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Dr. Jim D. Carlson is a holistic veterinarian who founded Riverside Animal Clinic and Holistic Center in McHenry, IL and will soon open a second clinic, EssentialVet , located in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. A graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, he also trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida, and has certifications in veterinary acupuncture, Tui na massage therapy and BioScan SRT. He received The Gentle Doctor Award at Iowa State University and the Ohio Veterinary Association’s Distinguished Service Award.

Cristen Carlson serves as the veterinary practice manager in her husband’s clinic. A former television news anchor and meteorologist, Cristen left her television career to join her husband’s practice. A graduate of Iowa State University and Mississippi State University’s Broadcast Meteorology Program, Cristen grew up on a large farm in Iowa, where she developed her love of horses and dogs.

The Carlson family are all avid animal lovers whose family includes four dogs, 10 cats and 9 rescued horses. The Carlson’s daughter, Avery, created Proud Ponies Equine Rescue in Harvard, IL, which has saved 26 horses from the slaughter pipeline. Their son, George, is pursuing a high school and college career in football where he specializes in long snapping.