Staff

VETERINARIANS

Dr. Barbara Royal, founder and owner of The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, is an internationally-renowned pioneer in complementary medicine and physical rehabilitation. A passionate advocate of commonsense and cutting-edge approaches to optimal animal health, Dr. Royal provides a bridge between Western and Eastern medicine. Click to read FULL BIO.

Dr. Maria VonderHaar’s focus is complementary care; she is certified by IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Association) and the AAVA (American Animal Veterinary Association.  She is also certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association in Chiropractic Care.  Dr. VonderHaar understands that the improvement on the patient’s overall quality of life is a vital factor in every treatment and procedure.

Dr. Debbie Grude graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. She has been practicing companion animal medicine and surgery since that time.  She finished her training in acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2010.  Since observing the benefits of integrating acupuncture into traditional medicine for her patients, she is currently pursuing other holistic modalities to further help her patients   Dr. Grude is married, and has three children and multitude of four-legged family members.

CHIROPRACTORS

Dr. Sarah Watson (chiropractic) - Dr. Watson graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2009. She also holds Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy degree from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center, which is the only nationally accredited post-graduate degree in animal Chiropractic. Dr. Watson is able to add safe, effective, non-invasive chiropractic adjustments to the complement of therapies available at Royal Treatment. Dr. Watson accesses the skeletal and nervous systems thru motion palpation and functional neurology. Using Chiropractic she can adjust subluxations and remove interference from the nervous system allowing for normal function to return. Working with the Royal Treatment team allows Dr. Sarah to work in concert with the treating veterinarian to give your animal comprehensive integrative care.

STAFF

Ellen Holekamp (Practice Manager) – Ellen has been working in veterinary medicine since 2002.  She comes to us with a background as both a practice manager and a technician.  She is also a foster mom for English setter rescue.  She has a busy English setter named Bart and two cats, Bradley and Daisy.

Veronica Vazquez (veterinary technician) – Veronica has been working with Dr. Royal for 7 years. She has a strong interest in animal nutrition and loves seeing all the happy patients that come to the Royal Treatment. She lives in Chicago with her husband Adam and two sassy cats Ziggy Stardust and Nico.

Alex Kislaitis (rehabilitation technician) – Alex has been working with Dr. Royal since 2008, with a strong interest in veterinary rehabilitation. He has been working with animals for over 14 years and has been the proud owner of a variety of birds, reptiles, fish, 2 cats, and 1 dog.  He is a member of the Chicago Herpetological Society and continues to seek new ways to enjoy and share his interests.

Tashyia Fields (tech/reception) – Tashyia comes to us fromNorth Carolina after moving to Chicago in 2009. She studied zoology at North Carolina State University and has since worked in veterinary medicine. She has one cat named Charles who is the love of her life. She enjoys baking desserts, reading, and exploring this great American city.

Zoe Magierek (reception) – Zoe has been working with Dr. Royal and animals in one way or another since 2005. She loves completing tasks and meeting all of the patients here at The Royal Treatment! She has two grey cats, 2 dogs, and many snakes.

Pam Kuhn (massage therapy) – Pam has worked with animals throughout her life including eleven years as an animal massage therapist. She also teaches animal massage at Chicago’s Animal Career Academy. Pam lives in Chicago with her husband, Ed and pug dog, Rugby.

Nancy Schults (massage therapy) – Nancy Shults has been a certified massage therapist for nearly 20 years. She has expanded her practice beyond serving people by offering her knowledge, experience, and care to help companion animals. Nancy has been working at the Royal Treatment Veterinary Center as a certified animal massage therapist since 2007. She also makes home visits and volunteers at shelters whenever possible. With a big heart and open arms, Nancy has been working to make a difference in the lives of many animals and their human counterparts.