Laurie McCauley, DVM, CCRT

Medical Director

drmc@tops-vet-rehab.com

A 1992 graduate of Colorado State University's School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Laurie McCauley is the Medical Director of TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation, which she owns and operates with her husband Tom. Since starting TOPS Vet Rehab in 1998, Dr. McCauley has been credited as one of the pioneers of veterinary rehabilitation, and has become one of the most recognized names in this field. Dr. McCauley is certified in veterinary rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In addition to these certifications, Dr. McCauley is also on faculty of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.  She is a contributing author to Canine Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, as well as the 6th Edition of the Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians.  She is a frequent national and international lecturer on the topics of complementary medicine and rehabilitation. She has presented her work at each of the three International Symposiums on Veterinary Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, at the 2000, 2001 and 2004 American Veterinary Medical Association conventions, and most recently at the 2006 North American Veterinary Conference, and the 2007 World Veterinary Conference in Mexico City, Mexico.  She is also credited with introducing the world to the use of hydro-treadmill therapy as a part of canine rehabilitation, a modality considered almost standard in veterinary rehabilitation today. Outside of her acquired skills and expertise in rehabilitation, acupuncture, and chiropractic, Dr. McCauley brings an uncommon passion and energy to her work. This combination of skills and passion has helped Dr. McCauley return agility dogs to the ring, police K-9 dogs to service and companion dogs back to normal function. Her work is highly regarded amongst her clients (click here for customer comments) and fellow veterinarians (click here for article written by Sue Leonard-Sullivan, DVM, for the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handlers Association) . Although she operates in all areas of canine rehabilitation, Dr. McCauley specializes in canine neurological rehabilitation, where she reports a 75% success rate in the area of returning paralyzed dogs to near normal function.

Operational Director

Joining Dr. McCauley in the ownership of TOPS is her husband Tom.  After graduating from Denver University (where he and Laurie met) in 1986, Tom began a 15 year career in a sales management capacity for a Fortune 500 company.  Tom has been active in the business acting as the business manager since its' opening, and in 2001 decided to leave the corporate world to devote his efforts fulltime to TOPS.  Tom is responsible for the strategic planning and direction setting of TOPS, as well as coordinating the non-medical aspects of the business, such as marketing, operations, personnel and finances.  Tom's prior management experience along with his passion for excellence brings a unique and important perspective to the TOPS business. 

Christine Jurek, DVM, CCRT

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Christine Jurek graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.  While practicing general medicine (both equine and small animal), Dr. Jurek received her certification in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.  She joined TOPS in 2002, where she received her veterinary rehabilitation training from Dr. McCauley.  She successfully achieved her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, as well as her certification in canine rehabilitation from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.  Along with Dr. McCauley, Dr. Jurek is a contributing author to the 6th Edition of the Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians.  Additional veterinary interests and training of Dr. Jurek include herbal therapy and nutrition.  We're extremely pleased to have Dr. Jurek practicing at TOPS as she brings not only a high quality approach to veterinary medicine, but also an extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication to her work and to her clients.

Deanne Strat Zenoni, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

TOPS is pleased to have Dr. Deanne Zenoni as a Relief Veterinarian.  Dr. Zenoni is a 2003 graduate of Michigan State University. She moved to Illinois to work in general practice for the last three and a half years, working with dogs, cats, and exotics. She has also worked with a variety of wildlife and zoo animals, including at the Taronga Zoo in Australia. Deanne has long had an interest in acupuncture, and successfully achieved her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society,.  She has also completed her certification program in animal chiropractic through The Healing Oasis' Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy Program.  Like all of our professionals, Deanne brings a sense of pride to her work and a commitment to doing the right thing right.  Deanne first came to TOPS as a client, following which we convinced her to come to work for us, which she did for 3 years prior to the delivery of her first child, Mila, in 2009.  After Mila's birth,  Deanne returned to work with TOPS on a relief basis.  Deanne and her husband Mike are also the proud owner of Koda and Rayvin, pictured with her above.

Lisa Kluslow, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Kluslow got her undergraduate degree in Zoology, Conservation Biology and a certificate in Environmental Studies in 1993. She worked in the field of native prairie and wetland restoration for 5 years before going back to veterinary school. Lisa graduated from the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School in 2001, an she has practiced in the Milwaukee area since then. After several years of practicing conventional medicine, she quickly realized that she felt like she was unable to offer a full recovery to some of her patients, and pursued training in some of the integrative modalities. In 2004 she completed her training in canine acupuncture at the Chi Institute. In 2005 she attended a 90 hour course in canine massage therapy at the Blue Sky Massage School. She is certified in Canine Physical Rehabilitation through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Florida. In 2007 she was certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy through The Healing Oasis' Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy Program. Throughout the last 5 years, she has also has been focusing her personal efforts on learning as much as possible about natural nutrition, essential oils, glandular therapy, flower essences and additional natural supplements, to complement her education. Dr. Kluslow lectures to local groups on nutrition, injury prevention, holistic alternatives, etc. and is also the camp veterinarian and lectures at two of the area dog camps (Dog Days of Wisconsin and Camp Dogwood). In her spare time she enjoys spending as much time in the outdoors (camping, hiking, biking, etc.) as possible with her husband and great dane, Bridgette.  We are honored to have Dr. Kluslow as part of the TOPS team, and are sure once you get to know her you'll know why!

Lisa Starr, DVM, CCRP

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Lisa Starr is excited to have joined TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation and to return to her Midwestern roots. She obtained her under graduate degree from Duke University prior to graduating from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. After veterinary school, Dr. Starr moved to New Jersey to pursue a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at a large private practice in New Jersey, where she practiced general medicine there for four years prior to joining TOPS.  During that time, she achieved her certification in veterinary physical rehabilitation by the University of Tennessee in 2007, and held the position of head of the Physical Rehabilitation Department at the same clinic. While working with her patients, Dr. Starr realized that she wanted to be able to provide more comprehensive pain management and care, and completed her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2009. She followed up that training with additional training in animal chiropractic after she joined TOPS, and received her certification in this area through The Healing Oasis' Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy Program in 2010. She credits being able to relieve pain and improving her patients’ overall function as one of the reasons she loves to come to work every day. Dr. Starr lives with her dog, Duncan, and cat, Spyder, pictured with her above, and is enjoying exploring the Chicago area. She brings great experience and passion for rehabilitation to TOPS, and is excited to be furthering her knowledge in the field.  We are very grateful to have Dr. Starr as part of our team, as we know our clients will recognize the passion and enthusiasm she brings to her work. 

Cassandra Sorenson, CVT

Treatment Supervisor

Cassandra is a Certified Veterinary Technician, and is a 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Education. For several years after graduation she pursued her second passion of teaching. Her first and ultimate passion of working with animals started in 2000 when she joined the emergency department at a Wisconsin veterinary emergency and referral practice. She credits much of her technical and supervisory skills to her 7 plus years as an emergency technician.  From 2003 - 2008, Cassandra advanced her skills and knowledge in veterinary medicine, focusing on holistic, alternative, and rehabilitative modalities. During this time Cassandra became certified in human exercise and personal training, and completed programs in animal massage and stretching. She is currently finishing her certification requirements in Canine Rehabilitation at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.  Cassandra is responsible for leading the physical rehabilitation work that takes place in our therapy room, and operates under the direct supervision of our veterinarians.  She also coordinates the work of our staff of the treatment team.  Cassandra brings the same level of passion and commitment as our other professionals, and we are lucky to have her on our team.

Nina Pregont

Nutritional Consultant

Nina Pregont earned her B.S. in biology from Loyola University. She has been working in the field of small animal clinical nutrition for over fifteen years. Nina lectures, teaches, and consults on nutrition nationally. Currently, she is furthering her education in natural and holistic treatment protocols in Naturopathic Medical School. Nina is offering nutritional consults once a month for patients that would benefit from raw, kibble, canned, or homemade diets. She can provide excellent guidance on nutrition in general and also addresses the nutritional needs of patients with cancer, diabetes, renal or hepatic issues, allergies, weight problems, post-operative cases in a recovery phase, athletic dogs, and patients in need of building muscle.

Debbie Calin

Practice Manager

Debbie came to TOPS after working with Dr. McCauley as the Practice Manager in her previous place of employment.  Prior to that position, Debbie worked for 15 years as a Supervisor at Ameritech, owned a renowned auto racing venue, and currently co-owns a Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating distributorship with her husband Andy.  Debbie brings a sense of order to an otherwise chaotic business along with a passion for doing the right things right.  We are proud to have her leading our team.