Dr. Emil Baukert joined the practice as a veterinary student in 1973 and then as a veterinarian in 1977. He became a partner in 1983 and eventually assumed full ownership in 1998. Dr. Baukert has served the veterinary profession in many roles. He has served as president of both the CVMA and the ISVMA, and has been recognized by many associations for his contributions to the profession, primarily in the fields of the human-animal bond, disaster preparation, and animal welfare. In 2004 Dr. Baukert was recognized as an outstanding alumnus by both the University of Illinois and Lincoln College. He is most proud of his role creating and operating a Pet Loss Helpline and Support Group that has been helping grieving pet owners for 18 years. He organized SEVnet, a statewide emergency network to assist animals and owners in case of a disaster. He also served on the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) team that audited the activities of the Lincoln Park Zoo. He is married to a veterinarian, Dr. Mary Baukert, and has two daughters. He is pictured here with Emmy Lu, one of his three dogs and four cats.

Dr. Lisa Wardisiani graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2000 and has been at Riser ever since. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice with a particular interest in surgery. She lives with her husband; daughter, Grace, born in April of 2004 (pictured); son Noah, born in June of 2006; her dog, Daisy; and three cats, Holly, Max, and Simba. When not at Riser, Dr. Waridisiani enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking and zumba. She looks forward to meeting you and your pets!

Dr. Baksys started at Riser in June of 2001 after graduating from the University of Illinois. She loves working with clients and internal medicine, though her favorite appointments are the puppy/kitten visits. She shares her home with her ill-mannered cat, Lucy (in picture) and enjoys reading, yoga, spending time with family and friends and volunteering with Horsefeathers therapeutic riding.

Dr. Will Sutkay graduated from the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and joined Riser Animal Hospital in 2006. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. He has an Australian Shepherd name Tiamet. Outside of work he enjoys working out, snowboarding and geocaching. In 2010, he married Dr. Jennifer Kotarinos, a fellow veterinarian.

Dr. Dusty Sachen graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2010 and joined Riser Animal Hospital soon after. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, including getting to know her clients and seeing the close bond they have with their pets. Dr. Sachen has two lab mixes, Barnaby and Jedi, and two chinchillas, Poof Poof and Grey One. In her free time she enjoys long walks with her two dogs, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with her friends.