Meet Our Amazing Team

Dive a little deeper into our Crown Point location and learn what makes us truly special! Click on the photos below to learn more.

Veterinarians

Dr. John Coyne

Veterinarian, Owner

Dr. John Coyne has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 40 years. He was raised on a farm in Central Illinois, which cultivated his love for animals and inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

Since then, Dr. Coyne has blazed the proverbial trail, providing the quality of care he believed should be the norm and mentoring many skilled young veterinarians along the way. His dedication to hard work and persistence have led to him now owning and operating multiple animal hospitals throughout Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Dr. Coyne places special emphasis on wellness care and providing pets with the best quality of life through proactive treatment. Like many pet owners, he regards pets as friends and family members. With that in mind, he believes that pets deserve to have access to timely, quality care whenever they need it, and is willing to go above and beyond to meet their needs.

While the years have gone by, Dr. Coyne’s commitment to pets, pet owners, and his employees, whom he treats like family, has never changed. He continues to innovate and find new ways to help those around him—be it through providing medicine or offering scholarships to veterinary students.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Coyne is a big fan of University of Illinois athletics and enjoys all Chicago sports. He and his wife, Ruth, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Dr. Matthew Szalay

Veterinarian, Medical Director

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?
Getting accepted into veterinary school and starting my career in this amazing profession. I will never forget opening that letter…

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
If an owner has a concern about their pet, consult their veterinarian before looking up symptoms online. Google can be a dangerous place to find advice. Veterinarians will gladly offer advice 10 times over having a pet owner Google something just once.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Chipotle. Hands down.

3 things people might be surprised to know about you?
I’m an avid sports fan. Strong loyalty to the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls. I am not a fan of winters because I enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, fishing, and attending baseball games. I love to cook—everything from preparation, the cooking process itself, the presentation, and of course…the eating…is fun for me.

Dr. Joylnn Rudman

Veterinarian

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Mallorie Barenie

Veterinarian

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?
Graduating from vet school, of course!

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
Owning a pet is a fun and rewarding responsibility. Try to be as educated as you can about your pet’s wellness needs throughout his or her life; however, always consult your veterinarian first if there are any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s healthcare.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Macaroni and cheese

3 things people might be surprised to know about you?
I played the piccolo in Purdue’s All American Marching Band, I’ve traveled to London, Beijing, and Costa Rica, and I enjoy hiking and photographing nature.

Dr. Therese Bonoma

Veterinarian

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?
I consider becoming a veterinarian my greatest accomplishment thus far. It was a lifelong dream and I can’t imagine doing anything else!

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
Preventative care is the most important part of ensuring your pets have a healthy and long life. Make sure they are kept up to date on vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, and get them spayed/neutered at the recommended age. Feed them a high-quality diet and get their teeth professionally cleaned regularly.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate and ice cream

3 things people might be surprised to know about you?
1. I completed a full Ironman Triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin in 2015. It consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. I finished in 12 and a half hours!

2. I have had my horse, Cowboy, since I was 12 years old. He even came to college and vet school with me.

3. I took part in a variety of animal science and veterinary-related studies abroad—including spending time in the Netherlands and South Africa.

Dr. Krista Turey

Veterinarian

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Jade Bazarnik

Veterinarian

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?
Taking the leap to attend Veterinary School in a foreign country. I had never traveled outside the U.S. and actually didn’t obtain a passport until I was preparing to leave for school.

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. The expense of some of the things we can do as preventative medicine (vaccines, spay/neuter, routine dental care, or even heartworm preventative) truly pales in comparison to some of the costs of treatments of the conditions your pet may suffer from without them.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Spaghetti and meatballs with my grandmother’s recipe for a homemade sauce

3 things people might be surprised to know about you?
My first job was in the kitchen at a nursing home. I’ve never seen or read Game of Thrones. The only shadow puppet I can do is a rabbit.

Management Team

Jordyn M.

Practice Manager

What is your favorite quote about animals?
“Those who teach us the most about humanity aren’t always human.” – Donald L. Hicks

Favorite comfort food:
Dairy Queen ice cream

Last book you read:
The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Most unusual pet you’ve owned?
I currently have a rat.

Jordan E.

Office Manager

If Jordan could make a dating profile for her dog it would read:

‘Onyx, 4 years young, NWI’

“I like to talk a lot, so you’ll never get a word in. Also, if you go missing, it’s probably because I kissed you to death and buried you in the backyard.”

Jordan’s family has a unique tradition. Every year at her grandma’s house for Christmas, she gives everyone a stocking full of candy and a personal ornament. If you don’t give the stocking back to grandma after emptying it, the next year all your stuff will come in a pantyhose!

Mike

Kennel Manager

I have been working at Coyne since April 2018 and I absolutely love it. My inspiration to want this job was simply my love for animals. When you’re working in a place full of animals every day is very heartwarming.

Mike’s most embarrassing moment at work was when he accidentally locked himself in the outdoor kennels and realized he had no way to climb out over the wall.

If he had to choose two animals to breed together, defying the laws of nature, he would want it to be a cat and a dog so that it could be the real-life version of the cartoon ‘Catdog’.

Veterinary Technicians & Assistants

Kara

Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead

My love for animals started when I was very young and has since grown, through education and experience, to a reverence that drives my career at Coyne today. In 2009 I stepped foot into my first position in the veterinary field and I haven’t stepped out since! My experience is primarily in small animal care (dogs/cats), although for 3 years I worked alongside veterinarians at a mixed practice in southern Arizona where half the week was spent in-hospital with small animals, and the other half in the field with large animals. From treating rattlesnake bites on cattle dogs, to monitoring anesthesia during a c-section on a pygmy goat, I attained many new skill sets that have really diversified my abilities in small animal care! In 2016 I was hired onto the Coyne team and am truly happy/proud to work with the most skilled and compassionate group of animal advocates.

If her pet had a dating profile it would read:

Mack

Chicago > Animal Shelter > NWI > your place

Scorpio. Kong enthusiast. Total foodie. Been accused of being a stage 5 clinger.

The most private thing I’m willing to admit: I pee like a girl. I had a nipple removed.

I’m neutered – not looking to pick up a litter.

Kara’s favorite dad joke is:

Milk is also the fastest liquid on earth – it’s pasteurized before you even see it.

Jessica

Veterinary Technician Shift Lead

My dog has glaucoma and lost his eye when he was 1 year old. He is now fully blind at 4 years old. After seeing the care that the doctors and techs put into him, I realized I wanted to work with animals. I then went to Fox College to be an RVT and it was a great decision!\

Jessica’s favorite on the job moment was when she was helping care for a patient that was being stubborn while taking their medications. The owner called and requested to be put on speaker phone so they could talk their pet into taking their medication.

Room Assistants

Alyssa

Room Assistant

I have always known I wanted to help animals. For as long as I can remember, I have had animals and tried to save them all. From stopping turtles crossing the road to throwing starfish back into the ocean when the drifted ashore. I never wanted an animal to be in pain or not feel loved. I always try to do my best to volunteer, help, donate, and rescue for all of the animals who need help.

If Alyssa was to defy the laws of nature she would want to see what a dove and an octopus look like if they were bred together.

Her dog, if he lived in the movie Secret Life of Pets, would be a model. As soon as the human would leave the house he would dig through all of their clothes and go walk on the fashion catwalk.

Nicolette

Room Assistant

Ever since I was young, I have had a love for animals. After the cat I grew up loving passed away, I decided to pursue my Associate Degree in Veterinary Science Technology. I told myself that I would love other pets as much as I loved her. The best experiences I have at work are when clients tell me that they can tell I’m passionate about what I do.

Trinity

Room Assistant

I’ve wanted to work with animals for as long as I can remember. I’ve never had the money or support for schooling, so instead, I started working in kennels at a dog rescue. There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of saving and rescuing those in need. Now that I work at Coyne, the most rewarding part is when the regular clients know you and prefer you. When dogs come in scared, but they trust you. There are so many times when I am a part of a situation where a dog will be scared and untrusting of others, but when they see me, they know I am a safe and I love them. I’ve even had owners ask for me personally to handle their scared dog, and that is something that keeps me going. The unconditional love I get from the dogs that come in thru these doors is what inspires me to be a better person.

If Trinity could talk to only one species of animal it would be an elephant. They are supposed to be one of the smartest mammals and she would love to pick their brain and learn some things.

Her dog would have a dating profile that reads:

“Lean, mean, sassy machine! I accept love in the form of treats. Scratch my butt and buy me a steak.”

Lynn

Pharmacy Assistant

When I was young, I always loved medicine and animals. I was always taking my dad’s temp, giving him shots. I even had a real stethoscope and blood pressure cuff and learned how to properly use it on my own. I had scrapbooks filled with animal pictures. I would even cut them out of magazines, it didn’t matter. As much as I loved the animals and medicine, I never thought about combining the two.

After working multiple jobs just for the money, I decided that being happy was important too. In 1994 I walked into a clinic and asked if they would take a chance on me and my life was changed forever. I finally knew what I was supposed to be doing. I have learned so much and have had amazing experiences with a multitude of animals. Now, I am part of the Coyne family and know that this is where I belong. I love to learn and this job allows me to learn/experience new things every day.

I think the most special part of the job is getting to know the families that come in with their puppy or kitten and becoming a part of their lives watching their furry family member grow. We end up loving them just as if they were our own. We watch them from the beginning until their lives are complete and are there for them and cry right along with them. They are special moments that I never take for granted. I know I would never be happy in any other field.

Lynn has a fun family tradition that no one is allowed in the pool until Memorial Day. No matter the weather on that day, everyone goes in. They’ve been known to go in wearing winter hats, socks, and gloves!

Client Service Representatives

Liz

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

I have always enjoyed being with people and their four-legged family members. After college and various accounting positions, I began my career in the animal care and veterinary field. I owned a business specializing in house-sitting, dog walking and home care at the same time, and worked as a receptionist at a 24-hour emergency facility. After I met and married my wonderful husband, Jim, we moved to Tupelo, Mississippi and I continued to work within the veterinary field. I was hired as a receptionist, trained in-house as a technician and untimely became practice manager. A few years ago, as I drove down Broadway and saw our facility being built, I knew I needed to get back into the veterinary field… and the rest is history!

There were a few moments that truly imprinted in my the importance of connecting with each of our clients.It is an amazing feeling when an owner know that you and your facility will care for their pet as your own.

Liz has a sweet family tradition on Christmas where after they decorate the Christmas tree, they turn out all the lights in the house except for the tree and lay down with their feet under the tree. They take that time to bond, talk about their favorite memories, ask any and all questions, and enjoy the quiet moment of just them.

She has also has learned the importance of the tie on her work scrubs the hard way while getting her daily hug from a golden named Barry!

Mandy

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

When I was little I always knew I wanted to work with animals. As I grew up I found a job working at a dog daycare and did that for years. When I moved states I ended up getting a job for Coyne and I couldn’t have imagined a better team to work alongside with. Every day I’m inspired and amazed by just how much each person cares about the animals that come into the clinic. I knew this was where I was meant to be on my first day when I was asked to assist with newborn puppies and get them to take their first breath of life. Since then there have been many amazing experiences and I look forward to each new one that comes along and allows me to learn something new.

Mandy’s favorite dad joke has to be:

“What do you call a ghost with excellent hearing?”

“An EARie ghost!”

The silliest name she could think of for a pet is Poopsie.

Allison G.

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

What has been your most rewarding moment working with animals?
Every moment is rewarding when I can get an owner to smile, even in tough times.

Favorite comfort food:
Homemade cookies or Jambalaya

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
Be proactive with your pets. The best care is preventative care.

What is the most unusual pet you have ever owned?
Nothing unusual, but we had a claw foot tub by our garage that we converted into an atrium for all of our turtles. Our tank inside had bluegills and sunfish.

Cris

Client Service Representative

I went to school for Criminal Justice, but my first dream job was to become a vet. I have such an intense love for animals and working at Coyne is such a dream. I get to work with insanely intelligent people and I get to see animals all day, what’s not to love? Learning from everyone who works here is genuinely a gift. I want all owners to know that we love and care for your animals almost as much as you do. Everyone here truly cares for the health and well-being of everyone that walks in.

Cris’s favorite dad fact-joke is: “Did you know that the first french fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece.”

If she could defy the laws of nature and breed any two animals together it would be a panda and a koala so she could call it ‘Paula’.

Nicole

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

While obtaining my degree from Purdue, I knew I wanted a career in which I could better the lives of animals while helping the community was one of the first to ask to do an internship with Lake County Animal Control and Shelter. There my love of shelter animals began. I made it my mission to educate others on the benefits of adopting a shelter animal. I have rescued, fostered, and adopted many shelter animals, pilling some from some dangerous situations. I have enjoyed opening my home to these animals so they can recover, know love, and begin to feel like a happy, healthy animal again until the right family comes along. The best feeling in the world is knowing that I had made a difference in the lives of those animals and seeing them grow into a healthy, energetic animal is all the thanks I need.

Nicole always gets a good giggle when she (Or anyone) becomes tongue-tied while using the intercom at work.

If she could talk to animals, she would like to talk to dogs. Specifically for the fact that she would like to be able to tell her dog that when she rolls over in bed at 2 am it does not mean that she’s waking up to play.

Schyler

Client Service Representative

After working a short time in the veterinary field, I’ve learned that every day, there’s a heart-warming experience I’m lucky enough to be a part of. Whether it’s an unfortunate case turned miraculous, seeing the love owners have for their own fur babies, or even watching a regular patient go home at the end of their daycare day, so excited to see their family. Every day, I’m inspired by my coworkers, our clients, and especially our patients and everyday, I’m so grateful to be able to say that this is my job!

If Schyler had to imagine her pets having a job interview she thinks it would go a little something like this:

I imagine my pet’s work resumes are similar to the interview scene in “Step Brothers”. Everything is done as a pair. Experience includes tearing apart toys labeled “indestructible” in 0.5 seconds, stealing all of the pillows at bedtime, and attempting to tag team every squirrel while on walks at our local park. Skills include, but not limited to, begging, nailing the “puppy eye” look, doing almost anything for an extra snack, and licking your face off. Personal references include our parents, who believe we’re the most perfect living beings on the planet, who do absolutely no wrong.

Kennel Team

Leticia

Kennel Team Shift Lead

I have always known I wanted to work with animals since I was young. Being able to work for Coyne was a huge step into the veterinary field for me and a great opportunity. I love it more every day.

If Leticia’s cat had a dating profile it would read:

“My name is Milo. I like long naps and the occasional walk on the window sill.”

If animals could talk Leticia would find it strange to hear a llama speak because they would probably be super loud.

Melissa

Kennel Team Shift Lead

I started working with animals about 5 years ago at an animal rescue. It really inspired me to keep working with animals and that’s how I ended up working at Coyne! I want to be a vet tech one day but for now, helping the techs and the doctors has been everything and I really love my job.

If Melissa could choose any species of animal to talk she would want it to be dogs.

If she could speak to animals, she wouldn’t want to speak to bears because of how deep their voices would be!

Derrick B.

Kennel Team Shift Lead

In my life as a kennel attendant, I have experienced a lot with many doctors, techs, and kennels. It was my choice to stay a kennel member because of my enjoyment of animals. I’d say I’d extend my time as a kennel member, but now I feel I have another calling. During my experience I have learned a lot; how to do proper cleaning, taking care of pets, and feeding them. I have also learned about the different medical terms for treating pets which has given me more experience in my work abilities. At the end of the day, I have more respect for the doctors, techs, and reception for the amount of hard work they put in daily.

The funniest thing that has happened to Derrick while he was working was when he told the washer was broken. He walked down the hallway, started to examine the washer and all of a sudden his co-worker climbed out of the dryer! He was so scared he hit the floor.

If he could mix two animals together he would mix a wolf and a husky just to call it a huffy.

Maddie

Kennel Team Shift Lead

Although I am in nursing school currently; I will always have space in my heart for my furry friends. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work at Coyne on the weekends because even working at the hospital the techs and doctors have taught me so much about patient care. Some of the skills I have learned at Coyne I will take with me for the rest of my life.

If Maddie’s pets were part of the movie ‘Secret Life of Pets’ her guinea pigs would probably spend all day figuring out how to raid the fridge and get a snack before the humans come home!

Her pet’s job application would read:

Name: Faye L. Age: 10 months

Education: None. Special Skills: running in the neighbors’ yards, chewing on my mom’s socks, and barking at nothing.

Presley

Kennel Team Shift Lead

Working at Coyne has been one of the best experiences in my life. Everyone is so nice and inspiring, I’d love to grow here. They inspire me to become a veterinarian. Showing how much they care about the animals makes me truly feel as if I belong in the animal care world.

If Presley’s dogs lived in the movie ‘Secret Life Of Pets’ she is sure they would all turn into spies and follow her after she left the house. They are a little too nosey sometimes.

Defying the laws of nature Presley would create a combination between a giraffe and a cheetah. It would be one tall, fast animal. Like a dinosaur. A Girfahsaur.

Hailee

Kennel Team

One of the most rewarding things about my job is watching the daycare dogs run and play. There is truly nothing that beats the pure happiness that radiates from them!

If Hailee had to make a dating profile for her dog it would read:

‘Hi, I’m Jake. I love long walks on the beach! Give me an ice cube and my heart is yours.”

She believes that if her pet lived like the movie Secret Life of Pets he would go take a shower as soon as all the humans left the house.

Jake

Kennel Team

Currently I am going to college to become a nurse. I aspire one day to become a nurse anesthetist. While being a full-time student, I work at Coyne part time because I love taking care of animals! One thing I would like all owners to know is to make sure their pet goes potty before getting in the car. We have a lot of “happy accidents” that happen when pets come in!

If Jake were to think of a silly name for a pet it would be a dog named Kitty.

Even better, if Jake could defy the laws of nature and combine two animals together, he would want to see what an elephant and a goldfish looked like.

McClaryn

Kennel Team

Being a kennel assistant, I get to work with and care for so many animals with so many amazing personalities. I love caring for each animal as they were my own. I love getting to know each of

them, learning the little things about them, caring for each and helping them when they need it. Nothing is more incredible than when an animal comes in and needs help whether they can’t

walk, aren’t eating, or are recovering from surgery. Handling those animals every day, watching them get better and how excited they get because you’re excited, making them excited too. The

look they give you when they are doing what we thought they could never do, is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. It’s what inspires me to become a Veterinary Nurse.

McClayrn’s favorite dad joke is:

“What did the buffalo say to his son when he left for college?”

“Bison”

Her funniest moment at work was when she had to try to catch a dog in daycare who had a habit of putting the metal water bowls in the pool.

Megan

Kennel Team

One of the best experiences of my job is getting to know dogs available for adoption and getting super happy when they get adopted. I am majoring in public health and I plan to study ways to prevent disease and way to help the environment for people and animals alike.

Megan’s family has a Christmas tradition to play a game of really intense Bingo.

Her favorite punny joke is “What do you call a fake noodle?”

“An impasta!”

Summer

Daycare Attendant

Bio coming soon.

Julia

Kennel Team

Ever since I was little I have always been fascinated with animals, from making caterpillar sanctuaries to feeding all the stray cats. Working at Coyne as a kennel attendant and daycare attendant has been one of the best experiences. The best part is the relationships we built with the dogs that come back and are excited to be here and see the staff again.

If Julia’s pets lived in the movie Secret Life of Pets her dog would invite all of its friends over and have a party while the humans are away.

She would love to speak to bunnies because she imagines they would be like the one from the movie Secret Life of Pets.

Rebekah

Daycare Attendant

Bio coming soon.

Taylor

Kennel Team

I love watching when a dog comes in nervous at first but then they really open up and are happy and wiggly. As a kennel attendant, you get to see all the great and different personalities that these dogs have!

If Taylor had to recommend trying something strange it would be to dip Goldfish crackers into Nutella.

Taylor would be afraid of hearing a crocodile talk because they are super scary and live in swamps.

Kim

Daycare Attendant

I started working in the veterinary field 14 years ago, with Dr. Coyne, as a kennel attendant. I’ve learned so much working with all these talented and knowledgeable doctors and technicians. However, working in doggie daycare has been so rewarding and enjoyable. I’m obviously an avid dog lover and I’ve built such a bond with so many dogs (and a lot of owners too). Do you know how some people dread going to their job every day? Not me. I look forward to seeing my favorite 4 legged friends. They make my days brighter. It’s very rewarding to gain a shy, timid dog’s trust and watch them come out of their shell. I truly care and love them. Dogs are my life.

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures. They give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” -Gilda Radner

If Kim had to set up her dogs’ dating profiles they would read as follows:

Stefan: Ball enthusiast. Loves his mother. Enjoys snuggling on the couch. Expert bully stick chewer. Loves treats and ice cream. Enjoys long walks. One look at me and you’ll fall in love instantly. I’m adorable.

Damon: Opinionated. Strong. Boisterous. Loves naps. Enjoys car rides. Loves his father.

I love to kiss, even if you don’t want me to. I’m very loving, but if you do something I don’t like, I will eat you!

Rachel W.

Kennel Team

I first got introduced to Coyne Vet Center when I job shadowed Dr. Barenie through my vocational class in high school. I job shadowed her for three days. I also met Dr. Szalay while I was there. Dr. Szalay opened my eyes to possibly working at Coyne as a Kennel Attendant that way I could get more experience. I went through all the steps and here I am, working at Coyne! I have always wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals and I think being able to help them would be the best job ever. Working here has really made me confident that becoming a veterinarian is truly what I want to do. I want all owners to know that our pets love us day in and day out, no matter what mood you’re in, what you look like, or what kind of a day you have had, so try to love THEM as much as they love you.

If Rachel could defy the laws of nature she would breed together her two favorite animals a wolf and a shark. This would make the furriest fish in the sea or a very large wolf with a mouth full of huge shark teeth. She would name it the “Warkf”.

Every year when Rachel and her family go on a fishing trip and on the last day of the trip, her family has a tradition of jumping into the lake. All of them must jump in.

Grooming Team

Katy

Groomer

Bio coming soon.

Kristen

Groomer

I have always wanted to work with my mom at the pet shop she worked at. At 15 I did. Then she inspired me to go and learn grooming which is what I do now. My love for animals is so strong that anytime I see a stray animal on the street I try to locate the owner or take the animal to a shelter. A heartwarming experience I’ve had is when I had to groom a Lagotto Romagnolo for the first time which made me very nervous. When the groom was complete the owner was very happy and has since requested me to do their grooming in the future.

Kristen’s recommendation for everyone to try at least once would be to get a massage with hot rocks.

If her pets lived in the movie a Secret Life of Pets… her dog Cuddles would panic because she was left alone and chew on everything all while her sister Lucy would be sleeping the day away.