Meet Your Veterinarians & Support Staff
Each member of our team has a common goal: deliver the best veterinary experience possible to you and your pet. We go the extra mile to accommodate your pet's every need - and with our level of flexibility, it's no problem at all! Learn more about our exceptional team and don't forget to set up an appointment soon to meet us all in person.
Dr. Schaele | Practice Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Schaele earned his DVM from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. After graduation, he began his veterinary career as a large animal veterinarian. However, he soon realized that he wanted to be a practice owner. It has been an 11-year journey to get the experience he wanted in order to take the leap into a leadership role. In his current role, Dr. Schaele loves interacting with clients and being able to be a small part of their lives. It’s wonderful to see pets grow and age with their families. He also finds it gratifying to develop relationships with multiple generations of families! Dr. Schaele is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Association (WVRA), and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Dr. Schaele and his family enjoy anything outdoors as well as sporting events! In his spare time, Dr. Schaele also enjoys biking, hiking, skiing, attending his kids’ sporting events, being outdoors, and cooking.
Jacob Levin | Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Levin received his bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Biotechnology from the University of Illinois. Afterwards, he worked at Abbott Laboratories in their diagnostic division and with North Suburban Specialty Recreational Association teaching sports and science to children with learning disabilities. He received his DVM in 2008 from the University of Illinois, and he has been a veterinarian in the suburbs since.
At home, Dr. Levin has a Shih-Tzu mix named Buster, a Siberian cat named Dash. He enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews, baseball, bicycling, whirlyball, and crime podcasts.
Michele | Certified Veterinary Technician
Ever since she was a child, Michele knew she wanted to help animals. She began her career in veterinary medicine as a member of the kennel staff and has continued to expand her skills in the field ever since. Michele is proud to have accomplished her goal of working in the animal field and helping and educating pet owners. Her background includes a Bachelor of Animal Science from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and an associate vet tech certification from Parkland College. Michele enjoys being able to take care of animals through all the stages of their lives and play a role in keeping them happy and healthy.
She has 2 pets of her own, a Chihuahua named Ren and a domestic shorthair cat named Mouse. In her spare time, Michele enjoys bike riding, hiking, and traveling.
Ezzy | Client Service Representative
Ezzy has wanted to work with animals for some time, so Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital was the perfect fit! She and her soon-to-be-husband share their home with three pets: Riley, a German Shepherd mix; Rocky, a Bombay cat; and Bruno, an orange tabby. One of Ezzy’s favorite things about working at our hospital is getting to meet so many different pets, who she gets to treat as if they were her own! In her free time, she loves hiking/long walks, reading, and finding new books to enjoy. Ezzy also supports various charities and events outside of work and had the opportunity to train for and complete her first marathon.
Giavanna | Animal Care Assistant
Giavanna has her associate degree in science and is working towards her bachelor’s in biology at Dominican University (as of February 2024). She always had a passion for caring for animals, so choosing a career in veterinary medicine made perfect sense. Getting to work with animals every day is an absolute pleasure, and working with people who share that pleasure makes it even better! Giavanna has one animal companion at home, a tortoiseshell cat named Ginny whom she adores.
When she isn’t at the practice, Giavanna enjoys practicing guitar and thrifting (she loves fashion). She also loves Asian food and watching foreign movies in her free time.