Dr. Dan Philips

Veterinarian

Dr. Dan Phillips is originally from the suburbs of Raleigh, NC. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007. After graduating he then went on to earn his veterinary degree from North Carolina State University in 2011. Dr. Dan then completed a one-year internship focused on small animal emergency and internal medicine at Tufts Cummings College of Veterinary Medicine outside Boston, MA. After completing his internship he worked as an associate veterinarian in Arlington Heights prior to joining Barrington Square Animal Hospital and the Animal Care Clinic family in November 2016. He served as the medical director at Barrington Square beginning in fall 2017. His primary interests are general surgery, orthopedic surgery and the surgical and medical treatment of cancer in pets.

Dr. Dan lives in Rolling Meadows with his wife and high school sweetheart Ana, their daughter Eleni and an Akita mix named Maggie. When not at work or parenting, Dr. Dan fills his remaining free time playing golf and watching his beloved Green Bay Packers. 

Fun facts about Dr. Dan:

What was your first car? Ford Ranger pick-up truck.

What is your hidden talent? I know lyrics to tons of songs. Most of my family members and co-workers would prefer if I sung them less, however.

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? To be athletic enough to dunk a basketball just once.

Dr. Megan Alreja

Veterinarian

Dr. Megan grew up near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. From childhood, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian and spend most of her free time volunteering with dogs and horses. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences at Penn State University. She went on to obtain her DVM degree from Ross University in St. Kitts and Nevis, finishing her clinical rotations at Louisiana State University. After graduating, Dr. Megan moved to the Chicago area to be with her husband. Dr. Megan enjoys meeting and caring for all the patients and clients that come into Barrington Square. 

In her free time, Dr. Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and dogs. Dr. Megan has two dogs, Trudy (Island mix) and Abby (Golden lab retriever mix, back in Pennsylvania with her parents). Dr. Megan also enjoys hiking, horseback riding, going to the movies and bowling.

Fun facts about Dr. Megan:

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? India

Are you a morning person or a night person? I am definitely a night person!

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? To read people’s minds. 

Dr. Jennifer Lancaster

Veterinarian

Dr. Jen grew up just outside of Indianapolis. As a child, she had an insatiable love for horses and horseback riding. That love later led her to realize a passion for caring for animals, whether it was mucking stalls or riding alongside the local vet to farms around the central Indiana countryside. She worked at a variety of horse barns, as well as on a dairy farm in southern Ireland and among many veterinarians in her time growing up. 

Dr. Jen graduated from Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She also completed her BS in Animal Science at Purdue University’s School of Agriculture. Dr. Jen’s special interests include both soft and orthopedic surgery, as well as oncology. She has received additional training in the area of cruciate (ACL) and patella repair. She also very much enjoys developing long-lasting relationships with her clients and their pets.

Dr. Jen keeps a house full of critters and kids to keep her on her toes when she’s not at work. She and her husband Bill have three children: Kaitlyn, Kyra, and Liam. Her pets include an old but lovable Labrador named Lando; one sassy and cantankerous cat named Squeak; one very lovable and cuddly cat named Bagheera; and a Russian Tortoise named Spike. 

Fun facts about Dr. Jennifer:

What was your first car? An ’89 Honda Civic Hatchback.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? New Zealand.

What is your favorite hobby? Playing games with my family…wait, I take that back–WINNING at games I play with my family is my favorite!

Dr. Kristen VanZant

Veterinarian

Dr. Kristen grew up in Wheeling, Illinois. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Elmhurst College and her DVM from the University of Illinois. After graduating, she returned to the Chicago suburbs and joined Barrington Square Animal Hospital. She wanted to be a veterinarian since childhood and is excited to start caring for your furry companions. 

In her free time, Dr. Kristen enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends. She shares her home with an insanely spoiled three-legged Yorkie named Bailey, and a cockatiel named Buttons. 

Fun facts about Dr. Kristen:

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? There are too many places to pick just one, but hopefully Costa Rica in the future. 

Are you a morning person or a night person? Night person.

What was your first job? Assistant camp counselor at a horseback riding camp.

Dr. Dan Markwalder

Veterinarian

Dr. Dan is a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been a practicing veterinarian for 26 years. He established the Animal Care Clinic in Algonquin in March 1994 to provide an environment of high-quality care for his patients. Dr. Dan has a passion to partner with clients in providing the best care for their pets. He attends over 80 hours of continuing education each year; skydived on his 50th birthday, is a die-hard Cubs fan, grew up in Indiana and has an extensive baseball card collection.

Dr. Dan married his college sweetheart. They have four sons and a daughter, along with a Mini Goldendoodle named Maggie, a parakeet and one bearded dragon.

Fun Facts about Dr. Dan:

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? To see the pyramids of Egypt.

Are you a morning person or a night person? I am definitely a morning person!

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? To be able to teleport.