Meet Our Pawsitive Care Team

Meet the Founder, Doctors & Team

Generations of care. One shared philosophy.

At Oak Park Animal Hospital, our people are the heart of our hospital. 

For more than 50 years, our team has been united by a shared commitment to thoughtful medicine, trusted relationships, and compassionate care—guided by our four principles: Pawsitive Longevity®, Hospawtality, Paws Before Procedures, and Paws and Relax.

This page introduces the people behind that promise.

  • Dr. Amin Bascharon
    Dr. Amin Bascharon
    Oak Park, IL Founder

    Oak Park Animal Hospital, LTD

    • Founder
    • Over 50 years of experience
    • Licensed veterinarian in over 10 states
    • Consults and mentors all doctors and staff to deliver the very best of service and care
  • .
    Dr. Dina Bascharon
    Oak Park, IL Medical Director/Senior Veterinarian

    Oak Park Animal Hospital, LTD

    • Graduate of the University of Illinois, 2001
    • Senior Associate
    • Special Interests -  Aquatic/Marine Medicine
    • Externship at Epcot Center's Living Seas
    • A member of our team since 1994


  • Dr. Tom
    Dr. Tomasz Krystek
    Veterinarian

    A member of our team since July 2023

  • Dr. Melissa
    Dr. Melissa Newberg
    Veterinarian - Surgery

    A member of our team since January 2024.

    Dr. Melissa Newberg helps Oak Park Animal Hospital with our Spay Days.  She brings her surgical skill, expertise and gentle touch to every patient she handles. 

    In her spare time she enjoys traveling, gardening and time with family and friends. 


  • Maggie
    Maggie Mieczkowski
    Pet Care Specialist

    Maggie has been a valued part of the Oak Park Animal Hospital family since 2014, bringing compassion and consistency to every patient she cares for.

    At home, she shares her life with her cat, Onyx, and her birds, continuing a lifelong love of animals. She can’t imagine life without them.

    What Maggie loves most is simple. Caring for animals. She believes in the quiet, unconditional love they give and the comfort they bring to the people who love them.

    Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets.

    What Maggie Brings to Our Team
    Maggie brings thoughtful, detail oriented care, deep loyalty to OPAH, and a natural warmth that helps both pets and clients feel at ease, every visit, every time. She tailors her care to the individual needs of each pet, especially those boarding with us, and has a remarkable ability to notice and remember each pet’s unique quirks, habits, and preferences.

  • Debby Barron
    Debby Barron
    Massage Therapist - 4 Paws Massage Therapy
    • A nationally board certified canine massage therapist, works with the veterinary team at Oak Park Animal Hospital to provide your pet with healing touch massage.
    • Special interests - cultural healing practices, energy medicine. I love swimming biking, reading and movies
    • Favorite thing about OPAH - getting an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and health of a diverse population of animals.
    • A member of our team since 2014
  • .
    Andrea Shephard
    Client Specialist / Accounting
    • A member of our team since 2018
  • Laura P
    Laura Paulius
    Veterinary Surgery Assistant

    A member of our team since August 2023

    Laura started with Oak Park Animal Hospital as our Hospital Manager and for 3 years she helped us grow and improve in all areas.  Starting January 2026 she transitioned to helping Oak Park Animal Hospital with our Spay Days, training and on an as needed basis.  Her daily presence is missed by staff and clients alike but her continued connection to help us when needed is greatly appreciated.  

    Laura has been a part of the veterinary world for 20+ years and has enriched the field with her compassion, clear communication and ability to gain the trust of her teammates, patients and clients. 

    In her spare time Laura likes to hike and spend time with family and friends.  Over the years she has had many pets - dogs and cats.  She currently fosters and cares for the cats in her neighborhood keeping them warm and fed.  

  • Jamin
    Jamin Draves
    Veterinary Assistant

    Jamin has been a part of our team since 2022. Jamin brings a calm, grounded presence to the team and a genuine love for caring for animals. At home, he shares his life with his hound mix, Maple, and his cat, Ubi.

    He values working in a close knit, community centered hospital where relationships matter, both with patients and the people who love them. Outside of work, Jamin is a proud father to twin toddlers and enjoys music, reading, and camping.

    What Jamin Brings to Our Team
    Jamin brings reliability, compassion, and a steady approach to patient care, along with exceptional client communication and a natural ability to build strong, lasting relationships. He helps clients feel heard, understood, and confident in their pet’s care.

  • Jackie
    Jackie Sanchez
    Veterinary Assistant

    Jackie values the opportunity to truly get to know each pet and the people who love them. She shares her life with her Maltese mix, Snowy, and brings that same attentiveness to her work each day.

    She appreciates the family feel at OPAH and the supportive environment that makes coming to work meaningful. Outside of the hospital, Jackie enjoys nature walks, watching horror and true crime documentaries, and learning something new each day.

    She is guided by a quote that keeps her motivated. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

    What Jackie Brings to Our Team
    Jackie brings warmth, positivity, and a natural ability to connect with both pets and their families. As one of our Spanish speaking team members, she helps ensure more families feel comfortable, understood, and supported in their pet’s care. Her attentiveness and team first mindset contribute to the welcoming, supportive environment that defines our HosPAWtality®.

  • Erik
    Erik Paulius
    Veterinary Assistant

    Erik values the opportunity to deliver personalized care to each patient and appreciates the supportive, team oriented environment at OPAH. He shares his life with his long haired cat, Erwin.

    Outside of the hospital, Erik enjoys video games and underground music.

    What Erik Brings to Our Team
    Erik brings a calm, patient presence and a thoughtful approach to care. He has a natural ability to communicate clearly with clients, helping them feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their pet’s visit.

  • Emely
    Emely Arroyo
    Client Specialist/Veterinary Assistant

    Emely enjoys meeting pets of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, and brings a steady, welcoming presence to every interaction. At home, she cares for a lively group that includes Bella and Simba, her Chihuahua mixes, her rabbits Benito Chipmunk and Horchata Latte, and her cat, Nikolai.

    Outside of the hospital, Emely enjoys exploring cafes across the city and hopes to one day open her own dog bakery.

    What Emely Brings to Our Team
    Emely brings a calm, composed presence and a thoughtful approach to her work. As one of our Spanish speaking team members, she helps ensure more families feel comfortable, understood, and supported in their pet’s care. She creates a sense of ease for both pets and their families, making each interaction feel smooth, supportive, and well cared for.

  • Eliza
    Eliza Delgado
    Client Specialist

    Eliza enjoys the ever changing nature of veterinary medicine, where each day brings something new to learn. She shares her life with Vito, her Bulldog, and Sonny, her Chihuahua.

    She values the strong sense of team at OPAH and the relationships built with clients, often finding that even busy days are brightened by the people and pets she meets. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys painting, running, and spending time with her dogs.

    What Eliza Brings to Our Team
    Eliza brings a positive outlook and a soft, kind presence that naturally puts both clients and their pets at ease. She helps create a supportive, welcoming experience where people feel comfortable, cared for, and understood.

    ** Eliza also is the artist behind all our beautiful custom Oak Park Animal Hospital artwork! Eliza Delgado Art

  • Laura R
    Laura Robles
    Client Specialist

    Laura finds meaning in helping both pets and the people who love them, and values the relationships she builds each day at the front of the hospital.

    She enjoys being part of a team that works together to support patient care and create a positive experience for every visit. Outside of the hospital, Laura enjoys working out, taking walks, and continuing to grow her knowledge in veterinary medicine, especially the importance of preventive care.

    What Laura Brings to Our Team
    Laura brings an upbeat attitude, strong communication skills, and a genuine enjoyment of connecting with clients. She helps create a welcoming, positive experience while guiding families with clarity and care.

  • Megan
    Megan Blits
    Client Specialist

    A member of our team since July 2024

    Has 2 pets named Pumpkin and Shadows

    Favorite thing about OPAH - Being in an environment that allows me to grow in my skills and serve the community of clients and their pets with the compassionate care they need. OPAH is an extremely favorable and opportunity filled environment with remarkable people that care for pets in a loving and compassionate manner. 

    Interests/Hobbies - Reading a good book, arts & crafts, taking care of pets with compassion and love with my whole self

  • Joyce
    Joyce Furst
    Pet Care

    A member of our team since April 2023

    Joyce enjoys being part of a team that shares a love for animals and a commitment to care. She shares her life with her German Shepherd, Rex, and brings that same appreciation for animals into her work each day.

    She values the relationships she has built with her coworkers and finds the most joy in caring for the animals. Outside of the hospital, Joyce enjoys gardening, reading, and baking, and looks forward to continuing to grow within the hospital.

    What Joyce Brings to Our Team
    Joyce brings kindness, reliability, and a genuine love for animal care. She helps support the comfort and well being of each patient while contributing to a positive, team oriented environment.

Oak Park Animal Hospital LTD

Address

242 Madison St,
Oak Park, IL 60302-4198

Office Hours

Monday  

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday  

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday  

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Thursday  

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday  

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday  

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday  

Closed