professionally, she loves the science aspect of her job, and of course, working with animals every day!
Outside of the clinic, Haley lives with her husband, Nathan, two dogs, and a cat. Achilles is an outgoing and lovable pit bull / husky mix. Atlas is a shy, laid back Plott hound / lab mix who loves bedtime cuddles. Purrsephone, the latest addition to the family, is a sweet, sassy black kitty. In her free time, Haley enjoys attending concerts and listening to live music. She also loves to read, go to movies, and travel.
Theresa
Receptionist
Theresa grew up in Chicago as the only child of parents who bred cocker spaniels. When Theresa was eight, the family dog, Holly, went into labor. With her parents not home, Theresa stepped in and helped Holly deliver her litter of 10 puppies. Ever since that moment, Theresa knew she wanted to work in the veterinary field.
Theresa’s first industry-related job was as an adoption counselor at the humane society. She was then offered a position at a local veterinary clinic. After taking some time off to be with her children, Theresa returned to the field as a receptionist and veterinary assistant. She joined the Southlake team in June of 2024. Professionally, Theresa enjoys learning new things, building relationships, and snuggling with pets.
Outside of the clinic, Theresa is happily married to her husband, Jason. The couple has three daughters and three dogs. Vega (a.k.a. “fat toddler”) is a Havachon who is convinced he’s human. Mia, a Schnorkie, earned her nickname “bird” by perching on anything she can fit on. Then there’s Jules, an Olde English Bulldog, who loves to run up to people at full speed and give them hugs.
When she’s not busy at work or tending to her family (two-legged and four), you will usually find Theresa watching horror movies with Jason, or adding to their collection of horror-themed memorabilia that is displayed throughout the home.
In loving memory of Sweetheart
2014 – 2020
Mascot, Stress Reliever, Entertainer, Client and Patient Greeter
Sweetheart is our comfort cat. If your pet is recovering from anesthesia, Sweetheart will be laying right there next to your pet to keep him/her warm. If you are worried or upset Sweetheart will go into the exam room with you. If your pet is sick, Sweetheart will wrap her body around your pet. Sometimes Sweetheart just needs a little attention herself and is not sensing any worry or sickness, so she will be sure to cuddle up to get the pets she needs. She is also great at socializing dogs and other cats and is used to test the 2×2 pets with other pets before placing them in a foster home.
