Dr. Sharon Payne

Veterinarian

Dr. Sharon is a partner at Animal Care Clinics and a graduate of the University of Illinois. She worked at Care Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights before joining the Animal Care Clinic staff in 1997. Her special interest is in feline medicine as well as environmental and behavioral enrichment for cats. She believes in making each visit as low-stress and pleasant as possible for all of her patients. 

Dr. Sharon and her husband Scott share their home with five cats: Maximus, Sheldon, and three Cornish Rex cats named Leonard, Bernadette and Penny. 

Fun facts about Dr. Sharon:

Favorite pizza topping? All veggies!

Hidden Talent: I can Hula Hoop for hours.

First car: Chevy S10 pickup truck

Dr. Nicole Conway

Veterinarian

Dr. Nicole is from Lake in the Hills, and she has been bringing her pets to the Animal Care Clinic for years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois before going to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Dr. Nicole joined the Animal Care Clinic in June 2017 and has a special interest in preventative medicine and cardiology. She enjoys running, baking, and spending time with her family as well as her dog, Ember. 

Fun facts about Dr. Nicole:

If you could be an animal, what would you be? A cat owned by Dr. Sharon!

What was your first job? Laboratory technician.

Do you prefer books or movies? Movies.

Dr. Dan Markwalder

Veterinarian

Dr. Dan is a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been a practicing veterinarian for 26 years. He established the Animal Care Clinic in Algonquin in March 1994 to provide an environment of high-quality care for his patients. Dr. Dan has a passion to partner with clients in providing the best care for their pets. He attends over 80 hours of continuing education each year; skydived on his 50th birthday, is a die-hard Cubs fan, grew up in Indiana and has an extensive baseball card collection.

Dr. Dan married his college sweetheart. They have four sons and a daughter, along with a Mini Goldendoodle named Maggie, a parakeet and one bearded dragon.

Fun Facts about Dr. Dan:

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? To see the pyramids of Egypt.

Are you a morning person or a night person? I am definitely a morning person!

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? To be able to teleport.

Dr. Paul Bierlein

Veterinarian

Dr. Paul is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, he moved to Illinois and practiced in Arlington Heights with Dr. Sharon at Care Animal Hospital, then practiced in Fox Lake at Fox Lake Animal Hospital. Dr. Paul joined the Animal Care Clinic staff in August 2005. His special interests include soft tissue surgery and orthopedic surgery. 

Dr. Paul and his wife Sue are the proud parents of Michaela and Drew. They share their home with a dog, a fish, and a snake. 

Fun facts about Dr. Paul:

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Europe.

Favorite pizza topping: Green pepper.

First car: Pontiac J 2000.

Dr. Cassandra Lewis

Veterinarian

Dr. Cassandra is a 2009 graduate of the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. Originally a Hoosier, she moved from Indiana to Illinois upon graduation to complete a surgical and lameness internship at the Kendall Road Equine Hospital. She was excited to join the Animal Care Center in September 2016. Her special interests are surgery, preventative care, and internal medicine. 

Dr. Cassandra and her husband currently share their home with their two dogs Nova and Stewart Francis, as well as two cats named Reva and Halo. She occasionally fosters all kinds of animals for a variety of rescues that she supports. She also loves the Blackhawks and riding motorcycles. She has a huge collection of teddy bears that are dressed up as different animals. 

Fun facts about Dr. Cassandra:

If you could be any animal, what would you be? A bald eagle, because I’m protected and can fly and have mad vision!

What was your first job? Wendy’s–flipping burgers!

Are you a morning person or a night person? A night person, for sure.

Dr. Sarah Massarani

Veterinarian

Favorite pizza topping? Veggies!

Hidden Talent: An impressive Jar Jar Binx impersonation 

First car: 1997 Toyota Camry

Dr. Alex Kozysa

Veterinarian