MEET OUR FRIENDLY STAFF

Each member of the South Town Animal Hospital staff is ready to assist

you with all of your pets' health care needs.  We'll be happy to answer

your questions and to work with you to find the best possible treatment options for your pets.

Denise Crittenden, DVM

Dr. Crittenden earned her doctorate at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been a practicing veterinarian since 1986.  After graduation, she practiced in Princeton, Illinois in a mixed animal practice, where she specialized in small animal medicine, and then moved on to a small animal facility in Hanover Park, Illinois.  Dr. Crittenden grew up and attended high school in Elgin, and has now returned to realize her dream of opening her own practice in her home town.  In addition to her continued commitment to the veterinary field, she enjoys golfing, horseback riding, and spending time with friends, family and a special dog named "Elliot".

Jessica Tartof, DVM, CVA

We were pleased to welcome Dr. Tartof to South Town Animal Hospital in April, 2010.  Dr. Tartof graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, and has completed multiple internships including a surgery internship at the prestigious Tufts University.  Since graduation she has worked at both equine and small animal veterinary facilities, and she continues to work part-time for a local equine hospital.  Dr. Tartof is interested in combining traditional veterinary medicine with alternative therapies, and became certified in veterinary acupuncture in 2011.  She has also started working toward certification in veterinary chiropractic, which should be completed in early 2012.  Dr. Tartof enjoys horseback riding, dog obedience and agility, tracking and canine therapy work.  She is owned by one horse, three rescued dogs and one rescued cat.  Dr. Tartof sees patients on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at South Town Animal Hospital.

Nicole Sponsler,

Practice Manager 

After moving to the United States from Australia, Nicole started working in veterinary medicine as a technician in 2000.  She started at South Town Animal Hospital as manager when the practice opened in 2005.  Veterinary medicine has been a thrilling and very rewarding field for Nicole, who is particularly interested in aspects of total health and wellness care, such as pet nutrition and alternative therapies.  She lives with her husband, son, and their two dogs in Saint Charles.  In what rare spare time she has, Nicole enjoys gardening and visiting Australia whenever she can!

E-Mail Nicole at: Stah1@sbcglobal.net

PLEASE NOTE: If you have an urgent pet care matter,

please call the hospital at (847) 695-7387 immediately.

Anne Burton

Customer Service Representative

Anne has extensive experience in the animal industry from working at Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin for 3 1/2 years, until she moved to Florida where she worked at a wildlife rehabilitation center.  She has since moved back to the midwest and started at our facility in 2008.  Anne's job is to make our clients' visits to us as pleasant as possible by taking calls, making appointments, client education, and assisting the doctor and technicians with patient care.  Anne lives locally with her son.  Her hobbies include reading, shopping and nature walks, and she is very interested in expanding her knowledge of the veterinary field as much as possible.

Alison Burton  

Veterinary Technician  

Alison started with us in 2007, after accumulating five years of experience working with the animals at Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin; doing temperament testing, cleaning and general medical duties.  She has been able to expand on that role working at this facility, assisting the veterinarian with surgeries, procedures and during examinations, in addition to educating and serving our clients and patients.  She is particularly interested in expanding her knowledge about surgery.  Alison lives in Elgin with her two Pitbulls, one Miniature Pinscher, three cats and one Dagu (Czechoslovakian squirrel), and she continues to do foster work for Anderson Animal Shelter.  When Alison is not at work she enjoys drawing and spending time with family and friends.

Brittany Faircloth,

Veterinary Assistant

Brittany started working at this facility in early 2010 as Kennel Attendant, and demonstrated such dedication to veterinary medicine that she began training as a Veterinary Assistant in the beginning of 2011.  Her ultimate goal is to become an Animal Officer, investigating cases of animal abuse.  To achieve that goal she is learning as much as possible about veterinary medicine and animal care, and is also working toward her degree in Biology. 

To decompress, Brittany enjoys playing the drums, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her pet cat and fish!

Heather Sullivan,

Certified Veterinary Technician

Heather began her veterinary career in 2007, and completed her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2009.  She started at South Town as a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2011.  Heather enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, two children, two dogs and two cats.  She is also an avid gardener and in 2012 is adding a worm farm to improve the soil for her vegetable garden!  Worms as pets?  Hmm . . . .