Our Veterinarians
Dana Marsh, DVM, CVA
Dana Marsh, DVM, CVA was born and raised in Lincoln Park, just minutes away from downtown Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2006 with high honors. After graduation, she completed a one-year internship at Chicago Equine and joined the practice as an Associate in 2007. She became an owner in 2013. Dr. Marsh completed the equine acupuncture course at the Chi Institute in 2009. Since becoming certified in veterinary acupuncture, she has integrated acupuncture and TCVM along with traditional Western medicine into her equine practice. Dr. Marsh is currently participating in the educational modules for the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP) to continue to expand her knowledge and skills in diagnostic ultrasound, radiography, and musculoskeletal disorders/conditions.
Dr. Marsh aspired to be a veterinarian at a young age, assisting in her mother’s cattery with the kittens and helping care for the family horses. She is passionate about veterinary medicine and relishes being able to assist her patients in achieving their maximum potential, in the show ring, on the trail, or simply living out their lives in optimal health and comfort. Her areas of special interest include sports medicine/rehabilitative therapy, alternative medicine, and internal medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Marsh enjoys riding her horse, reading, gardening, and bike riding on one of the many trails by her home with her family. She and Jake share their home with her young stepdaughter, two Russian Blue cats, a peg-legged cat named Chloe, and an Australian Shepard (who happens to favor brick cheese as a mid-day snack).
Cassandra Cohagan, DVM, CVSMT
Dr. Cohagan was raised in Wauconda. She spent time during summers and breaks on her family farm in west-central Illinois and northern California, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing with her family.
Dr. Cohagan graduated with an animal science degree from the University of Missouri in 2018. While at Mizzou, she was involved in many equine courses and activities as a student, teaching assistant, and for community outreach events. After undergrad, she moved to the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2022 with highest honors. She attended Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine for her final clinical year of veterinary school, tracking equine. Dr. Cohagan received her certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT) from The Healing Oasis Wellness Center. She enjoys farm calls and working to achieve the best outcome for her patients and their specific needs.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and her cat Jinx!
Dr. Alyssa Hale, DVM
Dr. Hale graduated from Monmouth College in 2019 with a double major in Mathematics and Biology. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2026.
Her passion for horses began at a young age, growing up in the jumper ring. During college, she had the opportunity to work at a riding facility for children with special needs, where she quickly fell in love with the unique connection horses can provide. She later managed a barn serving special needs adults, an experience that deepened her appreciation for the human-animal bond and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Hale enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary medicine, including sports medicine and rehabilitation, as well as the care of geriatric horses. She has a particular passion for neonatal medicine and takes great pride in helping young foals get the healthiest possible start in life.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Hale enjoys exploring new hiking trails with her dogs, reading a good book, and spending time cooking.
Lauren May, DVM
Dr. May grew up on a farm surrounded by horses as her family bred, raised, and trained Tennessee Walking Horses for bird dog hunting. Growing up with a veterinarian mother, Dr. May has always aspired to be a veterinarian, so she is thrilled to now be practicing at Chicago Equine!
For her training, she attended Drake University in Des Moines, where she received her undergraduate degree in biology and Spanish in 2020. Dr. May then attended the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she was an equine tracking student – ultimately receiving her DVM in 2024. Her special interests in equine medicine include sports medicine and lameness, rehabilitation, and reproductive work. However, she truly loves all things horses.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. May enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their pets (two crazy dogs and a cat), playing pickleball, and exploring the area one restaurant at a time!