The friendly, professional staff at VCA Hawthorn is made up of dedicated individuals who have made it their mission to help pets live long, healthy lives. To be true to this mission, the hospital team relies on several individuals, each equally important in helping us deliver the best patient and client experience for both you and your pet. If things get complicated, we are fortunate to have access to the nation's largest network of VCA veterinarians and board-certified specialists. In a word: teamwork!
We invite you to explore the biographies of our doctors and staff and learn more about them. Our doctors and staff have a wide variety of backgrounds and interests.
Team Spotlight
Dr. Mara Schnayer was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved with her family to California when she was a child. She attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal science. She then went on to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Oregon State University. Dr. Schnayer has been in private practice since her graduation in 2003 and she recently moved back to Illinois with her husband and son. She really enjoys being able to provide high quality medicine to her patients and has a particular interest in geriatric and preventative medicine...
I’m happily married and a proud parent of four children and five wonderful grandchildren who keep my life full of joy and energy. At home, I’m also a devoted dog parent to two lovable pups, Hamlet and Puck, who bring plenty of personality and fun to our days.
I truly enjoy working with pets and feel grateful to spend my time helping them live happy, healthy lives. Just as important to me is connecting with their owners. Building strong, friendly relationships with clients and supporting them through every stage of their pets’ lives is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Outside of work,...
