Meet The Staff

Dr. Craig Welbourne

Dr. Craig Welbourne grew up on a farm in Southwest Iowa. His late Uncle Dale Welbourne, who had a large animal veterinary practice in his hometown of Neola, inspired him to enter the profession. He graduated from Tri-Center High School in 1967, and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1973. Dr. Welbourne practiced small animal medicine in Nashville, TN and Sioux City, IA until 1977. He has been at Oak Forest Animal Clinic since 1978. Dr. Welbourne's special interests include using natural and homeopathic remedies to compliment traditional veterinary treatments, and in encouraging preventative medicine. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking and hiking with his wife Sue. He is thrilled to be a grandfather and loves spending time with his four grandchildren!

Dr. Ben Welbourne

Dr. Ben Welbourne grew up in Western Springs, IL and attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange. He developed his passion for veterinary medicine by working at Oak Forest Animal Clinic and other clinics in the area during that time. After high school, Dr. Ben went on to Iowa State University for his undergraduate degree. After three years in Iowa, Dr. Ben received early admittance to the University of Illinois Veterinary School in 1998 and started there that Fall. Graduating with honors in 2002, Dr. Ben went on to do a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa, Florida. In 2003, he returned to Illinois and began practicing at Oak Forest Animal Clinic. Dr. Ben's special interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery as well as ultrasound. Ultrasound has developed into a valuable diagnostic tool and Dr. Ben continues to train in the latest advances in this field. Dr. Ben is also a sitting member on the board for the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. He aims to help make the veterinary profession in the Chicago area the best it can be. Apart from veterinary medicine, his other interests include hiking, biking and golf. Most importantly, he likes to spend quality time with his wife and two kids.

Dr. Megan Welbourne

Dr. Megan was born and raised in St. Croix, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. She left the island in 1993 to attend undergraduate school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after working with several veterinarians during college. After graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 1997, she attended University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon receiving her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2001, Dr. Megan practiced for a year in the Western suburbs of Chicago, then moved down to Tampa, FL and spent a year practicing there. In 2003, she moved back to Chicago and joined Oak Forest Animal Clinic. Dr. Megan's special interests include dermatology and internal medicine. When not at work, she enjoys time with her daughter Sydney, her son Reed, her dog Mojo. She also likes to hike in the woods, read and cook.

Dr. Kyle Huizinga

Dr. Kyle J. Huizinga grew up in Homewood, Illinois where he graduated from HF High School. While attending the University of Illinois as a biology major he began to truly develop his interest in veterinary medicine by working as an assistant for his father at Homewood Animal Hospital during breaks from school. After graduating with honors from University of Illinois Veterinary School in 2002, he went back to work with his father until the practice was sold in 2011 upon his father’s retirement. Dr. Huizinga then moved on to Archer Veterinary Clinic in Lemont for 5 plus years before joining the team at Oak Forest Animal Clinic. Dr. Huizinga has special interests in dentistry and soft tissue surgery. Outside of work he enjoys traveling with his wife Courtney and their dogs Raven, Halas and Ollie, as well as golfing and writing/performing/recording music.

Sharon Wheeler

Sharon has been an Oak Forest Animal Clinic employee since 1989. She grew up in Midlothian and lives in Orland Park with her husband Brian and her very spoiled Chinese Crested named Annie. 2017 is an exciting year for Sharon as her son Brett and daughter-in-law Natalie will be welcoming her first grandchild.  She also has a cute Grand-Dog named Bailey! When not at work, Sharon enjoys reading, surfing the web and taking long walks with Annie.

Terri P.

Terri is a 2001 graduate of the Joliet Junior College Veterinary Technician program. She has been working with us ever since. Terri grew up in New Lenox and now lives in Mokena with her husband Rich. Terri has two amazing adult children Kristin and Rick. She has a spitfire of a cat named Grace and a super cute dog named T.J. When not working, Terri loves to entertain friends.