Meet Our Team

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, a bearded dragon, and chickens.  She enjoys the great outdoors, fitness, coaching youth sports, obstacle race courses, and most other athletic opportunities.

Most recently Dr. Sparke has expanded her veterinary knowledge by attending the Chicago Vet Show.  She spent her time increasing her knowledge base about senior pet mobility, immune-mediated skin conditions, adrenal gland disorders, behavioral issues, juvenile dentistry, canine allergic dermatitis, and neurologic examinations.

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 three daughters 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.

Dr. Christina Desjeunes received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2008 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2013.  She is passionate about exotic animal pets and completed a one year specialty internship in exotic, wildlife, and zoo animal medicine with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in June of 2014.  When not working, you’ll find Dr. D reading a good book, drawing, or taking ballet classes.  She is currently owned by her two cats, Jynx and Bella, and a dachshund, Cookie.

*Dr. D has expanded her life and home to include her husband, Tim and their beautiful daughter born in 2019.

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.

Dr Alex Lesniak graduated from Purdue University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science. Then in 2016, she received a Master’s of Arts in Humane Education from Valparaiso University. She continued her education at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London graduating in 2022 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

She loves working with all animals but her passion is backyard chickens, birds and other exotic pets. Dr. Lesniak's hobbies include reading, gaming, theater, attending comic conventions and arts and crafts. She also enjoys working with the family beekeeping business. Dr. Lesniak resides in South Bend with her dog Thorfinn,  cats Elphaba and Grizabella, chickens Liza, Cordelia, Rose Tyler, Winifred, Minerva and African Grey, Sarafina

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 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 and their dog Remington.

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 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 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.

Jessica joined the team in 2015 as as Client Service Specialist. She shares her home with their cat Tulip, and dogs Nova and Pandora, and has had a varying number of ferrets over the years (almost never fewer than 6!). In her spare time, Jessica enjoys playing video games/table-top RPGs, spending time with her family, and doing various crafts such as embroidery and resin work.

Kim is a Registered Veterinary Technician whom joined Roseland Animal Hospital in 2017.  She gradutated from Brown Mackie's Veterinary Technician program in 2010.  Kim and her husband Eric have four children, Autumn, Brayden, Chloe and Deklen.  They also have many pets including cats Max, Sam, Wyatt, Pringle, Archie and Felix, dogs Liza, Willy and Nikki, and a snake named Boba.  Kim enjoys watching movies and camping with her family.

Kiera was excited to join the team at Roseland Animal Hospital.  Kiera is currently enrolled in classes to become a veterinary technician.  She owns one miniature schnauzer, Duchess, and a mouse, Mitsu.  Her spare time is dedicated to volunteering at the Humane Society, drawing, spending time outdoors and of course being with her friends, family and fiancé. Kiera joined our team in 2017.

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. 

Jodi joined the RAH team in 2020.  She is excited to help us grow and develop our dental practice.  Jodi enjoys spending time with friends and family as much as possible. 

Alex joined the team in 2020. She has many years of customer service experience under her belt.  Alex has two cats, a cockatiel and an axolotl at home.  Alex enjoys video games, coffee, and sews occasionally.

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.

Sarah joined the RAH family in 2021.  Sarah came to us with experience and has helped to modify and improve the boarding experience for pets.  If your pet is staying with us you can rest assure that Sarah is helping them to feel safe and loved!

Searra is a wonderful addition to our team at RAH.  Searra joined RAH in 2022 and brought her determination and never quit attitude with her.  She loves a good joke and can be quick to make one of you!  :)  We love having Searra here with us and look forward to continuing to learn from her as much as she may learn from us.

Jessi joined the RAH family early 2022.  She quickly became an integral part of our clinical team and helps us daily to stay on task and get your pet's care completed.  Jessi is a continual learner and we are excited to see her continue to learn and grow within the veterinary field.

Diana came to join the RAH team in late 2021 and has brought a positive energy to our boarding department.  Diana takes great pride in having a clean and happy space for all the pets that come to stay with us at RAH.  We are lucky to have Diana as part of our RAH team.

Holly became part of the RAH care team in 2022.  Holly brought her boarding experience with her and has helped to make sure our department is running smoothly and efficiently.  You'll find her keeping the pet's staying at RAH happy and clean.

Gabi joined the RAH team in 2022 and brought with her the experiences gained at a local emergency clinic.  Gabi is pre-vet in her studies and is looking forward to veterinary school. 

Ellie joined the RAH family in 2022. 

Makenzie shared a day with us to see if this profession was where she wanted to be and then decided never to leave!  You'll meet Makenzie greeting you in the lobby and helping you get your pet to the exam rooms to visit with our doctors.  She joined in 2022.

Brandi joined the RAH team in 2022 and is helping us to continue our excellence in care for pet's within our hospital.  Brandi came to us with prior experience and hopes to continue her development within the veterinary profession.