Meet Our Team

  • Sparke
    Rachel L. Sparke DVM, CVA, CPEV
    Veterinarian, Owner

    Dr. Sparke is a graduate of The Ohio State University with Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2001 and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine with Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2005.  She arrived at Roseland Animal Hospital in 2007 and considers South Bend her home.  Her parents are also living in South Bend.  Dr. Sparke has special interest in veterinary acupuncture/traditional chinese medicine, ultrasound, and nutrition/wellness.  She is married to Jay, Practice Manager for Roseland Animal Hospital.  They have four beautiful children, 2 horses, 3 dogs, and many chickens.  She enjoys the great outdoors, fitness, coaching youth sports, obstacle race courses, and most other athletic opportunities.

    Most recently Dr. Sparke attended the American Association of Feline Practitioners conference where she expanded her knowledge in feline allergies and hair loss, facial skin diseases, feline trauma care, feline respiratory emergencies, pain management for osteoarthritis in cats, feline neurology, and FIP updates on care and treatment.

    Dr. Sparke has recently become a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian attending numerous hours of continuing education on how to best accommodate pets and their families during this difficult process.

  • TM
    Thomas Maske, DVM
    Veterinarian

    Dr. Maske joined Roseland Animal Hospital as a veterinarian in 2012 after attending the University of Illinois for both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees. While at the university, Dr. Maske developed a special interest in ophthalmology, surgery, and internal medicine and continues to hold these interests. He grew up on a small scale livestock farm in central Illinois and credits these early experiences on the farm with stimulating his interest in veterinary medicine. Most recently, Dr. Maske attended the VMX conference where he attended lectures ranging in topics from surgical advancements in patellar luxation, surgical management of urethral obstruction in cats, and the utilization of supplements and probiotics for the treatment and control of GI upset in dogs and cats.

    While not at the clinic, Dr. Maske enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and all of their respective activities. When he is not at soccer games or taking his kids to or from ballet, you may find him on frequent walks with his family through the neighborhood or working on projects of all kinds in his garage.

  • ErikaF
    Erika First, DVM
    Veterinarian

    Dr. First graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 after double majoring in Animal Science and Fisheries & Wildlife. She then received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 2019. She enjoys working with cats and dogs and has a soft spot for geriatric animals. Outside of traditional veterinary medicine she also has an interest in aquaculture medicine, and has completed her CertAqV through the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association.  Dr. First lives in the South Bend area with her husband, their tuxedo cat, Caesar, and their English Springer Spaniel, Cayuga.  Dr. First’s hobbies include hiking, collecting rocks, arts and crafts, and playing ice hockey.  She also has the goal of visiting every US National Park, and has visited over 35 parks so far!


    Dr. First's last conference was the AVMA Conference where she spent her time increasing her knowledge base about feline behavior, feline CKD, euthanasia, aging pet behavior problems, and common skin tumors.


  • Jay
    Jay Sparke
    Office Manager

    Jay joined Roseland Animal Hospital in 2012 and is our Practice Manager and Human Resources Manager.  He is married to Dr. Sparke and they have 4 children, Gavin, Garrett, Kellsie and Kenzie.  In his free time, Jay enjoys fishing, camping, and sports.

  • Nicole Del Boccio
    Nicole VanHulle
    RVT, Hospital Supervisor

    Nicole has been at Roseland since 2014.  She is a Registered Veterinary Technician and our Hospital Supervisor.  She received a Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University in Animal Science and her Veterinary Technician degree from Brown Mackie College.  She owns a ball python and when not at the clinic she enjoys hiking, biking, and relaxing by the lake with her husband Chris, their daughter and their dog Remington.

  • CN
    Christi Niespodziany
    CSS

    Christi has been employed with Roseland Animal Hospital since 2003.  Christi and her son Aiden have a Siberian Husky named Shiloh, 1 snake, Batman, and 2 goldfish, Goldie and Toni Hawk.  They enjoy spending time at the lake, beach, and boating.

  • Rose Fleischmann
    Rose Fleischmann
    Veterinary Technician Assistant

    Rose began working with us in 2004.  Rose is currently completing her education as a veterinary technician through AAHA.  Together with her husband Brian they have 3 cats, Boomer, Misty Meezer, and Farm Guy.  Rose enjoys NASCAR and spending time with her feline family members.

  • Aubrey McLaughlin
    Aubrey McLaughlin
    CSS

    Aubrey began working at Roseland Animal Hospital in April of 2009.  Altough she has held several positions with us here, she currently works as a Client Service Specialist.  With her husband, James, Aubrey has a home filled with a varity of pets large and small.  Aubrey enjoys photography and volunteers her time with Pet Refuge.

  • Kiera Richards
    Kiera Richards, RVT
    Veterinary Technician & Boarding Lead

    Kiera was excited to join the team at Roseland Animal Hospital and made her start with our boarding team.  Since then she has worn many hats including pet care specialist, surgical assistant, and department lead.  Kiera recently completed her education with an associates degree in veterinary technology in 2024.  She shares her home with her husband and two pets, a dog named Dzuwa and a cat named Kota.  Her spare time is dedicated to volunteering at the Humane Society, drawing, spending time outdoors and of course being with her friends, and family. Kiera joined our team in 2017.

  • Tikvah
    Tikvah C.
    CSS, PCS

    Tikvah joined the RAH team in August 2020.  She has been a lifelong animal lover, and found her niche when she took the leap into the veterinary world after working in the human healthcare field for 15 years. When she is not working, you will find her taking her teenage son fishing, and loving on her dog and three cats. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. 

  • Lauren G
    Lauren G.
    Groomer

    Lauren has been with RAH since 2012.  While her initial position was as an animal care attendant she is now a full time groomer.   She loves helping clients with proper hygiene and coat care for their 4-legged companions.  Lauren shares her home with her husband, 2 daughters, and her pets.

  • Ellie
    Ellie S.
    CSS

    Ellie joined the RAH family in 2022.  She brings a gentleness to the reception team that is much appreciated as a veterinary clinic can be very busy and feel rushed.  Ellie enjoys spending time with her family, her cat, Bruno, and time outdoors.  You can also find her at home relaxing with a good book or crafting.

  • Brandi D
    Brandi D
    Veterinary Assistant/Surgery Assistant/Tech Assistant

    Brandi joined the RAH team in 2022 and initially was involved in pet care via our boarding team.  This past year she transitioned her role to clinical and became a PCS assisting the doctors for examinations as well as joining our surgical team to prep patients for surgery and assist in recovery.

  • Amya
    Amya .
    PCS

    Amya came to Roseland Animal Hospital in 2024.  We get to share some time with her while she attends college.  Currently she is studying veterinary technology and we are excited about helping her reach her goals!

  • Alexis T
    Alexis T

    Alexis was brought on board in 2023.  She has years of customer service experience which will be helpful as you contact our office for care.  You can find her at our front desk or on the phone getting you the care you need for your pet.

  • Mac
    Mac .
    AHA

    Mac joined our team in late 2024 as a member of our AHA team tending to all patient and boarding pet needs during their stay.  Mac is genuinely interested in most things medicine related and is always eager to learn!

  • Melina
    Melina .
    CSS

    Melina came to be a part of our team at Roseland Animal Hospital in 2024.  You can find Melina greeting you and your pet upon entry of our front doors.  Melina has quickly found her place here with RAH.

  • JessiR
    Jesi R
    Veterinary Assistant/Surgery Assistant/Tech Assistant

    Jessi joined the RAH family early 2022.  With a brief break in veterinary employment to make sure this was her career track, she is back and has applied to veterinary school!!!  We are really happy to have her back on board and excited to watch her on the next chapters of life.  

  • Tiffany
    Tiffany N.
    Animal Health Assistant/Boarding

    Tiffany joined us in 2024 through her high school program.  She was instantly a welcomed addition to our daily work environment and when a position opened we asked if she would join our team.  She accepted and is now attending to pet's needs during their stay in our care.  She is a very quick learner and even harder worker.  We are so glad she joined our team and are looking forward to  her next steps in her career.

  • Vinny
    Vinny C
    Animal Health Assistant/Boarding

    Vinny joined the RAH family in 2025 but he is no stranger.  HIs mother is also a team member here!  You can find Vinny volunteering with animal rescues and chilling at home with friends and family.  He is a wonderful addition to our team at RAH and we are happy to have him here with us!

  • Kyla
    Kyla H
    Pet Care Specialist/Veterinary Assistant

    Kyla came on board at RAH in 2025.  With a background in animal care at a boarding facility she has quickly adapted to assisting the doctors for examinations.  She is a friendly face in the exam rooms while she takes histories from clients and ensures a calmer visit for your pet.

Roseland Animal Hospital

Address

52710 State Road 933 North,
South Bend, IN 46637

Fax

Monday  

7am

6pm

Tuesday  

7am

6pm

Wednesday  

7am

6pm

Thursday  

7am

6pm

Friday  

7am

6pm

Saturday  

7am.

1pm

Sunday  

Closed

Closed

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you