Laurie McCauley, DVM

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 Rehab 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 Rehab 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.  Additionally, she is scheduled to present her work at 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

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.  In 2004, she successfully achieved her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.  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.

Rebecca McCracken, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Following completion of her veterinary degrees at the University of Illinois in 1984, Dr. McCracken began her journey into veterinary medicine with an internship at Illinois Equine Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.  There she developed a strong interest in lameness work and veterinary sports medicine.  Her practice initially was with the equine athlete but over time expanded to include performance, working and pet dogs.  Dr. McCracken started a practice in SE Wisconsin in 1988 where she integrated sports medicine into general practice taking a more holistic approach to treating her patients.  In 1990 she pursued additional training in orthopedic surgery and in the following years performed hundreds of procedures to repair and rehabilitate Greyhound athletes after their injuries forced them into retirement from the track.  Active in local large and small animal humane organizations, Dr. McCracken recognized a need for placement of these retired racers and in 1989 she founded the Wisconsin chapter of Greyhound Pets of America, an international organization dedicated to finding loving homes for retired racers.  In 2003 she retired from her practice to join the staff at TOPS.  She has completed her training in acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and in animal chiropractic from The Healing Oasis's Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Program.  Recognizing the invaluable contribution of rehabilitative medicine to patients' quality of life, Dr. McCracken is looking forward to integrating this important tool into her patients' care.  Prior to joining TOPS, Dr. McCracken has also spent time as a client of TOPS and we are excited to have her skills and passion as part of the TOPS team.

Deanne Strat Zenoni, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Deanne 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 has recently completed her coursework and passed her exam for her certification through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She has also recently 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.  Like Dr. McCracken, Deanne first came to TOPS as a client, and it became immediately apparent that she would be a great addition to the TOPS team.  With a little arm twisting, Deanne agreed to lend her skills to us here at TOPS, and we're extremely fortunate to have her practicing with us.  Deanne and her husband Mike are also the proud owner of Koda and Rayvin, pictured with her above.

Cassandra Sorenson

Treatment Supervisor

Robin Spencer, C.PED

Custom Bracing and Splinting 

Robin D. Spencer is a Certified Pedorthist that primarily works for an orthotics and prosthetics company, in which she sees a host of two-legged patients (ie people).  She received her education at Northwestern University and has continued education from University of Pennsylvania Medical School.  At the urging of PT Jeanine Freeberg, TOPS approached Robin about the possibility of utilizing her skills and expertise with four-legged patients.  The need for a custom brace for four legged patients was evident, but not really addressed comprehensively by most veterinarians.  After a few discussions, we all saw the opportunity to really leverage this idea.  Robin can custom develop all kinds of braces for any of our patients, dog or cat, that can benefit from one.  One of the most common bracing needs is for dogs that walk on their knuckles, referred to as "knuckling".  A brace called The Flipper was designed and has been implemented successfully in a number of cases.  

Robin continues to use her knowledge from her human patients to help her with our animal patients.  She considers herself like one of the Wright brothers...inventing while helping the animal world become a better place.  We're proud to have the benefits of Robin's expertise here at TOPS, and incredibly thankful we have such a great resource to make available for our patients.

Robin sees both TOPS' regular patients as well as patients from other clinics.  Robin's appointments at TOPS are scheduled on an as-needed basis.  To discuss your specific need for a brace, please call Tom McCauley at TOPS at 847-548-9470 to make arrangements for an appointment with Robin.

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.