Our team is committed to educating our clients on how to keep their pets healthy year-round, with good nutrition, parasite prevention, wellness planning, and exercise. We stay on top of the latest advances in veterinary technology and above all, knows that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery.
The Family Pet Clinic Team
Our Veterinarians
For our Medical Director, Terri Jean Slezak, it all started with a poodle.
“I have always felt a special connection with animals,” she says, crediting her mother, grandmother, and great-grandfather with motivating her to pursue veterinary medicine. That connection was felt early on when, as a child, she was asked to look after Gigi, her neighbor’s pet poodle. When her neighbors relocated, her family adopted Gigi as their own. Years later, she says her favorite part of her job is “educating clients on how to better care for their pets.”
Dr Slezak joined The Family Pet Clinic team, as an Associate Veterinarian, in 1993. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and then later attained her Master of Science degree from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Slezak earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 1990. Dr. Slezak is a member of The Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio Veterinary Medicine Association, American Veterinary Medicine Association, and the Veterinary Information Network. In July of 2023, Dr. Slezak transitioned into the role of Medical Director here at The Family Pet Clinic!
Dr Slezak lives with her husband Philip, two sons Stephen and Peter, and their mixed-breed dog Sparky. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking.
As a 3rd generation veterinarian, some of Dr. Litwak's earliest memories are from visiting his grandfather's veterinary clinic. His first job was cleaning animal cages for his father. "I still have their medical bags from when they did house calls. It gives me tremendous pride to carry on their legacy."
After earning his Bachelor's degree in Biology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Dr. Litwak attended Kansas State University. He graduated from KSU in 1993 receiving his Veterinary Degree. After graduating, he was in practice in Portland, Oregon, before receiving an opportunity to get a PhD from Wake Forest University. His doctoral work examined the relationship between heart disease and diabetes, issues that are relevant to his work today. Dr. Litwak then did surgical research at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Louisville, and then worked at the Cleveland Clinic before going back to his roots in private practice. "It is so rewarding to help people and their companion animals."
Dr. Litwak has interests in managing skin conditions and weight loss and guiding people through quality-of-life decisions for their pets. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association , and the Veterinary Information Network.
Our Support Team
Jamie, RVT Practice Manager
Jamie first came to The Family Pet Clinic as a client and later joined us as a full-time employee in September 2011. Prior to obtaining her associate degree in veterinary technology, and her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Jamie worked as a veterinary assistant at an emergency clinic in 2003. At The Family Pet Clinic, Jamie specializes in nursing care of very young kittens and can often be found assisting in surgery, training new team members, and working intricately with our veterinary software to help keep things running efficiently.
Jamie has four furry family members that were once fosters but somehow never managed to leave- a border collie mix named Baker, a terrier mix named TJ, and two special needs kitties- Fiona and Airy. When she’s not working, Jamie spends her time walking and hiking with Baker and doing DIY projects and crafts. She also enjoys farmers markets, house plants, and spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends.
Carrie, Practice Manager
Carrie joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2001 and specializes in providing exceptional, caring service to our pet parents. Carrie moved into the Practice Manager position back in 2016 and is so thankful to be in a position of impact, mentorship, and to be provided the support to utilize her talents in a much larger aspect. She has enjoyed building relationships with our clients so much throughout the years, along with the joy of knowing the incredible care our team provides to their furry family members!
Carrie and her husband, Scott, share 5 amazing children and are the proud pet parents of Gus, their very energetic and incredibly adorable Labrador Retriever. They all are the absolute joys of her life! In her free time, Carrie loves playing golf with her husband, spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and she is just a tad obsessed with the “fun aisle’ at Aldi. Healthy living is, and will always be, a passion of hers and sharing this love with others is something near and dear to her heart.
Ashley, Registered Veterinary Technician
Ashley joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2011! She is married and proud mom to 3 children-Anthony, Gianna, and Franco. They are pet parents to a Cane Corso Mastiff, chinchilla, fish, and a few hermit crabs! Ashley has a strong passion for animal nutrition, training, and reproduction. She also runs a side business of all-natural soap and other body products. Her family and friends are the most important thing in her life! Her favorite quote is “One small crack does not mean that you are broken. It means that you were put to the test and did not fall apart.”
Amy, Veterinary Technician
Amy joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 1999! Amy is married to her husband, Matt, and they are the parents to three daughters. They have a pet family of cats, dogs, and chickens too! In her free time, Amy enjoys working in the yard, catching up on TV shows, cleaning, and organizing. Her favorite quote is “When you care about somebody, you do what’s best for them, even if it sucks for you.”- Schmidt
Jacob, Registered Veterinary Techinician
Jacob joined The Family Pet Clinic team in August 2024! He has a pittie named Doug and a cat named Patrick. He loves sports, mainly golf right now. He has a nephew named Winston and another on the way that he can’t wait to meet! His favorite inspirational quote is “Inner peace begins the moment you choose to not allow person or events to control your emotions.”
Sabrina, Veterinary Assistant
Sabrina joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2016! She loves her tripod Shih-Tzu Howard, enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching her favorite shows, and relaxing with a cold beer. Sabrina is very passionate about senior animal care and rescue animals! Her favorite quote is “We’re almost there and nowhere near it. All that matters is we’re going.” – Lorelai Gilmore
Cheyanne, Veterinary Assistant
Cheyanne joined The Family Pet Clinic team in January 2023! She loves hiking, being outside, and photography. She has 3 cats (one is cross-eyed), a ball python, and an axolotl (it’s a fish). Cheyanne has veterinary clinic experience along with doggy day care and grooming. Her favorite quote is “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”- Michael Scott.
Diamond, Client Care Representative
Diamond joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2021! She is married and they are the proud pet parents to three cats and a bearded dragon. Diamond enjoys cooking, reading, and she is obsessed with true crime shows and Harry Potter! She is inspired by the strength of the women in her family. They remind her to keep going and to never give up!
Loden, Client Care Representative
Loden joined The Family Pet Clinic team in January of 2024! She recently graduated from Cleveland State University. Loden is also the pet parent to Cecilia (CeCe), her 2 year old kitten! Her grandmother is her greatest inspiration! She was her primary caregiver and has alway been so strong and kind to her as she was growing up!
Racheal, Client Care Representative
Racheal joined The Family Pet Clinic team in March 2024! She enjoys reading, playing with her dog Bandit, naps, and she loves to bake! Racheal wants to be the BEST pet parent. After all, Bandit needs all the toys 🙂
Jessica, Client Care Representative
Jessica joined The Family Pet Clinic team in September 2024! She loves being outdoors, taking care of her fur babies Max and Rocco, and she enjoys being around animals and people. Jessica is inspired by kindness- it is one of the only things in life that is free!
Maureen (Moe), Veterinary Technician (Retired)
Maureen has been with The Family Pet Clinic since 1992! She has two daughters and four granddaughters! Maureen likes motorcycles and reading. She recently rescued a grey and white cat that used to live outside, and she is an absolute joy in her life! Her favorite quote is “Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day.”
** We want to congratulate Maureen on her 40 years of service within the Veterinary world and especially here at The Family Pet Clinic! Maureen retired from her Veterinary Techinician career in May 2024. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on in our hearts and the lives of all the pets and families she cared for! Thank you for everything Maureen!