Our Animal Care Partners
To make sure that we’re always providing the best service to your pets we work with other vets and animal hospitals all over Illinois. Meet some of our partners below or call us today on 847-251-2600 to find out more.
Lisa Starr, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVSMT
- Years in Practice: 11
- Education: The Ohio State University, Graduate with Honors
- Interests: Canine Rehabilitation, Acupuncture,Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Dr. Starr offers pet rehabilitation, acupuncture, pain management and veterinary spinal maniuplative therapy (pet chiropractic care) every Wednesday from 9:00-5:00 pm, out of our office. Friday and Saturday appointments are available by request. Give us a call or check out her website for more information: www.petsinbalancevet.com
Dr. Starr provides a wealth of experience in the fields of canine physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and veterinary spinal manipulative therapy. She had the pleasure of combining her love of treating animals with a passion for sports medicine early in her career. After graduating from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, she completed a rotating internship, practiced general medicine, and was the head of the Physical Rehabilitation Department at a busy specialty, emergency, and general medicine hospital on the East Coast over the course of 4.5 years. More recently, she worked at a comprehensive Physical Rehabilitation Clinic in the Chicago area for 5 years prior to forming Pets in Balance. Dr. Starr is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and a Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapist (CVSMT) through The Healing Oasis.
Dr. Starr provides compassionate care and strives to improve her patients’ quality of life through addressing discomfort and mobility issues. She wrote a chapter on “Rehabilitation for Geriatric Patients” in the textbook Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, and the International Veterinary Associate of Pain Management.
In her free time, Dr. Starr enjoys spending time with her dog Ducky and cat Spyder, getting outdoors, traveling, running, skiing, and participating in triathlons.
Rebecca Edwards, DVM
Dr. Edwards knew from the age of six that she wanted to become a veterinarian, and she never wavered in that goal. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and subsequently completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2017. During her clinical year, she was honored with a humanitarian award in recognition of her exceptional compassion toward both patients and clients. Her approach to veterinary medicine continues to focus on building meaningful relationships and delivering thorough, comprehensive care.
She began her career at a bustling, privately owned practice in Chicago’s West Loop. After five years, Dr. Edwards relocated with her husband and young son to Australia, where they welcomed their second child. Upon returning to the U.S., she transitioned to a more flexible, part-time schedule, providing regular services at Christensen Animal Hospital and occasionally supporting other practices across the North Shore. She has been a member of our team since March 2024. We are so very fortunate to have our patients and clients benefit from her expertise and warm, compassionate care.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Edwards enjoys spending time outdoors with her children exploring nature trails, as well as traveling—both locally and internationally—to visit friends and family. She and her family are hoping to welcome a furry family member into their home in the coming year.
Nicole Wyatt, DVM, DACVIM
(Cardiology)
Dr. Nicole Wyatt is a Minnesota native and obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. She earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Western University in 2014. Following veterinary school, Dr. Wyatt completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. She then continued her training by completing a 3-year cardiology residency at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. During her residency, Dr. Wyatt obtained a Master’s degree with a research focus on congenital heart disease and aberrant coronary artery development.
Dr. Wyatt enjoys all aspects of cardiology but maintains a special interest in congenital heart disease and practicing non-invasive cardiology. She strives to provide high quality care and optimal outcomes for her patients by fostering a team-oriented approach with pet owners and referring primary care veterinarians.
In her free time, Nicole can be found exploring Chicago, volunteering with homeless pets, and spending time with her toddler, husband, and dog (Waffle). She loves the outdoors, cooking, and is an avid sports fan.